Terming the MMA-PML (Q) deal on the Women's Protection Bill as extra constitutional and gravely violating human rights, various representatives of the civil society reiterated the demand for total repeal of the Hudood Laws while speaking at a seminar Monday.

They also urged the civil society and human rights activists to forcefully resist amendments, which a committee of 'so-called ulema' has suggested in the Women's Protection Bill.

Dr Arfa Syeda Zehra, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) chairperson, Kishwar Naheed, a women rights activist, and Naeem Ahmad Mirza of Aurat Foundation addressed the seminar on 'MMA-PML (Q) Deal on Hudood Ordinances: A Civil Society Perspective' that Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) has organised.

Dr Arfa strongly criticised certain sections of Hudood Ordinances. Asserting that that she was not against "Hudood-e-Haq," she defended her opposition to "Hudood-e-Ziaul Haq" by insisting that they were extremely discriminative to women.

When someone committed robbery, she stressed, the law would punish the robber and not the owner of the house, whereas in Hudood Ordinances, the victim got punished rather then the rapist. "Due to faulty Hudood laws, if the rape is not proved, the crime is changed into an offence under Pakistan Penal Code turning the women victim of it as a guilty party, "while Islam categorically tells us that if the crime is not proved the alleged person should be acquitted."

She criticised the government's decision of sending the Women Protection Bill that was duly drafted by a select committee of the National Assembly for vetting by a committee of religious scholars.

Naeem Mirza highlighted the socio-political impacts of Hudood laws on womenfolk.

He claimed thousands of ill-fated women and men suffered due to this discriminatory legislation.

The number of females sent to prisons under the Hudood Ordinance is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan and the repeal of the law has been a longstanding demand of civil society organisations.

Naeem said the select committee introduced certain good amendments in the Hudood Ordinance, although the civil society demanded its total repeal. The select committee only incorporated some demands of the civil society such as differentiating between the crimes of rape and adultery etc but did not touch the controversial clauses of Rajm (stoning to death).

It also refrained from fixing the age when a girl should be considered as an adult. Yet the ulema committee even undid these minor amendments and eventually suggested astonishing changes like the idea of defining and punishing the crimes of lewdness.

Renowned poet and female rights activist Kishwar Naheed strongly criticised the Hudood laws and demanded that they should be repealed without any further delay. She recited her poem 'Hazab-e-Do Jehan Mere'. The poem portrays the plight and miseries of the Pakistani womenfolk.

The government and opposition both are using the Hudood Ordinance as a political tool to achieve their political interests.

This was discussed at a seminar, “MMA-PML-Q deal on Hudood Ordinance and a Civil Society Perspective,” on Monday. The Sustainable Development Pakistan Institute organised the seminar.

Speaking on the occasion, National Commission on Status of Women Chairperson Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra said the civil societies have been struggling for the last many years to repeal Hudood Ordinance and the present government, however, showed some flexibility and has agreed on negotiation. The current proposed amendments that have been done in Hudood Ordinance are some how acceptable but still there is a lot that needed to be changed.

We are not in favour of mere amendments and it is not the solution of the problem we demand to repeal this ordinance because it is not women protection bill but an anti protection bill, said Kishwar Naheed, feminist poet and activist. She termed the Zina Ordinance as Zia-ul-Haq Ordinance.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Farzan Bari said the present government is using the Hudood Ordinance as a political tool and amendments were not proposed in Hudood ordinance at a right time. To uphold the concept of enlighten moderation, the present government is considering amendments in Hudood Ordinance.

Farzana said that all the political parties are using the Hudood Ordinance for their own political motives, President Pervez Musharraf is promoting his agenda of enlighten moderation. On the other hand MMA (Muttahidda Majlis-e-Amal) is using Islam for their political intentions and if the Hudood Ordinance is repealed, the MMA will lose their political ground, that’s why MMA is so extremely reacting about Hudood Ordinance.

She said to know the general public opinion two-surveys was conducted. A private channel and an NGO conducted these two surveys and in both surveys majority of the general public expressed their opinion against the Hudood Ordinance. That clearly shows that the general public is also against it and wants it to be repealed.

Rejecting the MMA-PML (Q) deal on Hudood Ordinances as extra-parliamentary and extra-Constitutional and grace violation of human rights, speakers demanded total repeal of the Hudood ordinances.

They also urged the civil society to resist the proposed amendments of so- called Ulema Committee which furtherer disrespect the Pakistani women and further add to their miseries and sufferings.

While speaking at seminar on “MMA-PML (Q) Deal on Hudood Ordinances: A Civil Society Perspective ”, organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Monday, Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Islamabad, Ms. Kishwar Naheed, Feminist Poet and activist, Mr. Naeem Ahmad Mirza, Aurat Foundation, Islamabad, in details discussed the socio-political implications of the said deal, particularly on the condition and status of Pakistani women.

Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), has strongly the criticised the some sections of Hudood Ordinances besides the adopting of extra-parliamentary process of consultations on the proposed amendments in Hudood Laws.

She said that every time when there is discussion on women issue the legislators did not adopt a routine rather it established new traditions.

Referring to the proposed bill she said that government first formed a special committee, the it opted for an Ulema Committee. She said the law is supposed to compensate the oppressed and weaker but the Hudood Ordinances are doing injustice to the women victims of violence.

And all these injustices are done in the name of religion, which is based on justice and advocates respect and honor of women.

Ridiculing the formation of extra-parliamentary body of Ulema committee, she said that if this tradition of bypassing and ignoring the parliament is established then what would be the fate of the parliament and its decisions.

She said that she was not against the “Hudood-e-Haq” but the “Hudood-e-Zia ul Haq”, which are extremely discriminative to women. She said that when someone committed dacoity so the law used to punish the dacoit not the owner of the house, where as in Hudood Ordinances, the victim got punishment rather then the rapist, the dacoit.

Dr. Arfa said that due to faulty Hudood laws, if the Hadd is not proved so it converted into penal codes whereas Islam teaches us that if the crime is not proven then the alleged person got acquitted.

Naeem Mirza has given detail background of the Hudood debate in the parliament and certain amendments proposed by the select committee. He also highlighted the socio-political impacts of these discriminatory laws on womenfolk. He said that thousands of ill-fated women and men, mostly from amongst the poor, have suffered due to this discriminatory legislation.

The number of females sent to prisons under the Hudood Ordinance is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. Thus the repeal of this law has been a long-standing demand of civil society organizations.

Naeem said that the select committee has introduced certain good amendments though; the civil society demanded its total repeal.

He said that select committee incorporated some demands of the civil society such as differentiating between the rape and adultery, punishment Zina from Hadd etc while maintaining the controversial clauses of Rajm and adulthood.

But the Ulema committee not only undoes these amendments at initial stage but also introduced some other changes such as definition of lewdness.

The Hudood Ordinance of Zia-ul-Haq equates adultery with rape by requiring four pious Muslim male witnesses in the case of rape, which is a requirement only in the case of adultery in Islam.

It dismisses women and minorities as witness in the case of Hadd punishment. It treats minor girls of nine and ten years of age as adult if she had attained puberty, and subjects her to the same punishment as adults in Hudood cases.

While strongly rejecting the Hudood Ordinances, renowned national poet Kishwar Naheed has recited her poem Hazab-e-Do Jehan Mere, in which he portrayed the plight and miseries of the Pakistani womenfolk.

In her concluding remarks Dr. Farzana Bari has also advocated the total repeal of Hudood ordinances. She said that two different surveys conducted by the GEO TV and the Pattan Development Organisations, majority of the Pakistani citizens favoured the repeal of this discriminatory law.

While drawing comparison between the PML-Q and MMA, she said that the ruling party is as much as conservative as MMA.

Rejecting the MMA_PML (Q) deal on Hudood Ordinance as extra paramilitary and extra-Constitutional and great violation of human rights, the speakers demanded repeal rather than amendments in Hudood ordinance. They also urged the civil society to resist the proposed amendments of so- called ulema Committee which furthered disrespect the Pakistani women and further added to their miseries and sufferings.

There views came up at a seminar on “MMA_PML (Q) deal on Hudood Ordinances, A Civil Society Perspective”, organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here Monday.

Dr. Arfat Sayeda Zehra, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), strongly criticised some sections of the Hudood Ordinances besides the adopting of extra-parliamentary process of consultations on the proposed amendments in Hudood Laws.

She said every time when there is discussion on women rights issue the legislators fail to follow established traditions. Referring to the proposed bill she said that the government first formed a special committee, then it opted for an Ulema Committee. She said the law is supposed to compensate the oppressed and weaker but it injustice to the women victims of violence.

She said when someone committed dacoity law used to punish the dacoit not the owner of the house, where as in Hudood Ordinances, the victim got punishment rather then the rapist, the dacoit. Dr. Arfa said that due to faulty Hudood laws, if the Hadd is not proved, it is converted into penal codes whereas Islam teaches us that if the crime is not proven then the alleged person is acquitted.

Naeem Mirza gear detailed background of the Hudood debate in the parliament and certain amendments proposed by the select committee. He also highlighted the socio-political impacts of these discriminatory laws on womenfolk. He said that thousands of ill-fated women and men, mostly from amongst the poor, have suffered due to this discriminatory legislation.

The number of females sent to prisons under the Hudood Ordinance is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. Thus the repeal of this law has been a long-standing demand of civil society organizations.

