Misinterpreting Religion

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Observers.

Religion is an instrument of peace, harmony and stability in the world. It brings discipline and order in the lives of the people, imparts them hope and optimism and consoles hapless and destitute strata of society. None of the religions encourages violence or violation of human sanctity. However, unfortunately religion has often been misused by certain elements for the fulfillment of their nefarious designs and has been proving detrimental to world peace and stability.

Global terrorism today poses an existential threat to world peace and this barbarism and insanity is being perpetrated in the name of religion. In past, the desires of foreign occupations to uphold the superiority of one religion on the other, led to many deadly wars; and peace remained an elusive dream. Today on account of misuse and misinterpretation of religious injunctions, radicalization is on a constant rise, minorities are being persecuted, sectarian clashes are increasingly jolting the world peace , rights of women are being infringed and progress in the fields of science, art and literature is being resisted. It is not the religion, but misuse and misinterpretation of the religion which has wreaked all this havoc.

However, if a meaningful interfaith and intra - faith dialogue is initiated, longstanding international conflicts are resolved judiciously and socio-economic and politico - religious grievances of the aggrieved factions are addressed, the perpetrators of violence can be rendered bereft of excuses to misuse religion for the furtherance of their ignominious designs. In this regard it is the dire need of the time that media eschews jingoism and hate speech and helps in defusing tension along ethical and ideological lines and the moderate scholars play their due role in reinvigorating the true spirit of the religion among the followers of various faiths. In this way, an ambiance of tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence can be cultivated and the globe can be made a better place of living for entire humanity.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Daily Pakistan Observer

August 11, 2015.
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=270312

Answers of some general Queries regarding opting British History.

Answers of some general Queries regarding opting British History.

By: Tasawar Bosal

        Assistant Director Anti-Corruption

This post may be highly helpful regarding deciding whether to opt British history or not. First of all let me give you a brief sketch of this subject. British History is a very interesting subject and is full of knowledge as this is the history of that nation that ruled this world for centuries in the modern times. And the history of this nation actually makes us abreast with the evolution of modern humanity over the period of past 4 centuries. As well as my personal opinion is concerned, this is the subject out of all subject which I opted at my time of CSS which really made me learn a lot in real sense. 

Here, I am going to answer few of the questions which are usually in the minds of Aspirants regarding British History.

What are the positives of this subject?

First of all it is a stable subject in terms of scores. If it does not give 75% plus marks, it won't restrict you fewer than 50% either. With a better preparation, having good aptitude of history, one could cross 150 in it when it used to be of 200 marks. Even now when it is a 100 marks subject, one can cross 70. The better thing about this subject is that, if one does not catch the moon of 70+ marks, at least one falls in the stars of 60-70 marks, obviously depending upon one's preparation and aptitude.

Another good thing about this subject is that its MCQs keep on getting repeated. Therefore, if one prepares MCQs from past ten years papers, one is in quite better position to cross-18/20 in MCQs portion. I have solved the MCQs of the past papers of this subject since 2000 on CSS Forum. Here, I provide the link for that thread. They can be of good help in this regard.

British History Past papers MCQs

Another good thing about this subject is that it is very interesting and full of knowledge. This particular aspect keeps one's interest in this subject intact and one does not get bored while studying. This is a very important thing about it. Unless a subject catches the attention, it gets tough to spend time with that.

What are the negatives about this subject?

Well I personally feel that there are no negative things about this subject. However, the only thing one can say is that after the subject has been made a 100 marks subject without reducing the syllabus, one would be investing good amount of energy in its preparation. But still, it requires less time than many of 100 marks subjects.   Secondly, few rare people do not have aptitude for any history subjects. Such fellows need to abstain from opting it. But still in any case, I would always have gone for this subject. 

Which books should be consulted for B. H

Preparing from two books which I am going to mention below is considered sufficient for a convincing preparation of this subject. However, few aspirants also take help from a third book by Southgate.

British history by P. C Thomas (A very good book which covers paper one very convincingly.

British History by Norman Lowe. This book is particularly consulted for Paper B of British history.

British history by Southgate. This book is used by few aspirants for even better preparation. But first two usually are felt sufficient.

