Pakistan, China ink 51 MoUs worth $59 billion investment

Pakistan and China on Monday decided to lift bilateral ties to all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation, hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on 20th April, 2015 in Islamabad Pakistan.

During the delegation-level talks held at the PM House, President Xi and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif agreed to bring their relation to a new height.

According to the Chinese sources, they agreed for the up-gradation of bilateral relations in all fields of common interest. They decided to gear up for an expansion of cooperation in various fields, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor high on the agenda.

The corridor is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking southwest Pakistan's deepwater Gwadar Port with northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

At least 51 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in different sectors, including energy, infrastructure, security and economic development were signed between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing ceremony held at the PM Office. Both the countries signed the MoUs on the joint statement between China and Pakistan on establishing the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

The memoranda of understanding signed by both sides are listed below:
1-     Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on establishing the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
2-     Minutes of the 4th JCC of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
3-     Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
4-     Exchange of Notes of feasibility study of the Demonstration Project of the DTMB between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
5-     Exchange of notes on provision of Anti-Narcotics Equipment between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
6-     Exchange of notes on provision of Law Enforcement Equipment between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
7-     Exchange of Notes on Feasibility Study of Gwadar Hospital between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
8-     MOU on provision of Chinese Governmental concessional Loan for second phase up-gradation of Karakorum Highway (Havelian to Thakot) between Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
9-     MOU on provision of Chinese Governmental concessional Loan for Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Multan to Sukkur) between Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
10-     MOU on provision of Chinese Governmental concessional Loan for Gwadar port East Bay Expressway Project between Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
11-     MOU on provision of Chinese Governmental concessional Loan for Gwadar International Airport between Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
12-     Protocol on Banking Services to Agreement on Trade in Services between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the People's Republic of China.
13-     MOU on provision of Material for Tackling Climate Change between National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Finance (EAD) of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
14-     Framework Agreement on Cooperation on Major Communications Infrastructure Project between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
15-     MOU on Cooperation between NDRC of the People's Republic of China and ministry of Planning Development and Reform of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
16-     MOU on Pro Bono Projects in the Port of Gwadar Region between Ministry for Planning, Development and Reform of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
17-    MOU on establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Cotton Bio-Tech Laboratory between the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
18-    Framework Agreement between the National Railway Administration, Government of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Railways, Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Joint Feasibility Study for up-gradation of ML1 and Establishment of Havelain Dry port of Pakistan Railways.
19-     Protocol on the Establishment of China-Pakistan Joint Marine Research Center between State Oceanic Administration of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
20-     MOU on cooperation between the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Films and Television of China and Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage of Pakistan.
21-     Triple Party Agreement between China Central Television and PTV and Pakistan Television Foundation on the re-broadcasting of CCTV-NEWS/CCTV -9 Documentary in Pakistan.
22-     Protocol on establishment of Sister Cities Relationship between Chengdu city Sichuan Province of PRC and Lahore City.
23-    Protocol on establishment of Sister Cities Relationshipbetween Zhuhai City, Guangdong province of the People's Republic of China and  Gwadar city, Balochistan of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
24-    Protocol on establishment of Sister Cities Relationship between Karamay City, XianjianUgur, autonomous region of the People's Republic of China and Gwadar city, Balochistan of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
25-    Framework Agreement between NEA and MoPNRon Gwadar-Nawabshah LNG Terminal and Pipeline Project.
