So as it boils down to whether the “white” nations (Australia, England and New Zealand) will make a trip down to Pakistan to play in the forthcoming Champions Trophy is now up in the air. From the messages being received here, it is evident that they will probably not come, which is really a pity. However, teams from all other nations including India, West Indies and Sri Lanka among others see no issue with traveling to Pakistan and pleasing the crowds with a fiercely fought Champions Trophy competition. Here in Pakistan, 160 Million people are anxiously awaiting to see some action on the cricket field. The nation has been deprived of it for the most part of this year due to various tour cancellations and reschedulings. My question to the cricketers from Australia, England and New Zealand is, “Are your lives far more important than the lives of Pakistanis? We can venture out to watch you play and guarantee your safety. But you are still too insecure!” If you do not want to come, then don’t, but don’t make a big fuss about it either. Let us enjoy the cricket tournament here in peace while you stay in doors at home and watch it from your TV screens.

Caused the illegal abduction of Pakistani citizens without any charge against them. Illegal Arrests and Extradition: Handing over hundreds of Pakistanis without trial to foreign powers in the name of "war against terror" without bringing any charges against them. Creating an illegal NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) which takes back all cases against the political parties for their wrong doing. In essence sending a message that one can do as many wrongs as they want, they will be forgiven. Talibanism in Pakistan: There is more Talibanism in the country since his war on them began. All his policies have failed miserably to curb violence, terrorism and talibanism. It will probably take decades for the impact of his failed policies to be eliminated. National Accountablity Bureau: A government instrument created to catch the culprits. So far, it has played a dubious role of going after Musharraf's enemies. NAB has also not really taken strict action against any army general who has been involved in corruption. Hence, a political institute for political parties to use to harrass their enemies.

It is quite hilarious to read the latest list of charges made by the FBI against her. So here is what is being said which makes no sense.

* She is purported to have "snatched" a rifle from trained US Military personel. Now. how does an acamedician, with no military training, snatch a rifle from a trained military personel? This is really a tall tale and really a stupid charge.

* They claim that Afghan Police searched and found material in her bag to make explosives. That has to be really bunch of bull as well. For one, she was in Karachi when she disappeared and has never been to Afghanistan. Karachi is the port city of Pakistan and probably a good 2000 KM from any Afghan border. Secondly, if she did have such material, why is it taking them 5 years to bring up charges against her.

* And lastly, in case if you did not know, Talibans did not give women any role in the government or any public position. They kept them vield inside their homes. To expect her to be AlQaeda or even Taliban has to be far fetched and really a badly managed case.

I think the Bush Administration should just let go of the case and not bring forth false charges against her. After all, doing one thing right will really build bridges with the Muslim community. Everyone can see the injustice she is going through. Drop all this bull and make amends. It...

A news item in DAWN today declares that FBI has conceded that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is indeed in their custody in Afghanistan. But what is confusing is that FBI's own website still lists her as wanted. What is interesting is the content of the chargesheet against her on FBI's website which I am producing here:

Although the FBI has no information indicating this individual is connected to specific terrorist activities, the FBI would like to locate and question this individual.

It does not make sense. They have the individual for 5 years in their custody. They do not bring any charge against her in any court of law. The FBI official website does not list any crimes against her. Yet, she has to suffer abuses and be treated inhumanely. For what crimes?

This is surely now a human rights case and defintely requires a careful attention. This is the time for Bush administration to let such individuals go from their forced and illegal custody. Enough is enough. She has done nothing wrong and she deserves to live her life with her family and kids.

Talking to some journalists on the bombs going off in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Cricinfo quoted Stephen Fleming as saying.

"I know the situation might not be 100% there, but there's constant bomb blasts in India, and Sri Lanka's reputation [when it comes to terrorism] is hardly squeaky-clean," he said. "You've got to wonder if Pakistan aren't questioning why they're the only ones being singled out."

Yes, it seems England, Australia and New Zealand believe its unsafe to play in Pakistan but it is safe to tour India. This is not quite dissimilar to the situation a few years back in London when bombs went off all over London but Australia and England continued to play cricket as if nothing was wrong. It is true, Pakistan is getting a raw deal from these three nations, especially since the rest of the world has no issues playing in Pakistan.

Too bad Australia, England and New Zealand. You are not winning any supporters or fans in any part of Asia with this attitude.