ROD News

Free Mobile Medical Camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP) by Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and Rehbar Consortium under the auspices of ‘Rays

2009-06-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Free Mobile Medical Camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP) by Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and Rehbar Consortium under the auspices of ‘Rays of Development Organization’ (ROD).
By: Jawad Mazhar (Rays of Development Organization (ROD))

Nowshehra, Pakistan (ROD) June 18th: A free mobile medical treatment camp was held under the aegis of ‘Rays of Development Organization’ (ROD) in collaboration with Rehbar Consortium and Pakistan Medical Association (PMA). Scores of effected driven out people were served and received indispensable medical treatment free of charges.
Coupled with medical aid, mobile medical camp distributed essential edibles, clean and chilled drinking water, clothes, fans, tea, juices, medicines, edible fats/ pillow packs of cooking oil and chocolates and biscuits among the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of Swat Valley.
The ROD team also distributed textbooks and other necessary stationary among the Internally Displaced students. The medical Camp also doled out Pakistani Rupees 500/- (US $ 6.31 approx) per IDP family.
The ROD team comprised of Imran Mazher (Executive Member of the Governing body of ROD), Nadeem Samuel, Adnan Saeed, Asher Lal, and Asher Emmanuel.
The ROD team was accompanied by Pakistan Medical Association’s (PMA) well-renowned and experts of their respective departments Dr. Khuda Bakhsh Sobbi, Dr. Farhat Abbas.
Team of Rehbar Consortium (RC) consisting of Dr. Sikander Hayyat Warriach, Asif and Aamir.
The mobile free medical treatment camp visited several places to provide medical assistance and other facilities to the victims of the insurgency in the Swat Valley.
Medical Camp visited the following places and provided free medical facility to the IDPs.
1) Akora Khatak.
2) Banday Ganray.
3) Baghbanpura.
4) Sheeder.
5) Mughalbaz Karrona.
6) Nowshehra city and outskirts.
7) Jehangira.
8) Risalpur
9) Jalozai Camp for refugees.
10) Mardan.
United Nations’ (UN) Faiz-ur-Rehman Khan led the medical camp and Muhammad Arshad was the interpreter for ROD, PMA and RC medical team, to translate Pashtu into Urdu or English.
The medical camp served more than 1500 IDPs irrespective of their gender, sect, caste, color, dialect or creed. The team worked untiringly through the days and nights of May 5th to May 7th.

Recommended by:
Mr. Ferhan Mazher,
(Chairman)
Rays of Development Organization, Sargodha, Pakistan.

(To see more pictures of this FreeMeidcal Camp you can visit: http://www.esnips.com/web/ChristianInternallyDisplacedPeoplefromSwat)

ROD Feminism activist gets thrashed and implicated into case.

2009-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

ROD Feminism activist gets thrashed and implicated into case.
By: Jawad Mazhar (Reporting for Worthy News from Pakistan)

Sargodha, Pakistan (Worthy News) March 13th: A ‘Rays of Development Organization’ (ROD) feminism activist sustained critical head injuries from the hands of a Germany repatriated vindictive man, in a bid to broker a reconciliation deal, between him, his spouse and Children. ROD activist was immediately taken to Divisional Head Quarters (DHQ) Hospital for first aid. The sad episode took place on March 13th at 3:30 PM, at Rehmat Park University road, Sargodha, Pakistan. Worthy News established from the well placed sources of ROD and family members.
Rubin Alfred son of Alfred Charles (Government of Pakistan, National ID Card Overseas Pakistanis # 384038-238300-1) who is presently staying in Germany (Address in Germany: Street Hasel Bach # 15 Mulhdorf, Aschau A. Inn 84514, Germany), divorced his Pakistani National wife Noureen Bibi before he left for Germany several years back, said Waseem Dean the brother of Alfred’s wife, in Germany he re-married with a German national woman and fooled the immigration system and officials of Germany to get asylum there and obtain the nationality of Federal Republic of Germany.
Waseem Dean added that Rubin Alfred, the culprit who inflicted barbarian torture on ROD’s women rights activist used to visit his Pakistani wife Noureen Bibi alias Noori from time to time and she gave birth to his two (02) Children, though he had divorced her and lied to German government.
The brother of Rubin Alfred’s Pakistani wife said that this time on his arrival in Pakistan, Rubin Alfred tortured his Pakistani wife and two Children ruthlessly and threw them out of house saying ‘Go and pool money for me to buy return ticket to Germany.’
ROD Chairman Mr. Ferhan Mazher told Worthy News that on March 13th ROD feminism activist Imran Mazher, Waseem Dean the brother of Alfred’s Pakistani wife and other eminent local elders including Dr. Rashid, Mr. Naseem Shafqat and Billu Thakedar were trying to broker a reconciliation deal between Rubin Alfred and his Pakistani national wife Noureen Bibi alias Noori and Children.
During the peace dialogue between the opponent parties, Rubin Alfred who is considered a savage man by the neighborhood and his sister’s son Humayun alias Chhootu, Dr. Rashid and Billu Thakedar got fiery for apparently no reason, said Waseem Dean and Naseem Shafqat, and they started hurling glasses at them and left the peace process threatening of dire consequences.
Both respected elders also said that after a few minutes Rubin Alfred and Humayun alias Chhootu returned brandishing a pump action rifle and pounded the gate of Naseem Shafqat’s home with bricks and stones and broke the security bolt of the steel gate and abused the family members and ROD activist.
Naseem Shafqat told Worthy News that Humayun alias Chhootu and Rubin Alfred attacked ROD’s feminism activist and thrashed him with iron rods and deadly Pump Action riffle butt warning to stay away from this matter. Shafqat and Chief of ROD Mr. Mazher said that this attack left two ROD activists injured including Imran Mazher with critical head injuries and Ashir Emmanuel sustained minor injuries. Chief of ROD said that both the ROD feminism activists were rushed to DHQ hospital where Imran Mazher is still bed ridden and under the observation of doctors of DHQ.
Chief of ROD Mr. Ferhan Mazher slammed the local Cantt Police Station officials saying they have not registered Case against the culprit Rubin Alfred and Humayun alias Chhootu for inflicting immense torture on Imran Mazher and Ashir Emmanuel and ransacking the house of Mr. Naseem Shafqat.
ROD Chief alleged that Mr. Alfred has bribed the Cantt Police Station’s investigating Officer Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Shameer and he is continuously threatening ROD members and family members of Mr. Naseem Shafqat. Mr. Mazher added that Rubin Alfred and his nephew Humayun alias Chhootu self-flagellated and obtained a fake Medico Legal Certificate (MLC) from DHQ Hospital and registered a fake case against ROD activist, Mr. Naseem Shafqat and Waseem Dean under article 337 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
ROD Chief urged that Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti and Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Minorities Mr. Kamran Michael and other Christian parliamentarians should look in to this matter and ensure that Cantt Police Sargodha does not harass innocent Christian family members of Mr. Naseem Shafqat and ROD activists. He also underscored that Christian Ministers and parliamentarians should ensure that justice is served to the Children and Noureen Bibi the wife of Germany returned man Rubin Alfred.
ROD Chairman also appealed German embassy in Pakistan to evince interest into this matter and make sure that ruthless assailant is put behind the bars for not only be fooling the German Immigration and Asylum system but for inflicting barbarian torture on his Pakistani national wife, two children and two ROD feminism activists. ROD Chairman said that German Embassy should promptly act in this regard; otherwise it would be too late.

