THE rioters inflicted deep wounds on the economy of Karachi. They, however, did not succeed in destroying the spirit of resilient business community determined to fight against all odds and revive its activities in the country’s biggest cluster of wholesale commodity businesses.

While demolition, rubble removal and reconstruction of damaged buildings hit by violence on December 28 are in progress, many traders of the locality have resumed their business immediately after the carnage.

The smoke emitting from blackened corners of dilapidated buildings did not stop second/third generation enterprising wholesalers from arranging supplies over mobile phones for their regular customers in different parts of cities.

“Retailers who get their supplies from my shop may sympathise but cannot and will not wait for me to get my shop in order. They need supplies and will get them from some other source if not from me. Sitting here on this rented desk and chair atop what remains of my shop I am arranging for transport to pick goods from the suppliers and deliver them at the doorsteps of my customers. Yes, it will incur me additional cost eating into my profit but I will still be in business”, said Abdul Jabbar, a wholesaler at the plastic market when approached by the scribe on Tuesday, a day after the fire was extinguished.

Not everyone is as lucky. People who owned retail outlets in destroyed markets had no choice but to focus on efforts to expedite the repair of their shops besides arranging for seed capital to get fresh stocks.

“There is so much confusion with Karachi Building Control Authority declaring some buildings dangerous, the infighting amongst different local leaders for status and recognition, anglings of land mafia, and visits of VVIPs for photo sessions, it is hard to contemplate the future. We have engaged labour to demolish the structure that was ground plus one. Where will the money come from for rebuilding, we are not sure?” said Allauddin sitting depressed on the footpath in front of Zamir Estate, where he had his shop named Haji Nooruddin General Store.

Responding to a question about the claim forms circulated by the Sindh government, he expressed frustration. “I have lost all my record, even my medical file. How will I be able to provide supporting documents for a claim for my loss?

According to a rough estimate, at least 4,000 shops in 29 markets were affected on MA Jinnah Road.

A visit to the densely populated area that used to be bustling with business activities is an experience in itself. Now it looks more like a construction site rather than a bazaar or a grand polling station complete with big banners and flags of contestants. At least 20 big camps on the roadside display banners of different layers of government and trade bodies over half a kilometre patch from Boulton Market to Light House.

Some black banners are inscribed with demands of affected traders. The area is currently closed for traffic except for some private vehicles and loaders bringing men and material for reconstruction and related works. There was a mixed view about the role of the government in rehabilitation work. Generally, local and city level business leaders hailed the official response that they said, was more swift and better organised than before. Many people of the area were skeptical.

“So far, four and a half billion rupees has been pledged (Rs3 billion by the federal government, Rs50 million by the Sindh government and Rs1 billion by the US government) and we expect the amount to almost double with the generosity of other provinces and friendly countries.

A separate disaster account has been created and the pledged three billion rupees of the federal government is expected to be remitted to this account this week. The disbursement will start as soon as the verification process of claims of affectees is complete”, said Abul Majid Haji Muhammad, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who mediated between the victims and the government.

The total loss to property and assets was reckoned to be over Rs30 billion that affected as many as 400,000 people directly and indirectly. The estimate is based on the assumption that each of 4000 shops on an average engaged 10 regular or irregular people.

Insiders told this scribe that the Sindh government has prepared a comprehensive plan to compensate victims on need basis. For recovery of losses, they have been asked to fill a claim form complete with NTN number so that the claims can be counter checked. Besides, the claimants have been asked to get verification from market associations and route their forms through KCCI that has volunteered to act as a go-between.

A senior member of the administration said with limited resources, the government would be able to cover between 10-20 per cent of the losses of traders of the area.

“If the government takes measures to improve the business environment, it would help rebuilding of the damaged markets. He urged the government to arrange for interest-free loans for victims to re-establish their business,” Atique Mir, Chairman Alliance of Market Association told Dawn.

“It would facilitate traders of the area a great deal if the government could persuade banks to give interest-free loans to victims”, he added.

Asif Rashid, President, Boulton Market Association, was all praise for the city government that helped with men and material to restore the biggest plastic market of the region with over 400 shops dealing in raw material and finished plastic products..

“We participated in a joint meeting and decided to be led by a seven-member public- private committee for oversight of rehabilitation work. It was decided that traders will not be asked to shift location of the market and KBCA will be asked to reassess buildings,” he said.

