Pakistan test fires Nuclear Capable Ballistic Missile

Pakistan has test fired their long-range nuclear capable surface-to-surface,  two staged solid fuel ballistic missile Hatf-VI, Shaheen II.

The Shaheen II, Hatf-VI launched from an undisclosed location has a range of roughly 2,000 kilometers i.e. 1,250 miles which covers a major portion of India (the main threat).

The Shaheen II, Hatf-VI is Pakistan’s longest-range ballistic missile system, and has the capability to hit major cities in neighboring India.

The missile “can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy,” the military said in a statement. An earlier version of the missile was tested in April 2006, and officials said they could not release details of how it had been upgraded.

On Wednesday, Pakistani and Indian officials signed an agreement in New Delhi to reduce the risk of an accidental nuclear war between them.

Pakistan became a declared nuclear power in 1998 in response to nuclear tests by India.

After witnessing the missile test on Friday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Ehsan Ul Haq, congratulated the scientists and engineers for “achieving an important milestone in Pakistan’s quest for sustaining strategic balance in South Asia,” the military statement said.

It also quoted Haq as saying that “Pakistan’s strategy of credible minimum deterrence was fully in place and was a guarantee of peace in the region.”

In separate messages, Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also congratulated the scientists and engineers for upgrading the missile.

Bret Lee out of Worldcup

Australian pacer Brett Lee has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury and his recovery is expected to take up to three months.  Stuart Clark has been called to replace one of the fastest bowlers of cricket history.

Trefor James, the team doctor, said Lee would be unable to bowl for two to three months. “Brett has injured the ligaments in his left ankle and after further review by orthopaedic surgeon Kim Slater, Kim has advised me that the injury has not improved,” Trefor said.

Australia’s first game of the World Cup is on March 14 against Scotland and the squad is also waiting on the fitness of Andrew Symonds. Symonds had surgery on his arm before the CB Series finals and hoped to make a mid-tournament entry.

Australia would also be missing the services of Adam Glichrist in initial stages of the tournament – Gilchrist would be with his wife – who is expecting a baby.

This is a big blow to the confidence of World Champions – who has already suffered their humiliating defeats in their ODI Cricketing history.

Samjhota Express – Truth of Indo-Pak Relationship

For last so many years, we have been hearing from both sides (India & Pakistan) that peace between India & Pakistan can only be achieved through friendship between people. Whether its Friendship Bus Service, Friendly Cricket Series (Dil Jeet Lo – Win the Hearts) or its Samjhota Express Train Service – all are the tries to reach to the goal of peace.

BUT, recent tragedy of Samjhota Express near Panipat has brought the truth out of this so called peace-process. The measured distance between Wahgah Border (Entry point of this train) & Delhi (Indian Capital) is 492 KM i.e. roughly 300 miles. Don’t believe me – see it for yourself – this is what Indian Government signs are saying on the border.

Train from Indian side, starts its journey from Delhi. Recent news have shown that for 300 miles of journey – mind you its not an express train – it hardly travel at the speed of 30 to 40 miles per hour, people are are bound to be caged in bogies from Delhi till they reach the crossing point. No immigration procedure is performed from the starting point of journey – all the immigration, customs, checking etc are performed at Wahgah border. Then whats the logic behind caging the passengers like animals are kept in zoos? Is this what the world’s largest democracy has to offer to the world?

Where is the list of Passengers? When people are boarded on train – there is a list maintained by the government, and security and “so called” intelligence agencies do keep a list of the passengers travelling by this “spacious train” with a capacity of 300 passengers carrying more than double of its capacity. Where is that list? Why has it not yet been provided to the Government of Pakistan?

Mr. Laloo, Railway minister of India is claimed to be a close & personal friend of Shiekh Rasheed (the railway minister of Pakistan) and has visited is well known laal haveli in Ralwapindi, as per a program telecasted on AAJ Television – Mr. Rasheed says that he has been unable to speak to his close friend & counter part on other side. Mr. Laloo is missing from the scene.

News reports also suggests that all the telephonic links between India & Pakistan were cut off after the news break up?

