Pervaiz Lodhie's News Blog

Juan Williams what goes up must come down

2010-10-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Juan Williams saying Monday that he gets nervous on planes when he sees people in Muslim dress is exactly the same as someone seeing a black man wearing normal clothes and feeling threatened that he will mug or rob me.

Within a short One Year President Obama has really made a bad situation worse.

2010-04-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dow Jones UP and UP

Nasdaq UP and UP

Economy getting better

Improving Retail Sales

Consumer Confidence going up

Slowing Job losses

Increasing Employment numbers

Environmentally responsible Green Jobs

USA & Russia to Reduce Nuclear Arsenal by 1/3

We really need to bring back the BUSH Era

The US Should Learn from the Failure of the Soviet Union and Change Course

2010-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

The only way of winning the war against terror is by inundating the region with primary schools, basic health facilities, vocational training programs, and team sports. There is a large Pakistani-American Diaspora successfully engaged in such endeavors. It can show the way of winning hearts and minds.

Lamentably, the US Government, the State Department, the Defense Department have yet to connect with this very useful resource. They have yet to emulate the Pakistani-American example. Their priorities must change. The sooner, the better.

For can anyone deny that the United States actions in Muslim countries so far have only resulted in breeding 1000’s of committed terrorists bent on harming the West? Drone strikes, bombardment, deployment of ground troops at a cost of billions of $ in the tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan have substantially increased acts of terrorism. It is hardly realized that the cost of one deadly "Drone Aircraft" approximates the money needed to place almost 5 million poor children into Universal Primary Schooling and building 500 sports or basketball courts and providing 10,000 basketballs. We are also a witness to the tragic fact that placing of armed Xe or Ex-Blackwater private soldiers in major cities of Pakistan is only bringing untrackable suicide bombers into the financial centers of the country.

It is time for a change. The Pakistan-American community can deliver. Yes, we can!

Should I LAUGH or should I CRY or just say HELL with trying to help Pakistan

2009-11-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

It has been very challenging 8 years for me trying to do some revolutionary poverty alleviation work in Pakistan combined with bringing special skills and creating jobs in Pakistan. Most people would have giving up long time ago and many I know have. Unfortunately I am stubborn and get more excited and challenged when things don’t work. As long as I see the “LED” light at the end of the tunnel I will not give up.

Reasons I am having these problems:
1) I prefer using the system and process in place that everyone else uses instead of “Sifarish” or “Favor” from people in Islamabad or at local level.
2) I am not willing to give gifts or bribes.
3) I am not willing to pay huge “Duty” and “Taxes” when exporting my “Alternative Energy” donated products out of KEPZ Karachi into Pakistan.
4) Policy makers and Policy implementers not on same page.
5) Process implementers not accountable, corrupt, and illiterate.

Case 1: Immediately after the devastating 2005 earthquake in Pakistan I had my KEPZ Karachi assembly plant stop everything and assemble 11,500 latest technology LED Flashlights to be rushed to earthquake areas through a highly qualified NGO called NRSP. I personally supervised the completion of these emergency use Flashlights and started export process of donating these free to earthquake areas in December 2005. After all the Red-Tape and Bureaucracy I was able to legally hand over the Flashlights to NRSP in March 2007.

Case 2: In January 2009 I had set a goal of donating 1000 Solar Charged LED Lanterns to 1000 huts in the poorest area of Sehwan Sharif, Dadu District in Sindh. It is now 10 months and I cannot get clearance from customs authority at KEPZ or FBR to export these LED Lanterns out of my KEPZ Assembly plant to a qualified NGO for delivery to 1000 poor households in Sehwan to serve purely donation purpose. The FBR Notification under S.R.O 575 (1)/2006-35 (f) is declaring tax exemption on solar powered lights if certified by AEDB ( Alternative Energy Development Board). NGO gets required certification from AEDB but KEPZ customs authority rejects and now requires written permission from Big Boss in Islamabad FBR office. We are now contacting concerned custom collector to resolve this issue. The story thus goes on and on…..

What Will $1.5 Billion Per Year United States Assistance for Pakistan Do? NOTHING!

2009-10-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

For over 50 years, Pakistan has paid a heavy price for the one-sided friendship with the United States. Disunity, corruption, personal and party gains in Pakistan have marred the national scene. The absence of a “National” agenda and “Unity” provided an ideal opportunity to the outsiders to take advantage of the disconcerting situation.

For 50 years, multi-million dollar annual economic and military assistance has been appropriated by the United States for Pakistan. Very little or none of this assistance has ever reached the people or the intended projects in Pakistan. It is only now that this is being talked about and people are asking where the huge amount of money has gone. And this wholesome change has come about only after the Pakistani Americans started coming together and connecting with lawmakers in Washington D.C.