26-    Commercial Contract on Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project.
27-    Agreement on financing for Lahore Orange line Metro Train project.
28-    MOU on financing for KKH up-gradation Phase-2 (Havelian to Takot), KLM, Gwadar East Bay Expressway, Gwadar International Airport Projects.
29-    Financing Agreement relating to the 870 MW Hydro-Electric Suki Kinari Hydropower Project between EXIM Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited and SK Hydro (Private) Limited.
30-    Financing Cooperation Agreement between the EXIM Bank of China and Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited (on Port Qasim 2x660MW Coal-fired Power Plant).
31-    Framework Facility Agreement for 720MW Karot Hydropower Project between China Development Bank Corporation, EXIM Bank of China and Karot Power Company (Private) Limited.
32-    Term Sheet of the facility for Zonergy 9x100 MW solar project in Punjab between China Development Bank Corporation, EXIM Bank of China and Zonergy Company limited.
33-    Drawdown Agreement on Jhimpir wind Power project between UEP Wind power (Private) Limited as Borrower and China Development Bank Corporation as lender.
34-    Terms and Conditions in favor of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company for Thar Block II 3.8Mt/a mining Project, Sindh province, Pakistan Arranged by China Development Bank Corporation.
35-    Terms and Conditions in favor of Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited, Sindh province, Pakistan for Thar Block II 2x330MW Coal Fired Power Project Arranged by China Development Bank Corporation.
36-    Framework Agreement of Financing Cooperation in Implementing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor between China Development Corporation and HBL.
37-    MOU with respect to Cooperation between WAPDA and CTG.
38-    MOU among PPIB, CTG, and Silk Road Fund on Development of Private Hydro Power Projects.
39-    Facility operating Agreement for Dawood Wind Power project between ICBC and PCC of China and HDPPL.
40-    Framework Agreement for Promoting Chinese Investments and industrial Parks Developments in Pakistan between ICBC and HBL on financial services corporation.
41-    The financing term sheet agreement for Thar Block -I between ICBC, SSRL.
42-    Energy Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Punjab Province of Pakistan and China Huaneng Group.
43-    Framework Agreement on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor Energy Project Cooperation between Ministry of Water & Power and China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE).
44-    Cooperation Agreement between Sino-Sindh Resources (Pvt.) Ltd and Shanghai Electric Group for Thar Coalfield Block I Coal-Power integrated Project in Pakistan.
45-    Cooperation Agreement for Matiyari-Lahore and Matyari (Port Qasim)-Faisalabad Transmission and Transformation Project between National Transmission Distribution Company (NTDC) and National Grid of China.
46-    IA on Port Qasim Coal fired Power Plant between Power China and GoP.
47-    Facility Agreement for the Sahiwal Coal-fired Power Plant Project between industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Huaneng Shandong Electricity limited and Shandong Ruyi Group.
48-    Cooperation Agreement on Hubco Coal-fired Power Plant Project between CPIH and Hubco Power Company.
49-    Facilitation Agreement on Salt Range Coal-fired Power Project between CMEC and Punjab Government.
50-    MOU between NUML Pakistan and Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi China for Cooperation on Higher Education.
51-    Agreement on collaboration on establishment of NUML International Center of education (NICE) between NUML Pakistan and Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, China.
On this occasion the two leaders inaugurated the following projects by unveiling the plaques:
1.     Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Lahore Branch.
2.     Energization of 100 MW solar power plants at Quad-i-Azam solar park, Bahawalpur.
3.     FM 98 Dosti Channel studio PBC-CRI, Islamabad.
4.     Demonstration project of DTMB Broadcasting in Pakistan.
5.     China Cultural center Pakistan.
6.     China-Pakistan Joint Research Center for small hydropower, Islamabad.
7.     China-pakistan cross-border optical fiber cable system project.
8.     Metro rail transit system on the Orange Line in Lahore.
Ground breaking of following power projects was also jointly done by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping via video link:
1-     Karot     720 MW    Hydropower project.
2-     Dawood     50 MW     Wind-power project.
3-     Sachal     50 MW     Wind-power project.
4-     Zonergy     900 MW     solar project.
5-     Jhimpir     100 MW     Wind-power project.

Yemen's Crisis: The Battle for Supremacy or Sectarian Hostility

 25 مارچ کو یمن میں سعودی عرب نے فضائی مداخلت کا آغاز کیا تھا۔ سعودی عرب کا دعویٰ ہے کہ یمن میں موجود شیعہ حوثی باغیوں کو ایرانی حکومت کی مدد حاصل ہے۔

Natural Beauty of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Skardu is one of the major tourism, trekking and expedition hubs in Gilgit–Baltistan in the extreme northern areas of Pakistan. The mountainous terrain of the region, including four of the world's 14 Eight-thousander peaks (8,000 m and above), attracts the attention of tourists, trekkers and mountaineers from around the world. The main tourist season is from April to October; except this time, the area can be cut off for extended periods by the snowy, freezing winter weather.

