Dark Bilious Vapors

Not only in Iraq is the Talibanization of Women's Rights becoming more prevalent, but in Pakistan as well:

"The World Sindhi Institute (WSI) and fellow supporters will gather together on August 14th, the 58th anniversary of the creation of Pakistan, to call attention to:

-- Talibanization

The Hasba bill recently passed by the provincial government in the North West Frontier Province will create a special body to enforce Islamic law in the region.

-- Women

Victims of rape and abuse like Mukhtar Mai and Dr. Shazia Khalid represent thousands like them who suffer daily due to abusive laws, entrenched patriarchal traditions and impunity for the perpetrators.

-- Militarization

The armed forces run most of Pakistan's politics, economy and public institutions with no trace of public accountability. Military abuses against ordinary citizens are rewarded with total impunity.

-- Discrimination

Against minorities in development, education, and water rights. The Gwadar development scheme in Balochistan displaces Baloch. Dams and diversion of the Indus river water deprive Sindhis of their life's blood and the ensuing drought threatens their survival.

Quasi military rule in Pakistan has made a mockery of democracy and the principles of federation. Suppression of Pashtun, Baloch and Sindhi nations aspirations to control their own political destiny and their own natural resources has resulted in a distorted, corrupt and oppressive political climate , within which a military-mullah nexus is reigning supreme, while plundering the country and silencing all opposition through forced exile, incarceration and torture.

Women's rights and children's rights are trampled upon with impunity. Joblessness has reached unprecedented heights while retired military personnel are employed in every sector of the country's civilian bureaucracy, public sector industry and have become owners of prime real estate and agricultural holdings in every city and province of the country...."

Karen on 08.13.05 @ 08:16 AM CST