Donate to gift TEXT BOOKS to destitute Pakistani students of Pakistan.

2009-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Greetings of joy, peace and love.

Last year 'Rays of Development Organization' (ROD) distributed textbooks of grade 9 and 10 among deplorably poor students, so that they might continue their education.

Keeping the tradition alive, ROD plans to gift 100 sets of Textbooks of grade 9 & 10 among the destitute Pakistani Christian students.

It is pertinent to mention that ROD is making all out efforts to fight human rights violation and poverty elevation by the peaceful mean of EDUCATION.

Hence, ROD entreats to you to extend your hands and help hapless and deplorably impoverished Pakistani Students. So, that they may be able to complete their education and earn respect and honor in the society.

I solemnly, state that these students really need your financial, as well as moral support.

To accomplish this project ROD needs approximately US $ 800/- only. Therefore you are requested to send your donations directly by "Western Union" in the name of:-

Mr. Ferhan Mazher
(Chairman of ROD)
43-Rehmat Park,
University road,
Sargodha 40100, Punjab,
PAKISTAN.

Cell Phone No,:0092-345-8622504

Or send your online donations directly into the account of ROD.

The bank is:-
Habib Bank Ltd,
Kalyar Town,
University road branch,
Account # 13727900012403.

I tell you honestly and sincerely again that these Pakistani students are extremely poor and they need your generous help.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Mr. Ferhan Mazher,
(Chairman)
'Rays of Development Organization,'(ROD) Sargodha, Pakistan.

Ferhan Mazher Chief of ROD disscusses human rights issues with Punajb's Human Rights Minister Mr Kamran Micheal

2008-08-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sargodha, Pakistan (ROD)August 10th:Provincial Minister Kamran Michael, MPA Khalil Tahir Sindhu and MPA Tahir Naveed Chaudhary showed their crucial attendance. There they took dinner and 100 other members of Christian minority were also in attendance. Khalil Tahir Sindhu heard the probing problems of the minorities. The Chairman of ‘Rays Of Development Organization’ (ROD), Ferhan Mazhar was also in attendance and he introduced 'ROD', the work they are doing and the dilemmas they are facing. Khalil Tahir Sindhu reassured him that the tribulations of ROD will be recovered very soon. Khalil Tahir Sindhu told that 1000 forms are distributed amongst Christian families of Sargodha for Food Stamp Scheme. He told that 30,000 Christian families will receive benefit from this Food Stamp Scheme in Punjab. Khalil Tahir Sindhu also declared that they are trying to start a housing scheme (3 Marlas per house) which is under process so that all the people of minorities should be provided with shelter.

Population persists to blast as a nuclear bomb.

2008-07-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Written by: Khadijah Shah (Rays of Development Organization (ROD))

Lahore, Pakistan (ROD) July 11^th: More than 140 countries all over the world, observed the World Population Day (WPD) on Friday July 11^th, while stressing the implication of family preparation for the well-being of families, communities and nations. Robert McNamara, former World Bank President, says “The population threat is no less than that of a nuclear war. And it is the greatest obstacle to the economic and social advancement of the people in the underdeveloped countries.”

This time surrounding the WPD was noticeable with the theme “Family Planning: It’s a Right; Let’s Make it Real,” with an aim to offer a probability to create awareness about reimbursement of family planning, including it’s a fundamental role in enhancing maternal health, gender equality and poverty diminution among the peoples across the world.

In 1968, the world leaders proclaimed that individuals had a basic human right to freely determine the number and timing of their children but the irony of fact was that 40 years later modern contraception still remained out of reach of hundreds of millions of women, men and young people in the world.

‘Pakistan, with a population of approximately 160 million people with expansion rate of 1.86 per cent annum, is the 6^th most heavily populated country in the world after China, India, USA, Indonesia and Brazil’, said Ministry of Population and Welfare of Pakistan.

It was ranked 14^th in the world’s most populated countries with a population countries with a population of 33 million in 1951 but it had surpassed Japan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Russia on account of rapid growth rate with 2.45 per cent. At present growth rate, of the population of Pakistan will double in 39 years as every year there is an addition of about 2.9 million in its population, which will reach up to 307 million after the said period.

The government, while recognizing serious implications of high fertility decline, lower rates of population growth, reduce infant mortality, child and maternal mortality and to improve health status of the masses.