Accessible from Skardu by road, the nearby Askole and Hushe are the main gateways to the snow covered 8,000 m peaks including K2, the Gasherbrums,Broad Peak, the Trango Towers, and to the huge glaciers of Baltoro, Biafo andTrango. This makes Skardu the main tourist and mountaineering base in the area, which has led to the development of a reasonably extensive tourist infrastructure including shops and hotels. However, the popularity of the region results in high prices, especially during the main trekking season.

Treks to the Deosai Plains, the second highest in the world at 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level, after the Chang Tang in Tibet, either start from or end at Skardu. In local Balti language, Deosai is called Byarsa, meaning 'summer place'. With an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 sq mi), the plains extend all the way to Ladakh and provide habitat for snow leopards, ibex, Tibetan blue bears and wild horses.

Here are some pictorial glimpses of Skardu.

Deosai-The Last Sanctuary

GB Election and PM's Visit to Gilgit

On 14th April 2015, Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Gilgit. Addressing a public gathering, the prime minister said “I have come here to give you development projects… Nawaz Sharif’s heart beats with people of Gilgit Baltistan”. He announced that Hunza, Nagar, Shigar and Kharmang districts will be created in the region besides forming a committee under the leadership of Mr. Sartaj Aziz to make recommendations for resolving the constitutional limbo in the region. The Prime Minister said that around 40bn rupees will be spent on widening and repair of the 75km long Jaglote-Skardu road. Mr.PM also announced construction of Henzal Hydro electricity project to address the electricity shortage in Gilgit city. He distributed 280 laptops amoung  the students of Karakuram International University and promised 1,000 more laptops for them besides establishing Baltistan University. PM also promised 2million loan for unemployed youth, more PIA flights for the region and repeated the announcement of making the region’s airports fit for landing of larger jets.

In an another meeting PM approved GB Timber Policy under which it has been plan to plant 2.6 million sapling trees during coming 30 years.

Now that when the elections of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) are round the corner, it is a shrived move from PM to influence voters in the favor of PML(N) in GBLA election. The Chairman of PTI Mr. Imran Khan also termed it brazen move of pre-poll rigging. But it is befitting to underline it here that the people of GB are mature enough now to understand the hidden motive behind sloganeering of PM in GB.

Being a concern citizen of GB I am of the opinion that the so called package announced by PM is not more than gimmick to rig elections! The educated voters of GB know that they can't be fooled anymore by presenting old wine in an new bottle.

Mr. PM need to review and re affirm his promise to distribute 20 crore for Attaabad IDPS as he had announced during his last visit.The most important issue of constitutional status was fudged. The announcement of Shigar and khrmang as new districts were already made by PM Gilani just before last elections and were never notified! Hunza district is welcomed but we need immediate implementation to believe it. Furthermore, people of Hunza have been demanding for additional seat in GBLA as it has only one seat in GBLA. While its neighbour Nagar, which is much smaller than Hunza in population terms, have two seat in GBLA. Due to which Hunza is getting lesser amount of fund from divisible pool of fund from GB Government, which eventually effects developmental projects in the Hunza region. Similarly, Economic Corridor, Damer Basha Dam and Bunji projects are national projects and were approved during the regime of Prez Musharraf's. Announcement of Rs. 43 Billion package is repackaging of already approved projects by ECNEC, including Gilgit-Skardu road, realignment of KKH, Naltar III and Henzel project. The main point of forest policy is legalising illegally detained timber since 2001. GB needs its own policy for hydro-power development, which was not approved.

One of a GBian Sajjad Hyder rightly said that "we do not need your laptop Mr. prime minister.. because there is no electricity to charge the batteries, we also have no right to use 3G or 4G services, we are yet to get a high-speed Internet in GB.. so why do not you keep them to yourself..
we do not need roads, but proper security and maintenance of the one we have ( KKH ).. we need security and I am sure you can not provide so..
we do not need your loans because our income is so less and we can not pay back the interest..
we do not need your fake commitments because we all know Diamar dam is postponed till 2037...
We do not need your artificial love for GB, because your cabinet has already disowned us...
We also know Mr. prime minister .. you had the same statements when you you visited the GB first time decades back ...
so my request.. why do not you please go back and fool someone else there .. we have grown enough... and we know how to fight for our rights.. because I was a kid in 90s.. I am now a grown educated man..."

