Pakistan: A New Perspective 3D

First published The News Tribe UK 
Lovely Pakistan

Click the links in bold below for a 3D experience of Pakistan

“Let us trust each other,” roared the Governor-general designate and added; “Let us judge by results, not by theories. With the help of every section –I see that every class is represented in this huge gathering –let us work in double shift if necessary to make the Sovereign State of Pakistan really happy, 

really united and really powerful.” 

-  Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Speech at a Dinner Party given by the late Mr. Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah at the Karachi Club on 9th August, 1947.

In a span of over two years, based on interviews, heated and tolerant discussions, my own research, speaking and writing about and with Pakistan; I have come to know a nation through the eyes and voices of Pakistanis. I revert to the vision Jinnah had of Pakistan. I understand politically and historically why his idealism never flourished; yet I find insurmountable beauty through landscapes, culture, architecture, history, artists, activists and people of Pakistan.

The world is ablaze. People are born while simultaneously dying. Nations are revolting. I have witnessed and experienced in many nations, grave religious and cultural intolerance, lack of education [although educated on a collegiate level], mass media propaganda, ignorance and apathy.  In a world of negative, how many focus on the positive?

Pakistan equals the combined land areas of France and the UK. It is the 36th largest nation by area with a coastline along the Arabian Sea. Land borders include: Afghanistan, China, India and Iran. Pakistan means Land of [the] Pure in Urdu [national language] and Persian.

Ethnic groups consist mainly of: Punjabis, Pashtuns,Sindhis, Muhajirs, and Balochs. Pakistan is home to refugees from Afghanistan, India, Iran and Africa, as well as cultures that reside in Pakistan from other nations causing Pakistan to be a country abundant in diverse faith, language, music, art and literature.

Experience a 3D positive perspective of Pakistan.

Culture: Click Here

Pakistan is the 2nd most populous Muslim majority nation, consisting mainly of Sunni and Shi’a sects of faith, as well as: Sufism, Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadi, Sikhism, Parsi, and Buddhism. Pakistan is multilingual with more than 60 languages spoken, most prevalent are: Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, and English.

Tourism: Click here

Pakistan claims some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world. This nation is home to Mughal architecture and archaeological remains in The Indus Valley to the empire of Alexander the Great. Landscapes in Pakistan allow for variety of trees and plants to flourish. The animal life in Pakistan reflects the varied climates of the land.

Landscape: Click Here

Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan is not utilized as a building block nor guiding

force by the current government of Pakistan, its leaders nor its foreign affiliates.  Jinnah’s idealism is alive in the passion of the youth of Pakistan. I have witnessed youth [ranging from ages 16-28] over extending themselves during emergent and dangerous situations [all current, unsolved and ongoing] such as:

• Amina Masood Janjua and Missing Persons
• Solidarity with Kashmir
• Palestinian Solidarity
• The IDF Mavi Marmara Attack
• The Trial of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
• U.S. Drone Attacks
• The Margalla Crash
• 2010 Pakistan Floods
• Death of Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti [regarding blasphemy law]
• Unrelenting bombing within Pakistan [specifically Karachi and Peshawar]
• Solidarity with the Arab Uprising
• Justice for The Sialkot Brothers
• PNS Mehran
• Emergency Education
• Solidarity with Physicians
• Death of Osama Bin Laden
• Death of investigative journalist Saleem Shahzad [one of many]
• Death of Sarfaraz Shah in Karachi

Tragedy has become an “expected” part of existence in Pakistan.

Activism: Click Here

My view of the people of Pakistan is one of immense strength, perseverance and tolerance for occurrences that should never be tolerated. My experience is a direct result of speaking to journalists, political activists, social media, youth organizations, and adults who are there to guide youth. As a journalist and a human being, it is incomprehensible to fathom existing in a nation where the wrong rights are utilized and the right rights are ignored.

Pakistan, A New Perspective, cannot be realized without ideological tolerance, proper education, control of foreign powers, and consensual rights and equality for all people. I have immense respect for people who do speak, protest, work, exist and survive in a land I view as culturally diverse, rich in history, agriculture, literature, art, journalism. language, faith and courage.

My Pakistan: Click Here

“I have no doubt that with unity, faith and discipline we will not only remain the fifth largest State in the world but will compare with any nation of the world….You must make up your mind now. We must sink individualism and petty jealousies and make up our minds to serve the people with honesty and faithfulness. We are passing through a period of fear, danger and menace. We must have faith, unity and discipline.”

- Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Reply to North Western Railway Officers
welcome address, Karachi, 28 December 1947.

