India, Pakistan: Media Cooperation For Peace

Sans Serif reports that two media giants – Jang from Pakistan and The Times of India from India – have joined hands in a peace initiative called ‘Aman ki Asha’ on the first day of the new year. The aim is to foster greater understanding between people of the two countries and to give peace a chance.

19 comments

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    I WAS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD WHEN I HAD TO MIGRATE TO INDIA, LEAVING MY BIRTHPLACE WHICH WAS CALLED PAKISTAN AFTER AUGUST 15, 1947.
    SINCE THEN THE ONLY THING I HAVE BEEN LISTENING THAT PAKISTAN WANTS THE SO CALLED OCCUPIED KASHMIR BACK FROM INDIA BY HOOK OR BY CROOK. THE RESULT OF THIS DEMAND RESULTED 3 WARS BETWEEN THE TWO GREAT NATIONS OF THE WORLD, AND THE SITUATION IS THE SAME LIKE IT WAS IN 1947,,,,,,NO CHANGE BUT THE A MAJOR FOR PAKISTAN THAT SHE LOST HER ONE PART WHICH BECAME BENGLADESH LATER.
    IN MY VIEW THE BIGGEST AND ONLY PROBLEM WITH PAKISTAN HAS BEEN WRONG LEADERSHIP OR NO RIGHT LEADERSHIP. ALL THE LEADERS OF PAKISTAN SINCE 1947 HAD NO VISION FOR UPLIFTING OF THE COUNTRY RATHER THEY WERE SO DISHONEST AND GREEDY THAT DID NOTHING BUT ROB THE COUNTRY OF ALL THE WEALTH AND TRANSFERED TO ALL THE WESTERN COUNTRIES. WHENEVER THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN GOT TO THAT POINT WHERE THEY WERE FED UP WITH THE REGIME, AND WANTED A CHANGE IN THE COUNTY THE LEADERS, WHEATHER THEY WERE ELECTED OR MILITARY RULERS, WOULD DIVERT THEIR ATTENTION BY USING THE NAME “KASHMIR” AND POOR AND UNEDUCATED MASSES WILL FOLLOW THEM AGAIN AND FORGOT THEIR REAL PROBLEM AND THIS KIND OF TACTICS USED BY THE RULERS OF PAKISTAN CREATED SO MUCH HATRED IN THE MINDS OF PAKISTANIS THAT THEY WILL NOT SETTLE FOR LESS THAN KASHMIR. THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN WERE KEPT SO POOR AND IGNORANT AND UNEDUCATED THAT THEY COULD NOT UNDERSTAND THE REAL MOTIVES OF THE RULERS.
    IF MR. BHUTTO HAD GIVEN THE RIGHT OF GOVERNING TO THE ELECTED LEADER OF THE COUNTRY MR. MUJIB-UR-REHMAN, THE BANGLADESH COULD NOT BECOME THE REALITY. THERE ARE SO MANY EXAMPLES IN THE HISTORY WHERE THE PRESENT SITUATION OF PAKISTAN COULD HAVE BEEN MADE DIFFERENT, BUT IT WAS AGAINST THE WILLS OF THE DISHONEST AND CORRUPT LEADERS OF THE COUNTRY.
    I HAVE BEEN TO PAKISTAN FEW TIMES, AND ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS, MY FRIENDS IN PAKISTAN WOULD OPEN THEIR ARMS AND HEARTS FOR ME AND I DID NOT SEE ANY HATRED. EVERYBODY I MET SAID THAT THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT KASHMIR AS LONG AS THEY HAVE FOOD ON THE TABLE AND A ROOF ABOVE THEIR HEADS. INDIVIDUALLY EVERY PERSON IN PAKISTAN THAT KASHMIR IS THE CARD EVERY RULER HAVE BEEN PLAYING TO KEEP OR SECURE HIS OR HER POSITION.
    I AM GLAD THAT TWO MAJOR MEDIA GROUPS IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN HAVE JOINED HANDS TO BRING SOME EFFORTS AND CREATE PEACFULL ATMOSPHERE IN TWO GREAT COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. I HOPE THEY SUCCEED IN THEIR MUTUAL MISSION AND I CAN GO BACK TO MY BIRTHPLACE WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTIONS AND ENJOY THE SMELL OF THE ” MITTI OF PAKISTAN”.

  • masihi banda

    Gurjit

    Whats up with this writing, all caps? Its blindin’ me man. I’m just kiddin’ dude.

    Now a cry from heart, my lamentation:

    You are absolutely right the corruption and the bigotry have brought Pakistan down to nothing. The politicians continue to play this dangerous game of corruption in the name of religion. As you mentioned we have already lost East Pakistan, and now we are in danger of losing West Pakistan to the Arab Bedouins (al-queda) who could care less for the indigenous Punjabi culture which have survived there for centuries even before Islam ever touched its soil (mitti).