Nawaz Sharif is standing with all non-local leadership
during a public meeting in Gilgit. 

As far as "Nawaz Sharif’s heart beats with people of Gilgit-Baltistan" is concern, this picture speaks louder than his words as no one from GB is seen in the first row of this public meeting. We have never seen a non-local Governor in any  province of Pakistan. But here in case of GB, a non-local Governor of GB Mr. Barjees Tahir is introducing our local Chief Minister to PM as if he is a beggar not a CM of province.Therefore, one can easily infer that these people are not sincere in resolving genuine issues of GB. GBians demand representation in National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan.

The Governor of GB-a non-local-is introducing CM GB to Mr. PM

GBians need livelihood opportunities, Engineering and Medical institutions, quality health care services, rule of law and merit base inductions in Government offices. GBians will cast their votes only to those who have delivered in past and having SMART plans for a bright future of GBian in GB. A mere sloganeering and false promises will not serve the purpose any more Mr. PM. A positive and change is our due here.

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GB Votes Gilgit-Baltistan

Sufism Verses Extremism in Sindh

In the history of sub-continent, the Sindh province has always remained the center of educational excellence, scholarship, reach civilization and ancient cultural heritage. During my affiliation with different organisations, I have been to almost all parts of Pakistan but I have never ever seen this much religious tolerance as i have observed in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Wherever i went to field visits and socialize a bit with local communities in different parts of Pakistan, they used to ask one question first after asking my name; that is whether i am a Sunni, Shia or non-Muslim. But Sindh is the sole place where people are more interested in cast and creed than my religious affiliation. As such, their second questions happen to be about my cast and creed not about my sect. I still remember that only one time someone asked about my religious affiliation in Kandhkot Northern Sindh.

I have observed that the reason behind all this religious tolerance in Sindh is just because of two main reasons: The first reason is relatively absense of religious seminaries and the second reason is the great influence and teaching of Sufi Saint like Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Abdullah Shah Ghazi and others saints and mystic personalities who have been preaching for humanitarian principle, pluralistic values and unity in diversity throughout Sindh.

With Madam Abida Perveen-one of the Sufi Singer of Sind
Dated 30 Dec, 2011

On 30th Dec, 2011, after meeting with one of a famous sufi singer of Sindh Madam Abida Parveen in Sewan Sharif Sindh, when I visited the shrine of Jhulay Lal, a famous Sufi saint, whom both Hindus and Muslims revere equally, I was stunned to see a Hindu temple and a Muslim shrine-like building built on the same premises.

How was it possible that people hailing from two diametrically opposite creeds came and prayed in the same building? And, no communal feud ensued?

But that is Sindh; a timeless land with a history of religious tolerance, nurtured by the poetry and teachings of its Sufi saints and mystics. In today's Pakistan where religious extremist and terrorist are on the rampage, the beautiful instances of peaceful coexistence can only be seen in areas of Sindh where a Hindu fasts and a Muslim does not slaughter cows in respect of each others beliefs and traditions.

But during recent years some cases of force conversion, religious intolerance along with suicide bombings on religious centers and places of worship have been reported especially from Rural Sindh. This phenomenon has gradually started to ravage this unique fabric of Indus civilizations, Sindhi society and its unique culture which is considered to be one of the richest and most distinctive across the world.