Salim Farooqui, President, Meerat Road Market Association, who advocated the move to seek temporary place for victims in an old graveyard plot near the market was implicated by some leaders to be operating at the behest of land mafia. When confronted, Salim counter-attacked leaders who he alleged were using propaganda to shoot down a viable proposal that could put at least 400-500 small shop keepers on their feet. “They want the graveyard be converted into a parking area. They are resourceful people with narrow mental horizon. Besides, the approach to the ground is a very narrow lane, hardly 10 feet wide, so it cannot be entered by vehicle”, he said.

So far none of the shop owners have fired their workers though premises where they worked are not there any more. It probably indicates their resolve to bounce back and re-establish their businesses on the scale it was before the incident.

A 17-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, in his short order, declared the ordinance as null and void.

According to the judgment, the NRO is contrary to the equality guaranteed by the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan. Similarly, all the cases, disposed off because of the controversial ordinance, now stand revived as of Oct 5, 2007 position, said the judgment.

In addition, the court has ordered the government that it should immediately reopen the Swiss cases concerning President Asif Ali Zardari.

“The provisions of the NRO seem to be against national interests thus it violates the several provisions of the constitution,” the ruling said.

Earlier, during hearing of petitions against the NRO, the chief justice said even parliament has no right to change the basic structure of the constitution.

“In accordance to oath, we are committed to safeguard the constitution,” he remarked.

Earlier, the chief justice has warned the NAB Chairman Naveed Ahsan about a stern action if something false detected in the list. He ordered the NAB Chairman to sign the list if it was correct. On the court’s order, he signed the list.

The court summoned the summary file of directives issued for the elimination Swiss cases when the hearing resumed on Wednesday. On the excuse of acting attorney general, the court summoned principal secretary and secretary law. Secretary law while presenting the file in the court said attorney general wrote the letter for withdrawal of cases on the directives of Asif Zardari’s lawyer Farooq H Naek that was opposed by the than law minister Zahid Hamid.

The court has expressed displeasure on acting attorney general and said he hide the truth. The principal secretary of president Salman Farooqi informed the court that cases files are not present in presidency. The files were in president’ camp office in Rawalpindi.

The court advisor Mian Allah Nawaz in his arguments termed the NRO as filthy law and said any, which is beneficial for some individuals, is illegal. Another court advisor Shaiq Usmani said there is no legal ground of giving amenity under NRO. President could only issue the ordinance, which will convert into law by the assembly.

In his remarks, chief justice said how assembly could declare corruption as legal. The judges in their remarks said NRO is against Quranic teachings and amenity could only be given to political cases.

The judges said that if it were an ordinance for national reconciliation, then Baloch leaders and Altaf Hussain should also have been called to the country. During the final stages of the hearing, Salman Raja, Akram Chaudhry, Dr Farooq Hussain, Shahid Orakzai and Abdul Hafiz Pirzada completed their arguments.

Delivering a historic address to the joint session of Pakistani Parliament, the Turkish PM said Turkey understands the challenges and problems being faced by the people of Pakistan. “Turkey stands with Pakistan in the war against terror,” the Turkish PM said.

The Turkish PM’s speech at the joint session of the Parliament is a first ever address made by any foreign diplomat.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, senior military officials including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and members of parliament attended today’s session.

The first lady of Turkey was also present along with the Turkish diplomats.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not only the great leader of Pakistan but also of the entire world. When Ms Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, the members of Turkish parliament representing all the political parties of the country expressed grief, he added.

He described the relations shared between Pakistan and Turkey as extraordinary.

“Pakistan holds a special place in the hearts of Turkish people right from the day the former became independent 62 years ago,” the Turkish PM said, adding “the Turkish people still remember the freedom movement spearheaded by Jauhar brothers.”

Giving briefing on the meeting between President Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq said the PML-N Chief proposed formation of a NAB-like organization under the Charter of Democracy.

Nawaz Sharif underlined adoption of a self-reliance policy with a view to end Pakistan’s dependence of foreign aid.

To a question regarding National Reconciliation Ordinance, Raja Zafar said: “The word ‘NRO’ was not mentioned even for a single time during the meeting which lasted for over 90 minutes.”

Nawaz Sharif suggested that leaders of Balochistan be contacted and steps be taken for putting out fire in the province. He underlined adoption of strategy for economic well being and safeguarding political rights of the people of Balochistan.