The World Population Day activities varied in scope and nature while ranging from rallies, performances and exhibitions, to sports competitions, seminars and cultural events but all the events have one thing common which is to affirm the right of people to plan their family size and thereby helping to make this a real fact.

Punjab Minister for Population Welfare Neelam Jabbar has said that rapidly growing population will have to be controlled in order to provide better health, education, sanitation, potable water and other facilities to people. She stated it on the occasion of WPD, in a seminar which was organized by the Population Welfare Department, Punjab, in collaboration with the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA).

At present, mortality rate in the children under five in 94 per 1,000 and it will be reduced to 65 by 2,011 and 45 by 2015 (MDGs Target) while mortality rate in newborns is 54 per 1,000 which will be reduced to 40 by 2011 and 25 till 2015.

Dr Muhammad Nafees, the Director of the ‘Institute of Social and Culture Studies’, Punjab University, said that in order to improve the quality of life and provide better job opportunities to the population, we would have to control our population. Gujrat University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr. Nizamuddin, Population Welfare Director General Abdul Rauf, Dr Ayesha and others also addressed the seminar, whereas Punjab’s Secretary of Population Welfare Qazi Afaq Hussain, departmental officials of the Population Welfare Department and media representatives were also present on the occasion.

On the other hand, Islamabad has the world’s highest maternal and infant mortality rates. Early marriages, young age pregnancies, son preference syndrome, lack of skilled birth attendants, near to the ground female literacy, poverty, male domination, malnutrition among women of reproductive age, and lack of access to basic health care centers, family planning services and emergency obstetric and new born care (EMONC) all attribute well to the high levels of maternal, neonatal and prenatal mortality.

The United Nations General Secretary, Ban-Ki Moon declared that forty years (40) ago the authorities had announced that every individual had the right to have the advantages of the basic necessities of life and do family planning. He added what has already been happened cannot be undone, but what is about to be done can be prevented, hurdled, diverted, delayed and even stopped indefinitely. This is where we, as a society, go extremely wrong. In an attempt to undo what we couldn’t prevent, we neglect and abandon what we can. The vicious cycle takes its course, speeding by the hour, and we let it. In the end, there seems to be very little hope, a lot of disappointment, unmet targets, failed attempts, weak policies, and the end of the tunnel seems pitch dark. However, there is hope, there always is.

Ammanat Rasul, Director General, Minister of Population Welfare, explains, “It’s a vicious cycle.” The family planning programme in the country was started in the 60’s. “Social, cultural and religious constraints, restricted the debate on population issues such as reproductive health education, knowledge regarding contraceptives and concept of the individual reproductive rights. Our staff was beaten, the family planning centres were set on fire and issues such as contraceptives were a taboo subject,” he adds.

Just complaining about an extensively increasing population is as fanatical as depending upon natural disasters to so away with a portion of it. According to CIA’s World Fact book, Pakistan’s population by July 2008 is estimated to be around 167,762,040. The number is big, huge rather, but the number falls in the ‘already done’ category. The entire population does.

However, there is another number-64 per cent. It maybe small, but it is this number that can change in terms of population in Pakistan. This number is approximately five million out of total population of Pakistan; these five million will determine the fate of the entire future population of the country. They are the youth, the only chunk of the population that does not fall into the ‘already done’ category, for their decisions regarding sexual behaviour and childbearing are critical to not just Pakistan’s but the planet’s future population size, dynamics and wellbeing.

The United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA) along with the rest of the world celebrates World Population Day on July 11. The theme of this year is to “plan- plan” to beat poverty, gain equality and beat maternal deaths. According to the UNFPA, the year 2008 witnesses the largest generation of adolescents in world history, where half the people on earth fall under the age of 25. Out of the total population of the world, some 1.8 billion are aged between 10 and 25 and about 85 per cent of the total 1.8 billion live in the developing world.

The numbers here call for serious undisrupted attention, for if population issues in Pakistan are to be addressed, maternal deaths combated and young people are to be given a good, healthy start on their lives, their right to reproductive health and family planning information and services might be promoted, and changes in policies and regulations should be encouraged.

Regarding young people’s sexuality, the biggest barriers are cultural taboos. Although most people become sexually active during the period of adolescence, they often have no access to the education and family planning services they need. Most people in Pakistan become sexually active before their 20^th birthday but remain unaware of their sexual health rights for the rest of their lives, contributing in turn to the vicious cycle of overpopulation. Reproductive health care of the youth is largely inappropriate. As a result, parents, educators and health care providers and practitioners are often found unwilling to give young people the information and services they need.

As for family planning, modern contraceptive use among adolescents is generally low, and decreases further with economic status. The percentages are alarming, the reality almost mind-boggling. Fewer than five per cent of the poorest youth in the world use modern contraception. As for young women in Pakistan, they constantly report less contraceptive usage than men.

Moreover, the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections or STIs worldwide are among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. According to UNFPA statistics, two in every five new HIV infections occur in young people in Pakistan, especially those living in rural areas; have misconceptions about how HIV and Aids is such a big international phenomenon.

49% of women in the least developed countries, which include Pakistan, marry before they turn 18. Thus complications during pregnancy and child-bearing are the primary causes of death for girls aged 15 to 19 in countries likely to die during children as women in their 20s.

Young people in Pakistan also hesitate to visit clinics because of lack of privacy and confidentiality, inconvenient operating hours and clinics locations, unaffordable costs, limited choices in terms of contraceptives and perhaps most importantly, extremely negative or judgmental attitudes of the health care providers.

According to the Executive Director of UNFPA, Suraiya Ahmad Abeed, successful global strategies include reproductive health education in the schools; programmes for out-of-school youths and early married girls, social marketing of condoms and other contraceptives; using mass and entertainment media to disseminate messages; telephone hotlines to provide anonymous counseling; peer educators in the community or workplace; and care at multipurpose youth centers.

