Protest in mingora

Residents of Mingora capital of Pakistani troubled valley of Swat seen at a protest, demanding to stop crackdown operation by security forces against killing of innocents people in bunir and dir Photo/NaveeD Ali

Kalam Police

Swat latest news 29 April 2009

Swat Latest News 29 April 2009

2 cops abducted in Swat

SWAT: Gunmen kidnapped two police personnel as a house of local lawyer has been seized in Mingora.Sources said unknown armed men opened fire on a police mobile patrolling near Bahrain chowk and kidnapped two policemen. One personnel injured during firing was shifted to hospital.Unknown persons in Nawan Kali, a remote area of Mingora, abducted a policeman whereas Taliban seized the house of a local lawyer Ali Haider in Kokri area. He was threatened yesterday on FM radio for opposing Taliban.

Taliban Control 29 April 2009

Security Alert in Swat Valley

Amir Izat Talking about dir operation

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Altaf Hussain 27 April 2009

Swat Latest News 27 April 2009

Several Swat Taliban still in Buner, peace Jirga underway

BUNER: The officials have confirmed the presence of Taliban still over here, while local elders besides the representatives of the political parties and Tahrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) are engaged in the ongoing national peace Jirga at Sawari College Ground here.Sources said that Taliban were also invited to attend this parley, but thus far no one from them came for attending, which is perhaps due to evacuation of Taliban from Buner. On the other hand, sources said that Taliban have holed up in the mountains of Buner and keeping a surveillance on the movements of the security forces.
Photo/NaWeeD Ali

Sufi or Brahamdagh Bugti can’t cause Pakistan’s fall: Qazi

GUJRAT: Former amir Jamat-e-Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmed Sunday said it not right for Sufi Muhammad to call judges of Supreme Court and High Court as rebels.Talking to media at a program here, Qazi said Pakistan cannot break because of Sufi Muhammad, Taliban or Brahamdagh Bugti. It is actually the US that wants Pakistan’s fall, he maintained.Former JI amir said President Asif Ali Zardari and Asfandyar Wali are accepting Nizam-e-Adl Regulation because it is being imposed at gunpoint.He claimed that no one has a better leadership than that of JI.

Sufi wants to spread extremism: Kaira

WAZIRABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira said on Sunday that the elements like Maulana Sufi Muhammad want to promote extremist ideology in Islamabad.Talking to media after administering oath to newly-elect office-bearers of Cable Operators Associations here he observed that Maulana Sufi Muhammad in his public address had challenged the parliament, the Supreme Court and high courts.But media portrayed him as a hero by live telecasting his speech, which is unfortunate, he added. The government had no objection on media coverage of the Maulana but media should not have deemed Sufi Muhammad as a hero, he added. Prolonging the demands list by Sufi Muhammad would prove detrimental for the country, he said. Kaira stressed the need for discouraging the way of force and rudeness to pull the country out of the prevailing crises.

Malakand Commissioner transferred; Fazal Karim takes over

SWAT: Malakand Commissioner, Syed Muhammad Javed has been transferred from Malakand Division and Fazal Karim Khattak has taken over in his place. According to sources, the reason for Syed Muhammad Javed’s transfer was his close relations with militants and having a soft corner for them. The military officials had expressed concerns over what is said to be the relations of Syed Muhammad Javed with Taliban leader Maulvi Faqeer, sources added. Awami National Party (ANP) leader Haji Adil talking to Geo News said it is up to the provincial government to undertake transfers and postings of any officer. He said Syed Muhammad Javed has not been transferred and that he was due to attend a three-month course. The perception that he has relations with the militants holds no substance, he added.

