Robert Grenier has a distinct place in modern history. He was CIA’s station chief in Islamabad at the eve of 9/11. Ten days later he received a call from the then CIA Director, George Tennet, who asked him to draw a War Plan for Afghanistan. This is what he describes in book, ’88 Days to Kandahar’. Grenier along with the ISI leadership was instrumental in selecting Hamid Karzai as America’s point man and first Chief Executive of a post-Taliban Afghanistan. Moeed Pirzada interviewed Grenier when he was back in Islamabad on the invitation of Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in March 2016.
An Exclusive talk with Imran Khan in Tonight With Moeed Pirzada
An Exclusive talk with Imran Khan in Tonight With Moeed Pirzada discussing Second Intra-Party elections of PTI after the controversial First Intra-party elections and finding a way forward to strengthen mechanism for effective Intra-party elections. Moeed Pirzada further identifies the loop holes in this system which can lead to another controversial elections. While on the other hand Imran khan is confident and sees this as building of a pure democratic culture where different party leaders of PTI will be competing for a seat just like in American elections, where candidates from Democrats and Republicans are contesting for their parties nominations for presidency. Dr. Pirzada asks Chairman PTI about his stance on current political situation of Karachi and Mustafa Kamal’s entry? and whether PTI and Imran khan will support Mustafa Kamal’s political struggle against Altaf Hussain in Sindh ? Answering these question PTI Chairman, again stated how a party leader sitting in london is controlling and terrorizing people living in Karachi, while links with Indian spy agency RAW are exposed on different platforms including reports by Pakistan’s investigation agencies. Dr. Moeed Pirzada asks Chairman Imran Khan about Asif Ali Zardari’s latest statement in which he says Imran Khan knows nothing about Politics ? While talking on Oppositions allegations, Dr. Pirzada puts Hussain Nawaz’s latest challenge to Imran Khan, in which Nawaz Shairf and his family Hussain Nawaz challenges Imran to prove Sharif family’s bank default ? In last portion of the interview, Dr Moeed critically discussed Pak-India cricket match and security concerns related to Pakistan’s visit to India and will Imran Khan meet Pakistani Cricket Team before this big match. What professional tips and techniques Imran Khan is going to suggest for Pakistani Cricket team before this match?
Why you must read: ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell?
Moeed Pirzada | FB Blog |
Why you must read: Animal Farm by George Orwell? Let me tell you a short story or call it an example. I had posted a story on my Facebook page from Guardian, North Korea sentences US College Student to 15 years in hard labour, but many on this page wondered: Why was a US citizen studying in North Korea?
No, poor Otto Warmbier, 21 was not studying in North Korea. He was studying in University of Virginia and was only in North Korea for short holidays. US government has strongly advised its citizens against traveling to North Korea; US government has warned its citizens that traveling to North Korea risks arrests, killing and any kind of charge for propaganda purposes. This is also basically a pathetic antic on part of an ‘inhuman authoritarian regime’ the sole purpose of which is to extract some high fly visit from some American politician or administrator or Hollywood star; I am sure, if Brad Bit or Angelina Jolie make this a cause then Otto Warmbier will find his freedom. And I am sure, if nothing works then US government will flex muscles in Beijing to get him released. Charges are a comedy show. North Koreans have accused him of stealing a ‘Political Propaganda Sign’ from the restricted side of the Hotel he was staying in.
But I did not post it on Facebook, because of the apparent facts of this case. Its not about facts; its not about Otto Warmbier; its about principles of human conduct, of behavior and of helplessness of men and women caught in strange situations. Injustice happens everywhere; world is full of barbarism and cruelty and our own rural areas are self-sufficient in these matters. I only wanted to draw attention to the barbaric nature of several regimes and social and political orders across the world. Muslim world tops the list. North Koreans are only doing this to draw US and western attention; they are starved of limelight; they keep on doing pathetic antics to feel alive, to provoke reactions and interest and I have no doubt, being American Citizen, Otto Warmbier, will sooner or later find his freedom.