Raja Zafar quoted Nawaz Sharif as saying: “The challenge of terrorism cannot be tackled only through use of force … socio-ecnomic development must also be incorporated in the strategy to fight terrorism effectively.”

Nazia Hassan was the most influential and popular female singer and probably the only real pop singer of the 80’s and 90’s in both India and Pakistan. Nazia Hassan shot into limelight with the PTV’s program ‘Sung Sung’. This program also featured her brother Zoheb. Considered the pioneer of pop music in Pakistan, Nazia Hassan started out at a very young age (along with her brother Zoheb), and the two had been rocked Pakistan for a long time.

India Today magazine voted Nazia Hassan as one of the 50 people who helped change the face of India. ‘Nazia Hassan set – well ahead of its time – the personal album trend in India, spawning the likes of Alisha Chinai, Lucky Ali and Shweta Shetty,’ the magazine noted at the time.

Death of Nazia Hassan came in London Aug 13, 2000 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. She was 35.This is the month of Nazia Hassan’s 4th death anniversary.

Nazia Hassan died 4 years from now but she is still remembered by many people and she still has a fan following in the youth.

The US mission in Afghanistan will “likely result in failure” unless troops are increased within a year, the top general there has said in a report.

Gen Stanley McChrystal made his assessment in a copy of a confidential report obtained by the Washington Post.

He recently called for a revised military strategy in Afghanistan, suggesting the current one is failing.

More than 30,000 extra US troops have been sent to Afghanistan since May – almost doubling the US contingent.

The number of US troops in Afghanistan is already set to rise to 68,000 by the end of the year.

ANALYSIS Paul Reynolds, BBC world affairs correspondent Gen McChrystal has dared to use the F-word – “failure”. He wants a super-surge of troops to try to avoid that. Reinforcements are already being sent, almost doubling US troops by the end of this year. Now, the general wants perhaps tens of thousands more. Yet the request is in contrast to the stated goal of handing over operations more and more to the Afghan army. With the situation so critical, how can that happen? Answer – it cannot for the time being. And will President Obama agree? He is reluctant just to add to the numbers but without numbers, how can the US and its allies win? And will the Nato allies give more help? This must be doubtful.

Stark concerns have previously been expressed about the viability of the military mission in Afghanistan, but the BBC’s Paul Reynolds says what is new about the general’s warning is his outright use of the word “failure”.

Gen McChrystal, who took over as military commander in May, is expected to make a separate request for tens of thousands of extra forces to be deployed.

He also says that training for Afghan forces needs to be speeded up – and that the growth of Afghan forces should also be accelerated.

A senior adviser to Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the government was not against more international troops being sent, though their success would depend on where they were sent.

But he agreed that domestic forces were crucial to the operation.

“Our official stance is that until our security forces are strengthened, both in terms of numbers and quality, there won’t be a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan,” Sebghatullah Sanjar told the BBC.

US President Barack Obama has recently said the right strategy for Afghanistan will have to be found before any fresh commitment of forces can be considered.

‘Mission failure’

MARDELL’S AMERICA [Obama] will find it tough to sell the general’s policy to a party and public reluctant to see more men and women sent to bolster an Afghan government accused of election fraud Mark Mardell BBC North America editor Read Mark’s thoughts in full

In his latest assessment, Gen McChrystal is quoted by the Washington Post newspaper as saying: “Failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum in the near-term [next 12 months]… risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible.”

He warns that “inadequate resources will likely result in failure”.

“Additional resources are required,” the general states in the summary of the report.

He says that failure to provide adequate resources “risks a longer conflict, greater casualties, higher overall costs, and ultimately, a critical loss of political support”.

“Any of these risks, in turn, are likely to result in mission failure.”

But Gen McChrystal adds that the increase in troop numbers must come in the context of a revised military strategy in the country.

He has consistently called for a strategy which makes its top priority the protection of the Afghan people.

In the report Gen McChrystal also:

• Provides new details about the sophisticated nature of the Taliban insurgency
• Criticises Nato forces for focusing more on tackling insurgents than protecting Afghan civilians
• Censures the Afghan government for lack of action on widespread corruption
• Warns that Afghanistan’s prisons have become a sanctuary for active insurgents

All of these factors, he claims, have led to a “crisis of confidence among Afghans” in the face of a resilient insurgency.