Taliban heading Swat, not Karachi: Muslim Khan

SWAT: Spokesman of Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat, Haji Muslim Khan has said that Taliban’s pull out from Buner has started and that they are now heading towards Swat and not Karachi. Talking to Geo News from undisclosed location, Muslim Khan said the Taliban withdrawal from Buner has not come about as a result of any pressure. “The first priority of the Taliban is enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl in Malakand Division and the government should also play a role its implementation,” he said. Muslim Khan said Tehreek-e-Taliban did not challenge the government’s writ but the rulers for implementation of Nizam-e-Adl. To a question regarding keeping weapons, he said Taliban do not possess tanks and advanced weaponry they only have the conventional weapons which he said are commnly found in every house. “Shariah also allows keeping weapons,” he argued. “Whenever invited by people, Taliban will go for extending help and enforcing Islam,” he said.

High-level meeting over Swat situation underway at Presidency

ISLAMABAD: A high-level meeting to review Swat situation is in progress here at the Presidency on Friday.President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayanai are present at the meeting.The meeting will review Swat situation in particular and the overall situation in country in general, sources said. Awami National Party Chief, Asfandyar Wali and Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi are also attending the meeting.

Action will be taken on reneging of Swat truce: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani has cautioned that action would be taken, if deviating from Swat truce the writ of the government was challenged. Speaking in the national assembly, the prime minister said that the enemies of Pakistan were trying to weaken Pakistan, some handful of elements want to drive the country to instability. Swat peace truce was the proposal of provincial government for peace and we respect the mandate of the provincial governments.
Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that ML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has proposed for calling a national conference on the obtaining situation in the country, while Chaudhry Shujaat has also desired meeting with his delegation. The prime minister said that it has to be decided, “What is in the interest of the country and what not.” He said that the parliamentary committee recommendations on war against terror should be debated in the parliament, it should be such parliamentary policy, which the president of Pakistan could present in the US. PM said that we are not puppets, if any attempt was made to challenge our writ, then we would fight it out.
The prime minister said that the tribal people were patriotic, as they always remain ready for the defence of the country, but the miscreants over there want to destroy peace. He said that those casting evil eyes on Pakistan would have to walk over our bodies. PM said that the parties having reservations on the headway would taken into confidence, MQM would also be taken into confidence.
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munawar hassan

Army to fight militants if peace not restored in Swat: Haqqani

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States has urged the Obama Administration to enhance his country’s counterterrorism capacity and asked critics of Islamabad’s anti-terror policy not to blow militant threat out of proportions.“There is a difference, you need to be alarmed and concerned but you need not feel as if Pakistan or Islamabad is about to fall tomorrow. I think there has to be a sense of realism,” Ambassador Husain Haqqani told USA Today.Questioned about reports of Taliban advances in the wake of Swat peace arrangement, Haqqani said Islamabad is very much conscious of the challenges facing it and with a strong central government and a large military it can stave off any militant threat.At the same time, he called for understanding the situation in a proper perspective and not as projected in the exaggerated media reports that compare Pakistan to Afghanistan which fell to the Taliban in 1990s.“So, we need to work together. But what I am saying essentially is that the developments of the last few days in Swat and Buner, though alarming, are not perilous.And we need to understand, put them in context, build Pakistan’s military capacity in a manner in which we can have a successful counterterrorism and counterinsurgency strategy.”“In dealing with any insurgency, there are always a situation in which things turn good or bad, and we need to see a big picture. And the big picture is that the people of Pakistan do not want Taliban rule. They elected a government a year ago that is opposed to Taliban rule.”Islamabad, he said, is in the process of devising a multifaceted strategy to counter the menace of violent extremism.The strategy is likely to be completed before President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Washington in early May for White House meeting with President Barack Obama, he added.“Pakistan will have a comprehensive national counterterrorism strategy, which will include a very strong military component, a political and a socio-economic component.”“And we will be working with our partners in the United States on how to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity in dealing with the threat.”