While strongly rejecting the Hudood Ordinance, renowned ferniest poetess, Kishwar Naheed recited her poem Hazab-e-Do Jehan Mere, in which he portrayed the plight and miseries of the Pakistani womenfolk.

Dr. Farzana Bari winding up the discussion said in surveys conducted by the GEO TV and the Pattan Development Organization, majority of the Pakistani citizens favoured repeal of the discriminatory law. She said both PML (Q) and MMA are conservative while dealing with the Women issues.

Speakers at a seminar here on Monday demanded that the government should repeal Hudood ordinances in the best interest of the nation, saying these military-made laws had not only destroyed the lives of thousands of women but also earned a bad name for the country.

They rejected the MMA-PML deal on the Hudood ordinances and termed it extra-parliamentary and extra-constitutional and a grave violation of human rights. They also urged the civil society to resist the proposed amendments to the law by the so-called ulema committee.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) had organised the seminar titled “MMA-PML (Q) deal on Hudood ordinances: a civil society perspective.”

Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, criticised some sections of the ordinances and the extra-parliamentary process of consultations on the proposed amendments to the laws.

She said every time when there was a discussion on women issues the legislators did not adopt a routine procedure rather established new traditions. She said the government first formed a special committee on the amendment bill and then opted for an ulema committee.

She said the law was supposed to compensate the oppressed but the Hudood ordinances were doing injustice to the women victims of violence.

All these injustices were done in the name of religion, which was based on justice and advocated respect and honour for women, she added.

Ridiculing the formation of extra-parliamentary body of ulema committee of MMA and the ruling PML, she said the committee had bypassed parliament.

Ms Zehra said the Hudood ordinances of Gen Ziaul Haq were extremely discriminatory against women.

She said when someone committed dacoity the law used to punish the dacoit not the owner of the house; whereas under the Hudood ordinances the victim got punishment.

Naeem Mirza of Aurat Foundation spoke on Hudood debate in parliament and certain amendments proposed by the select committee. He also highlighted the socio-political impacts of these discriminatory laws on women.

Thousands of women and men have suffered due to this discriminatory legislation. The number of females sent to prisons under the Hudood ordinances was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan, Mr Mirza said. He said the select committee had introduced certain good amendments though the civil society had demanded its total repeal. He said the select committee incorporated some demands of the civil society such as differentiating between rape and adultery etc., while maintaining the controversial clauses of Rajm and adulthood.

But the ulema committee not only undid these amendments at the initial stage but also introduced some other changes such as definition of lewdness. He said the Hudood ordinances equated adultery with rape by requiring four pious Muslim male witnesses in the rape case, which was a requirement only in the case of adultery in Islam. It dismissed women and minorities as witnesses in the case of Hadd punishment.

It treated minor girls of nine and 10 years of age as adult if she had attained puberty and subjected her to the same punishment as adults in Hudood cases.

While strongly rejecting the Hudood ordinances, poet Kishwar Naheed recited her poem Hazab-i-Do Jehan Mere in which she portrayed the plight and miseries of the Pakistani women.

Speakers at a seminar here on Monday demanded that the government should repeal Hudood ordinances in the best interest of the nation, saying these military-made laws had not only destroyed the lives of thousands of women but also earned a bad name for the country.

They rejected the MMA-PML deal on the Hudood ordinances and termed it extra-parliamentary and extra-constitutional and a grave violation of human rights. They also urged the civil society to resist the proposed amendments to the law by the so-called ulema committee.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) had organised the seminar titled “MMA-PML (Q) deal on Hudood ordinances: a civil society perspective.”

Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, criticised some sections of the ordinances and the extra-parliamentary process of consultations on the proposed amendments to the laws.

She said every time when there was a discussion on women issues the legislators did not adopt a routine procedure rather established new traditions. She said the government first formed a special committee on the amendment bill and then opted for an ulema committee.

She said the law was supposed to compensate the oppressed but the Hudood ordinances were doing injustice to the women victims of violence.

All these injustices were done in the name of religion, which was based on justice and advocated respect and honour for women, she added.

Ridiculing the formation of extra-parliamentary body of ulema committee of MMA and the ruling PML, she said the committee had bypassed parliament.

Ms Zehra said the Hudood ordinances of Gen Ziaul Haq were extremely discriminatory against women.

She said when someone committed dacoity the law used to punish the dacoit not the owner of the house; whereas under the Hudood ordinances the victim got punishment.

Naeem Mirza of Aurat Foundation spoke on Hudood debate in parliament and certain amendments proposed by the select committee. He also highlighted the socio-political impacts of these discriminatory laws on women.

Thousands of women and men have suffered due to this discriminatory legislation. The number of females sent to prisons under the Hudood ordinances was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan, Mr Mirza said. He said the select committee had introduced certain good amendments though the civil society had demanded its total repeal. He said the select committee incorporated some demands of the civil society such as differentiating between rape and adultery etc., while maintaining the controversial clauses of Rajm and adulthood.

But the ulema committee not only undid these amendments at the initial stage but also introduced some other changes such as definition of lewdness. He said the Hudood ordinances equated adultery with rape by requiring four pious Muslim male witnesses in the rape case, which was a requirement only in the case of adultery in Islam. It dismissed women and minorities as witnesses in the case of Hadd punishment. It treated minor girls of nine and 10 years of age as adult if she had attained puberty and subjected her to the same punishment as adults in Hudood cases.

While strongly rejecting the Hudood ordinances, poet Kishwar Naheed recited her poem Hazab-i-Do Jehan Mere in which she portrayed the plight and miseries of the Pakistani women.

In her concluding remarks, Dr Farzana Bari of Pattan Development advocated the total repeal of Hudood ordinances. She said two surveys conducted by a TV channel and the NGO had found that a majority of the citizens favoured the repeal of this discriminatory law. While drawing comparison between the PML and the MMA, she said the ruling party was as much conservative as the religious alliance.

Speakers at a seminar on Monday demanded the government repeal the Hudood Ordinance and termed the deal between the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal and the Pakistan Muslim League over the Women’s Protection Bill as extra-constitutional.

They also called upon the people and civil society organisations to resist amendments proposed by the Ulema committee, as these changes would further add to the suffering of the country’s women. The seminar ‘MMA-PML Deal on Hudood Ordinance: A Civil Society Perspective’, was organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Dr Arifa Sayeda Zehra, the National Commission on the Status of Women chairperson, strongly criticised some clauses of the Hudood Ordinance and opposed the process of consultations adopted for passing the women’s bill.

Referring to the proposed bill, she said that the government first formed a special committee and then opted for an Ulema committee. “The law is supposed to compensate the oppressed and the weak, but the Hudood Ordinance is doing injustice to victims of violence,” she said, adding that all these injustices were done in the name of religion.

Ridiculing the formation of extra-parliamentary body of Ulema committee, she said that the tradition of bypassing and ignoring parliament that was set by the government while dealing with the women’s bill would create problems for parliament.

She said that she was not against the “Hudood-e-Haq” but against “Hudood-e-Ziaul Haq”, which were extremely discriminative. She said if someone committed robbery, the law was used to punish the robber and not the owner of the house, whereas in Hudood Ordinances, victims were punished rather than the rapist. Dr Arifa said that due to flawed Hudood laws, if the Hadd was not proved, it is converted into penal codes. “Whereas Islam teaches us that if the crime is not proved then the accused should be acquitted,” she said.

Naeem Mirza, the representative of the Aurat Foundation, highlighted the socio-political impact of Hudood laws on women. He said that thousands of women and men had suffered due to this discriminatory legislation. It is unfortunate that women were sent to prisons under the Hudood Ordinance, he said. Repealing this law is a long-standing demand of civil society organisations, he said.

He said that the select committee had introduced certain amendments that were good, but the people were demanding that it should be totally abolished. He said that the select committee incorporated in the ordinance some demands of the civil society such as difference between rape and adultery, punishment for Zina from Hadd. “But the Ulema committee not only rejected these amendments at the initial stage, but also introduced some other changes such as definition of lewdness,” he said.

“The Hudood Ordinance of Ziaul Haq equates adultery with rape by asking four pious Muslim male witnesses in the case of rape, which is a requirement only in the case of adultery in Islam,” Mirza Naeem said.

Opposing the Hudood Ordinance, renowned poet and rights activist, Kishwar Naheed, recited her poem ‘Hazab-e-Do Jehan Mere’, which narrated the plight and miseries of Pakistani women. Dr Farzana Bari also advocated the total elimination Hudood ordinances. She said that according to two different surveys, majority of the Pakistanis were in favour of repealing these discriminatory laws.

Opposing the ongoing coercive policies of the present government, speakers at a seminar advised the government to stop killing the innocent citizens including children and women by use of military strength on the behest of US and other Western powers.

They stated this while speaking at a seminar held here on Thursday to commemorate International Day of Peace, jointly organised by Action Aid Pakistan and Sustainable Development and Policy Institute (SDPI) on ‘The Waziristan Peace Accord: One step forward or two steps back?’

Speakers including MNA Maulana Miraj-ud-Din from South Waiziristan, M Ismail Khan, senior journalist Dr Syed Waqar Ali Shah, Chairperson History Department Quaid-e-Azam University, Dr Saba Gul Khattak and Aimal Khan, Social Activist participated in the seminar.

MNA Maulana Miraj-ud-Din ruled out the presence of any foreign militant in Waziristan and the US is using this propaganda to expand the battlefield for their forces.

