July 23, 2005: Headlines: COS - Morocco: COS - Pakistan: Journalism: Sydney Morning Herald: RPCV James Rupert says Musharraf walks the tightrope in Pakistan
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July 23, 2005: Headlines: COS - Morocco: COS - Pakistan: Journalism: Sydney Morning Herald: RPCV James Rupert says Musharraf walks the tightrope in Pakistan
- Test Friday, August 12, 2005 - 3:21 pm [1]
RPCV James Rupert says Musharraf walks the tightrope in Pakistan
In an hour-long televised address, General Musharraf sternly lectured Pakistan's 150 million people, declaring: "I urge you, my nation, to stand up and wage a jihad against extremism and to stand up against those who spread hatred and chaos in the society." Journalist James Rupert, head of Newsday's international bureau in Islamabad, Pakistan began his career abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer, teaching mechanics and welding in Morocco.
RPCV James Rupert says Musharraf walks the tightrope in Pakistan
Musharraf walks the tightrope
By James Rupert in Peshawar
July 23, 2005
President Pervez Musharraf has renewed a declaration of war against violent Muslim militants, but defended Pakistan against what he said was unjustified blame for the July 7 bombings in London.
In an hour-long televised address, General Musharraf sternly lectured Pakistan's 150 million people, declaring: "I urge you, my nation, to stand up and wage a jihad against extremism and to stand up against those who spread hatred and chaos in the society."
The general taped his speech before Thursday's bomb scares in London. He said Britain should deal with militant organisations operating there before casting too many "aspersions" on Pakistan.
He dismissed the idea that the London bombers were indoctrinated during short visits to Pakistan. "Three out of the four are accused to be from Pakistan; the fourth is from Jamaica. If the aspersion is that they got indoctrinated in Pakistan, where did the Jamaican get indoctrinated?"
He noted that the three with Pakistani origins had been born and brought up in Britain. "There is a lot to be done in Pakistan, but may I suggest there is a lot to be done in England also."
Pakistani authorities this week held more than 200 people suspected of links to hardline groups.
General Musharraf's vow to crush the militants echoed several speeches he has made since the September 11, 2001, attacks. He also said Pakistan's madrassas, or Islamic religious schools, would have to register with the Government by the end of the year.
Caption: Foreign students walk past the foreign students department at one of Pakistan's major Islamic seminaries, Jamia Binnoria, in Karachi, July 30, 2005. Pakistani authorities said 800 suspected militants had now been arrested in raids following the deadly London bombings as Islamic groups protested a move to expel 1,400 foreign Koran students.(AFP/Aamir Qureshi)
In an acknowledgement that his previous orders had been circumvented, General Musharraf said this time militant groups would not be allowed to escape the ban by renaming themselves.
But previous crackdowns have been ineffective in part because General Musharraf relies on hardline Islamic parties for support, and it remained unclear whether his new campaign would be more effective than the others.
Militant groups are already resisting it. "Our protest is against the raids being conducted on madrassas and mosques to appease the United States and the West," said Shahid Shamsi, a spokesman for the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, Pakistan's main alliance of Islamist parties.
He said the opposition grouping would hold anti-Government and anti-US rallies in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and other main cities.
The arrests of people said to be linked with militant organisations are unpopular with many Pakistanis, who accuse the President of pandering to Britain and America. Security sources stressed they had made no arrests of suspects in the London bombings.
Reuters; Newsday; Telegraph, London
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Story Source: Sydney Morning Herald
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Would Mr. James Rupert please contact mfi_canadaa@yahoo.ca Re: Arrests of Innocent Interfaith Institute of Divine Love(MEHDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL) members who have been falsely accused of blasphemy and locked up in Islamabad. Would Pakistani journalist investigate the reports and present Truthful journalism or better give the other side of story as well. Below please find the Press Release(s) from Mehdi Foundation International:
Double Standards of Pakistan Government
The pragmatic regime of General Pervez Musharraf may have lessened the intensity of extremism to a certain degree in the country, but influx of sectarian elements within the government, does not allow the citizens, to exercise the choice of religious freedom. Pervez Musharraf can do considerably well, only if he personally scrutinize the judiciary and Police department.
Abuse of Blasphemy Laws
The Extremists instigate false cases of blasphemy against their rival sects, whereas the Police, under pressure from extremists, and their own sectarian bias, impose sections of blasphemy laws on innocent people. The blasphemy laws are instigated in order to settle personal scores. The accused is not granted a bail, and usually shot in jail by inmates.
Blasphemy Cases against MFI members
The extremists have instigated case of blasphemy against hundreds of MFI members in Pakistan, which includes the MFI President Hafiz Mohammad Farid and Hafiz Nadeem Siddiqui, who had to take asylum in the United Kingdom.
