Turkey: A glimpse of hope!

Recent trip of President Asif Ali Zardari to Turkey has provided a glimpse of hope to the businessman community of Pakistan. The main agenda in this discussion was the resumption of the freight train from Islamabad to Istanbul. Both the leaders have agreed to upgrade the railway line connecting the two countries for 'GUL' train. This would reduce the traveling time between the two countries from eighteen days to nine. It would help both countries to achieve the target of 2 billion in bilateral trade.

The freight rate to turkey for air is Rs140 to Rs150 per kg and the consignment reaches its destination in three days. If someone wants to send goods by sea, it would cost him around Rs 70 to Rs80 per kg. So, if someone gets an order from turkey and if the buyer wants the merchandise in 15 days, he would have to transport the goods by air. We can imagine the impact this has to the price of the goods. When the project of ‘Gul’ train is materialized, the price of our goods will go down considerably.

This agreement might seem a minor step in consolidating relations between two countries. But in my view this is much more. Turkey offers a gateway to European market and the anticipation of turkey’s inclusion in European Union will definitely help the cause. In addition to this Pakistan is hoping to get the European Union’s aid package of suspension of import tariffs on Pakistani products like garments, cotton and ethanol. If Pakistan is able to persuade India to support this notion on world trade organization forum, we might be looking at an additional trade of $900 million to Europe via Turkey. The reduced transportation cost would help in competing with other countries in the international market. In return turkey gets access to south and central Asia including India and China, which is the most populated region on earth.

I realize that to make all this happen, a lot of things will have to go our way, but I if it does, We might just be able to get more than what we bargained for. For a change, our government would have something to be actually proud of.

Europe in Jitterz!

After the great Messina, another tsunami has embarked on the shores of Italy. But this time, it is not water that is causing problems. 26000 immigrants mainly belonging to Tunisia and Libya have arrived on the island of Lampedusa which is more than the total population the island. Earlier Italy had taken responsibility for 20,000 immigrants. As the Immigrants keep pouring on the shores of Italy, it is looking towards the neighboring Schengen countries to give a helping hand. Italy has decided to issue a six month Schengen visa to these immigrants. This move has given Jitters to the European nations. Some are calling it the ‘Mafia Method’ of Italy.

France which is already struggling to create jobs for its people has probably been most skeptical of the decision taken by Italy. Expelling of Romanian a few months ago was a clear indication that Immigrants are not wanted in France. Recent ban on hijab reinforces this ideology. So it can be said for certain that France cannot be persuaded to take these immigrants even though most of the immigrants claim that they have relatives in France. France has tightened the control of documents and is taking all the necessary measures to ensure that these immigrants do not enter their territory.

Austria might not be as hostile to these immigrants as France but stands firm that It is not going to take them in. It has warned Italy that, if it presses them on this issue, they would be forced to take the same measures as France. Recent statement by Ausrian Interior Minister that “Italy is a nation that can still show a bit more goodwill to seriously resolve the issue”, is a clear indication that they want Italy to deal with these immigrants by them self.

Germany considers these people as ‘economic immigrants’, who have come to Europe just to earn their livelihoods. Germany is probably the only country in Europe which is still welcoming people coming from Asia and Africa for studies and career opportunities. If it is not accepting these immigrants, then the probability of other countries taking these immigrants is pretty bleak.

Other countries have also shown their concern on this issue. Spanish Interior minister has pointed out that taking these immigrants “will pave the way for crime”, which is not acceptable. Italy and France are patrolling the seas to prevent more immigrants from reaching Italy.

We can blame these countries for not being sensitive enough or we can blame the dictators of these respective countries for bringing misery to their people. But, I feel that as Muslims, we have ourselves to blame for being so corrupt and decieving that no one wants to give us refuge, even during this dire situation.

Balochistan-A Mystery

It has been three years since the independence of Kosovo. This secession was welcomed by most countries in the world. European union was quick to recognize it, and so were the Americans. This trend was then followed by most of the middle eastern countries. However, the situation in South Asia is a bit different. The two major players, India and Pakistan have failed to recognize Kosovo despite pressure from United States and Middle East.

The reason given by India is that, they are hesitating to accept Kosovo due to a possibility that if they endorse it, then the People of Kashmir will also ask for their freedom. This stand of theirs makes sense as the freedom struggle has prospered in the last year or so and they should be worried.

Now, the reason given by Pakistan is pretty much the same as India. Pakistani officials think that if they accept Kosovo as a nation. It might start a strong freedom struggle in Balochistan.

This news makes me wonder, has the situation in Balochistan gotten so bad. And if it has, why don't we know about it?

Not enough for USA!

Yesterday, White House published a report stating that Pakistan lacks a strategy against the war on terror. It further states that Al Qaeda has safe havens in both Pakistan and Afghanistan and they enjoy freedom of movement in these countries. In short the report states that Pakistan is not serious about tackling with terrorism. This is not the first time that Pakistan has been accused on this charge.

Frankly, I do not understand this attitude from the Americans. Pakistan is probably the only country which has been serious about uprooting terrorism. Pakistan has lost 2,573 soldiers including one 3-star General, two 2-star Generals and five brigadiers. Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives due to various terror attacks. We can't even begin to imagine what the families of the affected people are going through.

In addition to this, Pakistan Army is not just fighting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but, it also needs to tackle the unrest in Balochistan which they believe is Propagated by RAW( Indian Intelligence agency). Due to this situation, Pakistan has to divide its attention and resources between the two causes. This is probably the reason for the army being reluctant to go into North Waziristan.

Americans should understand that Pakistan has lost a lot in this War on terrorism. In addition to this, Pakistan is also going through a rebuilding phase after last years devastating floods. Recent Release of Raymond Davis proves that Pakistan is serious about keeping good relations with USA. But now it needs the same courtesy from the Americans.

I hope that the message From this article doesn't fall on deaf ears.

http://www.daily.pk/how-to-end-war-against-terror-17834/

'Ivory coast' an after thought!

When the rebels started rising in Libya. A shock wave was sent throughout the west. suddenly America realized that if the matter of fighting between rebels and Qadhafi's army was left alone, there could be a huge violation of human rights. So a resolution was passed in the dummy UN council against Col Qadhafi's forces. Libya was declared a no fly zone and they started bombing on Libyan territory. While doing so, probably some one told them that the situation in Ivory Coast is much worse. Thousands of people have died as result of events that followed Laurent Gbagbo's decision of not stepping down after he lost the elections. Upon hearing this, I am a bit confused about the possible reaction of the american think tanks. The first possible reaction that comes into mind is that they did not realize the seriousness of the situation and said they will do more for the people of Ivory Coast. The second respond in my mind would be a question 'Is there any oil in Ivory Coast?'. What ever the response might be, one thing is for sure. What ever pressure UN is trying to put on Ivory Coast is probably an 'After Thought'. They bombed Libya and now they have to say Some thing about Ivory coast to show that they are concerned.

http://www.euronews.net/2011/04/02/ivory-coast-death-toll-rises/