    The misery and demise of Punjab is heart wrenching. Nobody cares for her anymore; the soul of Punjab is in deep sorrow. She crys aloud but nobody listens. She lays in a bed of desolation and wears the garments of lamentation. Muslims revere and worship their Arab brothers to such an extent that they are more than willing to compromise our culture for them and undermine the well being of the Punjabi people at large. This kind of mentality has brought the nation of Pakistan down to nothingness, so much so that now I am inclined to call myself ‘Punjabistani’ instead of Pakistani. We desperately need peace and freedom in Pakistan but it’s a hard sell right now. I don’t have a clue.

    I too am a product of the partition. The sad thing is we were reluctant to leave the beautiful Punjab and stayed behind only to be persecuted on daily basis. My respect and honor for Punjab will never cease, and my love for it rages within me like the mighty waters of Sindh. Oh the land my forefathers and my ancestors peace be upon you, may the souls of my departed people find refuge in your bosom. I will sing songs of glory and rejoice in your splendid past. And delightfully speak my sweet mother tongue among the people of the world, all in a prideful remembrance of you. Long live my beloved land, zindabaad, my home sweet home Punjabistan.

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    Hello Mr. Masihi Banda,
    Thanks for a response to my comments on the issue of Indo-Pak peace process initiated by the two big media groups of Pakistan and India. Your letter is well written and very impressive but you missed to mention in your letter the main point which I addressed in my comments what I made about the issue.

    The centre of my point was to indicate to the so called Democratic Govt. of Pakistan and people of Pakistan to avoid the issue of Kashmir altogether.

    In my view, for the Govt. of India, there is no issue of Pakistan anymore. It is too late even to touch the subject of Kashmir, because it is already too late for Pakistan to claim back Kashmir from India. The two wars which were fought only to capture Kashmir by Pakistan resulted in nothing but the loss of thousands of lives from both sides.

    Now when India is lot more powerful country comparing to Pakistan and also boasts of becoming one of the super powers of the world, how can a tiny and weak country like Pakistan even can think of facing India and ask for Kashmir.

    The whole world knows that Pakistan is a ” BEGGAR COUNTRY ” in the world who can only survive with the help of other countries mainly by the USA. Right now the only way and option for Pakistan is left for Pakistan to forget about Kashmir and try to create better relations with its immediate and next door neighbour. It will be much better for the country of Pakistan if it comes with the friendly terms with India and learn from it how to uplift the country and the lives of its starving people.

    The money it is spending on defence to get prepared for another war with India to claim Kashmir, it should rather spend on providing food, shelter and education to the poor masses of the country.

    I am making this statement on the basis of my personal experience by visiting Pakistan many times in the past years. General people of Pakistan do not give a damn about Kashmir anymore as long as they have food on the table and roof above their heads.

    And in my opinion these are the only options Pakistan should take to make peace in the region and for the people of the country.

    I know it is a hard pill to swallow but with the right leadership and good relations with the mediators of the world, it can be done, but then again, where would Pakistan find RIGHT LEADERSHIP because this is the first problem Pakistan has and had in the first place…………….
    I always pray for Pakistan for its existence, long life and prosperity, because as they say I AM THE SON OF THE SOIL.
    Pakistan Zinda Bad. Pakistan Paindabad

    • masihi banda

      Gurjit

      The last words of your conversation suggest you are well versed in Pakistani national anthem: Pak sar zamin shadbaad, kishvaray haseen shadbaad………painda tabindabaad, shadbaad manzil-a-murad……You wrote a good benediction. Are you sure you are not a Pakistani? I do admire people who have infinity for their roots and love the motherland with all their heart and soul.

      I could write volumes regarding the Kashmir issue but like anything else time and space shackle me. “Aur bhi dukh han zamanay main mahabat kay sawa” Since you asked for it I would give you my humble opinion, right or wrong.

      First of all there was no need to divide India into two parts. If they had to divide the sub-continent it should have been divided according to indigenous cultures: the Punjabi culture, the Hindi culture, and the Bengali culture. There wouldn’t have been any mass exodus or dislocation of people. By leaving India in tact the British would have helped save a lot of lives and we wouldn’t be having this conversation today.

      Unfortunately the land was cut off and thousands of lives were wasted and displaced forever. Pakistan was created where Muslims had the most majority. Kasmir being an exception where majority of Muslim population lived under the rulership of a Hindu raja and subsequently awarded to India. In my opinion there was no need of partition. The Hindus, the Muslims, the Sikhs and the Christians are all capable of living side by side as one people, as they have done so for centuries. Now we are slammed into a big mess. We have had many skirmishes across the border and many wars are waged regarding the Kashmir dispute and still no peaceful solution in sight.

      I think Pakistan should leave Kasmir well enough alone and concentrate on its own internal struggles. There is no benefit in adding Kashmir and making it miserable as well. Pakistan is run over by the extremists and the al-Queda factions so much so that its future could be in serious jeopardy. Now India should not sit idly by and let it happen. The land of Pakistan was once part of India anyway, not of Arabia or Persia. I hope to God one day there will be a reunification of some sort between India and Pakistan and peace will be allowed to return and flourish again. And that’s the kind of peace I am praying for.

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    Hello Mr. Masihi Banda,
    Thanks for the latest remarks on my comments. I admire the way you put the things.