In Islamabad, Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gillani affirmed, in the conference on the International World Population Day that “There is an increase of 2.9 million people per year which is a grand sum and it stops the whole nation from developing in every field.” He further confirmed that in next 5 years they will try to trim down the population from 1.8m to 1.5 million, in which every citizen of Pakistan has to play its crucial role. The biggest reason of this underlying problem according to him is lack of awareness, education and excessive of poverty and rising necessities of life.

“Population is an issue of national significance and is not just limited to a single ministry. It is an issue that cuts across all departments and therefore we are involving the Ministries of Education, Health, Women Development and other social sectors. It has to be a combined effort. Unless the media, civil society, private sector, religious and political leaders all join hands, it is difficult to achieve success. It’s an entire nation’s issue and not just limited to the Ministry of Population.” he asserted.

In Pakistan, youth related programmes should fundamentally address issues of puberty and relationships, the skills to negotiate sex and condom use, and gender norms that shape boy’s notions of masculinity and limit girl’s control over sex. It is also extremely important to harness youth potential. Young people are harbingers of the future population. They will grow up to be future parents. Instead of focusing all our social and national energies and funds on undoing our mistakes in terms of population, we should educate and enlighten our youth so that they can make better choices in for the future of the country.

On this important day ‘Rays of Development Organization’ (ROD) conducted a study circle of both male and female students, ex-students, laymen and laywomen. Addressing the study circle Mr. Ferhan Mazher Chairman of ROD said that ‘Lets all stop talking and start doing’ he maintained that ‘each one of us is responsible for the population more than our limited national resources’. Mazher further added that it’s a day of decision making and our decision should be that we would plan our family, our resources and most important of all future of our Pakistan, our Earth. He also said that none of us wants to see our children flitting from car to car, bus to bus for alms, clad in rags, feet divested of shoes. He underscored that if we wish to see a prosperous Pakistan and avert this kinds of situation then each one of us should plan-family planning.

Recommended by:

Ferhan Mazher,

Chairman

(Rays of Development Organization)

Visit: http:// RaysOfDevelopmentOrganization.BlogSpot.Com

Or Write us at: Office.rod@gmail.com, JawadMazhar123@Yahoo.Com

Pakistan human rights body observes International Women Day

2008-03-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Pakistan human rights body observes International Women Day

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Sargodha, Pakistan March 8^th (ROD): A handsome number of minority women assembled at All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) zonal secretariat to observe the International Women Day (IWD) on March 8^th, here at Sargodha, Pakistan under the aegis of Rays of Development Organization (ROD). Majority of the women were from the marginalized Christian minority of the predominantly Muslim state of Pakistan.

Spouse of the newly elected APMA’s member of the Punjab Assembly Mrs Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Farukh Tanvir, Member of District Assembly of Sargodha Ms Rubina, Rosy Dewan (ROD), Sheraz Khurram Khan (Assist News Service, USA), Ms Mary and Chairman of ROD Mr Ferhan Mazher addressed the women, who had flocked to mark the IWD.

Mr Furrukh Tanvir of APMA asserted that women in Pakistan are living in pathetic condition. He added that they have to face discrimination even at their homes; they are being assaulted or harassed physically, mentally and sexually in their every day life in the conservative Pakistani society. Mr Furrukh vowed that the elected representatives of APMA would do every thing to raise the stifled voice of Pakistani women in the national and provincial assemblies. He also pledged to ensure the provision and protection of equal rights of women.

Mrs Tahir Naveed Chaudhary called for treatment of women on the basis of equality and ensured that APMA representatives will ensure necessary legislation in this regard.

Talking to ROD Fact Finding Team, she said that women hailing from the minorities should be given reserved seats and government should allocate 10% seats for the minority women from 33% quota of the women reserved seats.

Speaking on the occasion Sheraz Khurram Khan, the Special Correspondent for Assist News Service USA said that women are an integral part of our society and women belonging to the minorities’ communities suffer to a greater extent because of their faith.

He referred to some incidents in the past where the culprits had singled out minority women for rape. Condemning domestic violence he urged minority women to stand up for their rights.

Chairman of ‘Rays of Development Organization’ (ROD), Ferhan Mazher said that ROD is striving altruistically for the feminism, provision and protection of equal rights of women. He went on saying that ROD wishes to eradicate all sorts of gender based violence and envisions a society where women enjoy equal rights, freedom and justice.

The event culminated in a peaceful manner, all the participants stood up, joined their hands to show solidarity and prayed for the equal rights, freedom and prosperity of the women.

Civil Society of Sargodha Pay tribute to martyred Benazir Bhutto.

2008-01-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Lit a’ Candle’ to Salute Benazir Bhutto and strengthen the democracy in Pakistan says Rubina Feroze Bhatti

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD/BosNewsLife)

Sargodha, Pakistan, Jan 2^nd (ROD/BNL): Rights and advocacy organizations of the Civil Society of Sargodha massed at Katcherry Bazaar, Sargodha to pay tribute to the martyred of democracy, Benazir Bhutto under the aegis of Taangh Wasaib Organization (TWO) by lighting up the candles.

Rays of Development, Organization (ROD), Aezaze-e-Niswaan (AN), Child Rights Committee (CRC) of SPARC Sargodha and several other NGOs and PPP political activist and hopefuls for the upcoming general elections also accompanied TWO and warm heartedly paid tribute to the Benazir Bhutto. Rights activist were carrying placards inscribed with slogans and prayers and for the deceased Benazir Bhutto and her bereaved family. They sang requiems in memory of the beloved Leader and enchanted slogans like “Long Live Benazir Bhutto”, “The token of democracy, Benazir, Benazir”.

Benazir Bhutto the Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and symbol of democracy and freedom in Pakistan was martyred in a terrorist attack on Dec 27^th, 2007. After her inopportune death the whole nation drenched into sorrow and plunged into turmoil. The enraged people expressed their outrage by torching vehicles, Railway Stations, Banks, Train Coaches and shops. Since then dozens of people have been killed or seriously injured in the insurgency, broken out after her tragic death due to the terrorist attack.

