Presents International Symposium

DEMOCRACY AND THE EASTERN SCHOLARSHIP: ALLAMA IQBAL

MAY 18, 2013, 6-11 P.M., North Holiday Inn, Garland, TX

In Collaboration With Exclusive Media Partner, FunAsia Radio Muslim Community Center for Human Services, Pakistan Chronicle, Pakistan Journal, South Asia Chronicle

Program Sponsors Dr. Ashfaq Siddiqui, Dr. Rehana Kausar, Dr. Arjumand Hashmi Mr. Irfan Ali, Mr. Tabassum Mumtaz, Mr. Azeem Yasin

Organizing Committee & SADeW Board of Directors Dr. Qaisar Abbas, Syed Fayyaz Hassan, Raja Muzzafar, Siraj Butt, Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada Aftab Siddiqui, Tausif Kamal, Asif Effendi

Program

DEMOCRACY AND THE EASTERN SCHOLARSHIP: ALLAMA IQBAL

Master of Ceremony: Dr. Arjumand Hashmi, (Mayor, City of Paris, TX)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH ASIA

Davinder Singh Daman, (Playright, actor and screenwriter from India): Theater and Political Consciousness in India

Tausif Kamal, (Attorney): Elections in Pakistan: A Brief Analysis

Syed Fayyaz Hassan, (Political Activist): Democracy in South Asia: An Overview

DINNER

PANEL DISCUSSION: ALLAMA IQBAL AND THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Dr. Basheer Ahmed (Chair)

Dr. Masood Raja (University of North Texas) Misinterpretations of Iqbal Today

Ms. Talmeez Fatima Burney (Urdu Writer, Radio Anchor) Iqbal’s Concept of Time

Dr. Qaisar Abbas (University of North Texas)

Allama Iqbal in the 21STCentury Turmoil

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER

Dr. Theresa Denial, Commissioner Dallas County (Introduction Aftab Siddiqui Democracy in Developing Countries and American Policies

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Ambassador, Dr. Mohammed Mahallati, Oberlin College, Ohio (Introduction by Asif Siddiqui) Allama Iqbal as he is Viewed in the Contemporary Iran

Dr. Nyla Ali Khan, University of Oklahoma (Introduction by Raja Muzaffar) Iqbal’s Notion of Democracy in the Context of India and Pakistan

SEMI CLASSICAL MUSIC AND GHAZALS Ghazal Maestro Ustad Salamat Ali will sing Allama Iqbal’s Kalam (Introduction by Siraj Butt)

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ARTICLES ON DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH ASIA kidnapping, and coercion against media people are a norm, democracy is constantly under attack. Voter intimidation, especially women and STATUS OF DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH ASIA minorities is quite pervasive. Pakistan is moving to institutionalize the democratic process and Syed Fayyaz Hassan its voters are quite resolute in their struggle for democratic rights. (Political activist and member South Asia Democracy Watch Board of Directors). Afghanistan has been under foreign occupation by two superpowers for the last two decades. Home to two nuclear powers and proximity to Currently all institutions in the country are two other super powers makes South Asia as one dependent on NATO and American whims and of the most important regions in the world. The wishes. However elections had been held and a region that comprises eight countries, including constitution is written by an elected assembly. A Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, continuous state of war has resulted in conversion Pakistan and Sri Lanka, faces some common issues of a beautiful country into a large battleground. of poverty, development, equity and democracy. As American and NATO forces are planning to South Asian societies are at different stages of withdraw by 2014, the nation, democracy in democratic development, though they are all Afghanistan will remain a dream for some time. moving into a democratic environment. Common Bangladesh is still battling structural issues and challenges to democracy in most of these countries constitutional balance of power after 42 years of include women’s empowerment, inclusion of independence. Although the country has improved religious minorities and voting irregularities besides tremendously in building political institutions, Army violence and military interventions. intervention in politics is an ongoing challenge to India being the largest democracy in the world democracy. Development of two political parties is has built an enormous infrastructure supporting a positive development even though their human democratic institutions. Military, judiciary, rights record is not so bright. NGOs in Bangladesh bureaucracy and parliament are all cohesive units play an important role in poverty alleviation and and work under their jurisdictions prescribed literacy improvement. Social changes and capacity in the constitution. India however faces human building took place in the last decade has helped in rights challenges in various regions. Occupation political stability of the country. Electoral reforms, of Kashmir against the will of its people is the human rights abuses, military interventions and biggest setback to Indian democracy. The extremist women empowerment are the contemporary issues Hindu political parties pose a real threat to Bangladesh democracy is facing today