See TIME Oct 1 issue article by Ken Stier
“Are Development Dollars in Pakistan Being Well Spent?”
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1927018,00.html
See The NEWS Oct 31 issue article by Umer Cheema
“92 per cent of USAID projects go to US NGOs”
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=205974

Loyalty and friendship with the United States have cost Pakistan Billions. America can never make up for the stupendous losses. US Taxpayers and Pakistan have been ripped off for 50 years. Blissfully, President Obama, Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Holbrooke and Washington DC Lawmakers appear sincere about correcting the mistakes of the past. But they just have not figured out how. Some of us could help, if asked.

Is Pakistan’s Sovereignty and Land being sold off

2009-09-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Is Pakistan’s Sovereignty and Land being sold off in Bits and Pieces so that no one in Pakistan will notice until it is too late to do anything about it?

Ex-President Musharraf was the Worst President in the History of Pakistan. A List of his Failures.

2009-08-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

• As President he had no right to behave like a Human Being.
• He had no right to have a Sense of Humor in a Nation that is always Sad, Crying, and Miserable.
• As President, he had no right to enjoy Music or Sing as ordinary people do.
• As President he failed to demonstrate a ‘Me First’ agenda that most Pakistanis unabashedly have.
• He wasted time in trying to mold Pakistan into Jinnah’s Pakistan. Instead, he should have spent his time in first breaking and destroying and then once again trying to rebuild like many leaders of the past.
• He did not embark on the destructive Vendetta Politics digging up Graves and pulling out old Skeletons.
• His singular fault was that he empowered women and allowed too many into the National Senate, the Parliament and the Provincial Governments.
• He empowered the media, made it bold and free, and allowed it to indulge in constructive criticism of Pakistan’s leadership.
• He and his immediate family forgot to borrow huge bank loans, transfer the loan money to other global hidden accounts, then default and seek to be forgiven.
• Whenever he appeared on the TV he had Jinnah’s picture visibly behind him.
• He encouraged arts, crafts, acting, singing in Pakistan.
• He forgot to buy properties and palaces around the world.
• He surrounded himself and listened to some bad advisors.
• He was too soft most of the time and allowed bad guys to benefit.
• For the first time in the history of the country, academics and scientists won the patronage of the Federal Government. They got better pay scales and special allowances. Higher education got a boost and the number of universities multiplied. So did R&D undertakings.
• It was Musharraf’s folly to introduce the local government system which gave a marked impetus to developmental activity. The face of the major industrial city dramatically changed. It appeared poised to look like any other modern city of the world.
• He promoted the “PAKISTAN FIRST” slogan.

National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) is now Embarking on the 2nd Phase of its Revolutionary work in all the 118 Districts of the 4 Provinc

2009-07-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Beginning in 2002 and till July 2008, NCHD made a major destiny-changing impact on the poorest villages of Pakistan. During its 1st phase, some NCHD achievements included:

• Helped enroll over 8 million children between ages 5 and 7 in village schools. Only $15 (Rs1250) per child per year compared to $39 (Rs 3200) in Govt. schools.
• Opened 22,000 community-based primary feeder schools in remote areas.
• Provided corrective vision glasses to over 45,000 children.
• Established 121,000 adult literacy centers with over 4 million women made literate especially in districts with lowest Literacy Rates. Cost only $6 (Rs500) per adult per year.
• Trained over 12 million women in how to make and administer home-made 'Oral Rehydration Solution' thereby impacting child mortality significantly.
• Mobilized and registered over 300,000 volunteers [one of the largest in the world] in all districts of Pakistan for community projects.
• Partnered with Microsoft to establish 16 Computer Learning Centers in remote districts such as Badin [Sind] and Pishin [ Baluchistan].
• Initiated projects in the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) where development indices are lowest and rates of militancy highest.
• Trained over 1000 district Govt .officials and elected representatives in Planning and Management.
• Won UNESCO INTERNATIONAL LITERACY AWARD for "Best Literacy Program in World" in 2006.
• Won grants from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, OPEC Fund, UNDP, UNICEF, World Bank, USAID, etc.
• Global Network of Pakistani Expatriates helped raise over $27 million for NCHD Projects to date.

To learn more on how you can be part of this social change in Pakistan, visit www.nchd.org.pk

President Asif Ali Zadari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani of the present Democratically elected government of Pakistan have now agreed to continue all NCHD programs on a bigger scale and reach with the help of PHDF, the Global Pakistani Diaspora, the global philanthropists and other Foundations. Thorough investigations on this unique Public-Private partnership were done during the last year. These investigations were carried out by MNA Mrs Faryal Talpur in her capacity as Chairperson of the “Special Committee for NCHD”. On July 1st, 2009 the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan appointed MNA Ms Nafisa Shah as the new Chairperson of the National Commission fro Human Development (NCHD).

Mr President Asif Ali Zardari It will take very little to make foreign investors from all over the world return to Pakistan & Pakistan’s Exports to In

2009-06-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Security problems are not the only reasons why foreign investors meant to go to Pakistan have been moving to many other countries. The necessary business and industry growth will come by attracting 1000’s of small and medium investors and companies. The established large foreign companies have learned to live with the good or bad system in Pakistan but for new small and medium investors there is no protection or speedy justice when they are cheated by local partners or managers or the investors rightful bill are not paid for years.