MCCHRYSTAL’S NEW STRATEGY Focus on protecting civilians when fighting insurgents Interact more closely with local populations More troops needed for effective counter-insurgency Better training for Afghan forces to operate independently Government and NGOs to provide services after military action More constructive engagement with Taliban fighters willing to talk McChrystal’s blunt warning Profile: Gen Stanley McChrystal Afghanistan: Security map

The increase in troop numbers would provide security for the Afghan people and create a space in which good governance can take root, Gen McChrystal argues.

In a blunt evaluation, he says that both the Afghan government and international forces face losing credibility among the Afghan population.

“Pre-occupied with protection of our own forces, we have operated in a manner that distances us – physically and psychologically – from the people we seek to protect,” he says.

But 2009 has been the deadliest year for foreign troops in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

Italy is holding a day of mourning for six soldiers killed in a Kabul bomb attack last week. And the future of German troops in Afghanistan has become a central issue in Germany’s election campaign.

The Washington Post says that the report has been presented to US Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

A recent opinion poll showed that a narrow majority of Americans now oppose the conflict.

Last week the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm Mike Mullen, told the US Senate Armed Services Committee that more troops might be required to tackle the mounting Taliban insurgency.

But President Obama later said there was “no immediate decision pending” on sending more troops to Afghanistan.

“You have to get the strategy right and then make the determination about resources,” Mr Obama said.

The BBC’s security correspondent Nick Childs says the timing of this leak, and the stark language contained in it, is certain to pile the pressure on the Obama administration, particularly when the president has just said he is not ready to make a final decision.

This is largely because the issue has become so politically charged in Washington, our correspondent says.

It’s worth remembering that while we’re reading about the strategy review’s details now, Obama read it weeks ago, and still told David Gregory [on Sunday] that he refuses to add troops until he’s convinced that the strategy is correct.

Spencer Ackerman, at the Washington Independent, points out that the president’s recent statements have been made with full knowledge of Gen McChrystal’s recommendations.

This is a way for McChrystal’s voice – missing so far from the debate – to be heard loud and clear, making the case for counter-insurgency tactics and more troops to back them up.

The National Review’s Rich Lowry welcomes Gen McChrystal’s contribution.

I would guess that this leak is an indication that some on the Obama team are dismayed at the White House’s slow response and fear that this is an indication that President Obama is leaning towards rejecting the inevitable requests for additional US forces that this report tees up. By this logic, the leak is designed to force his hand and perhaps even to tie his hands.

Foreign Policy’s Peter Feaver suspects the leak come from inside the White House, not from Gen McChrystal’s team.

What is evident by the McChrystal recommendation (and by the apparent need to leak its contents, stemming no doubt from frustration with the White House stall) is that there is good reason to be concerned that the president’s failure to make a prompt decision may in and of itself impair our ability to succeed.

Commentary’s Jennifer Rubin fears that any delay in implementing Gen McChrystal’s proposals could damage the US mission in Afghanistan.

Already, Republicans are warning that Obama had better follow the military’s advice, or else. In fact, the president can afford to cross swords with the GOP troglodytes, but what he can’t afford is to alienate his own Democratic party base, which has overwhelmingly rejected the war.

Robert Dreyfuss, of the Nation, counsels Mr Obama to ignore Jennifer Rubin and her conservative colleagues.

What, exactly, does he propose to do with the additional troops? If the idea is to spread them out in some way (for troop training, insurgent fighting, population protection, etc.), his request should probably be viewed skeptically. But if he can propose some key operation or area where additional troops would represent a doubling or tripling of capacity and success might have an outsize effect on the entire conflict, then it might be worth trying.

Kevin Drum, blogging at Mother Jones, advises liberals to approach Gen McChrystal’s proposals with an open mind.

The police and the Football Association are both looking at the incident.

Asked if the club would take any action against Bellamy, City’s assistant boss Mark Bowen told BBC Radio 5 live: “No. I don’t think there is any need to.

“My take is that he thought the fella might spit in his face or something,” added Bowen.

“He came very close and moved towards him. Craig, with an open hand, just pushed the fella away.”

City manager Mark Hughes has also defended Bellamy’s actions, saying: “I did not see it but the guy should not have been on the pitch. That is not acceptable.”

Greater Manchester Police have charged the supporter for entering the playing area “without lawful authority”.

In a hotly-contested derby battle, the Blues came from behind on three occasions with Bellamy scoring two magnificent goals, including an equaliser to make it 3-3 in the 90th minute.