At the ceremony several eminent leader of the Civil Society and contestants of the forthcoming general elections lit candles, prayed and addressed the people who had flocked up to express their love and care for their Great Leader.

Dr Nadia Aziz (PPP), Tasneem Qureshi (PPP), Muhammad Ahmed Khan (Chairman TWO), Chaudhary Ajmal, Hajji Farooq Aslam, Sajjad, Khalid Waheed Piracha, Mahr Muhammad Tufail, Sister Naseem George (AN) and Mahr Zafar Khaliq addressed the occasion. The speakers, pledged to carry on the mission of Benazir Bhutto. They said that Pakistan is at a crucial point and we have lost a great leader. The also said that her sacrifice would strengthen the Democracy in Pakistan.

The People articulated their sympathy, condolence, love and care for the Great Leader Benazir Bhutto by illuminating the Candles. A renowned painter Mahr Zafar Khaliq presented a Painting of Benazir Bhutto to the General Secretary Ms Rubina Feroze Bhatti and Chairman Muhammad Ahmed Khan of TWO.

APMA call for National Prayer Day for the soul of deceased Benazir Bhutto

2008-01-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

APMA condemns Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

Calls for National Prayer Day for Benazir Bhutto’s soul on Sunday Jan 6^th

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Sargodha, Pakistan, Jan 12^th, (ROD): In a press release issued by the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (AMPA), Chief Shahbaz Bhatti has condemned the assassination of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson, Benazir Bhutto in a terrorist attack at Liaqat Baagh, Rawalpindi on Dec 27^th, 2007.

Shahbaz Bhatti has said that the attack on the Benazir Bhutto was the attack on democracy. He reprimanded the government for its failure in providing the infallible security to the important person like Benazir Bhutto.

Talking to the news men Shahbaz Bhatti said that PPP has announced 40 days mourning. Therefore all the minorities would observe Sunday, Jan 6^th 2008 as National Prayer Day.

Rays of Development, Organization (ROD) & APMA observed Jan 6^th, 2008 as National Prayer Day at Khizar Abad, Sargodha for the soul of slain Benazir Bhutto. Rev Gulzar Masih of Seventh Day Adventist led the prayer service.

ROD Chief Ferhan Mazher, APMA Zonal Chief of Sargodha Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Farukh Tanvir Chughtai, Mr Rubina (APMA), Samuel Nazir Sindhu (APMA) and Kaamall Shameer Gujjar addressed the congregation and expressed sympathy and condoled with the bereaved Bhutto family.

APMA pledged to continue such prayer services until the end 40 days mourning.

Lawyer observe International Human Rights Day as Black Day for the Judiciary

2007-12-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Sargodha, Pakistan, Dec 10^th, (ROD): Lawyers of Sargodha Bar Council (SBC) observed international day of human rights as Black Day for the Constitution and Judiciary of Pakistan, on Monday Dec 10^th. Several civil society rights and advocacy organizations adjunct Lawyers in their protest and lambast the regime of Musharraf for promulgation of the State of Emergency, imposition of PCO, suspension of the country’s constitution, deposition of the 50 judges both from the apex court and the lower courts, house arrests of the deposed judges, curbs on the media and arrogating the Judiciary.

Advocate Shahid Nazir Khan told ROD that many civil society organizations including Taangh Wasaib Organization, Rays of Development, Organization, Sahil Welfare Organization, Safe life Society and SPARC accompanied Lawyers of the SBC inn their protest. The enthusiastic participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with anti-emergency and anti-government slogans. The protesters were chanting slogans for the freedom of Judiciary, restoration of the 1973 constitution, immediate obliteration of the State of Emergency and retrieving the deposed Judges of the Supreme and High Courts of Pakistan.

The procession started from the Bar Room of the SBC and took on the roads, while shouting slogans against the policies of the President Musharraf. At Toop Chowk demonstrators stage a sitting for half an hour and continued hollering anti-government slogans and demanded immediate end of the emergency, restoration of the constitution and deposed judges. All the protesters dispersed peacefully after the protest at Sargodha Bar Council.

Dr Arshad Shahid, election runner for the national assembly of conservative Islamic political party, Mutihida-Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) and Abdul Razzaq Dhillon provincial assembly hopeful of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) also participated in the protest to show solidarity with the Lawyers and Judiciary.

A nationwide wave of anger and protest ha stormed the country after the promulgation of emergency since Nov 3^rd, 2007. The momentum and intensity of the protest is escalating day by day in Pakistan.

Khan added that if government fails to end emergency the lawyers would boycott the upcoming general elections.

During the protest many private news channels were also accompanying the lawyers of SBC; these news channels included Rang TV, ARY TV, Appna Channel and Geo TV.

A large number of policemen holding batons and fire arms surrounded and cordoned the peaceful procession of the lawyers and civil society witnessed ROD fact finding team.

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Civil Society protest against the curb on media & express solidarity with the media

2007-11-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Sargodha, Pakistan, Nov 19^th: “ We are protesting against the restrictions on media, and to express our concern and solidarity with the Pakistani media”, said Chairman of Taangh Wasaib Organization (TWO), Dr Muhammad Ahmad Khan, a leading rights organization in Pakistan, he added “ Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) is not the suitable solution of the present political turmoil in Pakistan”. He was addressing to press conference at Press Club Sargodha, where large number of activists of civil society had flocked up to hold an effective and peaceful protest against the promulgation of the State of Emergency in Pakistan.

Talking to ROD General Secretary of TWO, Ms Rubina Feroze Bhatti expressed her concern for the media and present atrocities against the humankind in the name of Emergency. Ms Bhatti maintained that we want to see autonomous judiciary, re-instatement of the constitution of 1973, obliteration of the State of Emergency in the country and Independent Parliament. Replying to an other question General Secretary of Taangh Wasaib Organization maintained that all the lawyers, rights activists, judges and media persons implicated in fabricated cases should be released and cases lodged against them must be retracted, immediately.