My IT/Call Center business started in year 2000 once started working was seized including my Karachi office set up for foreign customers by the Pakistani junior managing partner in 2005. Used to following the law I am still going to the courts in 2009 with multiple date cancellations by the courts. Overwhelming data of proof has been provided.

We are now in the new age of instant information and instant video sharing. All old historical data, good and bad, right or wrong, fabricated or true is now available to every person in the world. Google, YouTube, Blackberrys, Facebook will not allow anyone to forget the past and simply open new chapters. Once Pakistanis who have taken out much of their wealth and property outside Pakistan start setting an example by reinvesting their wealth back into Pakistan many others around the world will follow.

United States cannot win by military action in Pakistan or Afghanistan because

2009-05-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

United States cannot win by military action in Pakistan or Afghanistan because it is seen as an invader and an occupation force trying to take over and control Muslim lands. Pakistan and Afghanistan cannot win as long as they are seen fighting America’s war.

Drone attacks are only providing successful recruitment to the bad guys by heavy collateral damage and deaths of civilians.

It will be far more effective if United States lets Pakistan and Afghanistan fight for their own survival but gives both countries latest tools, equipment and training to both military and the police.

In addition immediate massive economic assistance to Pakistan to repay the losses in billions Pakistan has been suffering for decades due to United States actions in the region.

US Should Grasp Pakistan's Potential in Global Economic Recovery

2009-03-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Pakistan has always been one of the most resource-rich countries of the world but it has paid a heavy price for being the most loyal ally of the United States for over 50 years. Instead of being ungrudgingly appreciated for its unflinching loyalty, it is constantly pressured to 'do more'. Pakistan's losses on this count have been phenomenal: the country has lost over 34 billion dollars and suffered colossal damage to its infrastructure, cities and peaceful way of life.
Twice the United States' failed policy and lopsided actions in Afghanistan have compounded Pakistan's problems. Yet, the refrain remains the same: 'Do more'! Many well-meaning initiatives on several developmental fronts - education, poverty alleviation, and industrial growth - have resultantly scuttled before they could gather momentum.
There are manifest indications that global economic recovery is to begin in South Asia and China where most US and European multinationals already own many companies. The 3 billion population of the region is mostly poor. But it can easily transform into 3 billion new consumers. With a stable and healthy Pakistan, South Asia and China could dramatically alter the world's fortunes turning current economic reverses into precipitous gains. It was time Pakistan's potential as a catalyst for wholesome global change is realized and Islamabad is given the same level of economic assistance as Egypt and Israel.

Heavy Price to Pay for Loyalty

2009-03-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Pakistan has always been one of the most resource rich countries in the world but it has paid a heavy price for being the most loyal ally of United States for over 50 years. The sad part is instead of being appreciated for this loyalty it is constantly asked to do more. It has cost Pakistan billions of dollars worth of looses and irreparable damage to its infrastructure, to its cities and to its peaceful way of life.

Twice United States failed policy and actions in Afghanistan have pushed the problems into Pakistan. Instead of Pakistan’s budget and resources going into education, poverty alleviation, industrial development, it has been forced to fight a war on terror which had nothing to do with Pakistan.

Next Global economic recovery will most likely start from South Asia and China The 3 billion population of the area is mostly poor. They can easily become 3 billion new consumers. With stable and healthy Pakistan South Asia and China can help turn the economic disaster around. It is time Pakistan gets the same level of economic assistance that is given to Egypt and Israel.

Is Pakistan next on the chopping block?

2009-02-08T16:10:00.000-08:00

“Arms & Ammunition” is the biggest lobby and the largest industry. It thrives on continued conflicts around the world. With the Iraq war nearing end, focus may now shift to Pakistan and Iran as the next venue of adventurism.
This century “Energy” and “Food” will be the second biggest lobbies and industries and will distinguish successful countries from failed states. World class “Energy” and “Food” production requires the availability of educated citizens. The situation appears somewhat bleak for Pakistan in this respect. In July 2008, 100,000 Universal Primary Education Schools established by NCHD were abruptly shut down and 80,000 Teachers were sent home packing. Thus ended primary schooling for 500,000 rural village children. At the same time more than 184 schools were destroyed in the Tribal areas.
Only empty rhetoric and false promises are heard about rebuilding such schools and reinstating all NCHD teachers. Need one emphasize that you must have Primary Schools first for everyone before you decide to build Universities.

Disintegration of Pakistan visible on the Horizon

2008-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Things are clearly getting from bad to worse. Ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calls it a failed state. It won't be long before we see Information Minister Sherry Rehman in BURQA and President Zardari in Turban and long Beard. Number of bombings across Pakistan is on the increase. The beautiful valley of Swat, a major tourist location just a few years ago is now fully under Taliban control. See Dec 29th, 2008 news (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081230/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan_valley_of_fear).

The capitol of Pakistan Islamabad is only 100 miles away. Before takeover, Peshawar is being softened by increased bombings inside the city to create fear. The government in Islamabad is routinely condemning the blasts and loss of life and goes back to hand shaking and photo opps.

