.com dawn Rana Ashraf Khan, father of Salman Ashraf Khan, co owners of Hanif Rajput Catering Services, speaks during an interview with AP. – AP Pakistan Caterer among six arrested in NY bomb plot Caterer among six arrested in NY bomb plot ISLAMABAD: A catering company executive who was among six men apparently detained by Pakistan for allegedly helping the Times Square bombing suspect had differences with American policy in the region but no hatred towards the country, his father said Saturday. Like Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani-American accused in the failed New York bombing, the six Pakistani detainees are all … Continue reading Pakistan detainee was happy in US, father says

The world cannot expect Palestinians to abandon violence while remaining silent on Israel’s repression of nonviolent activists Yousef Munayyer guardian.co.uk When will there be a Palestinian Gandhi? I’m often asked this question by people who sympathise with Palestinian suffering but are uncomfortable associating themselves with resistance movements that they see as violent or terrorist. The reality of course is that Palestinian nonviolent resisters are not only active today but have a long and storied history in the Palestinian struggle. The real question is: why haven’t we heard about them? Like many resisting oppression, Palestinian Gandhis are likely to be found … Continue reading Palestinian nonviolence relies on global non-silence

Conservative Islam collides with punk Taqwacore bands have sparked controversy, but conservative Muslims need to get used to the proliferating diversity of Islam Asif Akhtar guardian.co.uk It already seems like high-censorship season in Pakistan, with Facebook and YouTube being banned by the Lahore high court over the “Draw Muhammad” contest. However, a much more interesting collision is taking place on the media peripheries in Pakistan, only this time the conflict isn’t between Islam and the west but between Muslims with very different views of Islam. Nearly a year after its release, the controversial documentary titled Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk … Continue reading Punks and Mullahs!

A more powerful protest would be to let Pakistanis use Facebook and Twitter to oppose ‘Everybody Draw Mohammed Day’ Bilal Baloch and Nadia Naviwala guardian.co.uk, Since “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!” was announced on 20 May, those associated with its creation have been rushing around to distance themselves from the ensuing controversy. Cartoonist Molly Norris has announced, “I am NOT involved!” Apparently, Facebook user Jon Wellington used her cartoon to create the group. But even he has stepped back, “Ya’ll go ahead if that’s your bag, but count me out.” It’s not so easy to step away from these developments, however. … Continue reading Pakistan Facebook ban not the answer

In dispensing with police outriders Cameron is raising the risk of himself and others being attacked by terrorists and psychopaths Tom Rogan guardian.co.uk David Cameron will not be using the police outriders that traditionally escort the prime minister’s car. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters Since taking office as prime minister last week, David Cameron has adopted an illogical attitude towards his personal security. Some high-profile commentators, including Simon Jenkins, have praised Cameron for ridding himself of the “Soviet-style paraphernalia” they believe has too long characterised Westminster. Their argument is tempting but wrong. The truth is that by removing highly trained police motorcycle … Continue reading David Cameron must take his security more seriously

Friends at the top Nick Clegg and David Cameron appear to get on well. But is friendship really a good basis for fair government? Mark Vernon guardian.co.uk Another day, another image of the nation’s two new best friends: David Cameron and Nick Clegg. And doesn’t it feel odd? It’s not just about getting used to the “new politics”, or the fact that during the election campaign they were at each other’s throats. It’s seeing a friendship at the helm that’s disconcerting. Of course, Gordon and Tony were friends too, sometimes. But they shared an ideology. Dave and Nick didn’t and, … Continue reading Nick Clegg and David Cameron get on well. But is friendship really a good basis for fair government?

It’s time to rid the world of nuclear weapons Sceptics may say a nuclear-free world is an impossible dream, but they said that about slavery and apartheid too Desmond Tutu guardian.co.uk This year the nuclear bomb turns 65 – an appropriate age, by international standards, for compulsory retirement. But do our leaders have the courage and wisdom to rid the planet of this ultimate menace? The five-yearly review of the ailing nuclear non-proliferation treaty, currently under way at the United Nations in New York, will test the strength of governments’ commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free world. If they are serious about … Continue reading Sceptics may say a nuclear-free world is an impossible dream, but they said that about slavery and apartheid too

Granted refugee status more on account of my political activities than my sexuality, many others are less fortunate Anonymous guardian.co.uk A while ago, I was granted refugee status in the UK on the basis of my homosexuality and my political activities in Iran. As a person who has shared the same stress of being a gay asylum seeker in the UK with lots of other applicants, I was happy yesterday to hear that the coalition agreement between the Tories and the Lib Dems included a promise to “stop the deportation of asylum seekers who have had to leave particular countries … Continue reading As a gay asylum seeker, I was lucky

VIEW: Perfidious self-righteousness —Mohammad Jamil It is unfortunate that some anchorpersons, reporting editors, and investigative reporters are conducting themselves as lobbyists, propagandists and embedded journalists Usama Khalid, son of Khalid Khawaja, has requested the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of Mr Hamid Mir’s tape in which he allegedly misled and provoked the Taliban militants against his father, which resulted in his murder. In the tape, Hamid Mir is reported to have convinced the Taliban spokesman that Khalid Khawaja was a CIA agent and front man of Mansoor Ejaz — an associate of an international Ahmedi network. Furthermore, he … Continue reading Perfidious self-righteousness