• photos © FurSid Photography
• Video © Pakistan Youth Alliance
• Pakistani Youth 
• Gawaahi

Anuradha Koirala: CNN documentary: Nepal's Stolen Children

WATCH below: Buffalo NY: Maiti Nepal

WATCH: PBS Documentary:
The Day My God Died

 

CNN-TV documentary: Anuradha and Maiti Nepal:  NEPAL'S STOLEN CHILDREN

Watch the premiere on Sunday, June 26th (times below) Reported by Demi Moore 

Combating child sex trafficking in Nepal: 

Last November, Anuradha won CNN Hero of the Year.  CNN has made a documentary about sex trafficking in Nepal: Maiti Nepal and Anuradha are the beating heart of it.

CNN US:  6/26      8pm ET / 5pm PT 6/26      11pm ET / 8pm PT 6/27      2am ET / (6/26) 11pm PT CNNi BERLIN & JOHANNESBURG: 6/26      20:00 Berlin & Johannesburg   6/26      21:00 Berlin & Johannesburg   6/27      02:00 Berlin & Johannesburg   CNNi ABU DHABI: 6/26      22:00 Abu Dhabi 6/26      23:00 Abu Dhabi 6/27      04:00 Abu Dhabi   CNNi HONG KONG: 6/26      20:00 Hong Kong 6/27      02:00 Hong Kong 6/27      03:00 Hong Kong 6/27      08:00 Hong Kong

• CNNi KATHMANDU:
• 6/26      17:45 Kathmandu
• 6/26      23:45 Kathmandu
• 6/27      00:45 Kathmandu
• 6/27      05:45 Kathmandu

 

• CNNi MEXICO CITY: (in English on CNNi)
• 6/26      1pm Mexico City
• 6/26      2pm Mexico City
• 6/26      7pm Mexico City

• CNNi LONDON:
• 6/26      19:00 London
• 6/26      20:00 London
• 6/27      01:00 London

 Brigitte Cazalis-Collins and Joe Collins
Friends of Maiti Nepal 



Story of Maiti Nepal 

"Please tell the world about my girls." -  Anuradha Koirala

Buffalo: WAM Summer Jam: (Writers, Artists, Musicians) June 29th

 

Proud to announce on JUNE 29th WAM (Writers, Artists, Musicians) will be celebrating their 2 year anniversary at 464 Art Gallery!

Don't miss this 2 YEAR BIRTHDAY PARTY at WAM Summer Jam!

Featuring performances from past WAM acts, as well as gallery of work from NOMAD artists. There will be a community painting project, photo booth, live outdoor music in the backyard (bring a blanket!) and the release of NOMAD Art & Lit Magazine Issue 5. We can't wait to celebrate with you all!

PERFORMANCES BY:

Andrew Daniels & Tony Trippi
Dan Borodzick
Mel Latimer
Mark & Colin from Coterie of Stern
Megan Callahan
Andrew Delmonte.

Event Name:  WAM Buffalo (Writers Artists Musicians)

Date:  Wednesday June 29th - 6PM START

NEW LOCATION:

 
        464 Art Gallery
        464 Amherst Street

        Buffalo, NY

   
*Additional details: http://www.wambuffalo.com

*Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=223680860983031

  
WAM Buffalo
Writers Artists Musicians Event
http://www.WAMBuffalo.com

Sponsored by:

NOMAD Art & Lit Magazine
http://www.nomadbuffalo.com

Free Henry!
http://www.FreeHenryBand.com

Please check out WAM, a monthly Writers/Artists/Musicians' creative mixer/showcase which encourages conversation and collaboration.  With a focus on live & local, WAM features new performers and artists each month along with Open Mic & live art projects, which guests are invited to participate in.

This event is free and open to the public.  The last Wednesday of every month, join WAM for drink specials and amazing homegrown talent!

The 9th Music is Art 2011 Festival: Press Conference: June 23

 

   

Music is Art 2011 Festival

Join us for a special press conference to announce plans for the 2011 Music is Art Festival. 

Public Press Conference 

The 2011 Music is Art Festival marks the 9th year of bringing together over 50 local bands, displaying artists and photographers, dancers, live art demonstrations, DJs and the ever popular Kids Village.


Join us Thursday at the Shakespeare stage in Delaware park as we reveal the festival:

• date
• location
• theme
• poster art
•  

Then stay for the 7:30 p.m., free performance of The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare in Delaware Park.

