Comments on: Pakistan: Prachinar, The Valley Of Death http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/ The world is talking. Are you listening? Wed, 30 May 2012 07:14:07 -0400 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: azmat mall, sialkoti http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1572860 azmat mall, sialkoti Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:55:38 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1572860 Dear Ms. Saleem, First of all congratulations on doing such a great job of planting the seeds of awareness in the hearts of so many that sectarianism is self defeating. It is true religion does not corrupt people but its the people who corrupt religion. I appluad you for taking a worthy stand against the atrocities in Para Chinar. My heart too bleeds for innocent men, women, & children who are being killed indiscriminantly. How do we break the cycle of this ugly voilence? Its important that the vicious cycle of violence & disregard for human life must cease to exist in our heads first, so that we can prepare ourselves to teach the next generation to think positively, & to produce the friuts of peace & prosperity in this land of incrediable beauty. I'm so glad that woman like yourself is taking such a great step to educate people that "kill or be killed" attitude is selfdestruct. What we believe to be good & moral for ourselves must also translate well into treating others. True, we don't live in a perfect world but we can atleast take some baby steps towards peaceful existance with each other. We must adorne ourselves with "agree to disagree" attitude, & thereby let our ornaments of humanity shine through. This dark ages mentality is not going to serve anyone; taliban, sunni, or shia. Parents continue to teach our children well. Only they hold the key to peaceful future. Dear Ms. Saleem,

First of all congratulations on doing such a great job of planting the seeds of awareness in the hearts of so many that sectarianism is self defeating. It is true religion does not corrupt people but its the people who corrupt religion.
I appluad you for taking a worthy stand against the atrocities in Para Chinar. My heart too bleeds for innocent men, women, & children who are being killed indiscriminantly. How do we break the cycle of this ugly voilence? Its important that the vicious cycle of violence & disregard for human life must cease to exist in our heads first, so that we can prepare ourselves to teach the next generation to think positively, & to produce the friuts of peace & prosperity in this land of incrediable beauty.
I’m so glad that woman like yourself is taking such a great step to educate people that “kill or be killed” attitude is selfdestruct. What we believe to be good & moral for ourselves must also translate well into treating others. True, we don’t live in a perfect world but we can atleast take some baby steps towards peaceful existance with each other. We must adorne ourselves with “agree to disagree” attitude, & thereby let our ornaments of humanity shine through. This dark ages mentality is not going to serve anyone; taliban, sunni, or shia. Parents continue to teach our children well. Only they hold the key to peaceful future.

]]> By: shafique http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567563 shafique Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:47 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567563 dears in parachinar the people are facing very difficult situation and in 3 weeks 41 children are died because the shortage of medicine and people are going to Peshawar throw Afghanistan and the area had been under siege since 3 years by the Taliban. dears in parachinar the people are facing very difficult situation and in 3 weeks 41 children are died because the shortage of medicine and people are going to Peshawar throw Afghanistan and the area had been under siege since 3 years by the Taliban.

]]> By: Sana Saleem http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567246 Sana Saleem Fri, 15 May 2009 16:35:37 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567246 Thankyou Mubashir am Glad you liked it ! Thankyou Mubashir am Glad you liked it !

]]> By: Sana Saleem http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567245 Sana Saleem Fri, 15 May 2009 16:35:06 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567245 Abid thankyou for giving an insight on the situation in Parachinar. Personally I dont believe in sects and I fully agree that this shia sunni tag has cost us a lot. This was the very reason that I created a petition on behalf of the entire Muslim Community. I myself believe this to be a war against Islam and its principles and not a sectarian issue. However I believe that people like me who don't belong to the same sect suffering should be active in spreading the word to help kill all doubts regarding sectarian bias. Really appreciate your detailed insight ! thankyou for enlightening us all ! :) Abid thankyou for giving an insight on the situation in Parachinar. Personally I dont believe in sects and I fully agree that this shia sunni tag has cost us a lot. This was the very reason that I created a petition on behalf of the entire Muslim Community. I myself believe this to be a war against Islam and its principles and not a sectarian issue.
However I believe that people like me who don’t belong to the same sect suffering should be active in spreading the word to help kill all doubts regarding sectarian bias.
Really appreciate your detailed insight ! thankyou for enlightening us all ! :)

]]> By: Mobashir Ahmed http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567184 Mobashir Ahmed Fri, 15 May 2009 05:06:20 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567184 A very useful article giving insight to the situation in Para Chinar. A very useful article giving insight to the situation in Para Chinar.