Our Government (if one exists) has accepted that it didn’t know that passengers were given such a VIP treatment on the Indian side. This train service started back in 1974. What is our intelligence agency doing? Intelligence agencies are meant to safeguard the interests of the country – and from this report it seems that they have nothing to do with the interests of its own citizens!

What are Indian security agencies doing? There was no checking what so ever performed by any official before the train left its station?

I mean I am not getting emotional - I don’t want to be – but for anyone’s sake - people are people – they are human – they are not animals – they should be treated like human.

 I am forced to sing the song

 ”Samjhota Ghamo`n Say Kar Lo…..“

Verses of the Day – Allama Iqbal (RA)

Na Utha Phir Koi Rumi Ajam Kay Laala Zaaro`n Say,
Wohi Aab o Gill e Ira`n, Wohi Tabrez Hay Saaqi,

No Other Rumi has born again in the gardens of Ajam (world other than Arab)
Same is the air & soil of Iran, Same is the Tabrez

Nahin Hay Naa Umeed Iqbal Apni Kisht e Veera`n Say,
Zara Namm Ho Tau Yea Matti Bohat Zarkhaiz Hay Saaqi

Iqbal isn’t hopless of his deserted land,
a little intent & this soil is very much fertile potent

<<forgive me for my pathetic translation>>

Baal e Jibreel – Allama Dr. Sir Muhammad Iqbal (RA)

-Aasim

ICC Cricket Worldcup 2007 – Schedule

Team Pakistan – Worldcup 2007

According to sources of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), selection committee has finalized the squad, which included five batsmen, three all rounder, one wicketkeeper and six bowlers.The world cup team includes Imran Nazir, Muhammad Hafeez, Inzamamul Haq, Younis Khan, Muhammad Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afiridi, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhter, Muhammad Asif, Rana Naveedul Hasan, Umer Gul, Rao Iftikhar and Danish Kaneria whereas Muhammad Sami and Shahid Nazir would be stand-by players, sources added.

1. Imran Nazir
2. Muhammad Hafeez
3. Inzamamul Haq
4. Younis Khan
5. Muhammad Yousuf
6. Kamran Akmal
7. Shoaib Malik
8. Shahid Afiridi
9. Abdul Razzaq
10. Shoaib Akhter
11. Muhammad Asif
12. Rana Naveedul Hasan
13. Umer Gul
14. Rao Iftikhar
15. Danish Kaneria

I guess the selectors have picked the best possible combination atleast on papers available to them.

 Arguablly, instead of Danish Kaneria – I guess Left Arm Spinner Abdur Rehman would have been a better choice.

In wicket-keeping department I am sure Zulqarnain Haider is a much better wicket keeper -

Shabbir Ahmed should have been picked instead of Rao Iftikhar -

Muhammad Hafeez’s place in the side is also a question mark, Azhar Mehmood might have been a better choice?

Team New Zealand announced for ICC Worldcup Cricket 2007

Kiwis also announced their squad today.

Containing

1. Stephen Fleming (c)
2. Shane Bond
3. James Franklin
4. Peter Fulton
5. Mark Gillespi
6. M. Mason
7. Brendon Mcullum (wk)
8. Craig Macmillon
9. Jacob Oram
10. J. Patel
11. Scott Styris
12. Ross Taylor
13. D. Tuffey (making a comeback after 2 years of injury)
14. D. Vettori
15. Lou Vincent

Australia Cricket Team for World Cup 2007

Australian Squad for World Cup 2007 announced shortly.

It contains

1. R. Ponting
2. A. Gilchrist
3. Nathan Bracken
4. Micheal Clark
5. Brad Haddin
6. M. Hayden
7. Brad Hodge
8. B. Hogg
9. M. Hussey
10. M. Johnson
11. B. Lee
12. G. Macgrath
13. Andrew Symonds (injured)
14. S. Tait
15. Shane Watson

Adam Gilchrist will be missing first few matches as his wife is expecting 3rd child and Glichrist would be with her to attend the “delivery”.