    No I am not a Pakistani and yes I am a Pakistani, because I was born in Pakistan and have a special and a warm feeling for the country of my birth.

    Apart from all the emotions and feelings, I am a proud CANADIAN now and have been living in this country for the past over 32 years and have no intention of going back to either India or Pakistan. Although I wish to visit Pak. few times during the last few years of my life.

    Once I was speaking to a very good friend who happened to ba a German, and remarked that there is a very good possibility that Germany can be reunited, at which remarks, she laughed and said “no way, it is too late because it has been too long and now we two different countries”
    Today your dream of the reunification of India and Pakistan brought me the memory of my conversation with my German friend.
    Masihi Bhai, that day would be a glorious one, not only for me but for the millions of people in that continent, when they eliminate the borders between the two countries. I hope to live to that day when I make a trip to Pakistan (Wagha border) and then just walk to India without being asked for any I.D or a Passport. Amen………

    • masihi banda

      Gurjit

      Thanks for those kind words, friend. I deeply feel that I am not worthy of such praise. I believe the praise belongs to the Lord God Almighty who created us all, each one of us in a unique way and grants us the opportunity to communicate with one another. At the end of the day, God is incharge and we just do what He commands us to do. As for me, He is the fortress of my soul, my salvation, and my protection in times of trouble. Praise be to His name, His mercy endureth forever: Rub khudavand baadshah ha, O jalal tha baadshah ha, Ameen.

  • Irum raza

    Asalam-o-Alaikum, Mr. GURJIT! to talk about the feelings of the people of another country is not that much simple as you made it. I respect your views but i think the people of Pakistan were very concerned about the issue of Kashmir as well. But, unfortunately, we didn’t get a good leadership who could talk for the issues of Pakistan. We can see the leadership of Iran(I salute him). Actually, we also need a strong leadership like that in Iran. These days, each and every cititzen of Pakistan is united to secure Pakistan from the insurgents. Everyone is ready to offer their services.
    So, you cannot say that we have lost our dignity. The issue of Kashmir has become a political issue more and i think for resolving that issue, both the governments should take steps. As far as your desire of a common border is concerned, i wish that it comes true…But, you should also remeber that the reason for the creation of Pakistan was the unjust policies and aggressive attitude of India.

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    Dear Irum Bhai,
    Asalam-o-Alaikum. Thanks for your comments on my letter. I am really happy that somebody is reading my views and feeling about the whole issue.
    Not even for a second I will assume that Pakistani people have lost their dignity. No never, not even in my dream.

    You have probabaly been reading everything which I expressed on this issue of peace between India and Pakistan. I don’t know when people of Pak. including started realising that the country lacks a good leadership, but I have been telling all along these years, since I first visited the country of my birth back in 1961.
    I can write pages and pages about the love and soft heart I have for Pakistan but there are so many other things we can talk about.
    I was 9 when this happened that I had to migrate to India. I still remember my Maulvi teacher from grade one to fourth who used to keep a Maula Baksh and would use on those children, who would not remember their SABAK. I was lucky that he never used Maula Baksh on me. I don’t know but he never did. The great language of Urdu, which he taught, still wanders in my mind and I am able to read all I want where the people and friends of my age CANNOT.
    As soon as I became independant the first trip I ever took outside India, was to Pakistan and the only reason for this trip was my love for my birth place. That is another story how much hell I had to go through to just to attain visa for Pakistan. Both Indian and Pakistani officials wanted to know why I want to go to Pakistan. I was lucky to get the visa even though I had to travel to New Delhi from Ludhiana. Believe me it was not easy to travel in those days.
    How can I forget all those moments I spent in Pakistan and the love, affection and hospitality I enjoyed from the people of Pakistan. Even now after about 50 years, I remember every body and everything I witnessed during my visit to Pakistan. Insha-Allah I will write about this some other time.

    Let us go back to the real point you raised in your letter. Yes Pakistan lacks a not only good but very good and HONEST leadership which I don’t see coming soon in the near future. In Hindi or Punjabi or even Urdu, they say:
    JAISA RAJA TAISI PARJA……it means the people will be the same kind how they say their leaders or rulers.

    Pakistan never had an honest and strong leader……..period.
    Now I hear people saying that Mr. Z.A Bhutto wan an honest and great leader. How can you call the person an honest who rather would lose half the country but not give the reigns of the power to an elected leader who later became the first head of the state of Bangladesh. Bhutto thought that it was enough for the people of West Pakistan when he said ” TUM WAHAN, HUM YAHAAN “.
    I want to be brief on every thing. Please try to understand my point.

    KASHMIR, KASHMIR, KASHMIR. This is the only word the corrupt leaders put in the minds of people of Pakistan, whenever they felt that their throne of power was moving and shaking and they might have to leave it, so they always played the Kashmir card and surprisingly got away with it.

    Right now at present moment the kind of situation is in Pakistan and the image Pak. has in the eyes of the world, the name Kashmir should be considered a crime. You tell me when the present Govt. can not feed even the people of Pakistan, how can they take an extra burden of the Kashmiri people, even if India gives away the whole of Kashmir to Pakistan.