Illegal Arrest of MFI members in Pakistan
The Pakistan Police is currently making illegal arrest of MFI members all over the country. Dozens of peace activists have been arrested within a couple of days. Our members are made subject to severe physical and mental torture in the police cells. The Police take our members blind-folded to unknown places, and they do not allow them to inform the families of their arrest.
Appeal to the International Media
We appeal to the international media to highlight this issue, so that the outcry of the victim may be heard. We have knocked every door. We have tried to draw attention of international media to our problem, but we still await any positive response.
PRESS RELEASE:
Main Page | Moon | Black Stone | NewsPapers | Programs | The Book | Latest News
Home : 25 December 2005
MEHDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL
Press Release
Dated:25-12-2005
The Government of Pakistan is engaged in a blatant violation of the Human Rights Charter by persecuting Mehdi Foundation International (MFI) members because they protest against terrorism and extremism which have been prevalent for a long time in Pakistan. The Government and the Hierarchy are patronizing Terrorism despite their claims to the contrary.
When Pakistan was founded, the Founder of Pakistan Mohamed Ali Jinnah allowed all religions and all sects to preach and practice their beliefs. After Mohammed Ali Jinnah, subsequent regimes of Pakistan did not follow this axiom. Thus, Pakistan rejected the very theory and ideology which it was created for.
Mehdi Foundation International proclaims that the entire humanity is one global nation, and must be united at the hearts with the knot of Divine Love. His Royal Grace HH RA GOHAR SHAHI renders the humanity the most sublime practice -the Divine Practice. That is: mutual Love. The Pakistan Hierarchy is targeting and persecuting MFI members. The President of Pakistan General Pervaz Musharraf tries to portray an image of Pakistan to the World Community as a moderate and peace-loving nation; whereas its reality is to persistently crack down on Peace-Activits in Pakistan such as MFI members who would otherwise unveil the true face of General Musharraf. Pakistan is Pro-Islamic country, hijacked by Wahabis. The Pak Army consists of 95% Wahabis. Pak Army is also responsible for infiltrating terrorists into Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Mehdi Foundation International does not incite opposition to any religion or any government for simple reason that we are the Preachers of Divine Love.
The Islamic terrorists and Wahabi Sect in particular are lodging false cases of blasphemy against Islam, and the Government is persecuting members of MFI. This is a great human tragedy for the victims of conspiracy and collusion in a joint venture of persecution against MFI members, being taken to unknown places, being held for indefinite periods and denied any legal rights to defend. The Judiciary corroborated as well in miscarriage of justice. Several MFI members just disappeared from Pakistan after they were seen apprehended by the Government Officials.
We would like to draw the attention of the International Media, Human Rights Organizations and United Nations to look into this tragedy and cruelty on our membership living under a constant fear on daily basis, having abandoned homes and family lives altogether.
If immediate attention is not paid to this despicable situation by World Community, we fear the severe collusion will result in a great loss of innocent human lives.
Would Mr. James Rupert please contact mfi_canadaa@yahoo.ca Re: Arrests of Innocent Interfaith Institute of Divine Love(MEHDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL) members who have been falsely accused of blasphemy and locked up in Islamabad. Would Pakistani journalist investigate the reports and present Truthful journalism or better give the other side of story as well. Below please find the Press Release(s) from Mehdi Foundation International:
Double Standards of Pakistan Government
The pragmatic regime of General Pervez Musharraf may have lessened the intensity of extremism to a certain degree in the country, but influx of sectarian elements within the government, does not allow the citizens, to exercise the choice of religious freedom. Pervez Musharraf can do considerably well, only if he personally scrutinize the judiciary and Police department.
Abuse of Blasphemy Laws
The Extremists instigate false cases of blasphemy against their rival sects, whereas the Police, under pressure from extremists, and their own sectarian bias, impose sections of blasphemy laws on innocent people. The blasphemy laws are instigated in order to settle personal scores. The accused is not granted a bail, and usually shot in jail by inmates.
Blasphemy Cases against MFI members
The extremists have instigated case of blasphemy against hundreds of MFI members in Pakistan, which includes the MFI President Hafiz Mohammad Farid and Hafiz Nadeem Siddiqui, who had to take asylum in the United Kingdom.
Illegal Arrest of MFI members in Pakistan
The Pakistan Police is currently making illegal arrest of MFI members all over the country. Dozens of peace activists have been arrested within a couple of days. Our members are made subject to severe physical and mental torture in the police cells. The Police take our members blind-folded to unknown places, and they do not allow them to inform the families of their arrest.
Appeal to the International Media
We appeal to the international media to highlight this issue, so that the outcry of the victim may be heard. We have knocked every door. We have tried to draw attention of international media to our problem, but we still await any positive response.
PRESS RELEASE:
Main Page | Moon | Black Stone | NewsPapers | Programs | The Book | Latest News
Home : 25 December 2005
MEHDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL
Press Release
Dated:25-12-2005
The Government of Pakistan is engaged in a blatant violation of the Human Rights Charter by persecuting Mehdi Foundation International (MFI) members because they protest against terrorism and extremism which have been prevalent for a long time in Pakistan. The Government and the Hierarchy are patronizing Terrorism despite their claims to the contrary.