Why would anyone invest in a failed state? Why would anyone set up factories in Pakistan when there is hourly load shedding?

South Asia: Both Good News and Bad News

2008-12-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

We all know that terrorism is a growing global curse that is plaguing the entire world. Most talk about the problem, which is getting worse by the day. I am here to talk about solutions to start winning the war against terror.

In the new world order, strength and power of countries will not be defined by military power or by how many bombs or missiles or nuclear warheads you have. It will be defined by the short and long-term economic health of the country, and by how many of its citizens go to sleep hungry.

We here in California are privileged to live in the most pioneering and innovative state in America! All recent technology-driven revolutions affecting the economic health of America and the world started here. But guess where most of the hard-working, intelligent, innovative, and pioneering brains and bodies come from? South Asia.

The new economic growth cycle will start from South Asia. South Asia is home to about one-third of the world’s population. South Asia will also produce hundreds of millions of new consumers as they move from below the poverty line to above the poverty line. This economic cycle from South Asia will affect the economy, wealth, and create jobs in the rest of the world. But this new cycle cannot start unless all of the South Asian countries work together in harmony and address common problems like terrorism, education, and health with collective intelligence and information sharing.

Unfortunately, South Asia is also home to hundreds of millions that live below the poverty line, and millions go to sleep hungry every night. It is where millions of women and children die due to absence of basic preventive health for the poor. South Asia may have world-class universities for the children of the rich, but hundreds of millions of poor children can’t even get basic education.

This hopelessness, hunger, and lack of education and health provides an ideal climate from which terrorist masterminds can recruit their soldiers of terrorism.

War on terror cannot be won by using excessive and indiscriminate “Hard Power” and very little “Soft Power”. Too much “Hard Power”, in the form of missiles from drones, is killing, injuring, and displacing hundreds of innocent people for every one terrorist killed. The use of Hard Power results in Collateral Damage, which is “unintentional” civilian causalities. The illiterate poor do not understand the term.
Soft Power, in the form of economic aid for the poor, never reaches the poor. Most of it is either used up in paying for bureaucracy or ends up in the pockets of the corrupt.

Let’s start winning the hearts and minds of the poor!

All South Asians live the same kind of life! All South Asians eat the same kind of food! All South Asians enjoy the same kinds of Indian movies. All South Asians arrive two hours late! And all South Asians suffer from the same kind of corruption!

Let’s make this South Asian Solidarity Forum the start of a pioneering effort from California! Let’s take the message of this South Asian Solidarity Forum to the United States Senate and Congress! Let’s take this message of the South Asian Solidarity Forum to the lawmakers in both Pakistan and India!

Pakistan and India have made great progress in coming closer to each other in recent years. The terrorists hate this. Let the Indian hit movies play in Pakistani cinemas! Let the cricket matches between India and Pakistan go on and show the terrorists that they cannot win!

We only have three choices: Keep pointing fingers at each other, let tensions rise to the point of nuclear war, or we can come together and bring peace and prosperity to our part of the world.

Our choice is clear. Let us help unite the South Asians!

Very little “Soft Power” - Too much "Hard Power"

2008-12-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

Very little “Soft Power” from United States is reaching the Poor Villagers in Pakistan but lots of “Hard Power” is reaching innocent Tribals and destroying them.

United States Continues to send 100’s of Millions of Dollars as Economic Assistance to Pakistan. Then why all this US Taxpayer money creating 1000’s more enemies instead of winning the Hearts and Minds of the Pakistanis?

Couple of simple reasons. Most US money for economic aid to Pakistan is being channeled into Pakistan through USAID. There is likelihood that no serious qualification; accountability or verification before and after the contract is awarded. USAID solicits bids for implementing poverty alleviation and education programs on the ground all over Pakistan. This has spawned a major new industry called the NGOs. I now hear that we now may have close to 60,000 NGOs and Companies operating in Pakistan that mainly rely on getting USAID contracts. Most are only on paper and fly by night operations. Possibly 90% of the USAID money with these NGOs goes into overhead, expenses, salaries. Maybe less than 10% goes to the project making no difference in the poor villager’s life in any way. The cycle of few becoming richer at the expense of village masses becoming poorer gets worse.

At the same time US bombings are killing very high percentage of tribal civilians and very small number of foreigners linked with terrorism. To US it is collateral damage but to the tribals it is plain murder. Tribals are not highly educated and don’t understand the word “Collateral Damage” . All they see is a foreign enemy in the sky preparing to take over their 1000’s year old land, destroy their livelihood and kill their friends and families. This has created more enemies and hatred against the West along the entire tribal belt. Pakistan is paying a heavy penalty for this US action.

The best way forward is for US to connect with the select and qualified Pakistani American Diaspora specially the Diaspora from the Tribal area in US to understand the tribal cultures and start winning hearts and minds of the people with the help of the diaspora.