Indian democracy. Voter intimidation, denial of Sri Lanka has been a functional democracy for 80 voting rights to women and low castes are other years now, with Universal Adult Franchise bestowed challenges. by the British in 1931. The country followed the Pakistan, a nuclear power with multiple ethnic classic Westminster bi-cameral parliament model groups, is a constitutional democracy run by and, does not separate the Executive from the a bi-cameral parliament. However, Judiciary, Legislature. Thirty years internal insurgency which Military and bureaucracy are constantly at war. ended in 2009 has an enormous impact on Sri A victim of its geopolitical location and a prolong Lanka’s society. The human rights abuses during ward in Afghanistan terrorism has become a the insurgency were at alarming level. UN Human huge challenge for Pakistan. An environment rights Sri Lanka with its best social indicators is fully of confrontational politics is promoted by the capable of building back cohesiveness in society as power groups has further wakened democratic well as democratic institutions environment. In the environment where killing,

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WHAT HISTORIC ELECTIONS? Nepal’s democracy is in its embryonic stage which faces several challenges from various Pervez Hoodbhoy fronts. Converting a 240 years old monarch into a democracy and bringing Maoist rebels into democratic setup is a herculean task by itself. Nepal (Pakistan’s leading political analyst and member South Asia Democracy Watch Advisory Council). today is a multi-party parliamentary democracy with bicameral legislature and is adjusting to Thankfully they are over and done with, and democratic norms and building democratic only a few hundred – not a few thousand – lives institutions. Nepal is one of the few countries were lost. The PPP's rout was extremely well- in Asia to abolish the death penalty and is the deserved. It is headed for the dustbin of history first one in Asia that allowed same sex marriage. unless, by some miracle, it miraculously reinvents Maintaining an equitable balance between diverse itself as a non-dynastic mission-driven party. One ethnic compositions poses an ongoing challenge to feels somewhat sorrier for the ANP in spite of its democracy in Nepal. general ineptness and inability to deliver on honest

Bhutan had been an absolute monarchy till 2007 governance. But it was targeted by TTP fanatics and, in the words of Asfandyar Wali Khan, the election and democratization was accomplished in 2011. The expulsion of minority communities and human campaign became a matter of "picking up the dead, carrying their funerals and taking the wounded to rights abuses of minorities continues as regular practices even in democratic regime in Bhutan. The hospitals". The long anticipated tsunami, it turned out, belonged to Nawaz Sharif. This victory of a country lacks traditional democratic institutions and its democracy is taking shape on a continuous center-right leader may not be much to celebrate but, at least for now, he is acting as a statesman basis. Proximity of India, Nepal and China also and saying many of the right things. Meanwhile a pose challenges in keeping balance in foreign and certain disappointed cricketer, who kowtows to the domestic policies. Expulsion of people of Nepalese Taliban and justifies their every atrocity, is venting origin from Bhutan has created an international his spleen from his hospital bed. refugee crisis. Breathless commentators have termed these Maldives is a presidential republic, with the elections "historic". But what exactly will they President as head of government and head of state. change? Contenders had competing claims of how Following the introduction of a new constitution they served local communities, and won or lost in 2008, direct elections for the President take largely on those grounds. Quite properly, those who place every five years, with a limit of two terms in had pocketed too much were booted out. Musical office for any individual. Maldives is yet to have chairs are always fun to watch as various players full democracy in its institutional setup. However, jockey for personal power. But there was no battle the independence of judiciary is enhanced by a of ideas. Many deeper issues were only barely constitutional amendment in 2008 and several touched, if at all. Here are three: reforms lately have set the country on the right path. Foreign Relations: Pakistan's steady descent into chaos and terrorism is fundamentally connected with the conduct of its foreign policy, at the core of which has been the export of jihad into Kashmir and Afghanistan. Apart from the international condemnation that this has earned for Pakistan, the blowback has been devastating. Fortunately, there now is some glimmer of recognition and a desire to change this.