She also said that government should unconfined those Pedagogues who were arrested during the protests against curbs on the media and such fake cases against them should be rescinded.

Expressing solidarity with the Media Ms Rubina Feroze Bhatti the General Secretary of TWO assured Sargodha Press Club representatives Malik Moazzam and Rana Muhammad Afzal Hanif to continue their endeavor until the lifting of bar on media.

Mr Mumtaz Arif a leading journalist said that we are not afraid of Baton charge and detention instead we will keep struggling for the freedom of media till our last breath.

Addressing the occasion Malik Moazzam, spokesman President of Sargodha Press Club, said that we should forge unity in our ranks.

Advocate Shahid Nazir Khan coordinator District Advocacy Network (DAN) said that Pakistani people are aware of their rights, and an army general (Pervaiz Musharraf) cannot usurp their rights, among the slogans being chanted by the protesters at the top of their voices. He urged that government should lift emergency immediately.

Malik Ehsan Ullah said that we are with the Pakistani media and keep trying hard for the abolition of emergency.

Representatives of the Media were presented bunch of roses by the Chief of TWO Dr Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Chief of Rays of Development Organization (ROD) Ferhan Mazher as a token of solidarity with the media.

After the Press Conference the protesters staged sitting in front of the Press Club Sargodha for one hour and chanted slogans against the State of Emergency at the top of their lungs. Their Slogans included

“Live and let others live”,

“Liberate the Judiciary”,

“Allow News Channels to transmit their programs”.

The whole Pakistani national observed today Nov 19^th as Black day as government has put restrictions on the media. Protests were launched in favor of Geo TV network and against the ban on Geo and emergency in the country. ROD & TWO plans to protest against the Detention of Lawyers and State of Emergency on Nov 21^st at Sargodha Bar Council, to express solidarity with lawyers and Judiciary.

Advocacy Network pledges to protest against the State of Emergency

2007-11-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD / Special Correspondent for BosNewsLife in Pakistan)

Sargodha, Pakistan, Nov 17^th (ROD / BosNewsLife): The district coordinator of Advocacy Network (AN) Advocate Shahid Nazir Khan sticks to his guns, as he reiterated “The Advocacy Network (AN) will continue its endeavor until the reinstatement of constitution, autonomy of Judiciary, restoration of rights, re-establishment of democracy, emancipation of lawyers, media men, rights & political activists, uncurbing of media and abolition of the state of emergency in the country” while presiding a meeting of member organizations of AN held at Taangh Wasaib rights organization Head Office here at Sargodha, Pakistan on Saturday, November 17^th, 2007.

All the participant rights organizations expressed their qualms about emergency and deep reservations over the present crucial political atmosphere in the country. . In the first stage member organizations pledged to record an effective, peaceful and voiceless protest against the Imposition of Emergency by zipping up the lips with black tape on Nov 19^th in front of Sargodha Press Club and latter on Nov 21^st in front of Sargodha Bar Council (SBC) in its second stage.

29 member organizations of AN namely Al- Mustafa Welfare Society Bhalwal, Ujala Welfare Society Shah Pur, Al-Falah Welfare Society Silanwali, Merri Sadda Welfare Organization Sahiwal, World Association for human rights Sargodha, Helpline Bhera, Tehreek-e-Islah-e-Muashra Silanwali, Anjuman Falah Dehiya Silanwali, Social Welfare Society Silanwali, Inqalaab Society Silanwali, New Future Human development Sahiwal, Human Rights Naseer Pur Kalaan Kot Momin, Zia-ul-ummat Foundation Bhera, Ali Zaib Foundation Sargodha, Islamic Welfare Marriage Center Bhalwal, Galaxy Welfare Society Sargodha, Star Welfare Organization Sargodha, Child Rights Committee SPARC Sargodha, Al Baaqi Welfare Society Sargodha, Istaqlal Welfare Society Sargodha, Rights Foundation Sargodha, Anjuman Islah-e-Insaniyat Foundation Bhagtanwala, National Commission for human rights Sargodha, Zia-ul-Slam Welfare Society Sargodha, Sahil Welfare Society Kot Momin, Alamgir Foundation Sargodha, Khudam-ul-Khalaq Sargodha, Rays of Development Organization (ROD) Sargodha and Taangh Wasaib Tanzeem (TWT) participated in the meeting and pledged to play their vital role in re-instatement of constitution, restoration of the suspended human rights, freeing the media from all the restrictions and release of all the detained lawyers, rights and political workers in Pakistan.

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A 'women' should be respected as an Individual

2007-11-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Written by: Ms Khadijah Shah (ROD)

A great philosopher says,

“Why God created men before women? Because we always need a rough sketch before the final one”

The world is entering into the 21^st century but the fate of women in many societies remains still under the cloud of ignorance and dependency upon male members.

Many of the working women in government jobs have to work far away from their native places. Scarcity of women hostels and suitable accommodation causes serious problems for working women in our society. Sometimes working women become a target of criticism and humiliation by the religious quarters. Such problems become a hurdle in the way of women’s progress.

William Wordsworth says,

“The reason firm, the temperate will,

Endurance, foresight, strength and skill,

A perfect woman nobly planned

To warn, to comfort, and command;

And yet the spirit still and bright,

With something of angelic light.”

Our women need to be able to work apart from side by side with men in different professions. Firstly, almost all women should be educated to different levels. Education up to Intermediate is quite necessary, both for our men and women. Now since the drastic fall in our educational standards education up to Matriculation seems to be insufficient.

Secondly, the old traditions and conventions barring women from outside work will have to be abolished. No doubt, the veil system is no more, so popular, but the traditions of keeping women restricted to the home are quite alive, in villages and small towns and the underdeveloped parts of our cities. These traditions are mostly based on our backwardness, ignorance and faulty upbringing and training.

Thirdly, we have to reduce the dependence of the whole family on the male head. According to Shakespeare:

“Man is the crown of nature and his crown shines because of woman.”