Musharraf regime pidgeons have all flown away

2008-11-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

The pigeons that started coming back to Pakistan one at a time during the last eight-year Musharraf regime have all flown away. Using Instant Text Messaging, YouTube, emails, Internet, cell phones they spread the bad news about risks of investing in Pakistan.
In 2002 the Pakistan Government asked the international community to partner with Pakistan in creating 100% Universal Primary Education along with Adult Literacy, Basic Women’s Health in Pakistan’s Rural Villages. This well-meaning initiative was to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) set by the United Nations. For every Dollar invested by the private sector locally and globally Pakistan promised to rightfully invest five times the amount. The Global Pakistani Diaspora joined and invested millions of dollars worth of time and money for six years. The program funding was controlled by the Pakistan Human Development Fund and the implementation on the ground was done by the National Commission for Human Development. The results were phenomenal, unprecedented in the history of Pakistan in so short a span of time. Eight Million village children were given primary education.
Now most of the NCHD schools remain closed due to lack of long-term funding by the new Pakistan Government laying off 1000’s of NCHD teachers. The Adult Literacy Program has been closed down. The preventive Basic Health program for infants and mothers in the NCHD areas has been stopped. The six-year foreign investment is going down the drain.
On Oct 17, 2008, a skeleton NCHD Universal Primary Education program was approved by the Pak Government. Out of 80,000 NCHD laid off village teachers 18,000 are back to work. At the same time, a Rs34 Billion Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) of Rs1000 per month cash handout to the 3.4million poorest village women has been launched to alleviate poverty. This cash will be handed out by the area MNA’s.

If the current trend is not TIMELY arrested

2008-10-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

If the current trend is not TIMELY arrested

Year after year Pakistan will trudge a messy course and continue to be a Beggar and a Failed State, because it uses the worst practices in all areas affecting and relating to Economy and Exports

Powerful resources to acquire best Global Practices are readily available at no cost by just connecting with the professional and successful Pakistani-American Diaspora settled in all 50 States and helping America in every conceivable field.

Many countries would greatly benefit if Pakistan disintegrates

2008-09-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

Many countries would greatly benefit if Pakistan disintegrates. They know it is only a matter of time. These countries may have already worked out contingency plans decades ago. They also know that Pakistanis are their own worst enemies and will lead the disintegration of Pakistan without outside help.
The process of disintegration of Pakistan may have already begun by following events
• Absence of Rule of Law and Accountability of past and present
• Country Assets slowly sold off to outsiders to meet expenses
• Heading back to high debt by borrowing from IMF and other lenders
• Efforts to weaken or break the country’s only most crucial and strongest most disciplined institution called the Pakistan Armed Forces.
• Breaking the most solid long standing relationship with real friend and neighbor China
• Increasing and unchecked cross border intrusions
• Increasing kidnappings for ransom in major cities
• Reducing or shutting down of Basic Education in villages
• Ever increasing number of population joining the hunger line
• Existing Foreign Investors insecure and leaving
• New Foreign Direct Investment now bypassing Pakistan
• All the fundamentals and basics necessary for economic growth missing and never fixed

Progress in Pakistan 2008

2008-08-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Progress in Pakistan 2008

$17 Billion Foreign reserves now down to $10 Billion

KSE Index Drops from 15,000 to near 9000

Many Established Textile Factories closed

100,000 Rural Primary Schools with 8Million Village Children will be shut down Aug31st, 2008 UNLESS!

135+ Schools Burnt to ground in Tribal Areas

Foreign Investors holding back and turning away

Pak Government run from Dubai and London

Government focused on export of Mangoes to US

Value of Pak Rs per $ down from Rs60 to Rs77

New PTV Chairman Dr Shahid Masood paid Rs 850,000 monthly salary

What else will we see in the coming days?

Why are we bent upon re-inventing Pakistan over and over again?

2008-06-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Why are we bent upon re-inventing Pakistan over and over again?

Why can’t we take the last 8 years of momentum, fix the weak areas and improve upon it?
Personal vendetta and personal agenda politics continues to take Pakistan backwards. Why can’t all political parties put their positive energy and extensive experience in one direction. FORWARD.

Why we keep showing more and more of our dirty laundry to the whole world? By planting false statements and stories, spreading false rumors and creating suspicions we are our own worst enemies.
Result. KSE index falling, GDP down, foreign investment down, deficit rising

What Many Expatriates Like Me Would Want to Know

2008-05-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

What Many Expatriates Like Me Would Want to Know

Is the beautiful Swat Valley, a popular vacation destination, part of Pakistan or an independent State or region?
Pakistan Government has now agreed to allow Swat to be Talibanized and be run under Sharia Law.

Does this signal the beginning of the Talibanization of Pakistan and Sharia Law for all of Pakistan?
Many Expatriates like me would want to know

United States invasion of Iraq is a failure

2008-05-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

The United States invasion of Iraq is a failure and a foreign policy setback. It may take more than a few decades to recover the financial losses and repair America’s image in the world.
It has been argued, and perhaps rightly so, that the war on terror is directly responsible for an increase in terror and suicide bombings in Pakistan. It is difficult to win the war by bombing innocent tribesmen on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Only two decades ago these warriors were recruited as Mujahideen by America and they played a heroic role in winning the war against the Soviet Union.
While elimination of the hard-core terrorists cannot be disputed, there should be a foolproof strategy to spare the innocent and the politically unmotivated.
America cannot win the hearts and minds of the Pakistan Tribes by bombing with one hand and giving aid like creating ROZs with the other hand.