“Let it be clear to the US that their dream to enter into Waziristan will not come true, so as the 10 million tribal people are alive and if they eliminate them then they can enter,” he warned.

He asked the government to be aware of the US plan to start civil war in Pakistan and states, “Let us to live in peace and do not kill or butcher your own innocent civilians.

” He insisted that the right way to solve the issue and build peace with the tribal people is negotiations, as these people do not compromise on their values and traditions.

He alleged that it was due to the flawed polices of the government that the situation has worsened to this extent.

The issues were not settled but were given a boost by implementing improper policies and imposing military operations against the tribal people, he added.

Speaking at the occasion Syed Waqar Ali Shah, Chairperson History Department Quaid-i-Azam University said that Waziristan has always been the hunting ground for imperialists in all decades during the partition.

He recalled that they have been experimenting different kinds of weapons and bombs in these areas to get hold of the political and economic power.

Huge funds have been spent on these military expeditions and the situation couldn’t reach to any conclusion till today. Civilian colonies have been targeted in Mohmand Agency and innocent citizens were killed in Waziristan.

M Ismail Khan, a senior journalist from Peshawar, said that the North South Waziristan has the lowest socio-economic indicators in the area, which is due to the unrest and continued military operations.

There are two problems in the area, the presence of foreign militants and cross border movement.

While speaking on the peace accord, he said that the major problem with the peace accord is that there is no time frame for this agreement and there is no solid ground that the agreement is inclusive of all the people of North Waziristan.

Aimal Khan, a social activist from SDPI, pointed out that the ordinary people and tribal elders have always been bypassed by the military forces in all negotiations and deals.

Any improvement in the lives of the people of Waziristan will only happen when sociopolitical development is promoted.

Dr Saba Gul Khattak, Women’s rights activist pointed out the suffering of women and children in violent and conflict situations. Several people especially women and children have been displaced due to this conflict in Waziristan.

Commemorating International Peace Day, speakers at a seminar on Thursday urged the government to stop alleged killing of innocent people by the army in Waziristan.

The seminar on ‘The Waziristan Peace Accord: One step forward or two steps back?’ was arranged by ActionAid Pakistan and Sustainable Development and Policy Institute (SDPI) at a local hotel.

Speakers, including journalists, academicians, parliamentarians, and human rights activists, analysed the conflict situation in Waziristan in the light of the ongoing ‘war on terror’, and discussed its implications on the regional security with particular reference to Pakistan.

South Waziristan MNA Maulana Merajuddin said the tribal people were very considerate and they strictly followed the tradition of negotiations and Jirga. The right way to solve the issue and build peace with the tribal people is negotiations, because they will never compromise on their values and traditions, he said.

He said it was due to the flawed polices of the government that the situation had worsened. Government claims of killing militants during operations in North and South Waziristan were all lies. The military operations have instead lead to killing of innocent men, women and children. Thousands have been displaced because of military operations in which gunships helicopters and planes were used against innocent people, he said.

Mr Merajuddin said: “We understand the political situations and the conditions of our country, but we request the government to stop the killing of our innocent people at the hands of army in the US-led war on terror.”

Speaking on the occasion, QAU history department chairman Syed Waqar Ali Shah said Waziristan had always been the hunting ground for imperialists, and they had been experimenting with different kinds of weapons and bombs in these areas to gain hold of the political and economic power.

Huge funds have been spent on these military expeditions, but no solution to the crisis could be found. Civilian colonies have been targeted in Mohmand Agency and innocent citizens have been killed in Waziristan, he said.

Ismail Khan, bureau chief, Dawn Peshawar, said the North and South Waziristan had the lowest socio-economic indicators in the region, which was due to the unrest and military operations.

There are two problems in the area: the presence of foreign militants and cross border movement.

About the peace accord, he said the major problem was that there was no time frame for the agreement, and it was also unclear whether it was representative of all the people of North Waziristan.

Mr Khan said the previous Shakai agreement of South Waziristan signed in April 2004, failed to deliver and the government lost control of the area. The current peace deal is an easy way out for the government, and it is difficult to imagine that the cross border movement will stop.

Aimal Khan from the SDPI said the ordinary people and tribal elders had always been bypassed by the military in all negotiations. He linked betterment in the lives of the people of Waziristan to increased socio-political development.

Dr Saba Gul Khattak, a women rights activist, pointed out the suffering of women and children in violent and conflict situations. Several people, especially women and children, had been displaced due to the conflict in Waziristan.

The speakers were of the opinion that President Pervez Musharraf had ‘reaffirmed’ his ‘commitment’ to fighting terrorism by signing the peace agreement with the Taliban. It is time to use not only brawns but also brains, they said. The peace accord is being closely watched by the US and the allied forces in Afghanistan.

Recently, US helicopters again violated Pakistan’s airspace in North Waziristan, which not only added to the tensions prevailing between the Taliban and the Pakistan government, but also threatened the peace deal.

Policy analysts consider the deal akin to army’s surrender to Taliban and to admit implicitly that it failed to gain control of Taliban dominated areas. The same idea also echoed in Ismail Khan’s analysis: Waziristan Peace Deal: Back to square one.

Poorly utilised state infrastructure, unregulated private sector and lack of human and financial resources are major challenges in the health sector, which could only be addressed through devising a legislative framework for private-public partnership to ensure provision of better health services to the people.

These views were expressed by the speakers at a seminar on "Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare: Prospects and Challenges", organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Monday.

Dr Talib Lashari, National Health Policy Unit, Ministry of Health, said that unfortunately a large number of Basic Health Units (BHUs) were not functioning properly in rural areas.

In a detailed presentation about the health facilities being provided by both the public and private sectors, he deplored that private sector was almost non-existent in rural areas. His comparative data showed that 552 rural health centers and 5,290 basic health units were being run by the public sector whereas the private sector did not have a single such facility in rural areas.

Dr Sania Nishtar of Heartfile, while sharing her organisation's experiences in public-private partnership said, there is lack of understanding between the two sectors. Lamenting at the lack of proper legislation/regulation, she called for a legislative framework for the enhancement of public-private partnership.

Dr Karen Astrid Siegmann also gave a brief presentation about her study on public-private partnership in primary healthcare and shared some case studies in this regard.

She said that the Ministry of Health is in the process of formulating a new health policy. She expressed her keen interest in the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in healthcare.

Legislation for public-private partnership urged

Exposing public sector deficiencies in providing health services to people, the speakers stressed the need for proper legislative framework to provide conducive environment for better working partnerships between the private and public sector in areas where the government cannot work individually such as health, education etc.

While speaking at a seminar on “Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare: Prospects and Challenges,” organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Monday, Dr. Sania Nishtar, President Heartfile, Islamabad, Dr. Talib Lashari, Research Associates, National Health Policy Unit, Ministry of Health, and Dr. Karin Astrid Siegmann, Junior Research Fellow, SDPI, in details discussed different aspects of public-private partnership in healthcare.

They also shared their views about and experience with PPPs in primary healthcare, as well as PPPs current and potential status in health policy and practice.

Dr Sania Nishtar, briefed the participants about the Heartfile’s experiences in public- private partnership in health care.

She also explained the concept of public-private partnership and its related issues. She said that there is lack of understanding between public and private sector. Lamenting at the lack of proper legislations/ regulations.

She recommended legislative framework for the enhancement of public-private partnership.

Dr Karen Astrid Siegmann introduced her study about public-private partnership in primary healthcare and shared some case studies in this regards.

Dr Karen said that the Ministry of Health is in the process of formulating a new health policy. It has expressed keen interest in the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in health care.

He said the Extended Programme on Immunisation and the National AIDS Control Programme have prepared sectoral guidelines regarding PPPs.

However, he said, issues such as conflicts of interest between private sector actors like for-profit providers of healthcare services as well as health-related NGOs, unequal power relations and the lack of participation and relevant regulation may hamper the success of PPPs to assure effective and equitable access to quality healthcare services.

He was of the view that it is therefore high time to initiate a public discussion about the prospects of and challenges for PPPs in healthcare provision. Dr Talib Lashari, Research Associates, National Health Policy Unit, Ministry of Health, has highlighted the role of private sector in health policy.

He said that private sector is playing an important role in health sector and currently 20 % of the poorest were treated outside the public sector.

Exposing deficiencies in provision of health services to people, speakers on Monday stressed the need for proper legislative framework for better working partnerships between the public and private sector in areas where the government could not work individually.

Speaking at a seminar on "Public-Private Partnerships in Health care: Prospects and Challenges" organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Heart-file Islamabad president Dr Sania Nishtar, Health Ministry's National Health Policy Unit research associate Dr Talib Lashari and SDPI junior research fellow Dr Karin Astrid Siegmann discussed in detail different aspects of public-private partnership in health care.

They also shared their views and experience regarding public-private partnership in primary health care, as well as its current and potential status in health policy and practice.

Dr Sania Nishtar explained the concept of public-private partnership and its related issues. She said there was lack of understanding between public and private sector. Lamenting the lack of proper legislations/regulations, she recommended legislative framework for the enhancement of public-private partnership.

Dr Karen Astrid Siegmann introduced her study about public-private partnership in primary health care and shared some case studies in this regard.

Dr Siegmann said the health ministry was in the process of formulating a new health policy. It had expressed keen interest in the role of public-private partnerships in health care. The Extended Programme on Immunisation and the National AIDS Control Programme had prepared sectoral guidelines regarding public-private partnerships.