The Golden Tip:

Now days, a book is in market by Dr. Waheed Asghar PAS. I believe this book has been written taking notes and material from all the books mentioned above and this single book may be sufficient for a better preparation.  

How much time is required for the preparation of British history?

Well this subject can be prepared in a month. However, for a better and convincing preparation this subject requires at least one and half month. Though it is a very interesting subject, yet any history subject requires times for its preparation and the best thing about it is that, this investment of time is worth it.

Is there any need of consulting some teacher or academy for the preparation of this subject?

The answer to this question is, YES.

Despite the fact that one may have the aptitude for this subject, one is better to consult some teacher who particularly has the experience regarding CSS British History, it syllabus, trends and its examination pattern. Seeking the guidance from some senior also prove helpful. However, having it studied from a proper teacher makes the real difference. 

Will it remain a scoring subject in the coming years?

Though CSS is most uncertain and unpredictable exam and nothing could be guessed about it, yet keeping in view its past record, one can say that it is most likely to remain stable subject and won’t at least ditch the aspirants. Therefore, one can term it stable and safe subject.

I hope I have answered to all of the questions which usually come in the mind of CSS aspirants regarding this subject . .

Best of Luck

Tasawar Bosal

Assistant Director Anti- Corruption

Ex- Assistant Director Civil Defense

My Interview Experience of Assistant Director Civil Defense.

My Interview Experience of Assistant Director Civil Defense.

Date : June 18, 2015 .

Place : Punjab Public Service Commission

Result: Selected 

The interviews against two seats of Assistant Director/ District Officer Civil Defense BS (17) were scheduled to be held on June 18 and 19, 2015. Earlier after the written exam 17 candidates had managed to find their names in the list of List of Qualified ones for the Interview I had my interview on 18th of the June. It was only after 3 days, I had appeared in PPSC for the Interview of PMS on June 15. As that interview had remained good (got 146 marks), my morale was high and was ready for the interview. Our documents were scrutinized and we were made to wait for the commencement of the interviews. The interviews started after 10 O' Clock and I was 8th to appear for the interview. The panel was giving round 15 minutes to every candidate.

On my turn, I entered the room and greeted the reverend Panel. The respected PPSC member who was presiding over the interview panel broke the ice by asking me to introduce myself. I responded by telling them the that.

"Sir, I am Tassawur Abbas and I hail from District Mandi Bahauddin’s village Bosal. Basically I belong to an agricultural family. I obtained my early education from the School of my village where I stood first in whole of my district in middle standard examination and took A Plus grades in my matriculation. The chairman said that’s good. And then he said keep going gentleman. And I continued by saying, After having done my matriculation I moved to Sargodha and did my Fsc., graduation and finally my Masters in English Literature. At my college and university, I actively participated in Sports and extracurricular activities and I was an active member of Hostel Literary Society and the University Dramatic Club and winner of Table Tennis tournament. Once I was done with my formal education I shifted my focus towards making my career and for that purpose I participated in competitive examinations. In 2011, I qualified CSS Examination but unfortunately I remained unable to be allocated with a narrow margin. In the next year I cleared PMS 2011-12 but here also the luck did not favor me and I couldn’t get allocated. Now I have once again qualified the PMS written examination 2014 and I am just done with the process of the interview. Just recently I have been selected as an Assistant in Ministry of Foreign affairs where I expected to join during the approaching wee. Sir, I have an interest in writing and for quenching my thirst for writing I have often been writing in various English Newspapers and Magazines. And the last of my writing appeared in English Daily The News during this week.

Till now the chairman had given a patient hearing to my introduction. Here he interrupted and asked m what was your recent writing all about.

Me: Sir it was about the general elections held in Great Britain during the last week.

I could see a visible interest in the eyes of the Chairman. He said, so what did you write Gentleman.

Me: Sir I gave an analysis of the results of Great Britain’s general elevations and the causes of Conservative’s victory and its impacts. Moreover, I had made a comparison of the results of the elections in Pakistan, India and England and highlighted the similarities and dissimilarities.

Chairman: So, what were the reasons of Cameron’s victory?