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Although he did not make it a major election issue, Baluch representation in the civil and the military Nawaz Sharif’s keenness to normalize relations bureaucracy remains close to zero. with India is probably genuine. But does that really Fearful Minorities: Pakistan's religious minorities – matter? After all, Zardari too had been keen but Ahmadis, Shias, Hindus, Christians – are watching, his efforts were made largely ineffective after the not rejoicing. The call to create a more open and Mumbai attacks. A normalization would amount to tolerant society was too weak to be heard during a fundamental reorientation of the Pakistani state the election rumpus. Several Islamic extremists – a reorientation that will be resisted tooth and nail were candidates themselves, an indication that by jihadist forces on Pakistani soil that operate with in today's political climate extremism is no longer full knowledge and consent of the Army. Relations to be considered extremism. No public outrage with Afghanistan and the United States, as well followed as, in the run up to the elections, the TTP as nuclear policy, are considered by the Army as took upon itself the role of kingmaker by murdering matters which are far too important to be left to hundreds they deemed as too secular or liberal. politicians. The state's performance in protecting minorities Still, there is hope that Nawaz Sharif might be able has been dismal. It has stood as a silent spectator to to pull some weight. The army has been weakened the daily murder of those citizens whose particular and divided by the relentless insurgencies it has variant of Islam differs from that of the majority. had to fight, and its confidence shaken by insider Shia neighbourhoods have been devastated by attacks. General Kayani's successor will formally be suicide attacks, and men identified by Shia names chosen by the prime minister. Here will lay the first like Abbas and Jafri have been dragged out from test. buses and executed Gestapo style. Ominously, Baluchistan: Expelled just after the elections, the PMLN hosts active, well known, Shia killers in Declan Walsh, correspondent for the Guardian and its party's ranks. Ahmadis have nowhere to go. the New York Times, had written a moving account The police remain unconcerned when they are of the situation in Baluchistan: "The bodies [of murdered, or have their graveyards dug up and abducted Baloch youth] surface quietly, like corks desecrated openly by the local powers-that-be. bobbing up in the dark. They come in twos and Although Sind was traditionally much more tolerant threes, a few times a week, dumped on desolate than Punjab, Hindus have fled Sind en masse. mountains or empty city roads, bearing the scars Conclusion: A country's politics reflects of great cruelty. Arms and legs are snapped; the underlying social relations between its faces are bruised and swollen. Flesh is sliced with communities, relations with the rest of the world, knives or punctured with drills; genitals are singed and the distribution of economic power. The recent with electric prods. In some cases the bodies are election brought none of these fundamentals under unrecognizable, sprinkled with lime or chewed serious questioning. Unlike the 1970's election by wild animals. All have a gunshot wound in the campaign of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto – who had made head." grand promises for land reform and redistribution How will elections change this awful situation, of wealth that he never intended to fulfil – this time especially since ethnic Baluch parties have around large issues were not even on the agenda. done poorly? Talk of reconciliation with Baluch Instead we had Cricketer Khan's hopelessly wild nationalists comes cheap, but trust is lacking. claims: corruption to be eliminated in 90 days; For decades the Baluch have complained of ill- the same educational syllabi to be enforced in treatment. They say their natural wealth has been Waziristan and Kurram as in Lahore and Karachi; expropriated by Punjab and that Baluchistan’s and the end of terrorism once Pakistan starts natural gas reached remote Punjabi towns long shooting down American drones. before it was available in Quetta – and then A prediction: in the initial period Pakistan is likely only because an army cantonment needed it. to see a somewhat more efficient and less corrupt

5 government, more hours of electricity, improved burned by Muslims outside the railway station in tax collection, and hopefully a tad less extremist Godhara after a young Muslim girl was pulled inside violence as well. This will come as a relief to weary Pakistanis. But shortly thereafter it will become the train by Hindu activists over a dispute with her business as usual. "Shortly" could mean six months, father, a tea vendor on the railway platform. Ashok or a year. In the absence of a drastic reorientation Singhal, the President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, of basic attitudes, longer is unlikely. a right wing organization which was behind the demolition of Babri Mosque in Ayodhya in 1992 and planned to build a temple dedicated to Hindu God Ram at this place, had issued a warning: “Gujarat was only a laboratory, the entire country would be converted into Gujarat.” We resolved that we would not let UP become another Gujarat. A march for communal harmony was planned from Chitrakoot to Ayodhya, both places of religious significance associated with Ram, whose character had undergone a transformation during the Ram

temple movement. The moderate family loving Ram LONG MARCH FOR PEACE AND HARMONY had been converted to a belligerent one in graphic Dr. Sandeep Pandey depictions.

(Peace activist based in India and member Advisory It was a 26-day march during the summer of 2002. Council, South Asia Democracy Watch.) We carried various printed material related to

communal harmony for distribution along the way. This article discusses two grassroots campaigns Although at some places there were altercations in the Indian subcontinent a long march to end with people influenced by religious fundamentalists, violence between Hindus and Muslims, and a cross- the march was otherwise peaceful. The District border peace march in India and Pakistan. These Magistrate, chief executive officer at district level, marches proved to be very enriching experiences of Faizabad would not let us enter Ayodhya and for the participating people and the common finally the march had to be terminated in Faizabad. people who interacted with us on streets and in the public meetings that we organized. Swami Agnivesh, a progressive Hindu leader who had devoted his life to social justice, arrived for Hindu-Muslim Violence the occasion. After the final meeting some of us

in a vehicle went to Ayodhya to hold a symbolic Violence against the Muslim community in Gujarat meeting inside a temple. This was organized by had taken place in 2002 with the collusion of Yugal Kishore Sharan Shashtri, a Mahanth or chief state government headed by the right wing Chief priest of a tample, who had been fighting against Minister Narendra Modi after a train compartment the communal politics living in Ayodhya. Since then carrying Hindu right wing activists on the way Shashtri has taken out numerous yatras or marches back from the holy city of Ayodhya was burnt for communal harmony. Soon his temple will mischievously in Godhara located in Gujarat itself. It was alleged that the train compartment was transform into a multi-faith harmony center which is at a visible distance from the disputed site.