]]> By: abid shah http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567125 abid shah Thu, 14 May 2009 19:25:31 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567125 Dear Sana Saleem Thank you for raising Parachinar issue and creating a very good forum. I would like to clarify that the issue was and is never sectarian and the terms Shia and Sunni usually overshadow the real crises. The terrorists or insurgents tried their best to taint the issue as sectarian to stimulate some locals to join their force and also avail the sympathy of religious elements in Pakistani security forces or intelligence agencies. The real story goes back to the decade of eighty when Peshawar became the center and base of AQ and different fanatics groups were created giving them different agendas. Kurram Parachinar is the nearest point towards Kabul from Pakistani boarder and British rulers of India used this route in 2nd Anglo Afghan war in 1878 to reach Kabul. The same was the agenda of Gulbudin Hekmatyar in eighties to capture Parachinar and establish government in exile there. The elements in Pakistani intelligence agencies were fully involved but the brave local defended their land sacrificing a lot. .Then these elements and agencies changed their way of action and by using a lonely mosque in Parachinar to make it a base of outlawed sectarian groups like SSP LJ and LT etc. This place became a transit camp for terrorists from south Punjab Kashmir and even non Pakistani to reach AQ training camps in Afghanistan. This was the time when beauty of Parachinar was spoiled and the city became a hub of terrorists threatening locals and peaceful atmosphere. The most sensitive topic is sectarianism and this mosque was converted into a forte full of terrorists spreading hate and supplying dangerous weapons not only locally but their network extended to other cities near by. 9/11 changed geopolitical situation of the area and all those terrorists of outlawed sectarian groups converted into Taliban force. Their center in Parachinar became a focus point and base to launch attacks on allied forces in Afghanistan. This was not in the interest of locals and resistance was created by Turis. The brave Turis who are always vigilant about the situation succeeded to overpower and demolish this base. The terrorists re established their base in lower parts of Kurram and blocked the only road linking Parachinar with the rest of country. Now this part of FATA is the new heaven and safe zone for all terrorists including those sectarian groups from south Punjab locally known as Punjabi Taliban. There are Arabs Uzbeks Afghans and lot more in this area. This is strange that Pakistani government has ignored this area. They are the same Taliban fighting in Swat with army. In Swat they are called either miscreants or antistatic insurgents fighting against the state but in Kurram the issue is labeled as sectarian and the warriors are not insurgents but are called Jehadis. Their leader is same Baitullah or his lieutenant who are bad gays in Waziristan and good in Kurram. This is because the Parachinar issue was projected as sectarian and the ground realities were ignored intentionally. There is genocide but due to sectarian label responsible authorities are behaving differently. There is a real humanitarian crisis but media is projecting it as an issue between two sects. The forces of international coalition fighting against terrorism stationed in Afghanistan are watching Parachinar on political angle involving and doubting Iranian interest. Pakistani security forces are looking with bigoted eyes having sympathy with the oppressors not the oppressed. Afghan National government is observing Kurram keeping in view historical facts and background. If you look the Iranian official response they always talk about unity among sects but on the bases of their own interest, though there are some none states groups or individuals thinking otherwise. No one is talking about the links and resources of these terrorists inside or outside the country. I request not only you but all those who show sympathy with our cause to help us by projecting the issue not on sectarian bases keeping in mind the mentioned facts. This is total insurgency and they have challenged the government writ by blocking road and their agenda is the same as all over the FATA.Our students have lost 2 academic years and employment sector badly affected. Our only source is agriculture and our cash crops like tomatoes and fruits are destroyed. Business community is deprived of import and exports. Our only hospital is empty and patients are dying even without first aid. The situation is worse than Darfour or Ghaza but all around are deaf ears. Dear Sana Saleem