Swat Darul Qaza will be under Supreme Court: Babar Awan

Federal Minister for parliamentary affairs, Babar Awan has categorically said that Swat Darul Qaza would be under the Supreme Court and added that we don’t want private court.Delivering speech in the national assembly, Babar Awan said that Darul Qaza by virtue of Article 2 of Nizam-e-Adl would be under the Supreme Court and declared we would not be blackmailed.He said Swat Qazi court would be a judicial office. He further said that the government didn’t surrender in Swat and advised the people to remove their misgivings. He said that Pakistan was a country of 180 million people; it was not a chocolate that one could chew it away.Babar Awan made it clear that the institutions and the constitution of Pakistan were Islamic and no one could be declared ‘Kafir’ by holding rallies, this has no provision in the constitution.

Zahid khan

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Deadline extended indefinitely to set up Darul Qaza

SWAT: Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) on Thursday indefinitely extended its deadline for the government to set up Darul Qaza in Malakand Region.The deadline was due to expire today. The TNSM spokesman Amir Izzat Khan said that he was confident that the provincial government would keep its words.

NWFP govt asks to extend deadline for Darul Qaza

PESHAWAR: The spokesman of Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Zahid Khan said Sufi Muhammad has asked to extend deadline to set up Daraul Qaza in Malakand as it is a time consuming task.Talking to Geo News, Zahid Khan said Taliban have told to vacate Buner. Imposition of Nizam Adal in Malakand was the demand of the people. Government has fulfilled its promise imposing it. Remaining work will be completed soon in this connection.Replying to a question about Daraul Qaza, Zahid Khan said Sufi Muhammad has asked to extend the deadline as it requires to establish a new set up and offices which is time consuming. However, Daraul Qaza will be establish soon.Regarding presence of Taliban in Buner, ANP spokesman said govt wont allow anyone to seize any area. Taliban had asked to vacate Buner yesterday.

Govt to revisit Swat accord if peace not restored: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that the peace deal with the militants could be re-looked if peace did not return to Swat. The prime minister said that the Parliament had unanimously approved the peace accord; President Asif Ali Zardari gave his assent to it and it is meant to restore peace. If peace does not return, we can think otherwise," Gilani told reporters here at Cabinet Block.At the same time, Gilani expressed hope that peace would return to Swat. The premier said that the government would not allow a parallel government to be formed.

Sufi played key role in Swat truce deal: Sami

SWAT: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) leader Maulana Sami-ul-Haq today met with Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi chief Mulana Sufi Muhammad in Swat.Following the meeting Maulana Sami said that Maulana Sufi had launched his struggle for the enforcement of Sharia, not for war.He said that Sharia was imposed in Malakand region over struggle of Maulana Sufi Muhammad.

Federal govt accepted Swat deal on ANP’s desire: Sherry

ISLAMABAD: The federal government endorsed the Swat peace deal in line with the desire of Awami National Party, former federal information minister Sherry Rehman said on Thursday.Talking to Geo News, PPP leader said Taliban had not adhered to the agreement it signed with the government. “There is a need to reconsider the deal,” she noted.The provincial government had kept its powers over implementation of Nizam-e-Adl in 1994, she recalled, adding that the present provincial government had lost its powers under the new deal. Sherry added Taliban’s coming to the federal capital is not just child’s play, saying that the government will heave to be careful.The former minister said that she was never in favour of Swat truce deal.

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TNSM has no intention to establish parallel state: Izzat

SWAT: Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) spokesman Amir Izzat Khan has said that the Constitution of Pakistan is Islamic and there is no intention to set up a parallel state.He said this while speaking to newsmen after meeting with representatives of NWFP government here.“Though Pakistan’s constitution is Islamic. But steps are not being taken in line with Islam,” Khan noted. The TNSM has no plan to establish a parallel state in the country, he said, adding that the ideology of Pakistan should be implemented in letter and spirit.The spokesman said that the NWFP government explained that Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009 was not the replica of regulations enforced in 1994 and 1999.