Sir though it was expected to be a tightly contested election, yet the conservatives were most expected to win. But their landslide win has shocked all pollsters. First of all the austerity measures and cut in spending by Cameron’s party has caught the attention of the voters. Secondly, the economy also showed some improvement. Thirdly and most importantly the way Cameron has remained successful in averting the departure of Scotland from the United Kingdom by having results in favor of remaining in the federation in the Scottish Referendum elevated the stature of Cameron both at home and abroad. And fourthly, as the nationalism has been at the heart of these elections, the slogan of reconsidering the ties with European Union and a promise of referendum to decide to remain with E. U or to quit it also helped Cameron clinch such a decisive victory.

Chairman. Why England wants to quit E. U.

Me: Sir first of all the UK believes that she is contributing more towards E. U and in return is getting meager returns. Secondly, there is huge influx of migrants from Europe and is burdening the British economy. Thirdly, UK has always enjoyed significant freedom in the world and in E. U they feel somewhat tight armed. And fourthly, in the presence of stronger Germany and France, the United Kingdom feels uncomfortable.

Chairman : What do you see the results of the referendum ? Will Uk quit the E. U?

Me: Sir in my opinion there would be no referendum.

Chairman: Why ?

Sir, I believe the U. K is going to use this referendum as pressure tactics and is interested in renegotiating the terms with E. U. And this already has started working and both Germany and France , the bigger partners, have offered the England for better terms.

During all this conversation the chairman had a keen interest in the discussion. At this he asked the next member to ask the question.

Member 2: Gentleman you seem to have a good grip on European politics, now lets come to Pakistan. What do you believe is the future of democracy in Pakistan?

Me: Sir in my opinion the future of democracy in Pakistan is bright.

M2 : How , Plz elaborate.

Me: Sir there are certain factors. First of all the civil society and the media have made people aware of the importance of Democracy and people are not going to welcome any adventure. Secondly, the previous regime has remained successful in bringing certain political reforms and the constitution has been purged of the dictatorial pollution. The army is working in her ambit and does not seem interested in any coup. There has been a peaceful transition of political power from on elected government to the other. The electoral process and the election machinery have undergone certain reforms though a lot is yet to be done. In the wake of long march if more electoral reforms are incorporated, the democracy would find better chance for nourishment.

As my speech ended :P the third member who was a female asked me in Urdu.

M3: Aap nay electoral reform ki baat ki hay Kya aap btaa sktay hain k Dhandli aur Munazzam Dhandli main kya faraq hay ?

Me: Ma’m Dhandli yeh hay k system main jo flaws hain , koi individual un ka faida utha k election results par galat asar andaz hota hay aur Munazzam Dhandli yeh hay system main jo flaws hain koi groh majmoohi taur par un ka faida uthaata hay baqaaida mansooba bandi k teht aur system maujood log is main os /groh ki madad karatay hain.

On this Ma’m said very good.

Then the fourth member said Gentleman you have you have interest in a creative work like writing and you have come for a rough and dry job. How would they go together?

Me : Sir I would have enough time after my job to continue my creative activity and besides that this activity would help me recreate and regenerate myself after having exhausted from the job routine. At this he smiled and asked the next question that would there be new provinces?

Me: Yes sir there should be new provinces. The new federating units on administrative and not ethnic or linguistic basis would further strengthen the federation and would help improve governance. At this the member said thank you gentleman. And the Chairman of the Panel also bade me farewell and I got up by thanking the reverend panel.

And the result was that I was selected as Assistant Director Civil Defense :)

GENERAL ELECTIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Observers.

Defying all pollsters and political pundits, David Cameron’s conservatives clinch a decisive victory in Great Britain’s general elections held on May 8. Having once been our Masters, the originators of modern Democracy, the victors of World Wars and sole superpower of her times, the Great Britain’s general elections were observed and monitored keenly in every capital of the world. There was no less excitement and interest in Pakistan for score of reasons as a good number of Pakistani Britain were contesting from the platform of all the major political parties in the run of elections and a good part of the electorate also consisted of Pakistani Britain. These elections which according to all pre-poll surveys and analyses, were expected to be a tightly fought contest, giving way to a hung Parliament and a coalition government, have contrarily given a decisive majority to Cameron’s Conservative party. The tradition continues that the incumbents get the second term and return to Westminster to the treasury benches. Besides conservatives, the Scottish National Party emerged to be the major beneficiary of people’s confidence which virtually did a clean sweep in Scotland and won 56 out of 59 seats. They have got a clear mandate from the electorate for either an independent or highly autonomous Scotland.