However, issues such as conflicts of interest between private sector actors like for-profit providers of health care services as well as health-related NGOs, unequal power relations and the of participation and relevant regulation may hamper the success of public-private partnerships to assure effective and equitable access to quality health care services.

It is therefore high time to initiate a public discussion about the prospects of and challenges for public-private partnerships in health care provision.

Dr Talib Lashari highlighted the role of private sector in health policy. He said the private sector was playing an important role in health sector and currently 20 per cent of the poorest were treated outside the public sector. There were 946 hospitals in public and 50 in private while 42,100 clinics/chemist shops were functioning in the private sector.

He said the government was running several national programmes such as family planning, nutrition, women health project, malaria control, aids control, TB control in collaboration with private sector/NGOs. But such partnership was at a very preliminary stage. He also advocated the need for more comprehensive legislative framework for public-private partnership.

Exposing public sector deficiencies in providing health services to people, the speakers stressed the need for proper legislative framework to provide conducive environment for better working partnerships between private and public sector in areas where the government cannot work individually such as health, education, etc.

While speaking at a seminar on 'Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare: Prospects and Challenges', organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Monday, Dr Sania Nishtar, president Heartfile, Dr Talib Lashari, research associate, National Health Policy Unit, Ministry of Health, and Dr Karin Astrid Siegmann, junior research fellow, SDPI, discussed in detail different aspects of public-private partnership in healthcare.

They also shared their views and experience with PPPs in primary healthcare, as well as PPPs current and potential status in health policy and practice. Dr Sania Nishtar briefed the participants about the Heartfile's experiences in public-private partnership in healthcare. She also explained the concept of public-private partnership and its related issues. She said there was lack of understanding between public and private sector.

Lamenting at the lack of proper legislations/regulations, she recommended legislative framework for the enhancement of public-private partnership. Dr Karen introduced her study about public-private partnership in primary healthcare and shared some case studies in this regards.

Dr Karen said the Ministry of Health was in the process of formulating a new health policy and it had expressed keen interest in the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in healthcare. The Extended Programme on Immunization and the National AIDS Control Programme had prepared sectoral guidelines regarding PPPs, she added.

However, Karen said issues such as conflicts of interest between private sector actors like health-related NGOs, unequal power relations and the lack of participation and relevant regulation might hamper the success of PPPs to assure effective and equitable access to quality healthcare services. It was therefore high time to initiate a public discussion about the prospects of and challenges for PPPs in healthcare provision, she added. Dr Talib highlighted the role of private sector in health policy. He said private sector was playing an important role in health sector and currently 20 percent of the poor were treated outside the public sector. There were 946 hospitals in public and 50 in private while 42,100 clinics/chemists shops were in the private sector, he added.

He said the government was running several national programs such as Family Planning, Nutrition, Women Health Project, Malaria Control, National Aida Control, Expanded Programme on Immunization and TB Control in collaboration with private sector/NGOs. He also advocated the need for more comprehensive legislative framework for public-private partnership.

According to various interviews of various people who featured in a documentary screened here Thursday at the SDPI, the sense of political and economic deprivation of Baloch people runs deeper than official claims and Baloch nationalists leaders there rank quite high in popular estimation.

The documentary titled 'Negotiating at Gunpoint' jointly screened by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Peoples Rights Movement (PRM) was made last year by the Balochistan Solidarity Front (BSF) - a broad-based coalition of progressive political workers, intellectuals and ordinary citizens.

It is based on footage gathered by a delegation of the BSF during its two-week long tour of the volatile province in March 2005. The footage includes an interview with Akbar Bugti, as well as other nationalist politicians, political activists and ordinary Balochs.

Asha Amirali, one of the members of BSF delegation, introduced the documentary and briefed the participants about it. She talked about the situation of Balochistan in particular. The documentary highlighted the high-handedness of security forces and miserable life of Baloch people and their deprivation. The documentary was followed by question-answer session and participants criticised the government for not handling the Balochistan issue properly. "Instead of adopting concrete economic and political policies for clearing the grievances of Baloch people, the government has launched a military operation, which further aggravated the situation," they accused.

Some of the participants blamed the military for mishandling the situation by resorting to force. Expressing their concern over the grave situation of Balochistan, the participants stressed the need for political and democratic solution of the Balochistan crisis.

‘Negotiating at Gunpoint’ a documentary on Balochistan, was jointly screened by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Peoples Rights Movement (PRM) on Thursday at SDPI.

The documentary was made last year by the Balochistan Solidarity Front (BSF) - a coalition of progressive political workers, intellectuals and ordinary citizens.

The film is based on footage gathered by a delegation of the BSF during its two-week long tour of the volatile province in March 2005. The footage includes an interview with Akbar Bugti, as well as other nationalist politicians, political activists and ordinary Balochs.

The producers of the documentary has tried to show that contrary to the government claims, the sense of political and economic deprivation of Baloch people is very much deep and Baloch nationalist leaders had wide public support in Balochistan.

Ms. Asha Amirali, one of the members of BSF delegation introduced the documentary and briefed the gathering in details about it. She also talked about the latest situation of Balochistan in particular and stressed a solution of the problems according to wills of local Baloch people.

The documentary highlighted the high-handedness of security forces and miserable life of Baloch people and their deprivation.

After the screening of documentary, a question-answer session was also held on the occasion.

There was near consensus among the participants that the government did not properly handle the Balochistan issue.

Instead of adopting concrete economic and political policies for clearing the grievances of Baloch people, the government has launched a military operation, which further aggravated the situation. Some of the participants blamed the military for mishandling the situation by resorting to force. Expressing their concern over the grave situation in Balochistan, the participants stressed the need for political and democratic solution of the Balochistan crisis.

They also demanded immediate end to operation, military’s return to barracks and the release of all political prisoners.

Contrary to the government claims the sense of political and economic deprivation of Baloch people is very much deep and Baloch nationalists leaders were enjoyed wide public support in Balochistan.

The fact is very much evident from the interviews of ordinary Baloch people, shown in the documentary on Balochistan.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Peoples Rights Movement (PRM) jointly organized the screening of a documentary titled? Negotiating at Gunpoint? on Monday.

The documentary was made last year by the Balochistan Solidarity Front (BSF) - a broad based coalition of progressive political workers, intellectuals and ordinary citizens.

It was based on footage gathered by a delegation of the BSF during its two-week long tour of the volatile province in March 2005.

The footage includes an interview with Akbar Bugti, as well as other nationalist politicians, political activists and ordinary Baloch.

Ms Asha Amirali, one of the members of BSF delegation, has introduced the documentary and in details briefed the participants about it in general and the situation of Balochistan in particular.

The documentary highlighted the high-handedness of security forces and miserable life of Baluch people and their deprivation.

The documentary was followed by question-answer session. There was near consensus among the participants that the government did not properly handle the Balochistan issue.

Instead of adopting concrete economic and political policies for clearing the grievances of Baluch people, the government has launched a military operation, which further aggravated the situation.

Some of the participants blamed the military junta for mishandling the situation by resorting to force. Expressing their concern over the grave situation of Balochistan, the participants stressed the need for political and democratic solution of the Balochistan crisis. They also demanded immediate end to operation, military’s return to barracks and the release of all political prisoners.

There is an urgent need for democratic and political solution to Balochistan crisis. Contrary to the government claims, sense of political and economic deprivation of Balochs is much deeper and their nationalist leaders enjoy wide public support in the Province.

These facts were highlighted in a documentary film "Negotiating at Gunpoint" jointly organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Peoples Rights Movement (PRM) here on Thursday.

There was a consensus among the participants that the government did not properly handle the Balochistan issue and it is evident from the interviews of ordinary Baloch people shown in the documentary.

The Balochistan Solidarity Front (BSF) a broad-based coalition of progressive political workers, intellectuals and ordinary citizens produced this film last year. It was based on footages gathered by a delegation of the BSF during its two-week long tour of the volatile province in March 2005.

These include an interview with Akbar Bugti, as well as other nationalist politicians, political activists and ordinary Balochs. Asha Amirali, one of the members of BSF delegation, has introduced the documentary and briefed the participants about the situation in Balochistan. The documentary highlighted the high-handedness of security forces and miserable life of Baloch people.

The documentary was followed by question-answer session. There was near consensus among the participants that the government did not properly handle the Balochistan issue.

Instead of adopting concrete economic and political policies for addressing the grievances of Baloch people, the government has launched a military operation, which further aggravated the situation. Some of the participants blamed the military junta for mishandling the situation by resorting to force.

Expressing their concern over the grave situation of Balochistan, the participants stressed the need for political and democratic solution of the Balochistan crisis. They also demanded immediate end to operation, military's return to barracks and the release of all political prisoners.

According to various interviews of various people who featured in a documentary screened here Thursday at the SDPI, the sense of political and economic deprivation of Baloch people runs deeper than official claims and Baloch nationalists leaders there rank quite high in popular estimation.

The documentary titled 'Negotiating at Gunpoint' jointly screened by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Peoples Rights Movement (PRM) was made last year by the Balochistan Solidarity Front (BSF) - a broad-based coalition of progressive political workers, intellectuals and ordinary citizens.