    Let me give you the example of Germany. After over 50 years, the country was unified and can anybody tell me how many problems Germany had to face by taking East Germany back to its fold. She is still facing the problems even after 20 years of unification. Still the life in east and west is very differnt like earth and sky. AND GERMANY IS ONE OF THE RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD AND NOT LIKE PAKISTAN WHO ITSELF (being beggar and depends on foreign aid ). Without American aid, and from the friends of Pakistan, the country can not survive even for a day.

    Kashmiris in Indian part have a much more higher standard of living in Kahsmir than their counterparts in so called Azad Kashmir. I don’t know if Pakistani people know that Indian Kashmir gets special treatment for everything. (It is because of the pact signed back in 1947) I remember in 1958 we used to buy a kilo of sugar for six rupee in the rest of India, but Kashmiris were buying the same sugar for half rupee per kilogram. Same with all other amenities. They enjoy the best status in the country. I don’t know if people of your country know the fact that a non Kashmiri can not buy any real estate in the province, because it would raise the prices of the property and make it hard of the kashmiri people to own their own home or business.If it happens, that would be against the policy and the agreement between the Kashmir authorities and Indian Gove.

    You think the Govt of Pakistan can provide everything what they are enjoying now with India. I keep my eyes open and read everything what is happening in Pakistan and in politics.When you people had crisis in Swat valley, thousands of people migrated to other part of Pakistan the Sindhi people refused to take any refugees from Swat Vallye or in other words, the refugees in Sindh mainly in Karachi.

    The SUBAPRASTI in Pakistan is so big that they still call those people Muhajirs who migrated from India in 1947. They have their own political party and they look, talk, walk different even after over 63 years because the oringinal people of Pakistan don’t accept them yet. On the contrary we were also called refugees in India, but now this term of refugee (Muhajir) has vanished long time ago. Nobody knows the meaning of refugee if it is ever mentioned in any conversation.

    Believe my brother, Pakistan has so many problems in hand that Kashmir should be the last thing in their minds to think about.

    The only reason where India is now, because India was blessed with some good and honest leaders right from the beginning and the traditions stayed on.
    Secondly the constitution of India, don’t have any kind of clause wher three heads of military can get together and topple the Govt. No they can not. Never.
    Thirdly, the media. The media is well educated, world famous and also world class and exept for few here and there, is very Honest and will not leave no stone unturned to get their story, honestly.

    In all three departments mentioned above, Pakistan does not come even close to India. The leaders have been corrupt and dishonest and non chrismatic to become the leader of a GREAT NATION. I remember, the person they now call the best and great leader, Mr. Bhutto, was called MADAARI. Alos there is something wrong in the constitution where the chief of the army staff can take over the Govt. any time and put the politicians in jail and even hang them.

    The media. Most of them are uneducated, have no idea what they are talking or writing about. I read about 6/7 newspapers from Pakistan every day , and I swear in the name of Allah I have not found one good writer who has his hand on the pulse of the current affairs politically.The only thing they are good at is to write or talk about religion of Islam. You know, I know and everybody knows that only Religion will not get you any where. Politics has got nothing to do with religion.They have no sense and I can bet that majority of them did not study Jounalism as a subject to become a journalist. And they are CORRUPT. You can buy any or all because each one has his or her price.

    Now, please don’t take me wrong. I love Pakistan as any Pakistani does, but it is just the bad luck which is haunting Pakistan even after 63 years of freedom. I wish to see Pakistan flourish and prosper and shine like a star in hemisphere.

    About your comments regarding unjust policies and
    aggresive attitude, I will give my opinions some other time and try to prove that Pakistani people have a very wrong about policies and attitude of Indians and its Govt.

    Thanks. May Allah be with you and Pakistan.

    Gurjit Singh Proothee (born in Sahiwal in 1938, raised in partly in 64 Chak and Sahiwal and longing to visit again.)