But this is happening everywhere; and it is happening daily, many times a day in our villages, small towns, at the hands of feudal elite, local satraps and police which apart from its brutality often acts as a tool in the hands of powerful people. And the victims are not ‘Otto Warmbier” they are not US citizens; New York Times, Guardian, BBC and powerful governments don’t react for them. Even when reaction happens, it fails to help them. Do you remember ‘Aamna’ the 18 year old girl in Muzzafargarh, who burnt herself to an agonizing death in front of a police station. She was abducted and raped, and she decided to stand up but police was not registering her case. [today many naive people, many amongst you, think that involving Punjab police and its SHO’s in the internal affairs of families will somehow improve family situations and provide relief; What a level of innocence and disconnect from reality?]
When Aamna died and media shook the system, the mighty man, the Chief Minister of Punjab flew into rage; landing from the skies from a helicopter he ordered arrests of accused, suspension of police officers and compensations. Yes, money was given, government did try but in the end nothing happened. Chief minister forgot, politics and life moved on. When in October 2015, I started this new multi-segmental program, at Dunya TV, this was one of the first issues I discussed. But nothing happened.
Nothing happens, because system does not work. System needs reform. And for reform you need patient understanding and meticulous work. Unfortunately none of that is visible on the horizon. Governments make new laws for winning brownie points from west; media either fails to understand or is totally compromised, result is: ever growing complexity, more injustice, more inequality and more misery. Just today some feudals, in Punjab, unleashed their dogs upon a poor woman, a polio worker. Throughout the day, tv screens kept on showing the images of her helplessness. Arrests will be made, courts will be moved. But in the end, nothing will happen.
I will keep on trying to raise these issues of ‘injustice’ through my blogs, and my programs as much as I can. But understanding of the process of politics is needed; I read across social media and I am often disappointed – tortured would perhaps be the right expression – that how little the youth of Pakistan understands issues of law, politics and society. Let me suggest all of you to take out time and read: Animal Farm, by George Orwell. Orwell, the amazing genius, wrote it in the context of ‘Stalinist Russia’ in the middle of 20th century. But the genius of his work, his writing lies in the timelessness and universality of what he describes of human behavior and relationships of power and politics. How human beings behave towards power; how they submit to aggression; how they are prepared to be mislead by symbolic gestures; and how easy it is to control herds of mankind like sheep once you set into motion a system of fear. Read ‘Animal Farm’ and you will feel like reading about the present Pakistan, Punjab and Sindh and if think of MQM and Altaf Hussain’s politics then it will become all the more easy. Read ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell, to understand your surroundings! Best!
Faisal Mama JIT Reveals the Ashura Bomb Blast Mystery !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada with Mohammad Tahir who is a investigative journalist critically discussed the Ashura blast in a mourning procession on December 28, 2009 and series of violent events started after this blast. On 3rd June, 2010 Dr. Moeed Pirzada along with Mohammad Tahir discussed the implications of this blast in program “Dunya today”. After six years and two months Faisal Mama, Ranchorr Line’s sector member of a political party revealed to the JIT that Hammad Siddiqui had the principal role in Ashura blast. Siddiqui chaired a meeting for the purpose at a political office, he added. Mama revealed, “Junaid planted the bomb in a box for the sacred pages of Quranic verses fixed to a power pylon. Habib Langra blew up the explosives with a new sim and fled away.”.
FIA Initiates Investigations against MQM !!!
Dr. Moeed Pirzada discussing latest developments in Karachi and Federal Minister Chaudary Nisar Ali Khan views on Mustafa Kamal’s allegations against MQM. A top official of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Sindh has secured a pledge from Mustafa Kamal to assist money laundering investigations and RAW related allegations against Muttahida Qaumi Movement. FIA Sindh Director Shahid Hayat on Sunday came over to Kamal’s residence in Karachi and met the former nazim and Anis Qaimkhani. During the informal meeting that lasted for about half an hour, Hayat asked them to cooperate in probing into allegations against MQM.