Though Labours have suffered a defeat and particularly have performed worst in their erstwhile stronghold Scotland, yet they have not performed bad and have clinched respectable number of seats. The worst have proved these elections for Liberal Democrats who for centuries had remained themselves as the main rivals of Conservatives. Largely, the British electorate has given a quite wise, forceful and loud and clear verdict. It has been the desire of the electorate that the Empire Strikes back and revives her lost glory and they have developed the feeling over the years that it is the Cameron who can make Britain strike back and have her reclaim her lost prestige.

It is expected that David Cameron’s government would fulfill the commitments made in election manifesto, would uplift the prestige and prosperity of the nation and most importantly would manage to keep the nation united by extending broader autonomy to Scotland. Pakistan needs to learn from her old masters the conduct of free and fair elections and should benefit from the Britain’s experience in flourishing democracy and promoting democratic culture in Pakistan.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Daily Pakistan Observer

Friday, May 15, 2015.

The Worst Human Tragedy.

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Observers.

December has always been the most cruel and deadly month for Pakistan. It dismembered Pakistan in 1971, deprived us of a genuine, learned and enlightened leader, Benazir Bhutto in 2007 and now it has befallen upon us the worst human tragedy. Words fail to express the grief on this heinous barbarism perpetrated on innocent school children and tongue and heart seize to produce words of consolation.

It certainly not only is a national but a human tragedy and December 16 would always be remembered as one of the darkest of the darkest days in the history of mankind. There should be no doubts left that terrorism and extremism are the existentialist threat to our survival, the most pressing and formidable challenge we are faced with and are the canker eating into the very vitals of our society.

This incident is a stark reminder to the fact that we as a nation immediately need to recognize our actual foe, shun our differences, realize the sensitivity of the challenges we are confronted with, come on one page and throw away the apologetic attitudes towards those monsters which are not sparing our innocent children either.

It is high time all the stakeholders, be that political elite, security establishment, civil society, media or intelligentsia, revisit their priorities. Otherwise it would be too late and beyond getting corrected. Both the government and opposition are requested to forge a consensus and stand by the security apparatus to shutdown this barbarism to safeguard and rebuild Pakistan, if their claim of rebuilding Pakistan is not mere a rhetoric aimed at gaining political mileage.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Daily Pakistan Observer

December 19, 2014.

THE WORST HUMAN TRAGEDY.

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Observers.

December has always been the most cruel and deadly month for Pakistan. It dismembered Pakistan in 1971, deprived us of a genuine, learned and enlightened leader, Benazir Bhutto in 2007 and now it has befallen upon us the worst human tragedy. Words fail to express the grief on this heinous barbarism perpetrated on innocent school children and tongue and heart seize to produce words of consolation.

It certainly not only is a national but a human tragedy and December 16 would always be remembered as one of the darkest of the darkest days in the history of mankind. There should be no doubts left that terrorism and extremism are the existentialist threat to our survival, the most pressing and formidable challenge we are faced with and are the canker eating into the very vitals of our society.

This incident is a stark reminder to the fact that we as a nation immediately need to recognize our actual foe, shun our differences, realize the sensitivity of the challenges we are confronted with, come on one page and throw away the apologetic attitudes towards those monsters which are not sparing our innocent children either.

It is high time all the stakeholders, be that political elite, security establishment, civil society, media or intelligentsia, revisit their priorities. Otherwise it would be too late and beyond getting corrected. Both the government and opposition are requested to forge a consensus and stand by the security apparatus to shutdown this barbarism to safeguard and rebuild Pakistan, if their claim of rebuilding Pakistan is not mere a rhetoric aimed at gaining political mileage.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Daily Pakistan Observer

December 19, 2014.

A Dangerous Trend

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Today.

The prevailing political turmoil has polarized and divided the already fragmented nation to an unprecedented extent, witnessed ever.