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When we took out the communal harmony peace saint Bahauddin Zakaria in Multan, Pakistan. Sufi march in 2002 no organization, except for the saints symbolized tolerance, peace and communal right wing ones, were allowed to organize events harmony and were equally popular among the in Ayodhya, especially if they questioned the people of all faiths on the both sides of the border. communal politics no matter which government I had personally requested the external affairs was in power in the state. The right wing bias in minister of India, Natwar Singh to grant visas to the administration was quite clear. However, since Pakistani citizens so that they could walk from Delhi then, a series of events mainly organized by Yugal to the Wagha border of Pakistan. The practice Kishore Sharan Shashtri, have played an important between India and Pakistan is to give city specific role in defusing the atmosphere of fear and terror visas to visitors from other country. To give him created by right wing Hindu organizations. The credit, he gave visas to Pakistani citizens for the 14 secular activists had to pay a price for this as districts which fell on the way to participate in the Shastri’s programmes were banned and he has march specifically. But there was a delay of ten been arrested and spent three and a half months in days. The Pakistani interior ministry took further 13 jail on one occasion. I was arrested also in Ayodhya days to grant permission to cross the Wagha twice in 2002 and 2003, and faced a case of sedition border. Anticipating such obstacles we had decided in a Faizabad court. to begin the march from Delhi even if Pakistani Marching Across the Border marchers didn’t arrive in time. Similarly Pakistani

marchers were expected to complete the Pakistani On the first day of the Global Peace March in leg, Wagha to Multan, in case we didn’t make it Pokaran the opposition was raising a question. there. Three Pakistani citizens including actress We could protest against Indian test as India was Meera were there to flag off the march on a democracy, however, could we do the same in rd 23 March, 2005. When Meera arrived at Delhi Pakistan? Since then I started thinking to organize a airport from Karachi she was told that her port of march between India and Pakistan for disarmament entry was Mumbai and she would have to go back and peace someday. Only a joint campaign between to Karachi and then enter India through Mumbai! the two countries had any meaning as they had Such are the ridiculous restrictions on travel armed themselves to the teeth against each other. between the two countries. It was due to Mahesh The opportunity came in 2003. I went to Pakistan as Bhatt’s intervention, the known Bollywood movie part of a big delegation to participate in a Pakistan- director, who came for the inauguration ceremony India People’s Forum for the Peace and Democracy too, that Meera could finally come out of the convention, which was held once in two years. airport in Delhi.

The first Pakistani citizen I met at the border, Nine Pakistani citizens including the prominent Saeeda Diep, now a well-known pro-democracy activist Saeeda Diep joined us on the banks of River and human rights activist in Pakistan, was later Beas when we were in the last Indian district of to agree to cooperate in taking out a joint march. Amritsar. We went into the water removing our The march finally happened in 2005 between the shoes and took a pledge that we did not recognize shrine of well-known Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin the division of land, water and nature and believed Auliya in Delhi, India to the shrine of another Sufi in the oneness of humankind. The marching

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Pakistanis received very warm response on the on his bicycle from the back as were to enter Indian roads and markets. Jalandhar. He referred to our signature campaign

sheet in which we were asking people to sign on Then we hit the barrier at Wagha. Even though three demands: India and Pakistan should resolve I had gone to Islamabad and personally handed all their disputes through dialogue; they should end over a list of 110 Indian citizens who wanted to the arms race and destroy their nuclear armaments participate in the march to the Prime Minister and they should do away with the Passport-Visa Shaukat Aziz and received his assurance that we system and allow free passage across the border. would get the visas, we were eventually denied the He suggested that if we were to make our last visas. The meeting with the PM was organized by demand as our first it would be easier for us to the main Pakistani organizer for the march Karamat resolve the other two as well. I had not expected Ali, a trade union activist. After several days, 12 of this wisdom from such a simple person. It occurred us were granted visas but not for the march. We to me then that we educated activists sometime had permission to drive through from Lahore to decide an agenda which is quite different from Multan. people’s priorities. It was a very humbling and A warm response awaited us at the border when educative experience for me. we entered Pakistan. Unlike India, politicians and bureaucrats were willing to officially welcome us in ______Pakistan. The mayor of Lahore went so far as to say that we could organize a march inside the city from THE ESCALATING TURMOIL IN BANGLADESH any point to anywhere. On our way from Lahore Lal Khan to Multan we stopped at Sahiwal and Chichawatni. (International Secretary of Pakistan Trade Union, The Gaddi Nashin, spiritual head, of the shrine at Defense Campaign)