    PAKISTAN ZINDABAD……PAKISTAN PAINDABAD

    • Irum raza

      Yes Mr.GURJIT! Thank you sooo much for your details. I really like your gesture and i enjoyed the way you portrayed the picture of your stay in Pakistan. It was really nice on your part. Sir, i do not have any wrong perceptions about you. But, you know there are certain things between both the countries which needs to be clear.
      Sir, you are very much right about the situation of Pakistan that the people of Pakistan cannot claim a strong and pure leadership unless they themselves clean. This is very true that whatever leadership we are facing, it is just because of our own deeds. There is no doubt in it. But still, there are many good people in our society who are willing to make this country competent and strong but the problem is this that they don’t have a proper platform on which they could raise their voices, clear misconceptions about the policies and also about the relations of Pakistan with other countries, specially with reference to India.
      Besides it, i would also like to discuss some things which you have mentioned in your letter. First of all, Kashmiri people…sir, you told me that an Indian Kashmiri gets more benefit than our Pakistani Kashmiri then what is that which we hear in the news that an Indian police official murdered two girls, etc, etc. We are used to hera such stories. Now, what would they do of the discounted rates if the lives and honour of their daughters is not secure? I know the Indian people are very good and i also know some Indian Muslims living happily in India and i also know that India has more Muslim population that Pakistan. But sir, still Kasmiris are at risk. You are very much rite that the issue has become political in nature as the politicians mould it according to their own games. Secondly, you told about the SAWAT refugees that they were not welcomed by the Sindh government. Actually, the thing is that they were told to get registered first and that thing was misinterpretated that they were not welcomed. Thirdly, you compared the three departments of India and Pakistan, you were right in comparing the two departments but not in the third department and that is our media. I believe that Pakistan media was not very strong and bold earlier. But, these days, only our media can be considerd strong as you can see GEO and in print media DAWN. They are doing good jobs nad i don’t think that they are talking all the time about religion. Everyone has different perspective and they share their views in their own ways. They link the scenarios and also admit the mistakes of our country. So, i don’t believe that media is not very strong or they are focussing all the time on one issue.
      In the end, i would say that there are still many things which need to be discussed, so will discuss later. Once again, thank you so much for your concern and i hope, we could clear the misconceptions. Take Care.

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    Hello Irum Bhai,
    First off all please don’t address me with the world Mr. or Sir. I always address my addressees with the world Bhai.
    I am still one hundred percent sure that the people of Kashmir enjoy a better standard of living in India, and majority of them want to stay with India. ( the proof: they take part in elections evenin the face of threats from the trouble makers )
    About the police officer who killed two young girls.

    Mere bhai bad elements pervail everywhere in the world. The western society which boast as CIVILISED has so many black scars on their face and to give you all the examples I need hours and hours to write them down. Police in these countries is called TO SERVE AND PROTECT but policemen have been charged for raping the women in the underground parking lots of big cities. Police cops have been arrested for stealing drugs from the lockers where they keep them after confiscated by the drug dealers. Police have been caught having relations with the crime bosses and it has been proven that they are on their pay rolls. My friend how can I explain to you that the western world which still attracts millions of people from so called third world, and they are willing to do ANY THING and go any distance to get into one of the developed countries, like America, Canada, England etc. that what is happening in these GREAT countries.
    The crimes have been committed in this world since the time of its birth. Take the history of the world. Specially take the examples of the Moghuls history in India. Individuals killed their fathers and siblings to get to the power.
    Right from the day one of the freedom from England, Pakistan has been tarnished with political murders. Mr. Liaqat Ali was considered a very honest man and was the true heir of Mr. Jinah, but he was murdered in cold blood and the person who killed him, was also killed at the spot. Until today nobody have been convicted for that heinious crime and not even have been found out who did it.
    After that series of political murders and killings took place in Pakistan and it has not stopped yet. Believe it has not……..
    I am a Proud Canadian. You don’t have to believe me but I have more sympathy for Pakistan than India. I think everybody with good heart and just thoughts will go for a weak and down trodden. I am also against lots of wrong or even right policies of Indian Govt. and write my thoughts for them too.
    Let us go back to the police officer who killed the two young girls. Mere bhai most of the stuff you see and read is created by media, from both sides of the countries. Just remember one thing today: In today’s world, it is very hard or even impossible to find out the TRUTH. We are the slaves of media. We only believe what we see on the t.v screen, read in the papers or on the internet.
    Certain things are obvious. You know, I know and the whole world know that the people who hold the political power in Pakistan right now are bunch of crooks. Every single person is involved in crimes like corruptions, murders, money laundring etc. but nobody can touch them. I heard they say that P.M of Pak. is an honest person but did you hear he gave the statement about the Home Minister of Pak.that how can somebody arrest him, as he is the one arrests people. That is the hight of arogancy.