Most, if not all, appear to have taken a clear side. Either they are supporting a particular party or they have grudges against a specific person. Every second person is looking at the other with the spectacles of suspicion and is skeptic about his patriotism, sincerity and even mental stability. The belief in the system is fast waning and the mistrust on the institutions is on a constant rise. And worst of all, media is fueling this fire of frenzy. The sanity seems having departed completely.

Sad enough, the saner voices which already are in scarce number and which in such chaotic circumstances are ardently vying for the safeguard and stability of the system are oft being labeled as neo-traitors having sold their minds to one stake holder or the other. What we fail to understand is that being not a party to this ‘Inqilab’ does not demonstrate that one is with present regime nor by abhorring this madness devoid of any iota of method means that one is preserving the status Quo. It is earnestly needed that an early and largely accepted political solution of this political crisis is evolved expeditiously before it gets too late. Rest assured when boots march forward, the nations step backward.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Daily Pakistan Today

September 03, 2014.

Indian General Election , 2014 .

Published in English Weekly, Friday Times.

India is the largest democracy in the world and the ongoing elections are going to be the world’s largest.

Some 814 million Indians, more than the entire population of Europe, will cast their votes to elect the 16th Lok Sabha in India. There are a total of 543 parliamentary constituencies in India, and the winning party or coalition needs 272 seats to form the next government. The voting process has been divided into 9 phases that began on April 7 and will conclude on May 12.

This voting will take place across the length and breadth of the country, from the deserts of Rajhisthan to the tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. The Election Commission of India has assured that no person needs to travel more than 2 kilometers to cast his vote. In 2009, a polling booth was created in Western Gujarat so that one single voter could cast his vote.

Regardless of the outcome, this would not merely be an exercise of choosing a new government in New Delhi, but the results of the Indian elections will have an impact on the world at large and the region in particular.

Unfortunately, since the inception of Pakistan, our experience with democracy has not been pleasant, and we have remained unable to develop a potent political culture. We need to observe keenly the experience of India and the present developments and learn from our arch-rival.

Fortunately, we already are on right track since 2007. A good number of steps that we can take pride in – including the purging of dictatorial tempering in the constitution, increased provincial autonomy through the 18th amendment, development of a consensus on 7th NFC awards, formulation of an independent election commission, and a peaceful transition of power – have proved instrumental in fostering democracy, revitalizing the parliamentary system, and strengthening national institutions.

However, a lot still needs to be done to establish a democratic culture.

Towards this end, devolution of power to the grassroots level through local election can go a long way in nurturing democratic culture and establishing better governance.

We should wish India a peaceful election and should learn from their experience.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Weekly Friday Times.

April 18, 2014.
http://www.thefridaytimes.com/tft/letters-9/

Future of UN ; An Analysis

Published in English Magazine, World Times.

Future of UN; An Analysis

Zardari's Legacy.

Published in English Daily, Daily Times.

Sir: The first elected president in the country’s history to complete his five year tenure in office, Asif Ali Zardari, vacated the presidency on Sunday with full official protocol. However, it was not an easy five years and, throughout his tenure, Mr Zardari remained in the eye of the storm. He faced many unfavourable conditions in the presence of a fierce media and a hostile opposition. The tensions with the judiciary over the ‘Memogate’ scandal and the Swiss cases, the conspiracies of state and non-state actors and the dual office saga did not give him any sigh of relief. In addition, his party’s poor handling of the many crises the country was challenged with and particularly the below average performance in governance kept adding to his agonies. However, whether or not the barrage of allegations that came his way were justified, Mr Zardari emerged virtually unscathed. In the wake of all these odd circumstances he showed proverbial perseverance, stoic resignation and patience with his signature smile on his face.