Thank you for raising Parachinar issue and creating a very good forum. I would like to clarify that the issue was and is never sectarian and the terms Shia and Sunni usually overshadow the real crises. The terrorists or insurgents tried their best to taint the issue as sectarian to stimulate some locals to join their force and also avail the sympathy of religious elements in Pakistani security forces or intelligence agencies.
The real story goes back to the decade of eighty when Peshawar became the center and base of AQ and different fanatics groups were created giving them different agendas. Kurram Parachinar is the nearest point towards Kabul from Pakistani boarder and British rulers of India used this route in 2nd Anglo Afghan war in 1878 to reach Kabul. The same was the agenda of Gulbudin Hekmatyar in eighties to capture Parachinar and establish government in exile there. The elements in Pakistani intelligence agencies were fully involved but the brave local defended their land sacrificing a lot. .Then these elements and agencies changed their way of action and by using a lonely mosque in Parachinar to make it a base of outlawed sectarian groups like SSP LJ and LT etc. This place became a transit camp for terrorists from south Punjab Kashmir and even non Pakistani to reach AQ training camps in Afghanistan. This was the time when beauty of Parachinar was spoiled and the city became a hub of terrorists threatening locals and peaceful atmosphere. The most sensitive topic is sectarianism and this mosque was converted into a forte full of terrorists spreading hate and supplying dangerous weapons not only locally but their network extended to other cities near by.
9/11 changed geopolitical situation of the area and all those terrorists of outlawed sectarian groups converted into Taliban force. Their center in Parachinar became a focus point and base to launch attacks on allied forces in Afghanistan. This was not in the interest of locals and resistance was created by Turis. The brave Turis who are always vigilant about the situation succeeded to overpower and demolish this base. The terrorists re established their base in lower parts of Kurram and blocked the only road linking Parachinar with the rest of country. Now this part of FATA is the new heaven and safe zone for all terrorists including those sectarian groups from south Punjab locally known as Punjabi Taliban. There are Arabs Uzbeks Afghans and lot more in this area. This is strange that Pakistani government has ignored this area. They are the same Taliban fighting in Swat with army. In Swat they are called either miscreants or antistatic insurgents fighting against the state but in Kurram the issue is labeled as sectarian and the warriors are not insurgents but are called Jehadis. Their leader is same Baitullah or his lieutenant who are bad gays in Waziristan and good in Kurram. This is because the Parachinar issue was projected as sectarian and the ground realities were ignored intentionally.
There is genocide but due to sectarian label responsible authorities are behaving differently. There is a real humanitarian crisis but media is projecting it as an issue between two sects. The forces of international coalition fighting against terrorism stationed in Afghanistan are watching Parachinar on political angle involving and doubting Iranian interest. Pakistani security forces are looking with bigoted eyes having sympathy with the oppressors not the oppressed. Afghan National government is observing Kurram keeping in view historical facts and background. If you look the Iranian official response they always talk about unity among sects but on the bases of their own interest, though there are some none states groups or individuals thinking otherwise. No one is talking about the links and resources of these terrorists inside or outside the country.
I request not only you but all those who show sympathy with our cause to help us by projecting the issue not on sectarian bases keeping in mind the mentioned facts. This is total insurgency and they have challenged the government writ by blocking road and their agenda is the same as all over the FATA.Our students have lost 2 academic years and employment sector badly affected. Our only source is agriculture and our cash crops like tomatoes and fruits are destroyed. Business community is deprived of import and exports. Our only hospital is empty and patients are dying even without first aid. The situation is worse than Darfour or Ghaza but all around are deaf ears.