Therefore, it is high time for all the concern residents and citizens of Sindh to take good care of it and play our due role to protect ancient tradition and unique civilization of Indus valley's which is all about peaceful coexistence, respect for humanitarian principle, pluralistic values and unity in diversity. Religious extremism anywhere in Sindh is threat to Sufism everywhere in Pakistan as religious extremism and Sufism are mutually exclusive. Therefore, it is suggested to keep an eye on the hatemongers, religious extremist and non-state actors who are slowly penetrating in every nook and corner of Sindh to poison our society with their anti-social and hate mongering tactics and hate preaches. It is equally important to understand the power of unity among different cast and creeds of Sindh. It has been observed that feudal lords, chieftains and vested interest groups have divided innocent people of Sindh on the basis of cast and creeds besides destroying educational institutions of your children to rule over them during the years ahead as well. Therefore, it is high time to protect the bright legacy of Sindh by protecting and restoring your cultural heritage & traditions besides shunning your cast and creed related petty differences to protect the very future of your children and their children in the years to come. 

Anniversary of ZA Bhutto and Obituary of Education in Rural Sindh

Now that when the Sindh Government of PPP have announced public holiday on the 36th death anniversary of ZA Bhatto today, it is befitting to revisit dynamics of rural Sindh and legacy of ZA Bhutto with special focus on the performance of his heirs and PPP in education sector in Sindh.

In the history of sub-continent, the Sindh province has always remained the center of educational excellence, scholarship, reach civilization and ancient cultural heritage. During my affiliation with different organizations, I have been to almost all parts of Pakistan but I never ever seen this much religious tolerance as i have seen in Sindh province of Pakistan. Wherever i went to field visits and socialize a bit with local communities in different parts of Pakistan, they used to ask one question first after asking my name; that is whether i am a Sunni, Shia or non-Muslim. But Sindh is the sole place where people are more interested in cast and creed than my religious affiliation. As such, their second questions happen to be about my cast and creed not about my sect. I still remember that only one time someone asked about my religious affiliation in Kandhkot Northern Sindh-that too was asked just because of a misunderstanding.

I have observed that the reason behind all this religious tolerance in Sindh is just because of two main reasons: Absence of religious seminaries along with teaching and great influence of Sufi Saint like Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Abdullah Shah Ghazi and others saints and mystic personalities who have always preached for humanitarian principle, pluralistic values and unity in diversity in Sindh. 

After meeting with one of a famous sufi singer of Sindh Ms. Abida Parveen, when I visited the shrine of Jhulay Lal, a famous Sufi saint, whom both Hindus and Muslims revere equally, I was stunned to see a Hindu temple and a Muslim shrine-like building built on the same premises visiting the stated area by all schools of thoughts.

How was it possible that people hailing from two diametrically opposite creeds came and prayed in the same building? And, no communal feud ensued?

But that is Sindh; a timeless land with a history of religious tolerance, nurtured by the poetry and teachings of its Sufi saints and mystics. In today's Pakistan where religious extremist and terrorist are on the rampage, the beautiful instances of peaceful coexistence can only be seen in areas like Sindh where a Hindu fasts and a Muslim does not slaughter cows in respect of each other's beliefs and traditions.

But during recent years some cases of force conversion, religious intolerance along with suicide bombings on religious centers and places of worship have been reported especially from Rural Sindh. This phenomenon has gradually started to ravage this unique fabric of Sindhi society. Therefore, it is high time for all the concern citizens of Sindh to play your due role to protect your ancient tradition of peaceful coexistence along with respect for humanitarian principle, pluralistic values and unity in diversity. It is suggested to keep an eye on the hatemongers, religious extremist and non-state actors who are slowly penetrating in every nook and corner of Sindh to poison your society with their anti-social and hate mongering tactics and enticing preaches.

Same is the case with reach cultural heritage and ancient monuments and historical sites in Sindh. Sindh province of Pakistan is home to nearly 3000 sites and monuments, of which 1200 are still unprotected. Ruins of old city, Buddhist Stupa in Guja Hyderabad a few miles from Tando Muhammad Khan, Ranikot Fort in Jamshoro, Kot Diji Fort in Khairpur,  Jain Temple in Nagarparkar, Kalka Cave Temple of Arore near Rohri Sukkur and other forts along with Necropolis of Burfats in Taung ThanaBula Khan Jamshoro needed attention of concerned government departments to protect them from destruction. 