However, the devil has not been given his due. Mr Zardari must be credited with initiating and encouraging decisions that are destined to have a long-term impact. If his shortcomings are there, his achievements are also very important. His most cherished accomplishment has been purging the constitution of dictatorial pollution and restoring it, in letter and spirit, to its original form. Owing to frequent military interventions, executive powers were concentrated in the office of the president. In a rare show of political sagacity, Mr Zardari voluntarily surrendered those Herculean powers to the prime minister and parliament, the original custodians of those powers in a Westminster-modelled democracy. If Mr Zardari had not shown this political acumen and had chosen not to entertain such democratic ideals, our political system would certainly have been the poorer for it. Despite the fact that he was victimised and his character assassinated, there was not a single case of political victimisation of his rivals. Moreover, the constitutional empowerment of Gilgit-Baltistan, devolution of powers to the provinces, acknowledgement of Baloch rights through the Aghaaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan (Balochistan Package), the establishment of an independent election commission, economic empowerment of marginalised women through the Benazir Income Support Programme, legislation against their harassment and domestic violence, and the development of Thar coal could only be realised because of his personal interest in these projects and his encouragement.

Being a strong believer in regionalism, he strengthened ties with China, Iran, Turkey, the Central Asian Republics, Afghanistan and India. In the wake of changing global realities, he tried to mend strained relations with Russia. His government’s principled stance in the aftermath of the Salala attack of suspending NATO supplies through Pakistan and getting the Shamsi airbase vacated stands witness to his independent foreign policy, which has been a rare commodity in our leaders. He did not budge an inch and actively pursued the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, and he handed over control of the Gwadar deep sea port to China. It is quite unfortunate and unjust that, despite making all these historic initiatives and even giving up most of his presidential powers, Zardari could not soften the criticism against him. He would often say, “Instead of making headlines, we believe in making history.” The prime minister hosting a farewell for the departing president was the biggest tribute for the largely unsung Mr Asif Ali Zardari.

TASSAWUR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin

Daily Times

September 11, 2013.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013%5C09%5C11%5Cstory_11-9-2013_pg3_7

Can’t even hold an exam?

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Today.

The PPSC has invited a barrage of censure for its ineptitude in conducting tests for various jobs. Both for incompetence and absence of transparency, this institution has earned significant mistrust and abhorrence. It still hadn't shaken off the effects of the allegations of mismanagement and embezzlement in conducting the test for Assistant Director Land Record that the PPSC has yet again made headlines due to the inept execution of the exam of the Provincial Management Services (PMS).
The PMS 2011 would be remembered for number of unfortunate things. Having finally seen the day of the light after being delayed of more then a year due to the dilly-dallying of the PPSC, the exam has been conducted in the month of July when mercury shoots up and the atmosphere is in no way is conducive to the conduct of such an exam of high profile. Besides this, a significant number of aspirants have been denied the opportunity of taking this celebrated exam as they had their LLB and other university exams which take place in this month annually. The centres for the exam have been made in only three cities and the aspirants had to travel to these cities and had to bear the expenditure of residence for almost ten days. In addition to the shabby condition of the centers with few electric fans, frequent electricity outages and lack of the facility of drinking water exacerbated the situation and added to the agony of the aspirants. 
This wasn't the end of it. There was more to this saga of inefficiency. The postponement of the paper of Punjabi due to mismanagement of PPSC has raised the curtain from the incompetence of the PPSC. 
These flaws have raised serious questions regarding the working capacity of the PPSC. By disappointing the aspirants, this mismanagement has played havoc with the trust of the aspirants in the institution. This grave situation calls for an immediate and effective overhauling of the working machinery of the PPSC which may ensure efficiency and transparency. 

TASSAWUR BOSAL
Mandi Bahauddin
Pakistan Today
Saturday July 14, 2012.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/07/14/comment/editors-mail/cant-even-hold-an-exam/

Leading the country forward

Published in English Daily, The Nations.

It is a moment of pride and felicitation for every Pakistani that Shamshad Akhtar, a renowned economist and former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, has been appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Economics and Social Affairs. Ms Akhtar’s elevation to this prestigious post strengthens the fact that Pakistani nationals are no less than those of any other nation in excellence, professionalism and expertise. Her reaching this celebrated slot has impressed upon the world that Pakistanis can lead the globe towards a happy and prosperous place. Ms Akhtar, a seasoned economist with over 30 years of global experience, has an impressive track record of policymaking and implementation in the field of economics, development and finance. During her term as SBP Governor, she was nominated for the award of Asia’s Best Central Bank. Asian Wall Street Journal, in 2008, ranked Ms Akhtar as one of the top 10 Asian women professionals. She has served in various capacities in the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. She has been handed over the office at a time when the task she has been assigned is of crucial importance during the global financial turmoil. However, she has a rich and broad based development experience at her hands and does possess courage to do justice with her job.
TASSAWUR BOSAL, 
Mandi Bahauddin, June 22.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/letters/24-Jun-2012/leading-the-country-forward

Shamshad Akhtar now UN assistant SG.