Nizamuddin Auliya, Nazim Ali Nizami was travelling A recently established tribunal on war crimes in with us. Huge crowd came out to see him and Bangladesh on February 5 sentenced the Jamaat- convey their wishes to him which they wanted to be a-Islami chief, Abdul Qadir Mullah, to life time made at the dargah (shrine) in Delhi. imprisonment on the charge of crimes against humanity during the civil war in 1971. Ever since Impacts of Peace Marches Bangladesh has been embroiled in unrest in which several people have been killed and wounded. Through these peace marches we broke several The ongoing turmoil comes against the background barriers and accomplished the tasks which seemed of innumerable industrial actions and militant impossible. The people who participated in protests by the workers in the last few years. Also, these marches went through a life-transforming in the last couple of years two factory fire incidents experiences and we initiated healthy debates claimed the lives of hundreds of textile workers, wherever we went. mainly women. The garment industry is country’s main export.

Some experiences, however, were simply mind In the 1971 war of liberation, about three million boggling. One such from the India Pakistan peace Bengalis were killed while tens of thousands of march will always stand out in my mind. We were Bengali women were raped by soldiers of the approached by a Tadi Kirtan singer of a Gurudwara West Pakistani army that was trying to crush a mass revolt in East Pakistan, as it was known at

8 the time. In December the Indian army invaded The Indian army invaded East Bengal not really East Pakistan and after a 13-day war the Pakistani to defeat the Pakistan army but in fact to crush army surrendered. The rest is history. While in the soviets or the Panchayats of the workers, Bangladesh and India, Pakistani high-handedness is peasants and youth that had sprung up in the areas stressed, in Pakistan, the ‘Indian hand’ is blamed for liberated by the mass struggle under the leadership the ‘secession’ of East Pakistan. of the Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and other left organizations. But what is also true is that the However, both versions have been distorted to serve the interests of the ruling elites. The atrocities committed by the Pakistani Army were complimented by the vigilantes of the Jamaat-a- movement that erupted against the regime in the united Pakistan began not in East Pakistan but Islami, organised in its armed wings of Al Badar and Al Shams. in Rawalpindi when a student of the polytechnic college was killed by police firing on a student The deep involvement of the Jamaat in demo. This triggered a mass upheaval that spread the ‘Operation Blitz’ is revealed in the book ‘The throughout both wings of the country. It soon Indo-Pak War’ by Major General Hakeem Arshad developed into a class struggle with revolutionary Qureshi, who was a battalion commander in politics and socialist ideals dominating the uprising. the Dinapur district of East Pakistan during

In East Pakistan the main leader that emerged in the operation. He narrates: ‘Maulana Tufail Mohammad (Amir) of the Jamaat-a- Islami visited this movement was Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bashani, a Maoist, who was the leader of the us after the military action...The Maulana was particularly concerned about the performance of National Awami party. As the movement became stronger with the involvement of the proletariat the ‘Razakars’(volunteers) locally recruited and belonging to his party... He jokingly remarked that and began to threaten the regime as well as the state apparatus and the system, Bashani was his party cadres had always come to the rescue of the Army in tough situations’. instructed by Mao himself, a close friend of the Pakistani military ruler Ayub Khan, to back out. There is no doubt that these leaders of the Jamaat- a-Islami now being tried in the war crimes tribunal This was a severe setback for the class struggle. However, East Pakistan was also subjected to were involved in the heinous crimes against the Bengali masses in the war of liberation. But a brutal national oppression. Sentiments of deprivations were widespread. Consequently, the question arises as to why these trials are being conducted forty two years after the crimes struggle assumed a nationalist color. Imperialists and the Indian ruling classes heaved a sigh of relief were committed. The motive of the incumbent government is to distract the masses from the as they were terrified that the mighty wave of the class struggle that was developing in East Pakistan burning issues. In addition, we might also ask why the Jamaat is still a substantial political force would spill over into the state of West Bengal in India, a state that was already in ferment. in Bangladesh when its leaders played such a treacherous role during its independence struggle. Such a development would have meant a revolutionary wave engulfing the whole of the In spite of a secular constitution and the demeanor of its mainstream leaders, the independence of south Asian subcontinent. This propelled Sheikh Mujib ur Rehman, a bourgeoisie demagogue, into Bangladesh has failed to alleviate the masses from deprivation, misery and poverty under a capitalist the leadership of the nationalist struggle. He was a staunch adherent of capitalism and had links regime. Both the mainstream parties represent the interests of the Bengali ruling classes that took with the Indian bourgeoisie. In a revealingly frank interview with AFP published in Le Monde, Paris, control of the state and the economy after the creation of Bangladesh. on 31st March 1971 Mujib complained, “Is the West Pakistan government not aware that I am the only It also proves that any independence on a bourgeois one able to save East Pakistan from communism?” basis cannot resolve the burning problems afflicting