Ch. Nisar Stands on Pakistan Cricket Team Security !!!
Dr. Moeed Pirzada along with famous investigative journalist Rauf Klasra in his first part of program analyzed bold decisions of Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and his current statement regarding Pakistan’s Cricket Team tour to India. He said on Saturday that a security team has been constituted and will depart on Monday for India, to ensure that the Pakistani cricket team is provided complete security while participating in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. He has spoken of security threat to the team during the ‘possible’ tour. Nisar said that it is the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure security of the Pakistani team, as the world cup is an international tournament, and India should ensure that security is provided to all participants. Rauf Klasra criticized some of Chaudary Nisar’s decisions as part of Selective justice.
Mustafa Kamal influence on MQM !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada enquires Iftikhar Alam the reason to leave MQM and join Mustafa Kamal’s party. Iftikhar Alam was hopeful and sees more people joining Kamal and his team, he stated that Pakistan’s development and prosperity was their party’s manifesto and they are prepared to welcome any individual in their party who wants to play a part in the country’s progress. Former Mayor Karachi Mustafa Kamal Wednesday stated that he was aware of his actions during his time in Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which was primarily the reason why he had left the party. Kamal added that his new party’s rally in April will be historic. Meanwhile former MQM senior leader Raza Haroon stated that apart from MQM, influential names of other political parties were also in contact with him.
Pakistan’s Participation in Saudi Military Exercises !!!
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif along with the top Saudi leadership witnessed the concluding ceremony of ‘Thunder of the North’ military exercises in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. Leaders of Egypt, Sudan, Kuwait along with military chiefs of 20 states were also present to see these exercises. Dr Moeed Pirzada along with Defense Analyst General (R) Shoaib Amjad critically discussed the importance of these military exercises and what role Pakistan needs to play in it as Armed forces from around 20 countries including Pakistan and Malaysia are gathering in northern Saudi Arabia Sunday for “the largest, most important military manoeuvres” ever staged in the region. Important questions were also raised regarding Last December, when a new 35-member coalition to fight “terrorism” in Islamic countries was formed. This announcement also comes as the kingdom, a member of the US-led coalition targeting the Islamic State group, said it has deployed war planes to a Turkish air base in order to “intensify” its operations against IS in Syria.
Jahngir Khan Tareen and PTI’s Intra Party Elections 2016 !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada critically discussed and raised important questions in front of Jahangir Khan Tareen who is contesting as Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in its Second Intra Party Elections. PTI will celebrate party’s Foundation Day on April 25, 2016 as it will complete 20 years of political struggle. Jahangir Khan Tareen said that intra-party elections are a proud of PTI and we will onboard all the groups for the betterment of the party. He said that Imran Khan had introduced a new political culture in the country in order to involve youth and women in active politics. He declared that he would congratulate his opponent if he would win the intra-party election and expected the same from him. On the occasion he thanked the party leadership for trusting upon his abilities and skills for making PTI more popular among the masses.
Jahangir Khan Tareen : PTI Vs PML(N) Policies
Dr Moeed Pirzada critically discussed and raised important questions in front of Jahangir Khan Tareen as how you will differentiate the implementation of policies in KPK, keeping in view the current situation of Punjab under the leadership of PML-N Government. Jahangir Khan Tareen said that PML-N main focus is on projects which involve Constructional development and no attention is being given on Education, Structural and Policy Reforms while in KPK Police and Land Record has Re-visioned and nepotism is rooted out. KPK government is focused on Education and Health reforms as to give better services to its people. He said that under the leadership of Imran Khan we all are focused to give our 100%. He also appreciated Imran Khan wo had introduced a new political culture in the country in order to involve youth and women in active politics.