It is based on footage gathered by a delegation of the BSF during its two-week long tour of the volatile province in March 2005. The footage includes an interview with Akbar Bugti, as well as other nationalist politicians, political activists and ordinary Balochs.

Asha Amirali, one of the members of BSF delegation, introduced the documentary and briefed the participants about it. She talked about the situation of Balochistan in particular. The documentary highlighted the high-handedness of security forces and miserable life of Baloch people and their deprivation. The documentary was followed by question-answer session and participants criticised the government for not handling the Balochistan issue properly. "Instead of adopting concrete economic and political policies for clearing the grievances of Baloch people, the government has launched a military operation, which further aggravated the situation," they accused.

Some of the participants blamed the military for mishandling the situation by resorting to force. Expressing their concern over the grave situation of Balochistan, the participants stressed the need for political and democratic solution of the Balochistan crisis.

Provincial autonomy termed key to addressing reservations

Speakers at a seminar on Monday called for immediate end to military action in Balochistan keeping in view the prevailing uncertainty in the province.

The seminar on "Balochistan Crisis: A Civil Society Perspective", was organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here, to highlight the ongoing political unrest in the province.

Those who spoke on the occasion were Karamat Ali from Piler, Harris Khalique, Chief Executive of SPO, DR Rubina Saigol, Country Representative of Action-aid Pakistan, who in detail discussed different aspects of the Balochistan crisis.

Karamat Ali of Piler said that provincial autonomy is key to address reservations of the small provinces. He strongly condemned Bugti's killing saying that he had occupied important portfolios such as the federal minister, governor and chief minister.

He said that the military, bureaucracy and feudals had deprived the people not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their basic rights. He highlighted that national cohesion is important in such an uncertain situation, otherwise the consequences would not be other than that of 1971 debacle. He also endorsed the demand of nationalist parties for dividing Punjab into three provinces Potohar, Seraiki and Punjab.

Dr Rubina Saigol, lamented that military and ruling elite had pushed the country on to an alarming point. Harris Khalique, said that the issue is not of Punjab versus the rest, but the State versus the citizens. He said that Bugti was first pushed to the wall and then eliminated.

He advocated pro-poor growth and environment-friendly development in all the provinces. Favouring socialism, he said it could ensure solution of fundamental problems of the masses.

Autonomy best solution of Balochistan crisis

While lamenting over continuing military’s operation in Balochistan, the speakers Monday warned the rulers that the situation is even worse than 1971, which can lead towards disintegration of the country.

They said the sense of deprivation prevailed among nationalists of Balochistan, Sindh and Siraki and if remedial measures in shape of giving them autonomy and equitable resources distribution were not taken then history of 1971 could repeat itself.

Expressing their displeasure over the situation, emerged from the brutal killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, the speakers demanded an immediate end to military operation, release of all political prisoners and production of all mysteriously disappeared Baloch nationalists.

Speaking at a seminar on “Balochistan Crisis: A Civil Society Perspective,” organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Karamat Ali from PILER, Harris Khalque, Chief Executive SPO, Dr. Rubina Saigol, Country Representative Actionaid Pakistan in details discussed different aspects of the Balochistan Crisis.

Karamat Ali giving historical background of the real provincial autonomy said that the autonomy is the best solution of the Balochistan crisis. He said that besides abolishing of concurrent list, the issue of distribution of resources on population basis should also be resolved.

He also said the Punjab could be distributed into three provinces such as Pothar, Central Punjab and Siraki Punjab.

He said that Bugti occupied important positions such as the federal minister, governor and chief minister. He said that the establishment - military, bureaucracy and feudal have deprived of the nation not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their rights.

He said that Akbar Bugti always had good relations with establishment and supported federation but his assassination in such circumstances would lead to horrendous effects for both nation and country.

He said that during the present military rule the provincial autonomy and national cohesion is touching the lowest level, and if not corrected on time the country can face the 1971 situation. The successive government has crushed those who are the torchbearer of nationalist and class ideologies.

There were many golden opportunities for clearing the mess but the democratic forces wasted it and the military dictators took benefit of the situation. He endorsed the demand of small nationalists for diving Punjab into three provinces-Potohar, Seraiki and Punjab.

Dr. Rubina Saigol discussed the construction of nationalism and official nationalism and its clash. Analysing the recent images and news articles on Balochistan, she said that the process of myth making is under way. Bugti being transformed from a disillusioned politician of a disaffected province into a mythological figure of heroic proportions.

Harris Khalque, Chief Executive SPO, said that the issue is not of Punjab versus the rest but the state versus the citizens. He said that Bugti was first pushed to the wall and then eliminated. The federation has failed due to the state failure to deliver.

On the occasion Tariq Rehman also shared his experiences and reflections on the Balochistan issues.

Speakers from different walks of life, showing displeasure over the killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti demanded an immediate end to military operation and release of all political prisoners and the recovery of missing Baloch nationalists.

They expressed their concerns while addressing a seminar on “Balochistan Crisis: A civil society perspective”, organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here Monday.

Those who spoke on the occasion include Karamat Ali, PILER, Mr. Harris Khalique, Chief Executive SPO, Dr. Rubina Saigol, Country Representative Action Aid Pakistan, and Dr. Saba Gul Khattak.

Karamat Ali termed provincial antinomy the best solution to the Balochistan crisis. He said that besides abolishing the concurrent list, the issue of distribution of resources on population basis should also be resolved.

He said that Akbar Bugti always had good relations with establishment and supported federation but his assassination in such circumstances would lead to horrendous effects for the nation and country.

Dr. Rubina Saigol, Country Representative Action Aid Pakistan, said the process of myth making is underway. She lamented that the critical role of ruling elite and military has pushed Pakistanis to a seriously alarming situation where they were living under the circumstances of uncertainty and skepticism.

Harris Khalque, Chief Executive SPO, said that the issue is not of Punjab versus the rest but the state versus the citizens. He said that Bugti was first pushed to the wall and then eliminated.

He advocated pro-poor growth and environment friendly development.

On the occasion, Tariq Rehman also shared his experiences on the Baluchistan issues.

Speakers at a seminar here on Monday expressed their concerns over the dangerous situation that has emerged in Balochistan after the “brutal” killing of veteran political leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, and demanded an immediate end to military operation in the province.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) had organised the seminar on “Balochistan Crisis: A Civil Society Perspective”, in which speakers also demanded the release of political prisoners and nationalists.

Karamat Ali from the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education Research (PILER) said real provincial autonomy was the only solution to the ills of Balochistan.

Besides abolishing the concurrent list, he said the issue of distribution of resources on population basis should also be resolved with the provinces in a political manner by involving all stakeholders.

Nawab Bugti occupied some important political positions such as that of the federal minister, governor and chief minister and his killing had further deteriorated the already volatile law and order situation, he observed.

Mr Ali said the establishment - military and civil bureaucracy and feudal - had deprived the nation not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their constitutional rights.

He said Akbar Bugti had always enjoyed good relations with the establishment and supported the federation. But, his assassination in such circumstances would lead to horrendous repercussions for the whole country.

During the present military rule, he added, provincial autonomy and national cohesion were at the lowest ebb. And, if corrective measures were not taken on time, the country could face the 1971 situation again.

He endorsed the demand of some nationalists to divide Punjab into three provinces — Potohar, Seraiki and Punjab.

Analysing the recent images and news articles on Balochistan, Dr Rubina Saigol, country representative of Actionaid Pakistan, said the process of myth-making was underway. Sardar Bugti has being transformed from a disillusioned politician of a disaffected province into a mythological figure of heroic proportions.

She lamented that the critical role of the ruling elite and military had pushed Pakistanis to an alarming situation and they were living under circumstances of uncertainty.

Harris Khalique, chief executive of Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO), said the issue was not of Punjab versus the rest of the provinces but the state versus citizens. He said Bugti was first pushed to the wall and then eliminated. The federation had failed as the state had failed to deliver.

He said it was the Pakistani state, which made Sardars, Waderas and Khans powerful. The state made them collaborators and nurtured and strengthened them.

He advocated pro-poor growth and environment-friendly development. He said enforcement of socialist system was the best solution to our problems.

Speakers at a seminar here on Monday expressed their concerns over the dangerous situation that has emerged in Balochistan after the “brutal” killing of veteran political leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, and demanded an immediate end to military operation in the province.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) had organised the seminar on “Balochistan Crisis: A Civil Society Perspective”, in which speakers also demanded the release of political prisoners and nationalists.

Karamat Ali from the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education Research (PILER) said real provincial autonomy was the only solution to the ills of Balochistan.

Besides abolishing the concurrent list, he said the issue of distribution of resources on population basis should also be resolved with the provinces in a political manner by involving all stakeholders.

Nawab Bugti occupied some important political positions such as that of the federal minister, governor and chief minister and his killing had further deteriorated the already volatile law and order situation, he observed.

Mr Ali said the establishment - military and civil bureaucracy and feudal - had deprived the nation not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their constitutional rights.

He said Akbar Bugti had always enjoyed good relations with the establishment and supported the federation. But, his assassination in such circumstances would lead to horrendous repercussions for the whole country.

During the present military rule, he added, provincial autonomy and national cohesion were at the lowest ebb. And, if corrective measures were not taken on time, the country could face the 1971 situation again.

He endorsed the demand of some nationalists to divide Punjab into three provinces — Potohar, Seraiki and Punjab.

