Alvi effect: Dutch out of Afghanistan

PTI Secretary General, Dr. Arif Alvi reacting on the resignation of Netherlands government (LINK 1, LINK 2) on the issue of troops pull-out has said that this is the first step in the recognition of PTI's long standing stance that a clear and immediate exit strategy is the only way to bring peace to the troubled region. The same was communicated to the officials of the Dutch Foreign Ministry in The Hague in an hour long meeting with the PTI delegation led by Dr Arif Alvi a week before. It was requested by the delegation that the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan has been counter productive and is not conducive to any solution in that country. Such a presence is also leading to de-stabilisation in Pakistan.


Dr. Alvi thanked the Dutch government for patient listening to our stance in the meeting and subsequent decision. He further added that other NATO partners should follow suit and announce their withdrawal plans as well.
www.insaf.pk

PTI UK members protest for Afia outside US embassy

LONDON:Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) UK members staged a peaceful protest demonstration on Saturday outside US Embassy London to express solidarity with Dr Aafia Siddiqui. They expressed deepest concern over injustice and discrimination with Dr Aafia in American court where she was convicted even when the evidence brought before the judge proved false. The participants were holding placards in their hands inscribed with slogans like ‘Free Aafia’. Addressing the protesters outside the US Embassy, Atif Ali Shah ,the senior leader of PTI UK,said that chief offence of Dr Aafia was that she was a Muslim, who went to Afghanistan to provide medical assistance to the injured when the US had waged a war against innocent Afghan people. Terming the judicial proceedings in American court against her as bogus, He said all the allegations laid against Aafia were baseless and concocted and jury was heavily influenced by the biased coverage of American media before trial. Atif Shah demanded of the government to take the matter up with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and raise voice for the release of Aafia before the United Nations. President PTI Lawyers wing UK and senior leader, Khawaja Imtiaz,said, “We are civilised nation, as our peaceful protest witnessed this action”. He said that the trial itself exposed the unjustice and biased court verdict that violated the basic human rights of Dr.Aafia. He said that the decision of the US jury had exposed American discrimination, adding Pakistanis were more dignified and would continue their peaceful protest for release of Dr Aafia. Another senior leader of PTI UK,MA.Raja, said that Dr Aafia was a symbol of Pakistan, a symbol of honour and sovereignty. He added the people of Pakistan, especially the youth, would not rest unless she returns to the country. On this occasion, the other speakers also said that Dr Aafia was a symbol of Pakistan and the struggle would continue till the prosperity of 170 million people of Pakistan, who had great concerns for this crucial issue. The people from different walks of life, including women and children also participated in the demonstration. The peaceful demonstration was a part of an awareness campaign initated by PTI for the rights of Dr.Aafia and thousands of missing peoples at national and international level.