When Pakistan was founded, the Founder of Pakistan Mohamed Ali Jinnah allowed all religions and all sects to preach and practice their beliefs. After Mohammed Ali Jinnah, subsequent regimes of Pakistan did not follow this axiom. Thus, Pakistan rejected the very theory and ideology which it was created for.
Mehdi Foundation International proclaims that the entire humanity is one global nation, and must be united at the hearts with the knot of Divine Love. His Royal Grace HH RA GOHAR SHAHI renders the humanity the most sublime practice -the Divine Practice. That is: mutual Love. The Pakistan Hierarchy is targeting and persecuting MFI members. The President of Pakistan General Pervaz Musharraf tries to portray an image of Pakistan to the World Community as a moderate and peace-loving nation; whereas its reality is to persistently crack down on Peace-Activits in Pakistan such as MFI members who would otherwise unveil the true face of General Musharraf. Pakistan is Pro-Islamic country, hijacked by Wahabis. The Pak Army consists of 95% Wahabis. Pak Army is also responsible for infiltrating terrorists into Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Mehdi Foundation International does not incite opposition to any religion or any government for simple reason that we are the Preachers of Divine Love.
The Islamic terrorists and Wahabi Sect in particular are lodging false cases of blasphemy against Islam, and the Government is persecuting members of MFI. This is a great human tragedy for the victims of conspiracy and collusion in a joint venture of persecution against MFI members, being taken to unknown places, being held for indefinite periods and denied any legal rights to defend. The Judiciary corroborated as well in miscarriage of justice. Several MFI members just disappeared from Pakistan after they were seen apprehended by the Government Officials.
We would like to draw the attention of the International Media, Human Rights Organizations and United Nations to look into this tragedy and cruelty on our membership living under a constant fear on daily basis, having abandoned homes and family lives altogether.
If immediate attention is not paid to this despicable situation by World Community, we fear the severe collusion will result in a great loss of innocent human lives.
Mehdi Foundation International
Dear President, Assalam Alaikum,
I am Mohammad Younus, the chairman of Mehdi Foundation International. We promote the Teachings of His Holiness Gohar Shahi, which are based on Allah's love. The extremist and sectarian elements in Pakistan, disapprove of HH Gohar Shahi and His Divine Philosophy. HH Gohar Shahi has personally appealed to the government of Pakistan to investigate the matter, that of his pictures, appearing on the moon, sun and Hajar al Aswad. The government has always ignored, despite, appeals were made many times. Previous regime of Nawaz Sharif persecuted HH Gohar Shahi on account of sectarian bias; false cases of blasphemy were instigated against HH Gohar Shahi. HH Gohar Shahi warned them if justice was not dispensed, he would use spiritual power to overthrow his government. As a result of which, you came in power through a bloodless coup. Then, in 2001 October, HH Gohar Shahi extended his full support to you when the clerics were against you on becoming part of American allied forces against Taliban. HH Gohar Shahi declared that He trusted you. He Said, ‘’General Pervez Musharraf is sincere with Islam and Pakistan.’’ With the divine help of HH Gohar Shahi, you were able to save Pakistan in the troublesome times. Then after London bombing, Pakistan was in trouble yet again. You appealed to the nation to come forward and help terminate extremism in Pakistan. Only Mehdi Foundation International stood fast to support you. We staged rallies to support you throughout Pakistan. We staged rallies in your support so that the international community may come to know that Pakistani nation is backing its president, but false cases of blasphemy were instigated against 250 members of MFI. Sectarian elements used Sind police in this joint venture. We are trying to build a better image of Pakistan in the eyes of world community and walking along with you. We staged a rally in your support in London too.
Musharraf sahib, we want Justice now. False cases of blasphemy against us must stop now. We claim that HH Gohar Shahi is Imam Mehdi. Allah almighty has manifested Divine Signs which is Allah's announcement that HH Gohar Shahi is Imam Mehdi. HH Gohar Shahi's teachings are uniting all humanity in Ummat-e-Wahidah. If the government of Pakistan thinks that HH Gohar Shahi is not Imam Mehdi, we demand that the Government must prove it, or let us prove it to you that HH Gohar Shahi is Imam Mehdi. If the claim is proved to be false, the government has every right to punish us. One ignorant person, namely shahbaz from Faisalabad, made a false claim of mehdiate. We have openly declared that this person has nothing to do with MFI, but police is arresting MFI members for no reason. At least 50 members have been arrested by police, and blasphemy cases have been lodged against them. Musharraf sahib, this is injustice. You are kindly requested to dispense JUSTICE. MFI members have a great deal of expectations in you. Please allow us to meet you to discuss the matter in full.
Yours Truly,
Mohammad Younus
Mehdi Foundation International
www.goharshahi.com