Moving Forward on Two Diametrically opposed courses

2008-03-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today, Pakistan’s Leadership has the option of Moving Forward on Two Diametrically opposed courses

The leadership could either opt for the fast track to Extinction, like that of the Dinosaurs, if it decides to pursue a course of confrontation, pull out old skeletons from the closet, and resort to vendetta politics, strikes, and consequent destruction of national wealth.

The second option is to be a part of the fast paced global economic revolution and to speedily attract the available multi-billion dollar foreign direct investment that was initially destined to come to Pakistan but had been pouring into other countries like China, India, and Central America.

President Musharraf has laid the foundation for the recognition of Pakistan’s role worldwide in the economic rejuvenation. It is now up to the new lawmakers to sustain the momentum of his strivings and carry the zestful drive forward.

Pakistani expatriates- Powerful resource

2008-03-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

It was Pakistan’s good fortune that decades ago its citizens went around the world to gain higher education and professional excellence in import disciplines. These expatriates excelled in their respective fields and made their mark. Indisputably, they remain better that the best today.

It was Pakistan’s misfortune that none of these accomplished sons and daughters of the New World had any desire to return to the homeland.

Regretfully, even President Musharraf did not utilize this most critical and powerful resource to take Pakistan forward into the 21st century.

It was Pakistan’s good fortune

2008-02-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

It was Pakistan’s good fortune that decades ago its citizens went around the world to gain higher education and professional excellence in important disciplines. These expatriates excelled in their respective fields and made their mark. Indisputably, they remain better than the best today.
It was Pakistan’s misfortune that none of these accomplished sons and daughters of the New World had any desire to return to the homeland.
Regretfully, even President Musharraf did not utilize this most critical and powerful resource to take Pakistan forward into the 21st century.

Window of Opportunity for America

2008-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

1.3 Billion Muslims are visibly angered. Their rage and disquietude may be stoking fundamentalism and Terrorism. Now there is a small window of opportunity for America and Israel to help turn the disconcerting situation around. While in Jerusalem recently, President Bush made a historic statement asking Israel to return to the pre-1967 boundaries and pay compensation to Palestinians displaced by the country’s creation in 1947. If this is only PR rhetoric to gain points and time then we may see continued terrorism and instability around the world. But if the well-meant urging is in earnest and duly heeded a wholesome world order may ensue. An English novelist once said, “Let’s conserve a livable world. Let’s contemplate existence.” It’s time to heed his advice.

Countries can benefit if Pakistan disintegrates

2007-12-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Whole World can easily get engulfed in this spreading fire of hatred

2006-07-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Apparently the war mongers of today may they be Muslims, Christians, Hindus or Jews do not realize that the new digital age that came upon this globe suddenly has shrunk this world in more ways than you can ever imagine. All the old dynamics, old thinking, old strategy of war and peace no longer applies. Hypocrisy, double standards, lies or any other games are instantly seen and read by millions in every part of the world. Past and present is instantly studied and compared. Today any wrong action in any part of the world will directly or indirectly effect everyone around the world.

Arrogance will continue to loose you friends. Military strength will give you a fake temporary feeling of power. The new digital age will bring power to those that respect it, understand and use it wisely to gain economic power.

The fundamentalism and extremism that resulted in the horrific event of 9/11 was containable. Today 5 years later with wrong actions this cancer has been successfully spread into all parts of the body of this precious earth. Destructive fundamentalism and extremism is winning the war. The only way to defeat it is to wage a full scale global war on the curse of poverty, diseases like cancer, Aids, diabetes.

Do we want our US Born or Raised Children to be treated like 3rd Class Citizens?

2006-07-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

We the first generation pf Pakistani Americans who came in the last 4 decades to this land of Liberty, Justice and Citizens Rights to ALL might be used to being treated as unequal citizens of this great country after 9/11. We can move back to where we came from with little difficulty, if we have to. But did we seriously think about the 2nd generation of Pakistani Americans? They are here without their choice. Most will have major difficulties going back to Pakistan, if forced to. Do you know the options that will be left to the Pakistani-American community if another incident like 9/11, God forbid, takes place? The law enforcement and homeland security agencies keep saying it is not a matter of ‘If’ but ‘When’.
It is almost 5 years after 9/11. The Pakistani-American community is 4 decades late in doing what the Jewish, Indian and Armenian communities have done. They became politically active at all levels of the city, state and the federal government. The Pakistani-American community is very fragmented and always divided as individuals or local groups. Everyone always has his personal agenda. A successful long-term political activism initiative can only take place if the entire community –each and every member - physically, intellectually and financially supports such an initiative.
Two years ago I and nine other community friends started a most powerful political activism initiative on the Hill called PAL-C. For the first time in two years PAL-C helped create one of the fastest growing Congressional Pakistan Caucus in the Congress. Today the Pakistan Caucus has 74 members. With no support from the community, the PAL-C initiative will fold as quickly as it began. Today only I and three other founding Board of Directors are bearing the load to keep it going. But for how long? The decision to support PAL-C and impart renewed momentum to its activities or to remain idle bystanders and let it die prematurely is all yours.