Munawar hassan

Altaf Hussain

PM Gilani says Swat pact to remain if peace prevails

Awais Ahmad

Nifaz-e-shriat notification not enough, practical measures imperative: Sufi Muhammad

om MINGORA: Tahrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad said that God’s Nizam should be enforced on the land of the God.Addressing a public meeting at the Gassy ground here, he said that the rulers were appeasing the West by thrusting the Nizam of Kufr. He said that he wanted peace and affection among the Muslims and wish to set up an environment of brotherhood, but the Muslims were divided in different parties, we direly need unity at this time. Maulana Sufi Muhammad said that there were two types of people in Pakistan—the rulers and the ruled. He said that one has to self-appraise whether one’s faith was intact or not and added that presently the citizens of Pakistan should take care of their faith. He urged upon the Ulemas, rulers and the people to get united.Maulana Sufi Muhammad said that only black turban was ‘Sunnat-e-Nabvi’ and using turban of any other colour was not ‘Sunnat-e-Nabvi’. He said that the existing system was in contravention of Nizam-e-Islam and the Holy Quran. High Courts and Supreme Court were ‘Ghair Sharaiee’ institutions and going for appeal in ‘Ghair Sharaiee’ institutions was ‘Haram’. He said Darul Qaza could be approached in case of any reservations on our verdicts, but the final decisions of Darul Qaza not allowed to be challenged in the High Courts and Supreme Court.

Photo/Naveed Ali

PM links NAR-2009 with peace in Swat

Asfandyar Wali for peaceful co-existence in Karachi

Swat blaze may erupt again: Gohar Ayub

ISLAMABAD: Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Gohar Ayub Khan said the blaze in Swat could be erupted again as revenge is in blood of Pakhtoons.Talking to Geo News, Gohar Ayub said the present leadership is not fully aware of the actual issues existing in Swat because they does not belonged from there.He said Ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif never used to consult cabinet over important issues. Neither the foreign minister nor cabinet was consulted over Aimal Kansi.Former US envoy Madlain Albright called Nawaz Sharif and informed him that Aimal Kansi had been trapped. PM directed Chaudhry Nisar to handle Aimal Kansi issue.Ayub said troops and missiles were deployed to protect Chaghi nuclear site after reports that India is ready to attack the site.About Kargil, he said Nawaz twice brief by army over Kargil issue. He may not have fully grasped the gravity of Kargil operation during briefing.

MQM

Swat Public Ralley

Friday, April 10, 2009 MINGORA:Protest demonstrations were held in different parts of Swat in favor of calls to sign the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation (NAR). The protesters demanded of President Asif Ali Zardari to sign the draft of proposed regulation in the next 10 days. In case of failure, they warned that a long march would be held toward Islamabad. The participants of the demonstrations held placards and banners criticizing government’s silence over Swat. Photo/Naveed Ali

Sufi Mohammad announces end of Swat peace camp

SWAT: Maulana Sufi Mohammad announced end of Swat peace in protest.Talking to media, Sufi Mohammad criticized the federal government and said provincial government is sincere regarding peace deal, however, federal government is not in favour of Nifaz-e-Shariat. He said peace is not possible without Shariat. Maulana Sufi Mohammad said he is not withdrawing from peace deal, however, ending camp in protest.He urged President Zardari to implement Shariat as soon as possible and said government will be responsible if law and order situation deteriorate in the area. Photo/Naveed Ali

Sufi Mohammad announces end of Swat peace camp

Wood carving in VALLEY SWAT

Gandahara art flourished and produced some of the best pieces of art and sculpture of all time during Buddhist period in Swat. Stone carving or tracery was the favorite pursuit of the artisans of that age and they carved the life story of Mahatma Buddha in different postures. The artist also took interest in carving the activities of daily life, nature and flowers of various kinds. The carving of beautiful flowers, vines and branches reflect their skills and aesthetic sense and close relationship with nature.
The Pukhtun artisans inherited this passion and artistic pursuit after the occupation of Swat. Natural landscapes and natural beauty replaced the artist pursuits that focused on the statues and figurines in the previous era. These artists were iconoclasts who delegated stone carving in to wood and figurines into flowers and vines. This flow and tradition was passed on to the artisans of today who has devotedly preserved the art of woodcarving and is transferring the beauty of nature to wood with the same zest and passion that existed before.