9 a society owing to capitalist exploitation and In the aftermath of the United States signing a imperialist plunder. Fundamentalism breeds in this treaty of nuclear collaboration with India, Pakistan, malaise that has set in due to the stagnation of the reportedly, is trying to be the fifth largest nuclear workers movement and the misery that prevails power in the world by developing a record number in society. The tens of thousands protesting in the of nuclear weapons (Masood, 2012). According to Shahbagh square are mainly the petit bourgeoisie some estimates Pakistan has 70-90 warheads as expressing their frustration with the burgeoning compared to 60-80 warheads of India. social and economic crisis that has now started Both neighbors have declined to sign the to bite even the middle classes. Those who are Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and the ferociously belligerent for the utopia of Islamization Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). While are from a similar class background with almost the for Pakistan, being a weaker and smaller military same frustration with their lives in this system in power, nuclear capability becomes a security issue, decay. India, ironically uses the same logic against China as It is unfortunate that most of the left leadership, a justification to continue the nuclear mad race. in the name of secularism and democracy, For India, the nuclear regime rests on using unclear has abandoned the urgent need for a socio- weapons as a defensive strategy; Pakistan reserves economic transformation in order to achieve its right for a first strike. In this crazy competition if the emancipation of the Bengali masses. (From India develops the nuclear Ballistic Missile Defense Viewpointoline.net). (BMD) shield, possibly Pakistan will also follow the suit.

It is argued that nuclear capability acts as an effective deterrence but the fact that both South Asian countries have had armed conflicts with each other even after their nuclear tests, makes the situation even more volatile for the whole region. Analyzing the four conflicts between the two rival NUCLEAR MARATHON IN SOUTH ASIA countries, Brasstacks in 1987, Kashmir uprising in 1990, the Kargil attack in 1999, and border tensions Dr. Qaisar Abbas in 2001-2002, a study concludes:

“Overall, the entry of nuclear weapons into the (Assistant Dean, University of North Texas and subcontinent, ostensibly to ensure national member South Asia Democracy Watch Board of security, has not made the region more stable Directors). or conflict less likely. The Kargil conflict and the On April 19, 2012, India tested its long range year-long border confrontation between the two ballistic missile Agni 5 with a capability to carry a countries have proven to be exception to the nuclear warhead for 3,100 miles. Although experts accepted wisdom that nuclear weapons stabilize believe the test was China-centric as it had the relations, strengthens deterrence, and discourage capability of reaching major cities of Beijing and both conventional and nuclear conflict” (Chari, Shanghai, it also revealed a nerve-wracking nuclear Cheema and Cohen, 2007). race between India and Pakistan where the two Evidently, the nuclear tests did not stop small neighbors, equipped with dangerous weapons, scale adventures; they did point to the possibility are also in a constant state of armed conflict. In of similar conflicts in the future with a possible an apparent response, Pakistan also conducted a threat of nuclear holocaust in the region. Probably missile test the following week on April 25 exposing based on this depressing prediction, a recent report the intensity of the nuclear race in South Asia. highlighted the need for nonproliferation of nuclear arms in the region:

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“For now, India, Pakistan, and the international When both nuclear competitors in South Asia community must focus on incremental steps only have poverty and human sufferings for their to bring these two states into the global non- citizens, the nuclear race in the region seems to be proliferation regime while working to enhance an unfortunate development which has a capability strategic stability in the region, thereby reducing of wiping out millions of people with horrifying chances of a nuclear catastrophe” (Yousuf, 2010). global consequences. Unfortunately, while the

The case of South Asia, however, is more alarming whole world is watching silently, the nuclear marathon goes on in South Asia. than other nuclear zones in the world. Not only it is one of the most dangerous world regions, it is also ______surrounded by two nuclear giants, Russia and China.

______He was so concerned about the poor masses of ALLAMA IQBAL AND KASHMIR Kashmir; his poetic discourse intensely narrated the large gulf between the common masses and the Raja Muzaffar ruling classes of the whole region:

(Known Kashmiri leader and member South Asia A burning lament Democracy Watch Board of Directors) Comes down from the heavens When the man of veracity and integrity There are so many facts about Kashmir not known Is overawed by even after 66 years of partition in the subcontinent The power and pomp of India and Pakistan. In addition, the rumor mill has Of kings and land lords. been busy in creating baseless and untrue stories about Kashmir, its history and its people. Then, when he notices a small cottage of an old farmer away from the colors of the city, he could Religious extremists in India and Pakistan, calling not help thinking about his inner, prevailing the partition as an incomplete agenda, have empathy with the lonely peasant in comparison to also spread false and misleading ideologies. This those who have all the luxuries in their world: militancy has consumed three generations in the subcontinent. Ill-conceived notions of hatred The old farmer’s cottage have now permeated into the society so much On the mountainside that violence has not even spared our mosques, Where despair prevails temples, churches, streets and alleys. Tells another story of fate And its hardships. Kashmir was very close to Allama Iqbal’s heart and mind based on his historical links with the valley. As Moaning on the fate of his people, Iqbal seems his family came from the Kashmir, he always kept to complain the Almighty to allow all of this. The its history and values alive in his work and poetry. candid commentary seems so contemporary as if

the poet can see what’s going on here in the 21st In one of his poems, he laments the fate of Kashmir’s people in these words: century in the whole region at large:

So skillful with hands, Today that land of Kashmir So rich in wisdom Once known among the wise These people, As the Little Iran, O’ God, your justice, Under the heels of the enemy So long delayed Has become weak Helpless and poor. Must come at least

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As a retribution! securing a near majority of 127 National Assembly seats out of the total elected 272 seats. Secondly, The wave of hatred has now taken over the whole the abysmal showing, with only 31 seats, of the society and mistrust is so deep in our culture that outgoing PPP and its disappearance from Punjab is everyone has become a suspect in the eyes of others. astonishing. Thirdly, a disappointing outcome for the popular Imran Khan and his PTI party, obtaining In all developing societies, progressives, however, just 28 seats, amidst great though unrealistic continue the process of exploring new possibilities expectations by PTI ‘s youth fan base, clamoring for and continue to embrace fresh ideas of promoting a Naya or new Pakistan. harmony and love, rejecting old and rotten theories of hatred. The religious parties like JI and JUI were unable to

win a number of seats. As far as election results This was the context of creating a new organization, the South Asia Democracy Watch. It aims at finding for the four provinces of Pakistan are concerned, new venues of human emancipation in South Asia PMLN with a huge majority will form the Panjab by identifying hurdles in the path of establishing a government, while PPP and PTI will lead the Sindh democratic rule, justice, and equity in the region. and KPK governments respectively. Balochistan

government will probably be also formed by PMLN We intend to work for strengthening the pillars of democracy and peace in South Asia. With this also in coalition with other parties. mission, the organization continues to work on So what does the future hold for the country under researching and promoting democratic values among South Asians and among the diaspora all the leadership of Mr. Nawaz Sharif? Sustaining over the world. democracy, protecting human rights especially of subjugated minorities, guaranteeing the safety ______and security of people, jump starting a bankrupt POST-ELECTION SCENARIO IN PAKISTAN economy, promoting peace with its South Asian neighbors, would doubtlessly be a very daunting Tausif Kamal challenge for him. (Attorney at Law and member South Asia Democracy Watch Board of Directors) Nawaz Sharif’s first and immediate task should be to stop without any delay the failing of the

General elections held on May 11, 2013 in Pakistan Pakistani state and rapid erosion of its authority by may be termed as a victory for democracy and the relentless terror attacks in the country by the an indication of people’s desire for self-rule and declared enemy, the Taliban. freedom. Defying threats of violence by the Taliban PMLN’s second task should be to strengthen the and Jihadists, there was a heavy 60% turnout civil government so that it can effectively govern of voters. However, it was marred by serious and have the strength to enforce, implement and allegations of ballot rigging and irregularities at execute the laws. This will entail asserting civilian many locations and almost a boycott of elections by people in Balochistan. oversight over the army, restricting the politically ambitious, usurping, interfering superior judiciary Be that as it may, the elections unveiled three to its constitutional function of interpreting and surprises. A decisive victory by PML-N headed by a applying the constitution and law in actual legal resurgent Nawaz Sharif, the twice prime minister, cases.

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The incoming government’s third task would be It’s comforting to know that Nawaz Sharif its ability and capability, to deftly handle and has publicly advocated and has previously effectively resolve a host of pressing domestic demonstrated his policy of closing ranks with issues, such as ubiquitous power shortages, India and developing constructive, peaceful and endemic corruption, inept governance, encouraging beneficial relations with all South Asian countries. the much- needed domestic and foreign investment for infra-structure, creating job opportunities for millions of unemployed youth, improving the economy, providing health, and education facilities.

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SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS Dr. Qaisar Abbas With a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Qaisar Abbas has taught at several universities and currently he is Assistant Dean at the University of North Texas. He has organized UNT Peace Conference as its Chair on South Asia and the Middle East. He is also involved in community activities as part of the Board Directors of the Dallas Peace Center and President of South Asia Democracy Watch. He extensively writes on media, and socio-political issues for online and print journals. Before coming to the U.S. he worked for Pakistan TV as News Producer and earlier as Information Office in the province of Punjab.