Published in English Daily ,Dawn.

http://dawn.com/2012/06/21/shamshad-now-un-assistant-sg/

An Achievement.

Published in English Daily, Pakistan Today.

It is a moment of pride and felicitation for every Pakistani that Ms Shamshad Akhtar, a renowned economist and ex-Governor State Bank of Pakistan, has been appointed United Nations’ Assistant Secretary General in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Ms Akhtar’s elevation to this prestigious post in world’s most celebrated institution’s one of the vital and crucial arm, strengthens the fact that Pakistani nationals are no less than those of any other nation in excellence, professionalism and expertise. Her reaching to this celebrated slot has impressed upon the world that Pakistanis can lead the globe towards a happy and prosperous place.

Ms Akhtar, a seasoned economist with over thirty years of global experience, has an impressive track record of policymaking and implementation in the field of economics, development and finance. During her term as Governor State Bank of Pakistan she was nominated for the award of Asia’s Best Central Bank. Asian Wall Street Journal, in 2008, ranked Ms Akhtar as one of the top ten Asian women professionals. She has served in various capacities in World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

She has been handed over the office at a time when the task she has been assigned is of crucial importance during the global financial turmoil. However, she has rich and broad based development experience at her hands and does possess mettle and courage to do justice with her job.
Ms Akhtar, Pakistan is proud of you
TASSAWUR BOSAL
Mandi Bahauddin
Pakistan Today
Friday June 15, 2012.

http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/06/15/comment/editors-mail/an-achievement/?printType=article

Dispelling Some MFN Myths.

Published in English Daily Express Tribune.

http://epaper.tribune.com.pk/PUBLICATIONS/THEEXPRESSTRIBUNE/TET/2011/11/23/ArticleHtmls/Dispelling-some-MFN-myths-The-decision-by-Pakistan-23112011007022.shtml?Mode=1

Nusrat Bhutto and J .M Synge's "Riders to The Sea".

Published in English Daily, Daily Times.



Begum Nusrat Bhutto passed away on October 23. Her "natural" death has broken the spell that had overshadowed the Bhuttos for decades — one Bhutto after another had been assassinated one way or the other.

Her sad, but natural, demise reminds me of J M Synge's ever cherished play, Riders to the Sea. In the Irish playwright's masterpiece , all members of an Islander family drown at sea one after another, deprived of a land burial. When the last son of Mauria, the protagonist, also dies young at the sea, luckily his body is retrieved. The mother at this tragic loss with tearful eyes and trembling voice rejoices that her son is going to have a land burial at least.

Mrs Bhutto's sad departure reminds me of the tragedy by J M Synge. Like Synge's protagonist, the Bhuttos' story is also ridden with tragedies. Their sufferings are even greater than that of Synge's protagonist. The charismatic Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's relentless services to the nation were rewarded with his judicial murder. Then Shahnawaz Bhutto was poisoned to death and later Murtaza was shot dead in Karachi. His own sister was a sitting prime minister at the time of Murtaza's murder. Finally, Benazir Bhutto, too, was mercilessly killed in December 2007 while addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi.

Begum Bhutto suffered all these miseries and at last her torment came to an end . The spell is broken. As Mauria's last son after his tragic demise got at least a land burial , the fifth Bhutto at least came across a natural death.
May she rest in peace.



Tassawur Bosal
Mandi Bahauddin
Daily Times
Tuesday November 1st, 2011

Good Going.

Published in English Daily Pakistan Today

Is Imran Khan the third major political entity in Pakistan?

 Published in English Daily Pakistan Today. 

