Zofeen Ebrahim

Pakistan Better Off Without US Military Aid?

KARACHI — Defense analysts in Pakistan believe that forgoing $800 million worth of aid may be a fair bargain for ridding this country of over a hundred “military trainers” who were suspected of being spies. Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, has said that his military can do without the suspended U.S. military aid, … Continue reading “Pakistan Better Off Without US Military Aid?”

In Pakistan, Military vs Militancy Does Not Equal Peace

KARACHI — As militant attacks in Pakistan continue unabated, there are increasing calls for the government to rethink its strategy — and look deep within. What is happening in Pakistan today is an "unprecedented" situation and the government’s "lack of planning and imagination left it with no alternative," said I.A. Rehman, director of the Human … Continue reading “In Pakistan, Military vs Militancy Does Not Equal Peace”

Suspected Pakistan Terror Group Will Challenge UN Ban

KARACHI – Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the Pakistani organization on which the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions two weeks ago, on suspicion of being involved in terror activity, insists that it is a charity and that it will challenge the ban at the International Court of Justice. India requested that the Security Council proscribe JuD … Continue reading “Suspected Pakistan Terror Group Will Challenge UN Ban”

Taliban Raids on NATO Convoys Crippling, Say Analysts

KARACHI – While NATO and United States forces have downplayed raids in Peshawar by pro-Taliban militants, destroying hundreds of their military vehicles and supply containers destined for Afghanistan, analysts here believe that the damage is significant. On Saturday the militants destroyed 11 trucks and 13 containers in the latest of a series of attacks over … Continue reading “Taliban Raids on NATO Convoys Crippling, Say Analysts”

Reporting From Pakistani Tribal Areas Highly Risky

KARACHI – Reporting from Peshawar – hub of Pakistan’s tribal areas, currently the focus of a pincer movement between the Pakistan army and the United States-led forces in neighboring Afghanistan – has become a highly risky affair. “I still can’t believe that I’m alive and talking to you,” said 34-year old Sami Yusufzai, reporter for … Continue reading “Reporting From Pakistani Tribal Areas Highly Risky”

‘Gitmo Is Like Being Alive in Your Own Grave’

KARACHI – "Guantanamo brings images of a man in orange overalls, his face down and a soldier holding him by the neck, like a dog on a leash," says 14-year-old Zahra Paracha. "Animals are treated better," she tells IPS. "What’s the point of talking to you?" she then says, her eyes clouding up. "I’m tired … Continue reading “‘Gitmo Is Like Being Alive in Your Own Grave’”

Pakistani Expats Wary of ‘Charities’ From Home

KARACHI – Amid reports of money collected by Pakistani charities abroad ending up in funding terrorist activity comes new research that suggests that the prosperous Pakistani-American community is extremely wary of sending money to organizations from the home country. According to the study, Pakistani-Americans give away, annually, a $1 billion in charity, but only 40 … Continue reading “Pakistani Expats Wary of ‘Charities’ From Home”

Taliban-Style Law Passed in Pakistan

KARACHI – Liberal-minded people in this country are concerned at the "hasba bill" passed in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) assembly that seeks to severely restrict women’s rights and institute a "moral police" in the territory that borders Afghanistan. What is particularly worrisome is that the bill, described variously by liberals as "Talibanization" and … Continue reading “Taliban-Style Law Passed in Pakistan”