Ms. Talmeez Fatima Burney Ms. Talmeez Fatima Burney is an Urdu writer and poet. With Master’s degrees in Urdu and Linguistics from Karachi University, Pakistan, she has been co-hosting a literary program on FunAsia Radio for the last five years. She also teaches Urdu in Brookhaven Colleges in Dallas.

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Davinder Singh Daman South Asia Democracy Watch is proud to have a known Indian actor, stage director and screenwriter, Davinder Daman in its Advisory Council. Based in Chandigarh, India, he is known for his political activism who effectively uses street theater as his medium for raising political awareness. He has written and staged several plays in India, Pakistan, Britain and other countries. An anthology of his plays has been recently published in India.

Dr. Theresa Daniel

Dr. Theresa Daniel, as Commissioner of Dallas County, has extensive expertise in public affairs, economic development, housing, transportation, education, gerontology and local political thought. With a Ph.D. in public policy and administration, she is also a social science researcher and involved in public organizations for over three decades. Professionally, she served as a U.S. Congressional staff member, worked with the American Red Cross and has focused on public education for the past seven years. Prior to her election to Commissioners Court, Dr. Daniel worked with Dallas ISD in program evaluation and accountability and is also adjunct professor of urban and public affairs at UT-Arlington.

Mayor Dr. Arjumand Hashmi

Dr. Arjumand Hashmi, a cardiologist by profession, is Mayor of Paris in Texas. He did his medical studies in Karachi, Pakistan and has been living in Paris for the last five years. He is the first Pakistani American who became a mayor in the United States.

Syed Fayyaz Hassan

Syed Fayyaz Hassan is Co-Chair of American Muslim Democratic Caucus. He has an MA degree from Michigan State University in Economics and Masters in Applied Sciences from University of Karachi, Pakistan. He is an activist with the Democratic Party and has been serving as the Democratic Party Executive Committee since 2002.

Tausif Kamal

Attorney Tausif Kamal is one of the Pakistani American pioneers in the legal profession based in the United States. He practiced general and corporate law in Ohio and California after obtaining his J.D. degree from University of Akon in Ohio in 1975. He has been actively involved in advocating and defending the legal rights of the Pakistani and other new immigrants in the United States. As a freelance writer and analyst on human rights issues in South Asia, he has written extensively on politics, democracy and rights of minorities and women.

Dr. Nyla Ali Khan

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Dr. Nyla Ali Khan is a member of the Advisory Council of South Asia Democracy Watch. She has a Ph. D. in English Literature from the University of Oklahoma, where she also teaches South Asian Studies, Postcolonial Literature and Theory, and Cultural Studies. Formerly an associate professor at the University of Nebraska- Kearney, she is the author of “The Fiction of Nationality in an Era of Transnationalism (2005)” and “Islam, Women, and Violence in Kashmir: Between India and Pakistan (2010).”

Dr. Mohammed Jafar Mahallati Dr. Mohammad Jafar Mahallati is currently teaching Islamic Studies at Oberlin College in Ohio. He has been Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran in the United Nations from 1987-1989. With a Ph.D. from McGill University in Islamic Studies and Masters in Political Science from University of Kansas, he has also taught at Georgetown, Yale and Columbia universities.

Dr. Masood Raja Author of “Constructing Pakistan,” Dr. Masood Raja is Assistant Professor of English at the University of North Texas specializing in the postcolonial literature and theory. He edits “Pakistaniaat: A Journal of Pakistan Studies” and contributes regularly in academic journals and online blogs.

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Mission Statement

South Asia Democracy Watch (SADeW) works as a nonprofit organization to monitor and nurture democracy by promoting social justice, human rights and equity in South Asian countries. It intends to analyze and communicate the available data and research work to its audience in South Asia and everywhere else in the world.

Vision

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South Asia Democracy Watch (SADeW) envisions becoming an internationally recognized and impartial pressure group to promote and nurture a culture of democracy and equity in South Asian countries.

Objectives

1. To monitor democratic processes and systems in Pakistan and South Asian countries. 2. To nurture a culture of democracy through educational, cultural and literary programs and events. 3. To promote democratic values of social tolerance, freedom of expression, justice, fairness and equity to a broader American, South Asian and global audience through the modern channels of communication.

Organizational Functions

1. To develop political leadership skills among men and women in South Asian countries through training programs and events. 2. To empower people in urban and rural areas for effective participation in political process in the region through supporting, debating and communicating democratic values. 3. To identify government and nongovernment policies and activities which hinder political process in the region. 4. To collect data and develop educational materials on the democratic process and system in the region and communicate them to the diaspora, people in the regions and the American leaders and audience. 5. To monitor legislative developments in the region for protecting women, religious and ethnic minorities and the under-privileged segments of the society at large. 6. To communicate and interact with American opinion makers, think thanks, policy institutes and media of communication in promoting SADeW’s mission and objectives.

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