Analysis on Chaudhry Nisaar Press Briefing !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada in this program segment gave analysis on Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s Press conference in which he categorically shunned need for any judicial commission to probe Mustafa Kamal’s allegations. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said former Karachi mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal did not present any documentary evidence against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and its chief Altaf Hussain. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, the minister said most of the allegations levelled by Kamal were not new and he did not present any proof to support his statements.Reacting to the demands of constituting a judicial commission to probe into the former mayor’s allegations against the MQM and its supremo, Nisar said, “Every other day, there’s a press conference, should the government constitute a commission after every such news conference?” Commenting on the revelations made by Sarfraz Merchant, a trader who was accused alongside MQM chief in a money laundering case, the interior minister said the government had decided to take legal action and constituted a committee to investigate the matter as Merchant claims that he has documentary evidences against the MQM that it is receiving funds from India.
Mustafa Kamal allegations on MQM !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada in this program segment discussed various issues related to current Political situation and Mustafa Kamal’s goals for future politics while countering the challenges present there. While talking to Mustafa Kamal he also raised some questions whether Mustafa Kamal’s Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) will bring sustainability and successfully dent the MQM’s holds on Urban Sindh specially in Karachi and Hyderabad. It is important to mention here that the ex-MQM leader rocked the political arena with startling revelations against MQM and its chief Altaf Hussain in his presser on March 3, accusing Mr. Hussain of various wrongdoings and violent approach to keep control of Karachi.
Punjab Women Protection Bill 2016 !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada in this program segment critically discussed the Punjab Government Women Protection Bill with Uzma Bukhari who moved this bill in Punjab Assembly. This bill was passed on March 1, 2016. While raising different questions related to this bill, Many Political and Religious parties showed their dismay over clauses in this bill will eventually lead to the break-up of society. The Protection of Women Against Violence Bill became a law in Punjab after it was signed by Governor Malik Rafiq Rajwana on Monday. The law declares physical violence, abusive language, stalking, cyber crimes, sexual violence, psychological and emotional abuse against women a crime in Punjab.The bill, passed by the Punjab Assembly, features redress for female victims of violence, criminalises all forms of violence against women and provides them with special centres which remove the bureaucratic hurdles that complicate a woman’s access to justice.
Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict on Talibans !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada with Rustam Shah Mehmand discussed the implications of bringing Afghan Taliban for Peace process which initially started on July,2015 at Murree. But soon after this meeting death of Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar surfaced which halted peace talks between Afghan Government and Taliban groups. Recently High level diplomats from four countries met over the weekend in Islamabad to discuss ending the war in Afghanistan. The meeting, hosted by the Government of Pakistan, was the third time that the so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) of Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China convened discussing the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. It is worth asking why the performance of QCG has been so disappointing. The QCG will not prove to be a balanced and efficient mechanism to bring lasting peace to Afghanistan as it effectively blocks Russia and Iran, two of the most important players in Afghanistan, from the negotiating table. Most importantly, multiple rounds of talks among the quartet have failed to convince the Afghan Taliban to talk peace with the government in Kabul. Although Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami, formally allied with the Afghan Taliban, has decided to join the peace talks, it will not have a significant impact on the peace process because Hizb-e Islami’s ability to conduct an insurgency has been declining over the years and it has little influence over the Taliban.
World Cup Hurdles infront of Pakistan Team !!!
Dr Moeed Pirzada with Zaka Asharaf who is a Former Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board discussed India’s conspiracy against Pakistan’s International Cricket where Indian Government allowed Extremist groups to directly threaten Pakistan Cricket Team before its visit to India for T20 World Cup. They also appreciated Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan steps when he said that the Pakistan cricket team will not visit India to participate in the World T20 until the Indian government guaranteed security and made it public. He said as these threats are Pakistan-specific and have to be taken seriously by the Pakistan government. Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s remarks came ahead of the team’s expected departure for India on Friday.