Especially the ancient city of Mohenjo Daro and Makli along with other historical forts needed immediate attention of Sindh Government as they are crumbling away. Same is the case with Necropolis of Burfats in Taung as i have seen a number of pieces of Necropolis of Burfats in Sindhiology Department at University of Sindh. It is note a wise move from the said department of Sindh University as their acts have defaced these historical sites and monuments.

It is need of the hour to protect and restore the rich cultural heritage of Sindh as it can definitely help in reviving economy along with pride and identity of local communities through interventions in cultural heritage that supported social, physical and institutional development as it happened in resource poor areas in Gilgit-Baltistan.

At Necropolis of Burfats in Taung near Kirthar National Park in the Kohistan ,some 70 kilomtres from Thana Bula Khan town of Jamshoro district

1. 
   

Ghost schools, ghost teachers and indifferent community are also one of the main factors which make rural Sindh an unparalleled province in Pakistan. According to then Sindh Information Minister Ms. Shazia Marri, during the year 2012 the Sindh government was spending over Rs10 billion on ghost employees annually including 381 dead staffers. The report further unveiled that a huge number of 1,264 government employees were doing dual jobs and also taking two salaries from the government treasury. According to latest media reports, this figure has dramatically been increased to 40,000 ghost teachers and 5,600 ghost schools in Sindh. To make the matter worst, the people of Sindh are still in deep slumber. Therefore, they are still raising slogans like GA Bhutto, GA Benazire and GA PPP instead of raising voices for their basic right like right to quality education, affordable health and decent employment opportunities.

Instead of school children, there happens to be goats in schools during the tenure of last PPP government in Sindh. With the advent of new PPP government in Sindh, this situation has further been deteriorated. Thus, now donkeys are getting “education” in these schools instead of our children in Sindh. On the basis of this progress and the ground realities one can easily infer that the days are not far away when goats, donkeys and dogs will be “graduating” from these schools in near future. The report on second annual education rankings and the pictures in the given bellow clearly depicts a gloomy outlook of education in Sindh.

I wonder how long the people of Sindh will fooled themselves in the name of a particular name, ideology and political party. It’s time to wake up otherwise it will be too late to secure the future of our children and coming generation in this highly competitive and meritocratic society. 

 I had taken this picture in the home district of then Education Minister Sindh Mr. Pir Mazharul Haq in Dadu Sindh on 8th September 2012.

This is the latest picture showing "impact" of education friendly policies of PPP government in Sindh. In 2015 "admission" have been given to Donkeys after "graduation" of Goats admitted in 2012. 

Everyone respect ZA Bhutto in Pakistan for his statesmanship and leadership skills. But the bitter fact is that after ZA Bhutto, what the heirs of Bhutto have done to secure the future of your children except building castles and tombs in the name of Bhutto instead of schools for your children, let alone providing “Roti, Kapda and Makan” as they have been promising in their manifesto in each election.

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ایران جوہری معاہدہ: مسئلہ ہے کیا؟

ایران کے جوہری پروگرام پر دس برس سے زیادہ عرصے سے جاری مذاکرات بظاہر منگل 31 مارچ کو ختم ہو رہے ہیں۔ تاہم سوال پیدا ہوتا ہے کہ ایران کے جوہری پروگرام پر اتنے عرصے سے جاری مذاکرات کے اہم نکات ہیں کیا؟

دنیا کے سب سے بڑے تنازعے کا فیصلہ کن لمحہ

آنے والے وقت میں جو بھی ہوتا ہے ایران اور بین الاقوامی برادری پر اس کے اہم اثرات مرتب ہو سکتے ہیں۔تہران اور مغرب کے درمیان ایران کے جوہری پروگرام پر کشیدگی ایک طویل عرصے سے جاری ہے، تاہم اگر منگل کو کوئی معاہدہ ہو جاتا ہے تو فریقین کے درمیان سفارتی تناؤ کم ہو سکتا ہے۔ لیکن دوسری جانب اگر یہ مذاکرات ناکام ہو جاتے ہیں تو یہ صورتحال بہت بگڑ سکتی ہے۔