    I give you an example of one incident. Back in late fiftees, on one New Year eve. a big gathering of people both young and old, men and women, was gathered in Connought Place (the heart of New Delhi) to welcome the new years and some bad element started what they are good at. Shops were looted, women were abducted and raped etc. (no killing though)
    The next day the home minister Mr.; Gulzari Lal Nanda resigned from his post and also quit politics for ever. That was the charcater of of the polititians in those days.
    You know what happened in Karachi on the Ashoor day. Hundreds of people were wounded and few were killed too. They say the hundreds of shops were looted and it is accounted for billions of rupees loss to the public, not to the Govt or the polititians. How many ministers or govt. officaials resigned the next day. NONE.
    The odd news of a criminal offence by a police officer in Kashmir is still better than bunch of politicians torturing the whole countries of Pakistan.
    Please don’t take me wrong. I am not defending the killing of two young girls by a police officer. I am just making my point that because bad elements exist everywhere in the world, so you can not say that this happens everyday and to everybody and the whole police department is criminal in Kashmir.I read so many similar stories happening in Pakistan but never say that all the police officers or people Pakistan are the same.
    By the way that police officer have been arrested and will see a very bad rather worse result of his mean and cruel action.
    This is the latest and is still in today’s news. Try to go on the line and type the name Rucha Sharma. The police officer who harrassed this girl, back twenty years ago, and made her committ suicide is in trouble and will be definitely be punished for his crime. Please give me one such example in the history of Pakistan.
    You told me my friend that there are still very good and honest people in Pakistan who can take Pakistan to new and right direction. Yes I agree with you and they should come forward. But how can they dare come forward when those people who are already there will make their live a HELL if they even try to do so. You know that it costs Crores of rupees in India and Pakistan to run for an office, and still there is no certainty that after spending his or her life savings he or she will succeed and besides one person here or there can not make a big difference in the mess the country is in.
    I think an honest and a noble person does not even have that kind of money in the first place. Because the money can only be gathered by ill means, and honest person can never save that kind of money. Mere bhai, I am not psychic but what I can see right now is that these policitcian who are in power and ones in oppositon are all the same.Just like they say: IS HAMAM MEIN SUB NANGE HEIN.
    In my view a real mesiah I see is in Mr. Haqani, the chief of the army staff, because he seems to be an honest person.Again, when Mr. Musharaf came to power everybody thought that he was the savior of the nation and what happened after 9 years, is well known to everybody.
    Mr. Haqani (if I am right with the name) should take the charge of the country and put all the politicians in jail and then let the present chief justice and his party try them in courts and give them the punishments they deserve. Alongwith all the corrupt politicians those other people who are on the list something like 8014, should also be rounded up and face the justice.
    When I am typing these lines, I am also laughing at myself and wondering if that is possible. No never………
    the bosses of the country: America and England will never let the chief of the army staff do this kind of thing and Mr. Haqani might also got into trouble and end up in jail.
    I with my heart and soul pray for the will wishing of Pakistan. I hope Pakistan gets rid* of the dirty politicians and flourish and get the peace it deserves. Ameen………..
    Gurjit Proothee
    *Once an American philosoper wrote that ” Politics is the last refuge for the scoundrels”. And the politicians (the scoundrels) say yes politics is a dirty game, but somebody has to play it. Go figure……….

    Pakistan Zindabad……….God help Pakistan

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    P.S:
    Dear Irum Bhai,
    I just want to mention one more thing to put weight on my point about Pak. Kashmir.
    Couple of years ago, I had a chance to attend a wedding in Faislabad. For Walima, we had to go to a nearby village about 30/40 kilometers away from Faislabad. While sitting on the front seat of the car, I witnessed the mud houses, unpaved roads, children running around half naked on dusty streets. Yes I also saw quite few mosques on the way. In my mind I was comparing Pakistani Punjab with Indian Punjab, also only and just few hunred kilometers away.
    I asked my host, naturally a best friend and hold same views about the world. ” Shakil, if Punjab is in this condition after 60 some years, what should I expect in other provinces of the country. His answer was: Kujh na puchho sardar ji, Punjab is still the richest suba in Pakistan.
    Arum Bhai, can you take the hint and visualise Indian Kashmir and compare with Pakistan Kashmir. No doubt Kashmiris in India are well to do comparing to the one you have in Pakistan.

    Majorty of them DO NOT WANT to stay with India.

    In my view both countries should leave both Kashmirs on their own and let them secide what they want to do with their homeland. I have been to Kahmir many times so I am giving this statement based on personal experience. Allah Hafiz.

    I will wait eagerly for your response. I would like to see the picture of Pakistan through your eyes and see if I am right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,or may be wrong.

    • Irum raza

      YES GURJIT BHAI…you are right in sketching the picture of Pakistan and i also agree with your point of view regarding the Kashmir Issue that we should let them decide about the matter of Kashmir. But, the thing is that when will our politicians realise? It is very easy for you and me to talk about this issue..but, unfortunately, we can’t do anything. I pray to ALLAH that these conflicts which are hovering for years in the politics of both the countries may settle down peacefully. As far as Pakistan’s condition is concernsd, yes you were rite in that. But, India has also a very vast population and poverty issue is more strong over there then in Pakistan as we can see the people lying on foot paths at the night. Such cases are also common in Pakistan but not that much as in India.
      So, the thing is that we need to be very moderate in our aproach. This is the only way through which we could solve the issues of both the countries…Gurjit bhai, i have to go now but i will discuss about the VANDE MATARM as well..

    • safvi

      sorry to butt in but o hello! did anybody care to ask what kashmiris have to say about all this? i am a kashmiri and like everybody else i too want to live in a peaceful and calm neighbourhood, but i think until we all understand the working of indian military in kashmir we may not be able to understand how kashmir is the ultimate place where colonial debris is washed ashore as daily humiliation and torture.. we must stand up to speak to demilitarise kashmir, middle-men in arms deals are beniffiting from this carnage, kashmir is an ideal place to begin our collective dream of brotherhood, but i think hawks in india are the biggest block in this, who in india has stood up to denounce them who talk of throwing all muslims in the arabian sea? we must unite for justice which is infinite and not covered by petty interests, thanks

      • GURJIT PROOTHEE

        Dear Safvi Bhai,
        No you are not Budding in . It is open forum and everybody is welcome to express his or her feelings/ opinions and let other people of his or her opinions whether they are wrong or right.
        I agree with you one hundred percent that issue of Kashmir should be tackled once in for all. There should be a peaceful solution to this issue.
        I don’t think anybody knows for sure the reason for deploying thousands of military in Kashmir. I think after over 60 years of conflict in the area, Kashmir has become the matter of prestige for both India and Pak. None of them want to leave what ever areas they occupy now. Both Govts., in my view, want to settle this TODAY, but the masses of both sides will not let any Govt. do that. In Pakistan the Mullahs will issue a Fatva and in India the people who belive Kashmir is an ATOOT ANG of India, will stage SATYAGRAH to keep Kashmir within India. They will commit suicides and burn themselves to death over this issue.