Most of us are holding on to Money that does not belong to us

2006-07-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

That is why the world is going nowhere but down towards more terrorism, more misery, more hunger, more greed, more waste and more walls of temporary protection around us as the difference between the rich and the poor keeps on mounting. The North-South divide is reaching alarming proportions. It may well become unbridgeable if the disconcerting trend sustains its momentum.
We could start turning the world around and win the war on terrorism if every one of us attacks the curse of poverty. Every one of us who earns a profit of $1 or $1million is holding at least 5-10% of that earning that rightfully belongs to those who live below the poverty line. It is only the dictate of our conscience that could make us voluntarily pay this amount daily, monthly, yearly to its rightful owners.
Millions are going hungry every day. Thousands are dying due to lack of medicine or healthcare. Giving once a year to some unqualified charity does not provide the necessary daily meal to survive. Separate the 5-10% share of your daily, weekly, monthly profit before you have the urge to spend it on yourself or your friends. Get it immediately to the poor rather than the administrators of NGOs.

Do you want to be heard as a Citizen of United States?

2006-04-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Serious collective and effective Political Activism by the Pakistan Americans and Muslim has been almost non-existent. This community for decades has contributed to millions of jobs and billions of dollars to the US economy. It is our own fault that our voice has never been heard in Washington DC. This Mid-term election year can be the start of our real Political Activism by making every single voting age Pakistani American and other Muslims go to the Voting booth this year. Did you know that if we all voted 3-4% of the Muslims will end up having voting power of almost 9-10%? If you did this every election I guarantee US Lawmakers will be begging for your votes in 6-8 years. Try it.

Why Pakistan is on the Way to Great Progress & Major Growth

2006-04-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

It is the logical cycle that is forcing the change. None of us can stop it even if we wanted to. The Politicians, Businessmen, Landlords who mismanaged Pakistan in the past 5 decades are now frail and old or getting old. It was the Destiny of Pakistan that made them send their Sons and Daughters to foreign lands for better Education. Today slowly but surely these much higher quality highly educated and trained Sons and Daughters are coming back to Pakistan. They are now taking up key decision making positions in Politics, Businesses and Land Development. You may or may not recognize most of them. They are very high quality individuals. I have met and know some of them and their work. I read about them.

America’s Invasion of Iraq was Unjust. It was Doomed for Failure.

2006-03-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

A beautiful country of Iraq has been almost trashed in the name of removing dictatorship and bringing western style capitalistic democracy. Leaving Iraq united as an Iranian style theocracy will be more problem for America and its allies. Leaving Iraq divided will be a long term problem for the region as well as America and its allies. America is ‘Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place’ with Only One Best Choice MAKE A DEAL WITH SADDAM

Great PR Opportunity for Pakistan Lost

2006-03-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

President Bush visit to Pakistan should have been the greatest opportunity for Pakistan to capitalize on marketing and PR of Pakistan. Unfortunately there are still many disintegrating, grudge carrying, selfish, illiterate groups and individuals who cannot identify and separate personal interests from National interests, personal losses vs National losses. We still have people in Pakistan that cannot stand a prosperous Pakistan and want to do harm. Pakistanis everywhere continue to Excel individually but Stink collectively. Hope some day we will learn the power in working collectively as well as individually.

We Allowed American Democracy to be Hijacked by Big Brother Corporate America or Special Interests

2006-03-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Government is failing the people because the lawmakers in Washington DC are not the true representatives of the masses. They were elected not by you because you failed to exercise your precious Vote but by special interest groups funding powerful lobbies. Start taking the responsibility of Voting in every election if you want the Government of the People, by the People, and for the People

Pak-American trader satisfied with economic growth

2005-04-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (April 12 2005): 'Five years of hard work by the top Pakistani leadership and placement of a good management team is starting to pay fast dividends,' said a noted Pakistani American businessman Pervez Lodhie. Talking to APP on Sunday, he expressed satisfaction over the progress of Pakistan's economy, and referred to all key economic and fundamental indicators, showing that the goals were being achieved faster than set time limits. "However", he said, "there is still a lot of work to be done in Pakistan; all is not perfect. Fifty years of the country's neglect and gross miss-management by a few cannot be fully fixed in five years except by some magic

This time America's Economic woes may be long term

2005-04-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

By: Pervaiz Lodhie

Present second term US administration's over-reaction and over-correction to the tragedy of 9/11 may have given America some temporary military wins globally but major economic losses that are here to stay for a long time. I am surprised to read recent article in Newsweek from a financial expert talking about million reasons and quoting the Fed Chairman why the $ is getting weaker, why deficit is growing etc except the real reasons. Commerce between the rest of the world is starting to heat up. South Asian countries Like Pakistan are becoming a hotbed of global visitors grabbing big financial deals. Next generation of Innovators and Entrepreneurs that used to come to America daily to make America technologically most advanced are now going elsewhere.