Woodcarving on wood is not a time consuming and difficult vocation as compared to stone carving, which sometimes took years for an artisan to complete one statue. The huge statues of Buddha in Bamiyan, Afghanistan and the elaborately designed statues of Buddha in Swat are ample proof of the long lasting and devoted labour of the artists of that era. The tradition has lived on forever and still survives in the beautiful valley of Swat with great fervour and enthusiasm.
Due to the abundance of forests and wood in the valley, almost all the rustic people relied on wood as a major source of income and living. Among these users of timber were certain people with creative and innovative bent of mind who transformed a simple log of wood to a monument that was given the status of antiquity and glorious heritage which passed from one generation to the other, kept cautiously and protected immensely. The work of these gifted people became an essential feature of mosques, houses, even cemeteries and a source of pride for its owner. The huge framework and threshold of the main entrance and the door were so delicately and laboriously designed with vines and flowers of diverse sizes and lengths that an admirer, who had little understanding of this art, would stay for a while to have a closer look and admire the taste and labour of the artisan.

Woodcarving is the creative work of chiseling out intricate and elaborate designs in the wood through a sharp cutting metal tool for ornamentation and decoration. The carvings varied from place to place and were shape according to the artisan's inspirations, imaginations and the natural environment surrounding his impressionistic personality. Flowers, vines, statues, animals and natural landscapes dominated the art for a long time. For religious and sacred places like mosques and cemeteries, verses from the Holy Book were carved out with great perfection and dedication. The exquisitely carved wooden pillars in the mosques are the perfect examples of the genuine dedication of the artist with the place of worship and religion surviving till today.
The most celebrated wood for this art in Swat is the dark black, hard, durable and naturally hued wood of walnut trees. Its hard texture, pleasant appearance and strong fragrance reinforce the beauty of the designs and labour of the artist. Cedar and pinewood are used for woodcarving especially the naturally hued, shaded, designed and fragranced wood of Deodar tree.

The art is still admired and extolled in the valley but the only change that has entered in to this lofty art is the use of modern carpentry machines. In the past, most of the work was done with bare hands and with minute rustic and self created tools made by the local blacksmiths. This ancient art is much relished and celebrated worldwide and most of the antiques of our beautiful valley decorate the museums and houses of well to do people. Foreign admirers of this exquisite art throng the antiquary shops and marts scattered throughout the valley select and export this glorious heritage of our society to their countries and extradite our priceless treasures. The scarcity of wood in the valley may slowly and gradually strangle this art. The Cultural ministry must ponder over the prevailing condition and devise strategies to conserve and preserve these priceless treasures and provide special incentives for the maestro artisans in this rare art.
The buyers have several options to choose from i.e. chairs, sofas, and tables, artistic figurines, carved mirror frames, wooden and carved utensils, divans, and small chairs (Katkay) for seating around the traditional fireplace. But the most sought after item is a huge wooden box (Tawnrai) with four legs and a small opening for storing rice and flour, which are delicately carved and intricately embroidered.
These masterpieces of artwork are created in a very small number now because of the unavailability of the required wood and timber and the modern tin boxes, which has replaced them. The art of wood carving is so firmly rooted in the valley that even the utensils used daily in the household i.e. spoons, plates and bowels etc have been carved impeccably and dexterously manifesting the expertise and zest of the artists.

There are several distinguished artisans of woodcarving and sculpturing in the serene valley of Swat who are well known for their gifted skill and mastery in this creative discipline. The vale of beauties, Swat, and its talented dwellers has never been lagging behind others in the race of practical as well as philosophical pursuits and vocations. The history of this sublime art will continue repeating itself in this valley and the admirers will continue to throng, appreciate, venerate and acquire these rare and extraordinary artifacts of our meticulous and sublime artisans, the exalted and glorious wood carvers of the glamorous Swat valley.