Analysing the recent images and news articles on Balochistan, Dr Rubina Saigol, country representative of Actionaid Pakistan, said the process of myth-making was underway. Sardar Bugti has being transformed from a disillusioned politician of a disaffected province into a mythological figure of heroic proportions.

She lamented that the critical role of the ruling elite and military had pushed Pakistanis to an alarming situation and they were living under circumstances of uncertainty.

Harris Khalique, chief executive of Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO), said the issue was not of Punjab versus the rest of the provinces but the state versus citizens. He said Bugti was first pushed to the wall and then eliminated. The federation had failed as the state had failed to deliver.

He said it was the Pakistani state, which made Sardars, Waderas and Khans powerful. The state made them collaborators and nurtured and strengthened them.

He advocated pro-poor growth and environment-friendly development. He said enforcement of socialist system was the best solution to our problems.

Civil society representatives took the government to task for it’s mishandling of the Balochistan situation and warned that the killing of Bugti would ignite the parochial sentiments and provide emotional ammunition to fan anti-state activities.

Speaking at a seminar on 'Balochistan: A Civil Society Perspective' organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Monday, they said true democratic system and the military might was the solution of the Balochistan issue.

They demanded immediate end to military operation, release of all political prisoners and production of all mysteriously disappeared Baloch nationalists.

Karamat Ali of PILER, said the autonomy was the best solution of the Balochistan crisis. He said besides abolishing concurrent list, the issue of distribution of resources on population basis should also be resolved.

He said military, bureaucracy and feudal had deprived the nation not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their rights. He said Akbar Bugti always had good relations with establishment and supported federation but his assassination in such circumstances would lead to horrendous effects for the both nation and country.

Kramat said during the present military rule the provincial autonomy and national cohesion had touched the lowest level. "The successive government has crushed those who are the torchbearer of nationalist and class ideologies. There were many golden opportunities for clearing the mess but the democratic forces wasted it and the military dictators took benefit f the situation," he said and endorsed the demand of small nationalists for dividing Punjab into three provinces, Potohar, Seraiki and Punjab.

Dr Rubina Saigol, country representative ActionAid Pakistan, said the process of myth making was underway and Bugti was being transformed from a disillusioned politician to a mythological figure. She said the myth making goes with hand to and with the construction of nationalism.

She lamented that the critical role of ruling elite and military has pushed Pakistanis to an alarming situation. She said nationalism was based on reconstructing the past and creating the heroes.

Harris Khalique while criticising modern states, said all states were oppressive and artificial and hence to term Pakistani governments as tyrannical was unjust as they while oppressing the popular voice acted represented the true face of international state system.

He condemned the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti by saying that elimination of political opponents can never be condoned.

He said that in 1947 only power was transferred and real freedom was never given to the people. He said selected elite was ruling everywhere. "Even in India seven percent high caste Brahmans are occupying nearly 80 percent public sector jobs," he said.

Dr Tariq Rehman said the people of Balochistan had been experiencing psychological alienation due to arrogance of military. "The people are against the cantonments as in Quetta the cantonment area was no go for the local people.

They believe that more military garrisons would cause further dispossession," he said. He said the Baloch viewed Gwadar Port as yet another effort by powerful centre to grab local land and sell it to the elite.

The weekly seminar attracted a number of people from various walks of life as the conference hall of SDPI was packed to capacity. It shows that concern of the civil society and concerned citizen about the serious situation of Balochistan.

Speakers at a seminar on Monday called for an end to the military's role in governance, as it has to safeguard huge corporate interests. They also questioned the government for not taking action against 77 feudal lords who were supporting the government and military action against Nawab Akbar Bugti.

While speaking at a seminar on "Akbar Bugti's Assassination: Implications for the National Unity", organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Lieutenant General Hameed Gul (Retd), defence analyst, Sherry Rehman, PPPP; Ahsan Iqbal, PML (N); Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch, National Party; and Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, MMA; shared their views on the subject.

They said if the issues like provincial autonomy and resource sharing were not addressed, these would put the federation in trouble. All the segments of the society, including politicians and civil society organisations should sit together for the resolving these issues, they added.

Corporate imperialism, which is prevalent in the area, is the biggest threat and even snatching our religious freedom, said Lieutenant General Hamid Gul (Retd).

The only reason, for which Nawab Akbar Bugti could not avert military's final assault, was that he had no access to the law of necessity. It is because of this law that all of the military regime actions were covered, he observed.

There are not two opinions that democracy is run by the parliamentarians, but the legislators should prove that with their character, said Hamid Gul.

However, he cautioned that slogans for separate state would encourage the military junta to stretch its regime without any reasonable justification.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed of MMA blamed all the past rulers for not strengthening the institutions rather empowering personal rule. He also opined that in operation against Bugti, no state institution was taken into confidence, which is a violation of the Constitution.

"Balochistan is, was and will remain part of Pakistan and if it parted ways, its name will also be Pakistan", Hafiz added. Sherry Rehman of PPPP said that the military operation would encourage the feudalism and Sardari system and she personally regretted all this, adding that all these acts had forced the nationalists with no option but to leave the federation.

Warning the government, she also said that too many players were involved in the region because of their vested interests in the natural resources, therefore, we should move carefully.

"The nexus between the nationalist leaders and foreigners is strategic, but we have to show solidarity with the nationalists not leaving them alone in this tragedy", Sherry viewed.

Ahsan Iqbal of PML (N) said the government had not only brutally killed the federalist and centralist national leader but also buried him in a very disgraceful manner. He said the government denial to hand over Akbar Bugti's body to his heirs was an inhuman act, which would further aggravate feelings of his family, supporters and the Baloch nation.

"We have not learnt any lesson from history and rulers have again shown their bankruptcy by murdering a veteran politician, who had voted for the independence of Pakistan in 1947", he said. He demanded an immediate end to the military governance and restoration of parliamentary democracy and national contract with the Balochistan to express solidarity and to resolve the differences with the province.

By use of the force the federation cannot be made stronger and by killing Nawab Akber Bugti, the government has committed a great mistake that will leave bad impact on country's future, said MMA Deputy Parliamentary 'Leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmad.

He was speaking at a seminar "Akbar Bugti Assassination: Implication for the national unity," organised by SDPI on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, PPP-P MNA Sherry Rehman said, "Throughout the history of Pakistan the people have been deprived of their rights and just distribution of resources and Balouch people are the worst affected. She said that the current military operation is not a new phenomenon for the people of Balouchistan as the government has been fruitlessly trying to gain control over Balouchistan resources through the use of force. She was of the opinion that by the resignation of the opposition the matter cannot be solved because the military government will hold by election after their resignation and another new puppet government will be created, which will play in hands of the army.

PML-N Secretary Information Ahsan Iqbal speaking on the occasion said the only best thing among such circumstances is that all the opposition parties should resign from all provincials and national assemblies. MNA Abdul Hayee said it is the right time for the Punjabi people to stand up and express their solidarity with their Balouch brothers. The military operation in Balouchistan is being carried out to fulfill the specific plan of the military regime.

Balouchistan has rich natural resources and by using its resources other provinces have become much developed but still Balouchistan is the most backward area of the country.

Balouchistan is the biggest province of the country area wise and has always been ignored and always deprived of its basic rights by every successive country especially during the military regime, he added.

Speakers belonging to the opposition parties and analysts while showing their displeasure over the assassination of Nawab Akbar Bugti have demanded an immediate end to military role and urged the opposition parties to resign from National and Provincial Assemblies and Senate in order to protest the killing of Bugti and to express their solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

While speaking at a seminar on “Akbar Bugti’s Assassination: Implications for the National Unity” organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday, Lt-Gen (retd) Hameed Gul, Defence Analyst, Sherry Rehman, PPPP, Ahsan Iqbal, PML (N), Dr. Abdul Hayee Baloch, National Party, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, MMA expressed their resentment are the killing of Baluch the leader.

Defence Analyst Lt-Gen (Retd) Hameed Gul said that there should not be any role of military in the politics, as they cannot achieve the goal of nation building. President Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch urged the Pakistani masses, particularly the intellectuals, leaders and civil society from Punjab, to oppose military rule. Criticizing the role of ruling parties in Baluchistan, he said that all the political parties should immediately resign from the assemblies and start agitation to topple the present regime.

Rehman of PPPP urged the nation and politicians to show solidarity with the Baluch people Baluchs and initiate a strong campaign against the ruling elite especially military.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed of MMA while condemning the mysterious assassination of Akbar Bugti demanded the government to make public details of agreements with Akbar Bugti as well as reports of parliamentary committees. He said that there were 77 Sardars in Balochistan but the government had been targeting only one because he had opposed the policies of the government.

Ahsan Iqbal, Central Secretary Information PML-N said that the government not only killed a national leader but also it buried him in very a disgraceful manner.

Expressing anger over the brutal killing and disgraceful burial of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, speakers at a seminar here on Monday demanded immediate end to military dictatorship and urged the opposition parties to resign from national and provincial assemblies and the Senate to express their solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

The seminar titled “Akbar Bugti’s assassination: implications for the national unity” was organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

Defence analyst Lt-Gen (retired) Hameed Gul condemned intrusion of military in politics. “They cannot achieve the goal of nation building. Whenever military tries to intrude they achieve nothing and instead cause harm to the country.”

He lamented that the critical role of the ruling elite and military had pushed Pakistanis to an alarming situation where they were living under the circumstances of uncertainty and scepticism.