        In my opinion, both sides of people are wrong without thinking how much both countries have lost because of Kashmir issue. Thousands of peeple have lost their lives and billions and billions of dollars have been wasted to keep the things in present situation. Mainly it is the mistake of the policticians from both sidis that they can not cave in for the sake of peace in the region.

        In my view both sides of the people should listen to the people of Kashmir while leaving them alone and let them decide for themselves. Kashmir belongs to Kashmiri people and they should be given the right of deciding themselves the issue what they want to do with their land.

        My heart go for the plight of the people and I always pray for their goodwil. May God help Kashmiris and give them their land back from the clutches of the stupid politicians on both sides.

        Gurjit Proothee

  • Irum raza

    Hello Gurjit bhai! First of all, i would like to thank u again for your detail answers to my questions and it seemed that you have a very good command on the issue of India and Pakistan. I would like to know more about your information regarding the issue. There are many misconceptions in our country about the sensitive issues as some people of our society has shaped them according to their own wishes. You know, there are many people in Pakistan who don’t know about the injustice from our side during the East and West Pakistan separation. I got to know about it through a conference which was held in lahore at the Human Rights Commission Pakistan. There were spokesperson of communist party from India, and also some journalists. It was a huge gathering of students and the people who saw partition before their eyes just like you. It was a memorable event for me. I got to know about many things.
    You are right that Gen.Kayani is an honest person and the other factors won’t allow him to take over. I was also laughing at your prediction which you made because we also thought initially that it was going to be happen like that. But, it didn’t. These days, some people in our country have started making propaganda that making of Pakistan is not justified. Do you think like that also? i know you have mentioned it earlier but plz give me some logic. Secondly, what do you know about the Indian national Anthem. Is there really any negative message against Muslims in it or its just a propaganda in your opinion?

  • GURJIT PROOTHEE

    Thanks for a prompt and quick response to my views about our two GREAT NATIONS.
    Yes, I agree with those few people of Pak.who think the partition of India was not justified. I can type pages after pages to prove and put weight on my point. Just imange, the country was not divided. Together we would have been a biggest democracy in the world and also with a biggest popuation. What China being a communist country could do in 60 years, we could have done in lot less time, still enjoying the complete freedom of speech and still anybody could do anything and achieve any position, either in business, politics or any chosen field. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and other people had been living together for centuries and there was not friction or any doubts about others. We used to enjoy love and harmony by living like brothers and sisters. We shared eachother’s joy and grief and enjoyed eachother’s festivals with same passion like our own. I remember my childhood when I used to go to Muharram with my muslim friends and did what they did in their processions. I can not go into details, because you have to fill in the blanks yourself.
    The best example of this love among all religions of the country is our BOLLYWOOD, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians all enjoy love and harmony and they walk holdings hands in hands to uplift the industry and look at the result, Bollywood produces 3 movies a day and it is the record. The number of movies US, Japan and China make together is far less than India makes by itself. Surprizingly you hardly see any Chinese or Japnese film in major countries of the world, but Indian movies are shown in 165 countries of the world. Imagine if we were together, like and India and Pak., the credit would have gone to both of us.
    Bollywood is the best place to see the success if Pak. and India would have been together. I don’t know if you know that people in Bollywood celebrate Diwali, Holi, Xmas and Eid together.
    I don’t know if lots of people in Pakistan know about the fact that Pakistan was not Mr. Jinah’s idea, rather this idea was put in his mind by the British, because British never wanted to leave the country withour leaving any conflict or problem for Indians. They transfered all the richness of India to Britain and nobody wants his business to close or fail. The example of transfer of wealth still shows in the Koh-e-noor Hira which the Queen wears everyday. This Hira would have become our property not of the DAKOOS of Britain.
    The British, not tolerating the future power of India, put a seed of hatred among us and left some things unsettled so we could always go back to them and ask them to help us to settle them. British knew that the hatred which they created among us would result in wars and they could sell their weapons to us otherwise their factories both in Britain and US will shut down.
    Do you ever wonder why these two nations always start wars in some parts of the world. Could it be India and Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Serbia, Cosovo or anyother nation of the world. Their factories run 24/7 all the times. This is the business, my friend business.
    Imagine the lives of millions of people could have been saved, if there was no partition. The money we spent and still spending on defence could have been spent on education, abolishing the poverty and other things. Again you have to fill in the blanks what we could have done together without a biggest army inthe world.
    As I told before Pakistan never had a wise and honest leader so that is why the country could become a BEGGAR in only 60 years. Both Russia and U.S tried the same thing in India too and because of the wrong policies, inspired by the big powers of the world, India was also at the verge of bankcruptcy in the 90s. Thanks to Mr. Manmohan Singh and his wise and renewed policies, that now India is shinning again. If India was not partitioned, the success would have been OURS not only India’s.
    There is no injustice in India when it comes to Muslims. Lots of people are still angry over the partition and that anger led to the murder of Gandhi by a staunch Hindu, because he and his group thought that it was Gandhi who accepted the partition. Actually it was Nehru who would have been shot. It is in History books that Gandhi wanted to go to Pakistan and try to clear Pakistani people’s mind of any misunderstanding about the partition, but poor fellow was assasinated before he could fulfil his desire.