جہاں تک خود ایران کا تعلق ہے تو اس کا کہنا ہے کہ وہ جوہری بم نہیں بنانا چاہتا، تاہم اس کا اصرار ہے کہ اسے ایک پر امن جوہری پروگرام کا حق حاصل ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ ایران یہ بھی چاہتا ہے کہ ان اقتصادی پابندیوں کو اٹھایا جائے جن کی وجہ سے اس کی معیشت بری طرح متاثر ہو رہی ہے۔

کئی ممالک ایران کی نیّتوں پر اعتبار نہیں کرتے اور انھیں خوف ہے کہ پتہ نہیں ایران جوہری ہتھیاروں حاصل کرنے کے بعد دنیا کے ایک غیر مستحکم ترین خطے میں کیا کرے گا۔

تاریخ کا ادراک

بعض لوگوں کا خیال ہے کہ ایران کے ساتھ سے امتیازی سلوک کیا جا رہا ہے۔ دنیا میں کئی ممالک ایسے ہی جن کے جوہری پروگرام چل رہے ہیں اور کم از کم آٹھ ممالک ایسے ہیں جن کے پاس جوہری ہتھیار موجود ہیں۔

ایران کے جوہری پروگرام پر اتنی پریشانی کی وجہ یہ ہے کہ 18 برس تک اس نے اپنا خفیہ جوہری پروگرام جاری رکھا اور وہ جوہری اسلحے کی پھیلاؤ کے بین الاقوامی معاہدے (این پی لای) کی خلاف ورزی کرتا رہا۔

اس کا نتیجہ یہ نکلا کہ اقوام متحدہ کی سلامتی کونسل نے ایران کے خلاف چھ قراردادیں منظور کر لیں جن کا مقصد اسے یورینیم کی افزودگی سے روکنا تھا۔

سنہ 2013 میں ایران ایک عارضی معاہدے کے تحت کچھ اقتصادی پاندیاں ہٹائے جانے کے جواب میں اپنے جوہری پروگرام کے کچھ حصے معطل کرنے پر رضامند بھی ہوگیا، لیکن یہ بات عارضی ہی تھی اور اس سے تنازع ختم نہیں ہوا۔

اس کے علاوہ بین الاقوامی برادری کو یہ فکر بھی ہے اسے ایران کی جانب سے جوہری پروگرام کے ممکنہ فوجی پہلوؤں کے بارے میں سوالات کے تسلی بخش جواب نہیں ملے۔

ایران کہتا ہے کی اس کے معاملے میں مغرب کا معیار دوہرا ہے کیونکہ وہ ایران کے سب سے بڑے دشمن اسرائیل کے معاملے میں کچھ بھی نہیں رہا حالانکہ ساری دنیا کو یقین ہے کہ اسرائیل کے پاس جوہری ہتھیار موجود ہیں۔ یاد رہے کہ اسرائیل نے نہ کبھی اقرار کیا ہے اور نہ ہی انکار کہ اس کے پاس جوہری ہتھیار موجود ہیں۔ تاہم بھارت اور پاکستان کی طرح، اسرائیل نے بھی این پی ٹی پر دستخط نہیں کیے ہیں۔

اقتصادی پابندیوں نے ایران کو بہت متاثر کیا ہے

جب سے ایران کی خفیہ جوہری سرگرمیاں منظر عام پر آئی ہیں، اس وقت سے اس پر اقوام متحدہ، یورپی یونین اور کئی دیگر ممالک کی جانب سے پابندیوں کی بوچھاڑ ہو چکی ہے۔

ان پابندیوں میں ایران کو بڑے ہتھیار اور جوہری پروگرام سے متعلق ٹیکنالوجی مہیا کرنے پر پابندی، اسلحہ برآمد کرنے پر پابندی، ایران کے اثاثے منجمد کرنا، سفری پابندیاں، قیمتی دھاتوں کی تجارت پر پابندی، خام تیل کی برآمد پر پابندی، بین الاقوامی بینکوں سے پیسے کی ترسیل سمیت کئی پابندیاں شامل ہیں۔

سنہ 2013 کی عارضی معاہدے کے جواب میں ان پابندیوں میں سے کچھ کمی کر دی گئی تھی جس کے جواب میں ایران سے کہا گیا تھا کہ وہ یورینیم کی افزودگی ختم کرے۔