“Powerful forces such as military, bureaucracy and newly emerged corporate imperialism has deprived the nation of its sovereignty, independence and rights. Akbar Bugti always had good relations with the establishment and supported federation. His assassination under such circumstances will lead to horrendous effects for the country.”

Balochistan National Party president Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch urged the people of Pakistan to play their role by rising against military dictators.

Lamenting the mainstream political leadership over their shaky stance on Balochistan, he said all political parties should immediately resign from the assemblies and start agitation to topple the regime.

“Whether politicians or the public whoever raised voice against it were suppressed by the government or eliminated like Akbar Bugti,” he added. By launching the military operation and assassinating the Baloch leader the army has crossed all limits. He said the prevailing situation in the country was worse than that of 1971 when half of Pakistan was lost.

“Instead of establishing educational institutions, promoting science and technology and launching development projects, the Musharraf government has been setting up cantonments just to have more control over the provinces.” He demanded that the arrested people be released and the army operation in Balochistan and Waziristan stopped forthwith.

Sherry Rehman, MNA, of the PPP urged the nation and politicians to show solidarity with the Baloch people and initiate a strong campaign against the ruling elite especially the military.

She said this was the “blackest era for Pakistan’s history after 1971.” She said there was no talk of separation in Balochistan two years ago rather Akbar Bugti wanted to negotiate with the centre when parliamentary committees were engaged in the negotiation process with him.

“The continuous use of force and extra-judicial killing of Akbar Bugti have made the situation worse.” She cautioned that Balochistan’s was a strategic and complex issue that could cause disaster to Pakistan’s federation and national unity.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed of the MMA demanded that the government should make public details of agreements with Akbar Bugti and reports of parliamentary committees. He urged all the politicians and civil society organisations to unite against the military dictatorship.

He also rejected what he said fake explanations of the government departments to hide facts about the sad Kohlu incident.

“Every Pakistani is condemning the incident while only General Musharraf is congratulating his forces for extra-judicial crime. There are 77 Sardars in Balochistan but the government has been targeting only one because he had opposed the policies of the military, particularly General Musharraf.”

While giving a detailed account of parliamentary committee’s efforts to end the dispute, he deplored that the government was never serious to resolve the issue through dialogue and political means.

He said, “Pentagon has strategic interests in Balochistan and the military regime is facilitating them to achieve their goals.”

PML-N secretary information Ahsan Iqbal said the government not only brutally killed the federalist and centralist national leader but also buried him in a very disgraceful manner. He said the government’s refusal to hand over Akbar Bugti’s body to his family was an inhuman act which would further aggravate the feelings of his family, supporters and Baloch nation.

“We have not learnt lessons from history and rulers have again shown their moral bankruptcy by murdering a veteran politician who voted for the independence of Pakistan in 1947.

He demanded an immediate end to the military rule and restoration of parliamentary democracy in the country.

Expressing anger over the brutal killing and disgraceful burial of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, speakers at a seminar here on Monday demanded immediate end to military dictatorship and urged the opposition parties to resign from national and provincial assemblies and the Senate to express their solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

The seminar titled “Akbar Bugti’s assassination: implications for the national unity” was organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

Defence analyst Lt-Gen (retired) Hameed Gul condemned intrusion of military in politics. “They cannot achieve the goal of nation building. Whenever military tries to intrude they achieve nothing and instead cause harm to the country.”

He lamented that the critical role of the ruling elite and military had pushed Pakistanis to an alarming situation where they were living under the circumstances of uncertainty and scepticism.

“Powerful forces such as military, bureaucracy and newly emerged corporate imperialism has deprived the nation of its sovereignty, independence and rights. Akbar Bugti always had good relations with the establishment and supported federation. His assassination under such circumstances will lead to horrendous effects for the country.”

Balochistan National Party president Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch urged the people of Pakistan to play their role by rising against military dictators.

Lamenting the mainstream political leadership over their shaky stance on Balochistan, he said all political parties should immediately resign from the assemblies and start agitation to topple the regime.

“Whether politicians or the public whoever raised voice against it were suppressed by the government or eliminated like Akbar Bugti,” he added. By launching the military operation and assassinating the Baloch leader the army has crossed all limits. He said the prevailing situation in the country was worse than that of 1971 when half of Pakistan was lost.

“Instead of establishing educational institutions, promoting science and technology and launching development projects, the Musharraf government has been setting up cantonments just to have more control over the provinces.” He demanded that the arrested people be released and the army operation in Balochistan and Waziristan stopped forthwith.

Sherry Rehman, MNA, of the PPP urged the nation and politicians to show solidarity with the Baloch people and initiate a strong campaign against the ruling elite especially the military.

She said this was the “blackest era for Pakistan’s history after 1971.” She said there was no talk of separation in Balochistan two years ago rather Akbar Bugti wanted to negotiate with the centre when parliamentary committees were engaged in the negotiation process with him.

“The continuous use of force and extra-judicial killing of Akbar Bugti have made the situation worse.” She cautioned that Balochistan’s was a strategic and complex issue that could cause disaster to Pakistan’s federation and national unity.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed of the MMA demanded that the government should make public details of agreements with Akbar Bugti and reports of parliamentary committees. He urged all the politicians and civil society organisations to unite against the military dictatorship.

He also rejected what he said fake explanations of the government departments to hide facts about the sad Kohlu incident.

“Every Pakistani is condemning the incident while only General Musharraf is congratulating his forces for extra-judicial crime.

There are 77 Sardars in Balochistan but the government has been targeting only one because he had opposed the policies of the military, particularly General Musharraf.”

While giving a detailed account of parliamentary committee’s efforts to end the dispute, he deplored that the government was never serious to resolve the issue through dialogue and political means.

He said, “Pentagon has strategic interests in Balochistan and the military regime is facilitating them to achieve their goals.”

PML-N secretary information Ahsan Iqbal said the government not only brutally killed the federalist and centralist national leader but also buried him in a very disgraceful manner. He said the government’s refusal to hand over Akbar Bugti’s body to his family was an inhuman act which would further aggravate the feelings of his family, supporters and Baloch nation.

“We have not learnt lessons from history and rulers have again shown their moral bankruptcy by murdering a veteran politician who voted for the independence of Pakistan in 1947.

He demanded an immediate end to the military rule and restoration of parliamentary democracy in the country.

B

The killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti during a military operation is the most unfortunate and tragic incident after the 1971 mishap and it had badly shaken the federation said speakers Monday.

Expressing their solidarity with the people of Balochistan, they demanded that military operation should be immediately halted as it had already alienated the people of mineral rich province.

Addressing a seminar on 'Akbar Bugti's Assassination: Implications for the National Unity' organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), they also condemned the mysterious burial of late Bugti and called it against the tribal and Islamic traditions.

Defence analyst Lt Gen (r) Hameed Gul said military had no role in politics, as it was not qualified to achieve the goal of nation building. He said whenever military tried to do this they achieved nothing rather caused harm to country and nation.

He lamented that the critical role of ruling elite and military had pushed Pakistanis to a seriously alarming situation were they were living under the circumstances of uncertainty and scepticism.

"A nation state is always sovereign but after the 9/11 Pakistan has forfeited its sovereign status leading to hatred and distrust in the people of Pakistan. Military, bureaucracy and corporate imperialism have deprived the nation not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their rights," the former general claimed.

He said Akbar Bugti always had good relations with establishment and supported federation but his assassination would lead to horrendous effects for both the nation and country. He made it clear the incident happened because Akbar Bugti did not have access to the law of necessity.

He hoped that genuine democracy could ensure freedom, rights and more provincial autonomy for the people. National Party President Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch said intellectuals, leaders and civil society from Punjab should play their due role by rising against the military dictators.

He said that for the last 59 years, all the citizens had been forced to live under the slavery by the army-dominated establishment, as they were not given their rights by the army that had tightened its hold on national resources.

"Who ever tries to dissent is coerced to follow the government line or eliminated like Mr Bugti. By launching the military operation and assassinating the Baloch leader the army had crossed all limits," he said, adding that the prevailing situation in the country was worse than the 71' crisis.

He praised Bugti for his courage that was a source of inspiration not only for the Balochs but for all oppressed people across the globe. Instead of establishing educational institutions, promoting science and technology and launching development projects, Musharraf government has been setting up cantonments just to have more control over the provinces, he added.

Sherry Rehman of PPPP said Balochistan issue was strategic and complex and would spell disaster for the federation if not handled properly.

She said brutal assassination of Akbar Bugti was part of great game of oil by international powers and the government should try to solve the issue through political process.

She said Balochistan issue had been lingering since 1950s but the critical events during last two years had worsened the situation. She claimed that none talked of separation in Balochistan two years back and Akbar Bugti wanted to negotiate with the Centre.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed of MMA that the whole nation had condemned the killing of Bugti but only one person (Gen Musharraf) was congratulating his forces for this extra judicial crime.

He said that there were 77 Sardars in Balochistan but the government had targeted only one because he had opposed the policies of military and more particularly of General Musharraf.

He asked the government to make public the details of reports of parliamentary committees on Balochistan and urged the politicians and civil society organisations to get united against the military dictatorship.

He rejected all explanations of the government's different departments to hide the facts of Kohlu incident. "Institutions are weak and personalities strong in the country, which has seriously damaged the national unity," he said.

