Category: ATDT in Media

At the book launch of Nafisa Hoodbhoy ‘Aboard the Democracy Train’ in Islamabad, the speakers who mostly belonged to Karachi and had seen the Pakistan that was before Zia-ul-Haq’s Marshal Law in 1977 reminisced the events led to Marshal Law, life during Zia’s brutal regime, the emergence of MQM and the ruthless tactics used by Jamat-i-Islami, one of the Islamist parties of Pakistan, using its student wing at Karachi University.

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa argued and believed that the situation might have been the same today if Zia had not grabbed power through a military coup. “We blame Zia for everything but what would we do if Zia had not imposed Marshall Law and dethroned a political government? Who would we blame then for the current mess Pakistan is in?” To which Khawar Mumtaz, chairperson on the status of women said that things would not have been that bad if Zia had not toppled a democratically elected government and brought a reign of terror that fed on religiosity. The speakers and the attendants seemed to agree with Ms. Mumtaz.

There is no doubt that after the demise of General Zia, Pakistan remains clearly divided between two distinct blocks; one associating itself with Bhutto, the other linking with Zia.

The block representing Zia is taking hold of Pakistan when the space for Bhutto is shrinking. The incident of Badami Baagh in Lahore, where the entire locality of Christians was turned into ashes on the spur of a moment, is a manifestation of that reality. The incessant attacks on Shias, Hindus and Ahmadis in Pakistan indicate that people belonging to Zia’s block hold the strings of lives of ordinary Pakistanis in their hands. The militancy and religious extremism nurtured by Zia is making it impossible for people of other faiths to live in Pakistan. The sunlight is receding and the shadows increasing.

The word ‘liberal’ and ‘secular’ has become an abusive term in Pakistan, which can explain the dominance of Zia’s followers better, is the weakness of Bhutto’s own party. They could not challenge or confront the radical elements belonging to Zia’s block on matters as small as, for instance, unblocking access to the popular video sharing website, Youtube. Who could have foreseen during the time of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto that one day his own party, with liberal inclinations running the government, would feel so weak and powerless against radical forces that it would dither in its decision of opening the website.

Bhutto was a symbol of modernity for the state of Pakistan; Zia represented extremism and dictatorship and made Pakistan an entity of hatred where only Muslims of a certain school of thought could live and where the more illogical is the most appreciated and accepted. He clearly turned Pakistan into a laboratory of a radical Islam, which the religious forces had dreamed of; a laboratory which produces militant groups that silence any voice remotely connected with modernity and liberalism. What crime had hundreds of Shias committed? What crime had Salman Tasir and Shahbaz Bhatti committed, who got killed in Islamabad and then the killer of Salman Tasir was garlanded with flowers not by people in the tribal belt or Baluchistan, who are portrayed as the barbaric ones in love with backwardness and terrorisms and away from any signs of modernity, but in the heart of Pakistan, Rawalpindi.

The armed groups, the Sipahs and the lashkars are so many that at times it feels as if these groups are the defenders of security in Pakistan, not the military of that country. And why not so, when the military is more into its commercial enterprises and money making, than doing its duty to defend the country and its people. The military in Pakistan runs businesses ranging from Banks to cement factories and its economy is worth more than 10 billion dollars. Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa wrote a book on military economy ‘Military Inc’ Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy.

When I see campaigns and banners demanding for Jinnah’s Pakistan, I ask myself, isn’t today’s Pakistan, in fact, Jinnah’s Pakistan, as confused and disoriented as Jinnah himself was. He had no idea what kind of Pakistan he wanted, a theocratic State of which he expressed his desire several times or a liberal democratic State of which he mentioned in his speech right before the birth of Pakistan in 1947. His decision to declare Urdu as the national language awarded a tool in the hands of oppressors who set the ground for alienation and separation. The language was later used by the Punjab dominated ruling elite, led by Pakistani military, against other ethnicities like the Pashtuns and the Balochs.

Because of the poor vision and short sightedness of the founding fathers of Pakistan, millions were uprooted from their origin, their villages, cities, their hearths and homes, their friends and their dreams. Ironically, those who were uprooted and who actually steered the Pakistan movement, are to this day called Muhajir which means refugees and more derogatively Biharis—the people from Bihar.