Is Imran Khan going to prove the third political power on national political landscape? May be yes but, if we peep into the realities of electoral politics in Pakistan, the answer is nothing but a big no. I do not intend to hurt the feelings of anybody, but in my humble opinion, he isn't going to be the third political power, at least not in the coming elections. Popularity graphs do show him as one of the most popular leaders and a giant political figure, yet electoral politics has its realities.

Khan’s party doesn't posses competent candidates who have the ability to compete with the strong contenders of other political parties. He is not at all going to have seats more then Q league, MQM and ANP and may be MMA if it gets united. Analysing the political landscape and our national electoral system, one comes across the following harsh realities about khan’s political party. In rural Sindh, PPP will not let Khan win even a single seat, and in urban locale MQM will do the same.

In Balochistan, politics mostly revolves round tribal leaders and elders. There remains no space for the captain there.

In KP, Khan can perform a little better. However, there also ANP, PPP, JUI and JI would not let him play openly and would restrict him to few seats. If ANP and PPP, contest with seats adjustment then these seats may be squeezed even more.

Then there is Punjab, in South Punjab Khan's party seems to be in no position to perform well against strong heavy weights of PPP, N League and Q League. The expected seat adjustment between Q League and PPP is likely to minimise Khan’s chances even more.

In rest of the Punjab, PTI has visible power. But here it has to face the strong wrath of N League N League’s giant candidates armed with the popularity of Sharifs and confidence of home ground are ready to push PTI to the wall.

This scenario suggests that Khan is not going to be the third power in the next general elections. Therefore, while predicting the future of PTI, one should not be oblivious of the ground realities of Pakistani electoral landscape.

But the question whether he has bright chances in the future has an answer in yes. Yes, he can perform better if he leaves the politics of solo flight. He can have a good natural coalition with N League and the Likeminded group of the Q League. In such a coalition, both he and the League will benefit to a larger extent where he is likely to add to his seats, Sharifs would also be in a better position to face the wrath of PPP and Q League. It can be a win-win situation for the both. Otherwise, the sole beneficiary will be the PPP.

However, even then he isn't at all going to be the third political entity in Pakistani politics in the coming general elections.

TASSAWAR BOSAL

Mandi Bahauddin 

September 17, 2011. 

http://epaper.pakistantoday.com.pk/E-Paper/Lahore/2011-09-17/page-11/detail-1

Fatwa by a political mufti

 Published in Daily Times. 
 The outspoken Punjab law minister, Rana Sanaullah, thrives on controversies. Be it his alleged relationship with militants or his long-running tiff with late Salmaan Taseer, he remains the centre of attention. Recently, he has gone as far as proclaiming Senator Babar Awan wajib-ul-qatl (liable to be killed). Mr Sana, while defending himself, argued that he merely repeated some lawyers’ opinion, an excuse I deem fictitious and hence unacceptable considering the turmoil engulfing our country. He has rightly received censure from not only the political fraternity but also the Senate, which has passed a resolution against his statement.

Sadly, this is not the first time that the Punjab law minister has been in the news for saying something scandalous. And again his political party has failed to keep him in check. Mr Sanaullah should keep his personal grudges to himself, considering how intolerant and extremist our society has become. His party should monitor his behaviour to prevent any irreparable damage to the already fragile law and order situation.
TASSAWUR BOSAL
Mandi Bahauddin
Daily Times
June 22, 2011.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C06%5C22%5Cstory_22-6-2011_pg3_7 

Sana’s Statement

Published in Daily The News 

 The ever-outspoken Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah 
thrives on controversies.Be it his alleged cordial entente with 
defunct groups or his long-running tiff with late governor 
Punjab Salmaan Taseer, he remains at the centre of controversies. 
Recently, he has gone a little too far by declaring 
Senator Babar Awan ‘wajibul qatal’. Mr Sana has
defended himself by saying that he only repeated the views
of some lawyers, an excuse which is too lame and unacceptable 
especially in the dangerous times we live in. 
This has brought an all-out censure on him from all over the country,
especially from the political fraternity. The Senate has passed, 
and rightly so, a resolution condemning his irresponsible statement. 
However, the leadership of the PML-N has failed to take notice of it.

Tassawur Bosal
Mandi Bahauddin
Tuesday June 21, 20011
http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=53735&Cat=11