کہا جاتا ہے کہ ان پابندیوں کی وجہ سے ایرانی ریال کی قیمت میں کمی آ گئی ہے اور ملک میں افراطِ زر میں اضافہ ہونے کی وجہ سے کھانے پینے کی بنیادی اشیاء اور ایندھن کی قیمتوں میں بہت اضافہ ہو چکا ہے۔ مہنگائی کی وجہ سے عام ایرانی بہت متاثر ہو رہے ہیں اور یہ خبریں بھی آتی رہی ہیں کہ لوگ حکومت کے خلاف مظاہرے بھی کرتے رہتے ہیں۔

ایران چاہتا ہے کہ اقوام متحدہ کی پابندیوں بہت جلد ختم ہو جائیں، لیکن دنیا کی بڑی طاقتوں کا کہنا ہے کہ پانبندیوں میں نرمی مرحلہ وار ہونی چاہیے اور جوہری ٹیکنالوجی سے متعلق مواد کی درآمد پر لگائی گئی پابندی برسوں قائم رہنی چاہیے۔

معاہدے میں تاخیر پر کچھ ممالک ناخوش

اسرائیل اور ایران کے خلیجی پڑوسی اس بات سے خوفزدہ ہیں کہ کہیں ایران ایک ایسا معاہدہ کرنے میں کامیاب نہ ہو جائے جس کے بعد اس کے پاس جوہری بم بنانے کی کسی قسم کی صلاحیت باقی رہے۔

ایران سمجھتا ہے کہ اسرائیل کا وجود ختم ہونا چاہیے، جبکہ اسرائیل سمجھتا ہے کہ ایران سے اسرائیل اور دیگر دنیا کی سلامتی کو خطرہ ہے۔ اسرائیلی وزیر اعظم نیتن یاہو متعدد مرتبہ ’ایک نہایت بُرے معاہدے‘ سے خبردار کر چکے ہیں اور ان کا کہنا ہے ایران کے پاس ایک بھی سینٹری فیوج نہیں چھوڑنا چاہیے۔

سعودی عرب کو بھی خدشہ ہے کہ اگر کوئی مفاہمتی معاہدہ ہو جاتا ہے تو اس سے ایران کو آخر کار بم حاصل کرنے سے روکا نہیں جا سکے گا۔اس کے علاوہ سعودی عرب کو یہ فکر بھی ہے کہ اگر ایران پر پابندیاں ختم کر دی گئیں تو اس سے ایران کی ہمت بڑھ جائے گی اور وہ معاشی اور فوجی اعتبار سے مضبوط ہو جائے گا۔

یوں خطے میں امریکہ کے دونوں اہم اتحادی، اسرائیل اور سعودی عرب محسوس کرتے ہیں امریکہ ایران کے ساتہ معاہدے کو اپنے اتحادیوں کے تحفظ پر ترجیح دے رہا ہے۔

یہ معاملہ یہاں ختم نہیں ہوگا

کئی اعتبار سے یہ ایران کے جوہری پروگرام کا فیصلہ کن لمحہ ہے، لیکن اس کا مطلب یہ نہیں اگر 31 مارچ کو کوئی معاہدہ ہو جاتا ہے تو تنازع ہمیشہ کے لیے حل ہو جائے گا۔

31 مارچ کی ڈیڈ لائن کا مقصد ممکنہ معاہدے کے خد وخال پر اتفاق کرنا تھا جس کی بنیاد پر 31 جون تک حتمی معاہدہ طے پا سکے جس میں تمام تکنیکی تفصیلات بھی شامل ہوں گی۔

اس معاہدہ کی راہ میں حائل بڑی رکاوٹوں میں ایک رکاوٹ یہ ہے اس معاہدے کی مدت کیا ہوگی۔ اطلاعات ہیں کہ ایران کے جوہری پروگرام کے نازک ترین پہلوؤں پر فریقین میں دس سال کے معاہدے پر اتفاق ہو چکا ہے، تاہم یہ واضح نہیں ہے کہ اس مدت کے ختم ہونے پر کیا ہوگا۔