Bhutto can never be more relevant than in today’s Pakistan. When I say “Bhutto” I do not refer to the person “Bhutto” or his party but the philosophy of modernity, liberalism and secular beliefs that existed in the pre-Zia Pakistan. With the arrival of Zia, a raj of shadows descended on Pakistan. Time for change has come as it is the only permanence in the world. What the shrinking majority of Pakistan wants is the Pakistan of Bhutto, clear in its direction and outlook, a modern, democratic and secular Pakistan that is unfortunately losing its ground to the onslaught of Zia’s block.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20: Violence on campus was a gift from the right wing, and the politics of violence were introduced by the same students once they graduated. This was the consensus among speakers on Tuesday at the launch of journalist Nafeesa Hoodbhoy’s book, ‘Aboard the Democracy Train: A journey Through Pakistan’s Last Decade of Democracy’.

The gathering included many who once were students, later political activists and journalists. Decades later, they were sharing memories of their days of struggling against brutal and tyrannical regimes.

“There are few books which chronicle political and journalistic struggles in Pakistan, but this book is a continuation of Zameer Niazi’s books on the press which were authored around the end of the Ziaul Haq era,” said journalist Zahid Hussain.

Strengthening Participatory Organisations (SPO) Chief Executive Naseer Memon called the book an absorbing account with a living storyline of the tumultuous ‘80s and ‘90s “when politics was struggling and general and army was ruling.”

Memon shared the current situation in Sindh and underscored that religious and ethnic rivalries created in the once-secular society of the province were not “homegrown” but were “injected into society by the establishment”.

Senator Mir Hasil Bazinjo, who was a student leader at Karachi University at the time, admitted that it was a mistake by progressive forces to support an urban ethnic group to counterbalance the power of the religious group. “I was a student and often would have problems with the Jamat-e-Islami, which was funded and aided by Zia.” He said it was the time when weapons made their way into campuses and students were killed due to their allegiances with liberal and social groups struggling for a viable, peaceful Pakistan. The ethnic group was later patronised by the establishment, which led to the current crisis.

About the book, he said, “It is an account with personal touch and it helps us remember what we have experienced till date.”

Defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said that in the contemporary media age, “We have short memories with no sequence of events and its ramification.”

She talked about the difficulties in identifying real news in this age, as “different people come in the garb of religion, liberalism or in the name of national interest.”

On a related note, M Ziauddin, the executive editor of The Express Tribune, pointed out that the media in Pakistan is market-driven, rather than news-driven. He cited this as a reason that most media outlets exercise self-censorship to protect their commercial interests.

Khawar Mumtaz, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women and chief guest on the occasion said reading the book triggered the frightening ambience of Zia’s era of violence and tyranny. “It reminded me of the days when religiosity and violence was flowering and blossoming under the umbrella of the state,” she said.

She recalled the days when Hindus and Parsis were her classmates and they lived in peace and tranquility. “There is a need of more such accounts for the current generation to remember what has been done in the past and how did they come to the current crisis.”

Hoodbhoy called the book a narration of her “experience as a reporter and eyewitness to many accounts from 1988-99” and shared how the “strings of even a civilian government were being pulled by somebody from outside to derail the democratic process.’

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2013.
Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/509794/book-launch-violence-we-are-reaping-today-was-sowed-in-80s/

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Aboard the Democracy Train, a book by Nafisa Hoodbhoy, launched on Tuesday at a ceremony organised by the Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO). In the book, the author recounts her experiences as the only female reporter of a leading daily newspaper at that time.

“Unfortunately we are on a train that is leading us to a failed state, more than towards democracy,” said Ayesha Siddiqa, a political and military analyst, while addressing a book launch ceremony. She said that such personal narratives were imperative so that the nation can learn from the past mistakes and deal with the hazards and menaces that have surrounded Pakistan today.

National Commission on the Status of Women Chairperson Khawar Mumtaz presided over the event. SPO Chief Executive Naseer Memon, Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, veteran journalists Zahid Hussain and M Ziauddin and the author also spoke on the occasion besides others.

Khawar Mumtaz congratulated the author on completion of this thorough account and said the book was a good reminder of the fact that the violence has its roots in history. Senator Bizenjo said that reading the book took him back in the era of the 1980s where ethnic violence took routes and later spread to the entire city, the devastating effects of which can be seen today.

Nafisa Hoodbhoy, the author, researcher and the broadcaster, told the gathering that apart from her front line experiences she has examined the circumstances in the post-9/11 scenario. “I have also tried to pick up on mafias that lead to the death of Benazir Bhutto, a two-time former prime minister,” she said.

“As the only woman reporter in Dawn newspaper (1984–2000), I was curious about the connection between day to day events and stored them in memory to tell the world some day about the larger picture. “My access to leading politicians and places would go on to feed a narrative on Pakistan that has normally been hidden from the public view,” she said.