In Hinduism, one of the oldest religious and ethical systems, women were assigned a very low role in the society. It is a general belief that only sinful was re-born as women. Even today they are slaughtered and butchered by following the ignorant traditions such as “SATTI”, when a husband dies his wife is burnt alive without mercy and humanity. In Judaism, a woman is under an eternal Divine curse and for this reason she must be ruled by her husband.

The professions and vocations that suit the women of our society are the following:

Firstly, teaching profession is the most suitable for women. At the school, college and university levels female teachers can teach perhaps more effectively than men. They have the added advantage of long holidays and short teaching hours which means less physical and mental strain on their physiques.

Secondly, the nursing and airline hostesses’ professions and the like are more suitable for women. Here feminine attention is needed which men cannot provide so well.

Thirdly, the expansion of commerce, there is a growing demand for saleswomen and office clerks, secretaries and managers. Thousands of women can be usefully employed in these capacities to the satisfaction of traders as well as the customers.

Fourthly, the medical profession needs the services of more and more of female doctors to attend to the female population, children and generally to men as well.

Fifthly, women are very suitably performing work in garment, handicraft and toy factories and factories producing jams, cold drinks, bread, etc. at home or outside the home. They can stitch clothes well, help in shoe-making, and can work at ease and with interest in the fields of their choice like those of cosmetics production, designing clothes and shoes, painting and engraving .In such activities women are naturally interested.

Milman remarks:

“Women to fair to worship: too divine to love……”

According to Islam, a women has a more important and holy duty than that of man. She is the mother and the teacher of the nation. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said,

“Verily, the Paradise lies under the feet of the mother.”

Saint Virgin Marry suffered a lot in the world but is the closest in the Eye of God. Jesus Christ as well as, other prophets were born from the womb of a woman which highlights that importance of women.

Therefore, it is a mother that a woman can best serve her nation. It does not mean that Islam stops woman from taking part in the social fields of life. Islam has allowed women not to work like a man but to co-operate with him. It is rather significant that the first converter to Islam from amongst those around the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was a woman named Khadijah-tul-Qubrah, an independent working woman, a trader.

It is absurd to exclude women from the social and political spheres on the supposed ground of being less intellectual than men. We have the number of examples to give light to this statement. Rulers like Queen Victoria in England, and Chand Bibi, Razia Begum and Noor Jehan in Indo-Pakistan, proved that women can govern a nation successfully as men. Women are great rulers as well as great fighters. In the struggle for achieving Pakistan as an independent nation, Ms Fatima Jinnah sister of the founder of Pakistan, Begum Liaqat Ali, Begum Shah Nawaz, Begum Rana, Begum Mohammad Ali etc. played a vital role in fighting for the independence.

Christian mini truck driver being forced to convert to Islam

2007-10-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Gulzar Masih, a Christian mini truck driver is allegedly being forced to recite Islamic Holy Kalima (Holy verses used to mark the conversion to Islam) and convert to Islam, by two Muslim men, Khawar Butt and Baatti. The sole wage earner of the family is living under the threat of being executed or tormented viciously by the Muslim men and scared to return to his home.

Gulzar Masih, a 45 years old Christian mini truck driver of Chak (village) # 2, Mandi Bhawaldin, Pakistan, was visited by Rays of Development Organization (ROD) fact finding team. Gulzar Masih told ROD fact finding team that he had been a professional truck driver for last 20 years at Mandi Bhawaldin. He said that he has his own mini truck. (Toyota Hilux # C .5990 Peshawar). Gulzar Masih said that he had been living and working with other drivers in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere, until they came to know that I am a Christian.

Masih said the difficulty started off about 6 months ago, when proprietor of the Ashraf Hotel allegedly asked him not to dine at his hotel, simply because he is a Christian, an untouchable.

Gulzar Masih told ROD that on August 15^th 2007, two Muslim men, Khawar Butt and Baatti allegedly forced him to utter the Holy Kalima and embrace Islam. While he, along with three other drivers, was relaxing and chatting under the cool shade of trees near the truck stand, Mandi Bhawaldin.

Terrified Gulzar Masih alleged that after two days of this incident, he was sitting at the shop of local iron smith Muhammad Iqbal, when Khawar Butt, Baatti and younger brother of the iron smith Muhammad Khalid, abused and forced him out of the shop, hurling death threats on him, as he had turned down the imposition of conversion. Masih also said “All these men were my good friends, until they learnt that I am a Christian”.

Appallingly poor Gulzar Masih father of Aamir Gulzar 20 and Suneeta student of class 9^th said that he is the lone bread winner of his family. Concerned Gulzar Masih went on saying that this incident has almost spoiled his freight business.

The police at Mandi Bhawaldin refrained from registering a case against the culprits. However after a long and steadfast struggle and with the help of Bishop Jamshaid John, High Court of Lahore has ordered the Station House Officer of the police station to register case against both the Muslim men on Oct 29^th, 2007.

Masih told ROD that he desires to live in perfect serenity and accord with other Muslims in the society. He appealed to ROD chairman to liberate him out of this dilemma.

ROD chairman Mr Ferhan Mazher was astounded to know the pitiable episode. ROD chairman denounced such threats to the religious minorities of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He also said that the law enforcement agencies and government should take notice of such horrible incidents and Islamic religious radicals.

Chief of ROD pressed upon the necessity of tolerance, peace and harmony. He added that followers of all faiths are ought to learn to co-exist peacefully in Pakistan.

Pilgrims pay tribute to Virgin Marry.