“Brian Clough clipped someone’s ear,” added Hughes. “He was lauded a national hero. Maybe it’ll be the same with Craig but I doubt it.”

Earlier, an FA spokesman said: “We are investigating the incident and we will be looking at the referee’s match report.”

Disciplinary officials have already seen TV footage of the incident and the FA is likely to make a decision on whether to charge Bellamy later this week.

Former Manchester United defender David May believes the emotions of the situation had an influence on Bellamy’s reaction to the fan.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “It was silly but I suppose to a certain extent it was understandable.

“When anyone comes on to the pitch it’s worrying but maybe he shouldn’t have slapped the fan, he should have walked away and let the steward get on with it.

“Players have to be professional but I think the whole occasion got to him – he had got City back into it at 3-3 and his emotions were running high.

“But you can’t go round slapping fans. It’s the wrong thing to do.”

City boss Hughes also confirmed substitute Javier Garrido was struck by a coin thrown from the home section of the stadium at half-time.

It is likely that former United hero Carlos Tevez had been the target as he was standing near Garrido when the coin was thrown.

The Argentine, who moved across to Eastlands in the summer, was booed throughout the match by some of the home supporters.

Garrido was not hurt, but the Football Association could be called upon to pass judgement on the two incidents.

“Something came from the crowd but he is OK,” Hughes added.

FOOTBALL BLOG Ferguson wanted victory so badly to remind City where the power lies in Manchester BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty

City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is already facing an FA improper conduct charge after running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal supporters after scoring against his former team.

The Manchester United fan who came on to the pitch after Michael Owen’s late goal is set to appear in court later this month.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: “A man has been charged following an incident at the end of the match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford.

“Jake Joseph Clarke, 21, is charged with going onto a playing area without lawful authority or excuse and will appear before Trafford Magistrates’ Court on September 30.”

Even detainees not previously linked with the Taliban or al-Qaida are at risk of being radicalised because a lack of personnel to interrogate them means many are kept at the Bagram air base facility for long periods without charge, said General Stanley McChrystal, who is in charge of US and Nato forces in the country.

The message came in a four-page supplement to a main report by McChrystal, warning that more international troops and revamped military tactics were needed to avoid possible defeat in the country.

Attacks apparently planned from inside prisons included the storming of a luxury hotel in Kabul in January 2008 in which seven people were killed, McChrystal said in his report, details of which have been reported by US newspapers.

“Unchecked, Taliban/al-Qaida leaders patiently co-ordinate and plan, unconcerned with interference from prison personnel or the military,” he wrote.

Of the 14,500 prisoners in Afghanistan’s “increasingly crowded” penal system, more than 2,500 were linked to the Taliban or al-Qaida, McChrystal’s report said, adding: “There are more insurgents per square foot in corrections facilities than anywhere else in Afghanistan.”

These radicals were recruiting inside the jails, he added: “Hardened, committed Islamists are indiscriminately mixed with petty criminals and sex offenders, and they are using the opportunity to radicalise and indoctrinate them.”

Ultimately, the Afghan government should manage all prisons, including that at the US-run Bagram base, he said.

Currently, McChrystal noted, staff shortages meant there was little in the way of “productive interrogations” at Bagram. “As a result, hundreds are held without charge or without a defined way ahead. This allows the enemy to radicalise them far beyond their pre-capture orientation. The problem can no longer be ignored,” he said.

Separately, in the 66-page report, McChrystal identified three main insurgent groups operating in Afghanistan, saying all of them had links to Pakistan.

They are the Quetta Shura Taliban, led by the former Taliban head Mullah Omar and based in the Pakistani city of Quetta; the Haqqani network, a group linked to al-Qaida and based in south-east Afghanistan; and the Hezb-e-Islami group of warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, which has bases in three Afghan provinces “as well as Pakistan”.

Addressing a press conference here, Rahman Malik said that he, on behalf of the prime minister, offers thanks to the Saudi royal family. He said that all the accused Pakistanis would return to Pakistan immediately after Eid vacation.

Rahman Malik said, “Saudi Arabia is our big brother, our ties would further get strengthened.” Replying to a question, he said that Prince Naif played the key role in getting the accused Pakistanis released.

He said that Syed Sarwat, Safia and other accused involved in drug smuggling case were arrested, while only Tunio was absconding.