“In using my personae, I have tried to break down the complex history and politics of my home country – which despite its small size is a big player on the global scene,” she said. “I have used my knowledge as a journalist on both sides of the Atlantic to trace the path taken by the nation to where it has arrived,” she said.

Source: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:D9KAJC0eMj4J:thespokesman.pk/index.php/template/politically-incorrect/itemlist/user/940-thespokesman%3Fstart%3D92+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20: SPO Civic Café organized the launching ceremony of Prominent Journalist Ms. Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s book in Islamabad

On the occassion‚giving the introduction of book Author Nafeesa Hudboy said‚ while living in the US‚ she wrote about her front line experiences of the period between 1988-1999. Then‚ working as the only woman reporter for the Dawn newspaper in Karachi‚ Pakistan during Gen. Zia’s era‚ she had associated with the nation’s key politicians and gained key insights into the nation’s road to democracy.

Chief Executive Strengthening Participatory Organizaion Naseer Memon briefed about role of SPO in the process of development. While talking about the book he said‚ the author has described the events during Zia’regime with powerful narration. She has written about religiosity and ethnic division which have been one of the most highlighted issues in Sindh during Zia’s regime. He said‚ in the last five years Sindh is undergoing a transformation and fundamentalism is flourishing at an alarming situation.

Prominent Journalist Zahid Hussain said that the peak period of Zia’s Martial law was Origin of the ethnic divides and riots in Karachi. He said‚ author has given due space to the period of martial law leading to the period when democracy was restored. He said‚ the book takes you back on a journey to Zia’s regime.

Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bajinjo opines that the book is a journey to Zia’s era. The process of violation was initiated by Zia through student organisation‚ and Karachi university did provided a platform

Eminent writer Dr. Ayesha Sadiqa defines the book as personal account and story- dotes‚ which helps the reader to associate with the incidents‚ happenings in the 80’s. The book is a critical account of how societies are molded. The narratives might be helpful in finding joining our dots where we as a nation lost our way‚ due to short-memory as a nation. The book talks about how we have developed.

Renowned journalist M. Ziauddin said that It’s a great book‚ it is must read for every budding journalists. The author shares her experience of a period‚ which she has witnessed and gone through. The author has done a fantastic job.

Chief Guest‚ Ms. Khawar Mumtaz‚ Chairperson‚ National Commission on the Status of Women said that the book is living experience. It reminded me my student days‚ when Karachi University administration Supported a student organisation. She said this book triggered our memories. She said if zia ul Haq was not there‚ situation was not too bad. Karachi was a peaceful city. She said ‚we need this kind of writing‚ this is point of reference for all of us.

The discussion was followed by questions from the audience.

The event was followed by book signing by the author.

Eminent Poet and Human right Activist Haris Khaleeq moderate the event and SPO chief Executive Naseer Memon give the vote of thanks for making the event successful.

Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s book is a gripping account of the two-terms each of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and Nawaz Sharif during 1988 to 1999. Both ascended the Prime Minister’s office through elections and both were sacked by the President of the time.

Nafisa serving as the only female reporter with the premier English daily of Pakistan‚ Dawn‚ for 16 eventful years‚ 1984-2000‚ had the advantage of covering for her paper all major developments of that period and taking mental notes to be incorporated in a book after the turmoil settled down and admitted of an objective evaluation of the events that continue to cast their shadow even to this day.

Source: http://www.radio.gov.pk/newsdetail-38357

ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Aboard the Democracy Train: A Journey through Pakistan’s last decade of democracy, was billed as a chronicler of the 1980s and the 1990s – a historical narrative that documents the degeneration of the country, under General Ziaul Haq and the events that followed.

The hard back book, written by Nafisa Hoodbhoy, contained personal accounts of the author from General Ziaul Haq’s reign and then the worsening political picture after 9/11 under General Pervez Musharraf.

Launched in collaboration with Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) here on Tuesday, two thirds of this book shed light on the political history/developments in Karachi and how the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Jamaat-i-Islami found patronage under General Zia.

The remaining one third of the book, Aboard the Democracy Train dealt with post 9/11 situations and the American engagement in Pakistan that further worsened the political affairs of the country.

“I have captured the front line experiences as a journalist when I was the only female reporter for Dawn in Karachi,” she said.

Senior journalists and columnists, who had known Nafisa Hoodbhoy personally as well as professionally, made up the group of speakers to talk about the book, the events as they remembered (to corroborate all that was captured in the book) and the author.

For CEO of SPO, Naseer Memon, the absorbing accounts revived the terrors of General Ziaul Haq’s 11 years tenure in power and the dramatic changes in Karachi since the 1990s.