]]> By: Sana Saleem http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567115 Sana Saleem Thu, 14 May 2009 18:16:33 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567115 lol sorry its meant to be @kaiser ! many apologies! lol sorry its meant to be @kaiser ! many apologies!

]]> By: Sana Saleem http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567114 Sana Saleem Thu, 14 May 2009 18:13:18 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567114 @ Ammar: Thank you for your appreciations and many thanks to you for helping spread the word about the petition. We need to ensure that the enemy doesn't fall into the false illusion that sectarian differences can prevent us from speaking for our Muslim brothers. We need to take this matter further. And rekindle the spirit of a nation and an ummah. High time we should do something worthwhile! @ Kassim: Thanks for pointing out some facts, this matters needs to be raised. Inshallah will try and highlight it wherever possible!. Please take a momment to sign the petition and help spread the word @ Ammar: Thank you for your appreciations and many thanks to you for helping spread the word about the petition. We need to ensure that the enemy doesn’t fall into the false illusion that sectarian differences can prevent us from speaking for our Muslim brothers. We need to take this matter further. And rekindle the spirit of a nation and an ummah. High time we should do something worthwhile!
@ Kassim: Thanks for pointing out some facts, this matters needs to be raised. Inshallah will try and highlight it wherever possible!. Please take a momment to sign the petition and help spread the word

]]> By: Ammar Faheem http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567108 Ammar Faheem Thu, 14 May 2009 16:58:03 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567108 It is good to see this issue raised at this forum, Sana. For long lasting peace in the area, I believe the government and all its agencies need to commit themselves to the purpose whole-heartedly. What we have suffered from, and are now witnessing, is a result of half-hearted efforts that resulted in prolonged, inefficient military and diplomatic efforts. Let us hope the current military operation roots out all such elements that have brought a bad name to Pakistan. Military success now will also send a strong signal to the external forces involved in encouraging such elements. This is an effort worth appreciation. Thank you, Sana. It is good to see this issue raised at this forum, Sana. For long lasting peace in the area, I believe the government and all its agencies need to commit themselves to the purpose whole-heartedly.

What we have suffered from, and are now witnessing, is a result of half-hearted efforts that resulted in prolonged, inefficient military and diplomatic efforts.

Let us hope the current military operation roots out all such elements that have brought a bad name to Pakistan. Military success now will also send a strong signal to the external forces involved in encouraging such elements.

This is an effort worth appreciation. Thank you, Sana.

]]> By: kaiser http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/05/13/pakistan-prachinar-the-valley-of-death/comment-page-1/#comment-1567056 kaiser Thu, 14 May 2009 05:34:59 +0000 http://globalvoicesonline.org/?p=74168#comment-1567056 Its unfortunate the people of parachinar are suffering from last 2 years & there is no one to hear their voices, though we have witnessed the chnage of Govt in Pakistan from military to rule of democracy but apart from fasle promises & some silly comments by Pakistani higher authorities specially pakistan interior miniter, nothing has been done. The only road leading to parachinar is closed for last 2 years & no action what so ever has been taken. I am hearing lot about swat & people from malakand division & whole pakistani media attention is fixed there as they are suffering from few weeks,but I yet to hear anything about the people of parachinar who are sufffering from last 2 years,despite reports in news that on daily basis the children & elderly are dying due to non provision of medicine.Are the people of parachinar are not human?OR they dont deserve any attention or carer? if the govt cant do any thing then they should at least have the stomach to say that they are hopeless & impotent so people may stop hoping from imcompetent rulers. Thanks for raising the voice of people of parachinar! Its unfortunate the people of parachinar are suffering from last 2 years & there is no one to hear their voices, though we have witnessed the chnage of Govt in Pakistan from military to rule of democracy but apart from fasle promises & some silly comments by Pakistani higher authorities specially pakistan interior miniter, nothing has been done. The only road leading to parachinar is closed for last 2 years & no action what so ever has been taken. I am hearing lot about swat & people from malakand division & whole pakistani media attention is fixed there as they are suffering from few weeks,but I yet to hear anything about the people of parachinar who are sufffering from last 2 years,despite reports in news that on daily basis the children & elderly are dying due to non provision of medicine.Are the people of parachinar are not human?OR they dont deserve any attention or carer? if the govt cant do any thing then they should at least have the stomach to say that they are hopeless & impotent so people may stop hoping from imcompetent rulers.
Thanks for raising the voice of people of parachinar!

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