2007-10-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Written By: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Sargodha, Pakistan, Oct 21^st (ROD): Pilgrims from all across Pakistan flocked up at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church at Sargodha, Pakistan, to pay their respects and tribute to Virgin Marry. This Christian gathering has become the third most important Christian festival, which is celebrated annually with great religious fervor and devotion after the Christmas & Easter. This Holy event is called ‘Mela’ (Punjabi Word)

Some enthusiastic and dedicated youths arrived after covering long distances on Bicycles to pray to Saint Marry other came walking bare feet from

His Grace Bishop Anthony Theodore Lobo addressed the convention and explained the motive behind this great Congregational Gathering and underscored on the need of Interfaith Peace and Harmony. In his sermon he said that followers of all faiths including Christians, Muslims, Shiite, Ahamadis, Bhais, Hindus, Sikhs and Parsis must learn to co-exist peacefully in Pakistan. He condemned all kinds of terrorism in Pakistan. He also prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Enthusiastic Christian youth from all across the Pakistan participated in the Mela with great zeal and religious devotion and dedication.

Sister Lillian, a visitor from Italy told ROD that root purpose of the gathering is to deepen the faith of Christians.

Fr Mukhtar Alam said that people should come and pray for the Christianity in Pakistan. He also said that we should pray to Virgin Marry to bless Pakistan.

Fr William from Nowshehra, a small city of conservative North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan apprised ROD that reason of this Christian gathering is to glorify Virgin Marry. Catholics come here to receive the blessings of the Virgin Mother.

A choir from the Fatima Catholic Church, Jehlum participated in the Mela, and glorified the Lord Jesus Christ and Virgin Marry by hymns. A member of the choir Ms Huma Nasir told ROD that she is very happy to come and praise the Lord at Sargodha.

Chairman of Rays of Development Organization (ROD), Sargodha Mr Ferhan Mazher said that objective of this Christian gathering is to create mutual understanding and tolerance. He appealed to the followers of all the faiths and sects living in Pakistan to forget the past’s bitter experiences, leave parochialism far behind, and embrace each other with love.

Muslim mob ransacked and desecrated Church at Gowindhi, near Lahore, Pakistan

2007-10-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD / Special Correspondent for BosNewsLife in Pakistan)

Lahore, Pakistan, Oct 14^th, 2007: On Oct 10^th, 2007, a violent mob of Muslims allegedly ransacked and desecrated New Apostolic faith church at a village name Gowindhi, near Punjab province’s metropolis Lahore, near the Indian border. The attackers are at large because local Police have neither registered a case nor taken any action against them.

According to the Khalid Gill (Chief organizer Punjab, All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA)) Muslim mob mounted on the roof of the Church and hurled down the loud speakers of the Church.

Gill went on saying the mob of Muslim extremists also tried to destroy the boundary walls of the Church and put manure on them. Mob ripped up the Holy Bible, Book of Psalms and other Holy Books kept in the church. The mob also destroyed all the musical instruments, which were used during the praise and worship.

As the Muslim mob was desecrating the church a Christian youth Sattar Masih 26 informed local Christian clergy Pastor Pervaiz about the Muslim attack at the church.

Pastor Pervaiz contacted Police Station Hydiara immediately and asked for the rescue team. But the police not only failed to reach in time, it also blatantly refused to take action against the mob responsible for the desecration, damaging of loud speakers and ripping up of Holy Books at the Gowindhi Pentecostal Church.

A delegation of local Christian leaders comprising Rasheed Masih (Ex-Member District Council Lahore), Peter Gill (Ex-Member of Provincial Assembly of Punjab), Tariq Gill (Member District Council Lahore), Ayub Khawar Gill and Pastor Pervaiz protested and met Superintendent Police (Cantt) (SP)Ahmad Kamal.

Khalid Gill added that SP marked the application and forwarded to the Local Police Station Hydiara’s Station House Officer (SHO) for further action and investigation. Concerned Khalid Gill lamented that instead of taking action against the hard line Muslims responsible for this regrettable episode, the police is forcing local Christian community and leadership for reconciliation.

The situation is getting worse as Muslim shopkeepers of Gowindhi village have stopped selling kitchen and other house hold items to the Christian residents of the village.

APMA chief injured, two APMA workers killed

2007-10-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Karachi, Pakistan, Oct 19^th (ROD): All Pakistan Minorities Alliance’s (AMPA) two Christian political activists killed, APMA chief Shahbaz Bhatti sustained minor injuries to his right hand, several wounded and number of APMA worker are missing after the bomb attack on Benazir Bhutto’s (BB) motorcade which was heading to the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Faisal Highway Karachi. APMA’s Chief Shahbaz Bhatti accompanied Ms Bhutto in the plane from London to Karachi.

Khalid Gill told ROD that more than 25 thousand party workers of APMA flocked up to greet BB on her return to Pakistan after 8 years exile, outside and inside the airport at Karachi.

APMA’s Punjab’s Zonal Coordinator Khalid Gill said that Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Pervaiz Rafiq, Naveed Amir, and Najmi Saleem led APMA workers from Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan and Lahore zones respectively to Karachi airport.

Gill said that their workers from North West Frontier Province (NWFP) were led by APMA Provincial President Prince Javed and APMA activists from Balochistan province were headed by Provincial President Mr Jaffar George. He added that Sikh members were guided by Sardar Kalian Singh and Hindu APMA members were led by Bearbal Ram Chohan.

Gill also said that more than 25,000 APMA activists from all across the country were present on the occasion to greet Ms Bhutto warmly back home. He added that APMA had the plans of freeing doves and displaying fireworks, but the topsy turvy created by the two bomb explosions ruined the peacefulness of the procession.

Khalid Gill also said that two (02) of the APMA workers Ashraf Raza (Karachi) and Ilyas Masih (Sargodha) were killed on the spot as the bombs exploded only 120 feet apart from the APMA’s truck. Gill maintained that these explosions left many APMA workers severely injured and many are still missing.

Gill announced APMA’s three days mourning from Oct 19^th to Oct 21^st, for the People killed or wounded in the bomb attack and condemned these attacks.

Chairman Rays of Development Organization (ROD) Mr Ferhan Mazher condemned these attacks on the BB’s caravan. He said this is the conspiracy against the democracy in Pakistan.