Ahsan Iqbal of PML (N) said condemning the killing of Nawab Bugti demanded an immediate end to military rule and restoration of parliamentary democracy. "The government not only brutally killed the federalist and centralist national leader but also it buried him in very a disgraceful manner," he said and added that the government denial to hand over Akbar Bugti's body to his heirs was an inhuman act which would further aggravate the situation. He lamented that the military had learnt any lesson from history.

ISLAMABAD: The killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti during a military operation is the most unfortunate and tragic incident after the 1971 mishap and it had badly shaken the federation said speakers Monday.

Expressing their solidarity with the people of Balochistan, they demanded that military operation should be immediately halted as it had already alienated the people of mineral rich province.

Addressing a seminar on 'Akbar Bugti's Assassination: Implications for the National Unity' organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), they also condemned the mysterious burial of late Bugti and called it against the tribal and Islamic traditions.

Defence analyst Lt Gen (r) Hameed Gul said military had no role in politics as it was not qualified to achieve the goal of nation building. He said whenever military tried to do this they achieved nothing rather caused harm to country and nation.

He lamented that the critical role of ruling elite and military had pushed Pakistanis to a seriously alarming situation were they were living under the circumstances of uncertainty and scepticism.

"A nation state is always sovereign but after the 9/11 Pakistan has forfeited its sovereign status leading to hatred and distrust in the people of Pakistan. Military, bureaucracy and corporate imperialism have deprived the nation not only of their sovereignty and independence but also of their rights," the former general claimed.

He said Akbar Bugti always had good relations with establishment and supported federation but his assassination would lead to horrendous effects for both the nation and country. He made it clear the incident happened because Akbar Bugti did not have access to the law of necessity.

He hoped that genuine democracy could ensure freedom, rights and more provincial autonomy for the people. National Party President Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch said intellectuals, leaders and civil society from Punjab should play their due role by rising against the military dictators.

He said that for the last 59 years, all the citizens had been forced to live under the slavery by the army-dominated establishment as they were not given their rights by the army that had tightened its hold on national resources.

"Who ever tries to dissent is coerced to follow the government line or eliminated like Mr Bugti. By launching the military operation and assassinating the Baloch leader the army had crossed all limits," he said, adding that the prevailing situation in the country was worse than the 71' crisis.

He praised Bugti for his courage that was a source of inspiration not only for the Balochs but for all oppressed people across the globe. Instead of establishing educational institutions, promoting science and technology and launching development projects, Musharraf government has been setting up cantonments just to have more control over the provinces, he added.

Sherry Rehman of PPPP said Balochistan issue was strategic and complex and would spell disaster for the federation if not handled properly.

She said brutal assassination of Akbar Bugti was part of great game of oil by international powers and the government should try to solve the issue through political process.

She said Balochistan issue had been lingering since 1950s but the critical events during last two years had worsened the situation. She claimed that none talked of separation in Balochistan two years back and Akbar Bugti wanted to negotiate with the Centre.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed of MMA that the whole nation had condemned the killing of Bugti but only one person (Gen Musharraf) was congratulating his forces for this extra judicial crime.

He said that there were 77 Sardars in Balochistan but the government had targeted only one because he had opposed the policies of military and more particularly of General Musharraf.

He asked the government to make public the details of reports of parliamentary committees on Balochistan and urged the politicians and civil society organisations to get united against the military dictatorship.

He rejected all explanations of the government's different departments to hide the facts of Kohlu incident. "Institutions are weak and personalities strong in the country, which has seriously damaged the national unity," he said.

Ahsan Iqbal of PML (N) said condemning the killing of Nawab Bugti demanded an immediate end to military rule and restoration of parliamentary democracy. "The government not only brutally killed the federalist and centralist national leader but also it buried him in very a disgraceful manner," he said and added that the government denial to hand over Akbar Bugti's body to his heirs was an inhuman act which would further aggravate the situation. He lamented that the military had learnt any lesson from history.

The Seventh Sustainable Development Conference "Troubled Times: Sustainable development and Governance in the Age of Extremes" organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in December 2004 in Islamabad generated noticeable research papers.

Exhaustive discussion on current issues and identification of areas for further research followed the presentations of these papers. Participants were drawn from different countries. They had come with papers on subjects that are current and relevant for developing countries. The content of these papers ranged from social, political and economic issues to analysis of literature produced by the Pakistani and Chinese writers. It was a rare phenomenon. Fiction had found place among facts and figures.

There seems to be general agreement of the writers that over a period of time governments have concentrated on projects aimed at improving the condition of their people but the results could not be sustainable.

There has been crisis of governance, disruptions in the continuation of projects and lack of periodic assessment. The correction of distortions that creeps is due to sluggishness of the executor of public interest projects and the inability of the implementers of the programmes at the appropriate moment have been identified as the reasons for the failure of sustainable development. Such predicaments are highlighted in each paper and solution suggested. This approach of the researchers toward finding pragmatic solutions has made their works meaningful and relevant at least for those who are still in the process of selecting appropriate development module for their specific settings.

If considering only Pakistan's case which has more stories of failures than of short-lived successes it is painful that billions of dollars are wasted on experimental projects which did not even give results to learn from.

Thought-provoking paper from Himayat Ullah "Poverty, environment and economic growth", " Water use efficiency in Pakistan" by M. Irfan Khan, M. J. U. Akhtar and M. Akhtar Bhatti serve as a sad commentary on how matters of common interest were treated. These papers have enough material to think about the kind of political gimmickry Pakistani people have been made to suffer from and the kind of moral bankruptcy that has remained dominant in the shaping of development projects.

In the same context, and in sharp contrast to Pakistani projects, there is a paper from Cui Kui and Zhao Yaqiao "Development, environment and poverty alleviation: A Chinese perspective" seems relevant even for Pakistan as the local government institutions have penetrated deep into the rural life. These local government institutions at the grassroots level are supposed to look after localised projects. The Chinese prescription for sustainable development seems worth emulating to make these projects successful.

Similarly, the fourth section on trade and environment and the fifth on politics, peace and society are engaging.

Thought-provoking papers of researchers from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Pakistan and other countries are included in this anthology. Going by the words of Saba Gul Khattak, executive director, SDPI and Uzma T. Haroon, conference co-ordinator, SDPI that the conference theme, " Troubled Times: Sustainable Development and Governance in the Age of Extremes" was selected as it captured their frustration at achieving a few improvements, as activists, as policy-makers and above all as thinkers. These include disparities in incomes, shrinking sources of livelihood, increasing poverty, escalating conflicts, inter and intra-state violence, sham democracies and abuse of religion.

The hope that the new millennium would usher in a new era of global prosperity has gone sour already.

The book is not only relevant as a reference material but as a syllabus for those who want to learn what goes into the making of a viable and sustainable public interest development project.

This paperback edition has 677 pages. Printing and the quality of paper are good.

Price is on the higher side but such publications should get institutional financial support so that institutions pursuing academic work get 'sustainable' support.

Representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) on Thursday condemned the killing of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) chief Nawab Akbar Bugti and called for an immediate halt to the ongoing military operation in Balochistan.

Speaking at a news conference, the representatives of the CSOs expressed their concern over the Balochistan situation and termed the murder of Akbar Bugti extra- judicial killing.

They further, called for an end to the role of army in politics on permanent basis. They said it was better for President Gen Pervez Musharraf to hand over the country's affairs to the people of Pakistan. They said the army had nothing to do with politics and they should return to the barracks. They were of the view that all problems and conflicts should be resolved through political dialogue.

The CSOs also stressed the need for granting provincial autonomy to Balochistan and other provinces.

They said the people all over Pakistan Were concerned over the situation in the province, and demanded that all political prisoners in Balochistan should also be released immediately. Those who spoke at the press conference were Dr Farzana Bari of the Pattan Development Organisation, Saba Khattak of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Dr Rubina Sehgal of ActionAid, Asad Rehman of Aurat Foundation, Mustafa Baloch of Strengthening Participatory Organisation and Amjad Nazir of Sungi.

The civil society representatives condemned what they called extra-judicial killing of Jamhori Wattan Party (JWP) Chief Nawab Akbar Bughti and demanded immediate stoppage of the on-going military operations in Balouchistan.

To express their views and concern regarding the ongoing military operation and crisis in Balouchistan, a press conference was organized by the representatives of different civil societies on Thursday.

The civil society organisations, of Rawalpindi and Islamabad vehemently condemn the assassination of veteran Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bughti by the Pakistan Army and calls for a complete end to the army's role in Pakistani politics.

The representatives termed the on-going military operations as state terrorism which should end as soon as possible and which is not in the least favour of the people of Balouchistan.

The conflicts Balochistan and elsewhere should be dealt politically, and that the military solution of these conflicts will further weaken the democratic set up of the country and can lead to the disintegration of the remaining Pakistan, said Robina Saigol from Action Aid,

While speaking on the occasion, Dr Saba Khattak from SDPI said due to the situation in Balochistan the masses all over the country are disturbed. The military operation in Balouchitan will leave bad impact on the country' politics as well as on its economy.

Situation in Balouchistan is worsening by every passing day. Now the military should stop playing its role in Pakistan's politics and should go back into barracks. Military has nothing to do with the politics, said Farzana Bari from PATTAN.

She said as a civil society representative we are extremely concerned over the protected conflict in Balochitan and the ongoing military operation and demanded the release of all political activists of Balochistan.