In the Service of the Community

2005-04-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

By: Pervaiz Lodhie

You are first an American and then a Pakistani American and then anything else if you have accepted to become a Citizen of the United States of America. If you want to be ignored or don't mind your Citizen's Rights trampled, upon then Do Nothing. Otherwise like other successful minorities start becoming part of the most important American institution called the Government.Part of Your Responsibility for Your Coming Generations is to be Politically Active at Local, Federal & National Level at All Times

Pakistani-American Helps Turn Los Angeles’ Harbor Bridge into Nighttime Star

2005-03-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

By: Loretta A. Conley

On January 30, 2005, when Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn threw the switch and the lights sparkled for the first time on the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The Blue LED lamps that crown the bridge’s cables were provided by Southern California-located LEDtronics Inc., owned by Pakistani-American Pervaiz Lodhie.
Poised elegantly above the main channel of the Los Angeles Harbor, the Vincent Thomas Bridge serves a multitude of functions in the local community and beyond. It is the official welcoming monument for the City of Los Angeles. As the 3rd longest suspension bridge in California, behind the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. And, the Vincent Thomas Bridge plays an integral part in the economies of Los Angeles, Southern California and the United States as it is the main conduit through which goods flow from the Los Angeles Harbor to the nation’s network of highways and stores.

With the addition of its sparkling blue lights, the Vincent Thomas Bridge will undoubtedly enchant tourists and mariners alike to become an internationally recognizable icon for both the Los Angeles region and the harbor, encouraging tourism and commercial investment.

-End-

PAL-C for Political Activism Now or Never

2004-08-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

By: Pervaiz Lodhie

Is the McCarthy era coming back? This time not against communism but against Muslims and especially against Pakistanis and Pakistani Americans. I was angered and deeply disturbed as an immigrant American, as a Pakistani American, and as a human being when I saw the images of Kamran Akhtar on every American news media channel on August 11, 2004.

The Writing is on the Wall. America May Not be the Greatest Economic Power of the Future

2004-01-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

By: Pervaiz Lodhie

And you cannot eat planes, ships, submarines, tanks or missiles. The slow decline began few decades ago when family, the key building block of a great Nation, began falling apart in favor of extreme materialism and me culture. The leaders and key decision makers' shortsighted reaction in anger of 9/11 has greatly speeded up this decline. While America helped bring down the Berlin Wall, it is successfully building a wall of isolation around itself. Actions have alienated America from the 1.2 Billion strong economic and technology powerhouse of Muslims. What made America the richest and most techonologically advanced country in the world was not moneymen in suits but the constant highest quality technology brain drain from the mismanaged Muslim world. The reverse brain drain has begun and it is America's loss and 3rd world's gain.

Making Pakistan a Model for Human Development

2002-09-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

By Pervaiz Lodhie, Torrance, CA

As a Pakistani American professional engineer, an entrepreneur and a technology businessman who only believes in ‘teaching how to catch fish’, my efforts in all these areas had not only begun 5 years ago in Pakistan but have proved very successful both for Pakistan and America. As one of the twenty-four Founding Directors and Trustees of President Musharraf’s Pakistan Human Development Fund, the implementation of Pakistan’s Human Development project initiated by Dr Nasim Ashraf and supported by President Musharraf last year has begun. I was present on the site on July 21, 2002 in Mardan, NWFP on the opening of the first Human Development Center. Pakistan’s revolutionary human development program is also based on the concept of ‘teach how to catch fish’. It’s a totally transparent private effort of Pakistani Americans, and well-known Pakistan philanthropists like Abdul Sattar Edhi.

Mr. President, You Can Save the 21st Century from Doomsday

2002-09-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

By: Pervaiz Lodhie

History has given you a rare precious opportunity to be remembered as the ‘best President’ of the 21st century. ‘Best President’ not only of America but of the new Global Village that desperately needs more technology-age leaders like you and President Musharraf. You would not want to be remembered as the 21st Century US President who set in motion a catalyst for the 3rd World War and proved the Doomsday pundits right in the ‘End of the World’ predictions.

Lighting the Way to Eradicate Poverty and Terrorism

2002-01-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

By: Judy I. Shane
Lecturer, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, UCLA

Since 9-11, most of us are convinced of the power of grass roots movements. Televisions worldwide have repeatedly displayed images of massive destruction caused by grass roots extremists, who have been operating patiently, quietly, and unobtrusively in small cells throughout the world.Fortunately, we have a melting pot of collective wisdom from Americans who've immigrated to the U.S. and who offer a third world perspective-people who can shed light on how the seeds of extremism and terrorism are sown. Some of these people are operating patiently, quietly, and unobtrusively in another kind of grass roots movement - one aimed at permanently eliminating extremism and terrorism through specific economic and human development programs.