Pakistan Cricket Team for World Cup 2007

Keeping in view the West Indian Wickets – Injuries to Pakistani Team – Fitness Problems – WADA Verdict to be expected soon

 What would be your Team Pakistan for World Cup Cricket 2007? You can’t pick more than 15 players.

 mine pick would be

1. Imran Nazir
2. Shahid Afridi
3. Younis Khan 
4. Muhammad Yousaf
5. Inzimam ul Haq
6. Shoaib Malik
7. Zulqarnain Haider (Wicket Keeper)
8. Abdul Razzaq
9. Shoaib Akhter
10. Muhammad Asif
11.  Abdur Rehman

Reserves 

12. Shabbir Ahmed 
13. Azhar Mehmood
14. Rana Naveed
15. Yasir Hameed

Middle East Crisis – General Musharraf’s New Ad-Venture

Recently, greatest American ally in the history Mr. General Musharraf has started his efforts to solve the Middle East Crisis thru his visionary ideas. What exactly he has in mind, is yet to be disclosed. Whether his recent trips would or wouldn’t yield any results is a separate issue – but he certainly has added a lots of burden on Pakistan’s economy as he has visited several countries of Arabian peninsula & to far east Asian countries like Indonesia & Malaysia.

Thru his statements on media, he has been depicting that Islamic World (if one exists) should get ready for a solution to Middle East Crisis & Islamic World would have to recognize Israel.

There are only 2 countries on the face of earth founded in the name of Religion – one is Israel and other one, you name it, is Pakistan.

What has Muslim world gained by not recognizing Israel? Nothing — What has non-Muslim states gained by recognizing Israel — a lot. for example, India, the enemy neighbour of Pakistan – has gained a lot by Pakistan’s enmity against Israel – what they say friend of enemy is an enemy – enemy of enemy is a friend.

Well Well, I started to write this blog to show my point of view regarding Musharraf’s recent efforts to solve the subject problem – but am ending up supporting him.

Yeah, the point which I had in mind is that – instead of addressing internal & external problems of Pakistan – why is so keen to be a hero by solving the issue which is not directly related to Pakistan?

Has his selected government and his chosen prime minister aka Short-Cut Aziz (Shaukat Aziz) addressed the economy? a BIG NO!!!

Has poverty vanished from Pakistan – the only Nuclear State in Islamic World?

Has everybody in Pakistan shelter, education, food, health facilities, bright future? NO…

Do we have democracy in Pakistan? the NAB (Nawaz-Altaf-Benazir) – 3 most popular leaders of the country are sitting outside Pakistan

People are dying due to hunger, shelter, by freezing cold in Oct-8’s earthquake hit areas

Then why to waste people’s money in something which has nothing to do with the things mentioned above.

Let’s see how things go – so far, Clinton tried to solve it – people received Nobel prizes and nothing was achieved – let’s how future folds itself.

paeywasta reh shajar say umeed e bahaar rakh – be hopeful of the dying tree to blossom in spring.
Cheers!

England’s Cricket

As I write these lines – England is at-last showing some decent cricket in Australia, otherwise this English tour to their colony has been really pathetic show of cricketing skills – as we speak here in Lahore/Pakistan in Punjabi Gall Paya Dhol Wajaana Penda Aey- that they are not playing cricket with their hearts – they are just getting rid of the their remaining tour matches – they are just beating the drum which is hanging in their neck for last 3-4 months since the their tour began – an humiliating loss in Ashes 5-0. Just 1 win from 9 matches they have played so far in commonwealth bank series.

With world-cup on the head – England’s team management needs to think a lot otherwise I don’t see them qualifying even for top 8 in Caribbeans.