Where, When:

Shakespeare Stage at Delaware Park

(Rain location: the Marcy Casino)

Buffalo, New York 14222
Thursday, June 23rd
7:00 PM

Music is Art

121 Humboldt Pkwy

Buffalo, New York 14214

716-880-3375

http://www.musicisart.org/ 

The Organization:

Music is Art is a not for profit (federal 501c3) organization founded in 2004 by The Goo Goo Dolls bassist and Buffalo native Robby Takac. MiA operates through a board of directors, staff, partner organizations, sponsors, and many, many volunteers.

Executive Director
Tod A. Kniazuk

International Federation of Journalists Backs Pakistani Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) supports the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in rejecting of the Pakistan Government’s terms for appointing a judicial commission to investigate the abduction and murder in late May of journalist Saleem Shahzad.

 The Government announced on June 14 that it would appoint the Chief Justice of the Federal Sharia Court, Agha Mohammad Rafique, to head the commission.

However, the PFUJ insisted the inquiry must be led by a fully independent Supreme Court justice. 

Appointments to the Supreme Court are made by the President on the recommendation of the court’s Chief Justice, and are permanent appointments. Justices of the Federal Sharia Court are directly appointed by the Government on an ad hoc basis for a limited tenure of three years.

The PFUJ had demanded the Government set up a commission headed by a Supreme Court judge by June 10. The demand was supported by the IFJ and other organisations around the world.

“The inquiry into Shahzad’s murder must be as independent and transparent as possible, and recognised as such by the wider population. It is therefore necessary that the inquiry be headed by a Supreme Court justice,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

The PFUJ, an IFJ affiliate, said journalists would proceed with a 24-hour sit-in outside the Federal Parliament from 3pm on June 15, and would boycott national and provincial assemblies for two days. Similar protests will be held at provincial assemblies in Quetta, Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi.

PFUJ president Pervaiz Shaukat told a press conference on June 14 that the Government was not paying heed to the demands of journalists for full investigations to bring killers of journalists to justice and to end the culture of impunity for the murders of media personnel across all provinces of Pakistan. 

PFUJ secretary-general Amin Yousuf said journalists would only accept a judicial commission headed by a Supreme Court judge.

Journalists in Pakistan have voiced outrage since the body of Shahzad was found about 150km southeast of Islamabad on May 31. Shahzad disappeared in Islamabad on May 29, two days after he published on Asia Times Online an investigative report into alleged links between Al-Qaeda and Pakistani naval officials.

At least four more Pakistani journalists have been reported killed in connection to their work during 2011.

-     Asfandyar Khan, of the daily Akhbar-i-Khyber, died in a bomb blast, Peshawar, June 11.

-     NasrullahAfridi, of Pakistan Television (PTV) and the Urdu daily Mashriq, murdered in targeted car-bomb blast, Peshawar, May 10.

-     WaliKhan Babar, of GEO TV, murdered by unknown gunmen, Karachi, January 13.

-     IlyasNazar, of the Baloch-language Darwanth, found dead in Pidarak, Balochistan, January 5, after abduction on December 28.

Following the June 11 twin-blast in Peshawar, trainee reporter Shafiullah Khan, of TheNews, is reported to be in a critical condition in hospital, suffering burns to 70 per cent of his body.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0919

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook here

http://asiapacific.ifj.org

 International Press Card: Dont Leave Home Without It: Apply Here 

Canadian Boat to Gaza: The Tahrir:Together We Will Break the Siege

   

The Tahrir is sailing with Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human.  30 delegates from across the country are preparing themselves for a difficult but necessary voyage.  

We are also assembling a dedicated group of volunteers across the country who will remain in Canada, supporting the launch of the flotilla, tracking and communicating with the Tahrir once it sets sail, handling media and public actions regionally and nationally. 

We are asking you to continue contributing to the Canadian Boat to Gaza so the Tahrir and its passengers can sail with all the necessary equipment and security devices needed for this difficult trip.

The people of Gaza are waiting for us.  

Together We Will Break the Siege!

The Canadian Boat To Gaza

www.canadaboatgaza.org
info@canadaboatgaza.org

ENDORSE

---Français---

Chers ami-e-s,

Dans quelques semaines, et ce grâce à vous, le Tahrir va naviguer avec la Flottille de la liberté II – Rester humains. Une trentaine de délégué-e-s du Québec et du Canada se préparent actuellement pour un voyage difficile mais nécessaire. Nous continuons à travailler avec nos partenaires internationaux à l’organisation finale de tous les aspects du projet. Nous avons aussi mis sur pied une équipe de bénévoles qui resteront ici pour appuyer la flottille, notamment en maintenant la communication avec le Tahrir durant son voyage, en assurant les liens avec les médias et en coordonnant les actions publiques qui s’organiseront un peu partout au pays.