    Jinah also did not want a partition but he was pressured by the British to accept it. Everybody knows in the world that English is the BUSINESS LANGUAGE and they are capable of manupulating anybody. Because of their sweet tongue, they could capture and rule India at the first place.
    Because of the anger Hindus have against the partition, so they take it on to Muslims but and whenever the Political leaders want them to use it. Those people are brainwashed just like the Talibans are brainwashing the youths of Pakistan through the Madrassas.
    If all the Hindus (and Sikhs ) were against Muslims, then Mr. Advani would not have praised Mr. Jinah while he was in Pakistan. Mr. Jaswant Singh would not have written the whole book on Mr. Jinah if he hated Muslims. No ! nobody hates anybody in India. It is just the rules and principals of Indian and Pakistani Politics to use religion whenever and wherever they want. Take example of Bhutto’s action against Qadianis and Shias in Pakistan.
    Muslims enjoy full freedom in India and doors are open for them to take the advantage of any oppertuniy they see and find. Example ? Right from 1947 we had minsters, chief ministers in federal and provincial governments. Twice we had Muslim presidents. We have muslims in all walks of society. Imagine Mr. A.R Rehman won Oscar in hollywood. He broke a record of winning the best music director’s award and also being a Indian MUSLIM.
    There are always bad elements everywhere in the world. They are always looking for the oppertunities to bring tyranny and chaos in the world. Look what is happening in Pak. and Afghanistan. It is in Islam that a muslim will not kill a muslim……..you fill in the blanks again.
    You mentioned about the poverty in India in your previous letter. My friend, I dont know how many countries you have visited. I have been to about 36 countries and have seen poverty in each and every one. We have homeless people in Canada, US and England who sleep on the streets because they have no place to go. You think Pakistan does not have poverty ? Then are those news wrong where I read that childen are sold for money and young sweet girls in their teens are married to rich 70 year olds. Tell me one thing.What is the reason behind all the Madrassas that they are popping up like mushrooms everywhere in Pakistan . Just few years ago, there were only few madrassas in the country and they preached and taught religion to become good muslims, and now according to a U.N report there are over 12,000 madrassa in the country and they recruit young kids just to hold the guns, go out and kill the other innocent muslims. And Poor people who can not afford food for their children send them to Madrassas with a hope that at least they will have food and clothes to wear. And the result,,,you fill in the blanks.
    There is nothing against Muslims in Vande Matram either. Again politics. Mr. Tagore was the only Indian to win Nobel price so far. Now they are pointing fingers on him too,,,,,,,,why? again Politics.
    I would suggest you something today. Please never read Pakistani papers. If you want to read, go for those papers who are neutral and do not spread hatred. Never believe any Mullah’s statement. The reason of all the hatred towards other religions is the creation of Mullahs. It is their business to create hatred. No religion says anything bad about other religion. Only Mullahs say that Islam is the only one religion in the world which promises you JANNAT. I am sikh, but I respect all the religions in the world. I go to mosques, temples, churches and ofcourse to Gurdwara. I don’t find any thing wrong visiting other places of religion. All religions teach good things and tell you how to become good person. Yes ! we have fanatics in Sikhs and in Hindu, but good people don’t listen to them here either.
    Would you agree with me that a muslim will not say Kafir to another muslim. While checking in a hotel in Karachi the clerk said that India is a country of Kafirs. I told him that how can he say that when India has more muslims than in Pakistan and how could he say that all the muslims in India are Kafirs. I am pretty sure that this guy was under the influence of those Mullahs, who I mentioned above.
    By the way later when I spoke to the manager of his rude behaviour , he and the clerk apologised. I am sorry to say but this kind of things do not happen in India or anywhere else ( I hope )
    I hope I have covered all the topics and questions you had in your letter. I am also very happy to talk to you and I hope my writings will change your mind about the misconception you have about India and Indians. I also hope that you will talk to your friends and they talk to their friends and so on….. and so on.
    DEEP SE DEEP JALE.
    I will be the happiest person in the word when I just walk accross the so called border between India and Pakistan. Believe me I would even go one step further and try to live in Pakistan too and enjoy the smell of the same soil, I did when I was a nine years old. Thanks and Allah Hafiz……………Gujit Proothee

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