Journalist and author, Zahid Hussain said the book reminded him of how Karachi used to be the centre of all politics and was transforming into a hub of violence.

“Those were also the days of curbs on journalism when media used to be a resistance media,” said Zahid Hussain.

History was also recalled when National Party Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo remembered the birth of the MQM from 40 to 45 students lead by Altaf Hussain, to counter Sindhi politicians.

“Nine students were shot dead in three years in Karachi University,” said the Senator commenting on the ethnic violence initiated by the MQM.

Since most of the guests speakers happened to have attended the Karachi University, they were thrown back to the days when they were students and were first hand witnesses to the degeneration of Karachi.Sentences and paragraphs jumped out of the book like images, said the editor of Express Tribune, Mohammad Ziauddin.

“It’s a fine and easy read, especially for the younger generation. The author has turned it into an historical movie from 1984 to the present day,” said Mohammad Ziauddin who empathised with the Sindhis, whom he described as innocent and systematically exploited people.

The personal and humane touch of the author, took writer/columnist, Ayesha Siddiqa 20 years back.

“I remember all those stories like they were yesterday – the critical events that changed opinions and societies and eventually resulted in this failed State today,” said Ayesha Siddiqa elaborating on how Nafisa Hoodbhoy had explained the nation got derailed.

The event was also an opportunity for guests in the audience to congratulate Nafisa Hoodbhoy and meet the author personally.

Source: http://dawn.com/2013/02/20/riding-the-democracy-train/

Karachi, Feb 17: Nafisa Hoodbhoy, author of Aboard the Democracy Train, a Journey through Pakistan’s Last Decade of Democracy told a gathering at the Karachi Literature Festival on Sunday that the nation’s elite needs to connect with its own majority in order to understand the real Pakistan.

Presenting her motivation for writing ATDT, while living in the US, Ms Hoodbhoy said that she worked back in memory to write about her front line experiences of the period between 1988-1999. Then, working as the only woman reporter for the Dawn newspaper in Karachi, Pakistan during Gen. Zia’s era, she said she had associated with the nation’s key politicians and gained key insights into the nation’s road to democracy.

The author told the primarily English speaking audience, gathered at the Beach Luxury hotel, that her academic and journalistic experiences in the US had also enabled her to document how Pakistan had functioned as an ally of the US “War on Terror,” – and the impact that had left in terms growing militarization and fundamentalism in the region.

Responding to the moderator,  Syed Jaffer Ahmed’s query about whether she could have written the book if she had not gone to the US, she said, “Probably not.”  According to the author, she took opportunity of the distance and solitude to recreate from her experiences.

“Given that `Journalism is Literature in a Hurry,’ it became the right time for me to unpack my memories,” she told the gathering.

The presentation was followed by questions from the audience.

Earlier, Kenize Mourad, author of In the City of Gold and Silver presented her book in the same room, in the session moderated by Aliya Iqbal-Naqvi.

 

 

Hyderabad, Feb 13: Aboard the Democracy Train  was launched on Wednesday at the Hyderabad Press Club amid a diverse gathering of professors, teachers, students, journalists and intellectuals.

The event was addressed by Jami Chandio, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Civil Society, Sindh University teacher, Amar Sindhu, journalist Ali Hassan, media personality, Anita Shah and moderated by president Sindh University Teachers Association, Arfana Mallah.

ATDT author, Nafisa Hoodbhoy spoke about her book and fielded  questions on politics and journalism from the audience.

The event was followed by book signing and media interviews given by the author.

SPO Civic Café has organized the launching ceremony of Prominent Journalist Ms. Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s book in Islamabad

Nafisa Hoodbhoy’s book is a gripping account of the two-terms each of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and Nawaz Sharif during 1988 to 1999. Both ascended the Prime Minister’s office through elections and both were sacked by the President of the time.

Nafisa serving as the only female reporter with the premier English daily of Pakistan‚ Dawn‚ for 16 eventful years‚ 1984-2000‚ had the advantage of covering for her paper all major developments of that period and taking mental notes to be incorporated in a book after the turmoil settled down and admitted of an objective evaluation of the events that continue to cast their shadow even to this day.

After completing a successful launch in Karachi, Aboard the Democracy Train will launch its newly published Pakistan edition in Hyderabad on Feb 13 (Wednesday).

The event will be addressed by Urdu and Sindhi speaking intellectuals at the Hyderabad Press Club at 5 pm.

The program will be kept interactive in order to enable a free exchange of ideas on the history and politics of Sindh, as documented by the author in the 1980s when she worked as the only woman reporter in Dawn during the Zia era.