Vous avez peut-être entendu parler d’une poursuite légale pour empêcher le bateau de partir. Sachez que celle-ci ne nous arrêtera pas et que nous continuons à nous préparer afin d’atteindre notre objectif, Gaza, d’ici la fin juin.

Jusqu’à maintenant, nous avons recueilli environ 340 000$ en dons provenant de gens comme vous. Contrairement à des affirmations diffusées par certains medias, nous réaffirmons que tout cet argent a été donné par des citoyens et des citoyennes, des organisations communautaires et syndicales, sans appui gouvernemental ni exemption fiscale. Il s’agit donc d’une initiative citoyenne authentique à laquelle toutes ces personnes croient fermement.

En plus du bateau lui-même, qui absorbe la majeure partie des coûts, il y a plusieurs autres dépenses incontournables pour un projet d’une telle importance et d’une telle difficulté. Il nous faut notamment de l’équipement de communication qui doit être plus sophistiqué que prévu afin de répondre aux besoins des médias qui seront à bord et éviter les possibles interférences israéliennes. Nous devons aussi assumer des coûts pour le combustible, les réparations, l’équipement de sécurité, etc. Rappelons aussi que nous avons dû prendre un bateau plus gros que prévu afin de permettre à plus de personnes de participer à l’opération et d’envoyer plus d’aide humanitaire à Gaza.

Pour toutes ces raisons, nous avons besoin de 50 000$ supplémentaires pour assumer tous les coûts du projet. Nous vous prions donc de contribuer à nouveau au Bateau pour Gaza afin que le Tahrir et ses passagers puissent naviguer en toute sécurité et avec tout l’équipement nécessaire à un tel voyage.

Nous comptons sur votre appui dans cet ultime effort. La population de Gaza nous attend. Si vous n’avez pas encore contribué, nous vous prions de le faire maintenant. Si vous pouvez faire une contribution supplémentaire, n’hésitez pas. Et bien sûr, demandez à vos amis, votre famille et à vos collègues de contribuer. Les dons peuvent être effectués par le biais notre site Internet à www.tahrir.ca.

Ensemble, nous allons y arriver!
L’équipe du Bateau canadien pour Gaza

The Oslo Freedom Forum: Dawn of a New Arab World

 

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) today releases the first set of videos from the 2011 Oslo Freedom Forum.  Engaging and provocative presentations and panel discussions are now available via YouTube.   HRF invites viewers to share these videos with friends, create discussions in the comment sections, and embed them wherever possible.  

  Justin Hardy - Healing Kashmir

The first set of set of videos includes nine discussions from this year’s conference:

• A panel discussion exploring the 'Dawn of a New Arab World,' featuring voices from Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, and Bahrain, and moderated by BBC correspondent Philippa Thomas, with a special introduction by Egyptian internet activist Wael Ghonim. 
•  
• Ghanaian economist George Ayittey on 'Defeating Dictators' 
•  
• Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Jody Williams on 'Why Peace is About Action, Not Kumbaya' 
•  
• Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish on 'How to Transcend Hate' 

 Jody Williams - The Power of One

 

 

The full program will be released over the next two weeks, including talks and conversations from Mona Eltahawy, Shirin Ebadi, Alejandro Toledo, Zoya Phan, Leymah Gbowee, Barbara Demick, James Fallon and Belisario Betancur. Updates and announcements will also be shared on Twitter and Facebook.

 Maryam al-Khawaja - Dawn of a New Arab World

Talks from the 2009 and 2010 conferences are live at www.OsloFreedomForum.com—including speeches from Elie Wiesel, Yoani Sánchez, Benjamin Skinner, Kasha Jacqueline, and Julian Assange.

 Thomas Glave - Ending Anti-Gay Violence in Jamaica

Founded to address today’s most challenging humanitarian issues, the Oslo Freedom Forum brings some of the world’s most remarkable individuals together from academia, advocacy, business, media, politics, social entrepreneurship, and technology to collaborate on how best to make an impact on the world around them.   

 Mona Eltahawy - Evolution of Censorship

About The Oslo Freedom Forum 

The Oslo Freedom Forum was founded in 2009, by HRF to bring humanitarian issues to the top of the global agenda.  The three-day annual forum highlights the stories of human rights advocates from around the world through engaging presentations in order to raise awareness, bring focus to closed societies, prompt inspired discussion, and empower an international community to affect change. 