Muhaasra – nazam – ahmed faraz

میرے غنیم نے مجھکو پیام بھیجا ہے،

کہ حلقہ زن ہیں میرے گرد لشکری اُسکے،

فصیل شہر کے ہر برج، ہر مینارے پر،

کماں بدست ایستادہ ہیں عسکری اُسکے 

وہ برق لہر بجھا دی گئی ہے جسکی تپش،

وجود خاک میں آتش فشاں جگاتی تھی،

بچھا دیا گیا بارود اسکے پانی میں،

وہ جوئے آب جو میری گلی کو آتی تھی، 

سبھی دریدہ دہن اب بدن دریدہ ہوئے،

سپرد دار و رسن سارے سر کشیدہ ہوئے، 

تمام صوفی و سالک، سبھی شیوخ و امام،

امید لطف پہ ایوان کجلاہ میں ہیں، 

معززین عدالت حلف اٹھانے کو،

مثال سائل مبرم نشستہ راہ میں ہیں،

تم اہل حرف کے پندار کے ثنا گر ہو،

وہ آسمان ہنر کے نجوم سامنے ہیں،

بس اس قدر تھا کہ دربار سے بلاوا تھا،

گداگران سخن کے ہجوم سامنے ہیں، 

قلندران وفا کی اساس تو دیکھو،

تمھارے ساتھ ہے کون؟‌آس پاس تو دیکھو، 

تو شرط یہ ہے، جو جاں کی امان چاہتے ہو،

تو اپنے لوح و قلم قتل گاہ میں رکھ دو،

وگرنہ اب کہ نشانہ کمان داروں کا،

بس ایک تم ہو، تو غیرت کو راہ میں رکھ دو، 

یہ شرط نامہ جو دیکھا، تو ایلچی سے کہا،

اسے خبر نہیں تاریخ کیا سکھاتی ہے،

کہ رات جب کسی خورشید کو شہید کرے،

تو صبح اک نیا سورج تراش لاتی ہے،

تو یہ جواب ہے میرا میرے عدو کے لیے،

کہ مجھکو حرص کرم ہے نہ خوف خمیازہ

 اسے ہے سطوت شمشیر پے گھمنڈ بہت،

اسے شکوہ قلم کا نہیں ہے اندازہ،

میرا قلم نہیں کردار اس محافظ کا،

جو اپنے شہر کو محصور کر کے ناز کرے،

میرا قلم نہیں کاسئہ کسی گداگر کا،

جو غاصبوں کو قصیدوں سے سرفراز کرے، 

 

میرا قلم نہیں اوزار اس نقب زن کا،

جو اپنے گھر کی چھت میں شگاف ڈالتا ہے،

میرا قلم نہیں اس دزدِنیم شب کا رفیق،

جو بے چراغ گھروں پر کمند اچھالتا ہے، 

میرا قلم نہیں تسبیح اس مبلغ کی،

جو بندگی کا بھی ہر دم حساب رکھتا ہے،

میرا قلم نہیں میزان ایسے عادل کی،

 جو اپنے چہرے پہ دوہرا نقاب رکھتا ہے، 

میرا قلم تو امانت ہے میرے لوگوں کی،

میرا قلم تو عدالت میرے ضمیر کی ہے،

اسی لیے تو جو لکھا تپاک جاں سے لکھا،

جبھی تو لوچ کماں کا، زباں تیر کی ہے 

میں کٹ گروں یا سلامت رہوں، یقیں ہے مجھے،

کہ یہ حصار ستم کوئی تو گرائے گا،

تمام عمر کی ایذا نصیبیوں کی قسم،

میرے قلم کا سفر رائگاں نہ جائے گا۔۔۔۔۔ 

Moharram – 1428 Hijri 2007 AD

for last many years, very year – Moharram – the 1st month of Islamic/Hijri calendar year begins with traditional sorrow in remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS) and his fellow beings – who sacrificed themselves in the name of Allah & Islam but didn’t accept to follow the wrong path.

recently we have come across many terms – blessing to Bush’s Doctrine 9/11 – like Weapons of Mass Destructions – terrorism – islamic fundamentalists etc.. or our President Gen Musharraf has introduced Islamic Englightenement or ‘Roshan Khayali’ – I wonder that Karbala reminds us the following verse of Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (RA)

Qatal e Hussain, Asal Mein Marg e Yazeed Hay,
Islam Zinda hota Hay, Har Karbla Kay Baad

The murder of Imam Hussain(RIGHT), in reality is death of Yazeed (WRONG)
Islam gets a new life after every Karbla

and not to forget the following lines of Will. Shakespeare…

Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will comeThough this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t

credit cards – writing as its happening

I just received my Credit Card bill, gave a favor to a friend fo mine a few months rather a year or so ago to get him a supplementary credit card on my main account and for last few months I have been following up to deposit payment as the limit is going to be exceeded but ain’t getting my money back, it reminds me the following from William Shakespeare….

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true;
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell. My blessing season this in thee