 Wael Ghonim presents live from Cairo via satellite

 John Peder Egenæs of Amnesty International Norway

Oslo Freedom Forum

Global media liaison:

Martha Pulido
Office: +1 212 377 358
Mobile: +1 646 441 1468
Martha.Pulido@evins.com

 

Occupation and Resistance! Anthology

We are seeking submissions (writings, artworks and photographs) by artists and writers who live under Occupied Rule in Occupied Lands (such as Palestine, Kashmir, Tibet, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc)

What is the PROJECT?

Occupation And Resistance (working title) is an ANTHOLOGY of writings (non-fiction and fiction), artworks, and photos, by artists living in occupied lands, intended for electronic publication by Artists Against Apartheid.


WHY?

To promote the art and culture of artists, writers, photographers in Occupied Lands, that are otherwise ignored and shunned by the Western mainstream media. We will promote the AAA anthology across the global media landscape and bring increased exposure for artists, writers and civilians living under both foreign and domestic military occupation.


REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSIONS:


Artist or writer or photographer MUST live in Occupied Lands (such as Palestine, Kashmir, Chechnya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tibet, etc), not as a transient resident.

Written pieces may be fiction or non-fiction as the medium of publication will be a printable PDF, written and visual artworks of all kinds are welcomed. All written pieces must be submitted in English only. (please contact us if you need help finding a translator, we can try.)


HOW CAN I SUBMIT?

We will accept creative submissions via: anthology@artistsagainstapartheid.org. If you are sending large files (over 10MB), please use a service like www.filesanywhere.com or www.sendspace.com to upload your files and send a link. We will acknowledge receipt of all submissions, so please follow up if you have not received a response within one week.


The deadline for submission is August 1st 2011.

Click here to sign up for NEWSLETTER


ARTISTS AGAINST APARTHEID

Gaza Freedom Flotilla II: Stay Human: Artists NEEDED From Africa, Asia, Latin America

Artists are sought from Africa, Asia and Latin America to join the 2nd Flotilla to Gaza.

Over 300,000 people have applied for the 500 available slots on the upcoming Gaza Freedom Flotilla II.  We want as diverse a group as possible, and are still taking applications from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.   

If you want to join others in this act of global nonviolent civil disobedience, email info@culturesofresistance.org and make the case for why you should be selected to come aboard.

FREEDOM FLOTILLA 2 departs from Istanbul Turkey between June 25-27.

Submit artwork to the Artists Against Apartheid Occupation and Resistance Anthology

Artists Against Apartheid is an international alliance committed to Equal Rights and Justice, and the elimination of apartheid in our world. 

Artists interested in joining the alliance please click here.

 

RUMBLE to Break the Silence: Bike run to expose domestic violence.

The 1st annual "RUMBLE To Break the Silence" motorcycle run and festival is to bring awareness to domestic violence.  "Abuse occurs with men and women and does not just encompass physical violence", Suzanne Perry, of Orchard Park Music House [501c3] stated, "Abuse is control, and control crosses the lines of gender, color, creed and profession."

The EVENT:

• Saturday, June 11th
• Ulrich City Center
• 45 Main Street
• Lockport, NY
• $5 admission 
• Children 10 and under FREE

 

OP Music House, coordinator of festival, creates music events to bring people together for awareness.  Suzanne was abused for 22 years and has gained her freedom back. She teaches that abuse can happen to anyone, educates on warning signs, and informs that there is help. 

The Brothers of the Road conducts charity bike runs and coordinated: "RUMBLE."  They are leading the bike run portion of the day. The Run starts and ends at the Ulrich Center, stopping at Water Street Landing and the Wilson Boat House. Bike Registration starts at 9:30am, $5 passenger, $10 single rider. Roll out 11-2 pm. Go HERE For Bike Registration.

This family-friendly event starts at 2pm with children's face painting, food, games, crafts, prizes and raffles followed with live music by Your Loving X and 100 Proof Justice.  

Sponsors include:  Stylin Tattoo Mobile Unit, Chilly Billy's Ice Cream, and Frickin Wicked Brand Clothing with DieDarlingRadio. 

Vendor Forms HERE.  

Donations HERE.

Proceeds to purchase a mobile office to be utilized on tour across the United States for the "EXPOSURE Tour." 

 

"RUMBLE to Break the Silence" is a registered Annual National Domestic Violence Awareness Event.

Stay Tuned for the 2nd EXPOSURE Concert: July 29-31 at Club Paradise in Blasdell, NY.

"Because Love Shouldn't Hurt."