The Deep Roots Of Pakistan’s Extremism

by Bashir Ahmad Gwakh

Punjab Governor Salman Taseer’s murder by his security guard was an obvious act of religious extremism and a clear sign that Pakistan has changed little in the more than 80 years since a carpenter killed a Hindu for allegedly publishing a book that insulted the Prophet Muhammad. A country that was founded on the basis of religion remains in a dark morass presided over by insidious, violent ideologies.

Afghan Presidential Contenders

Malali Bashir
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Following is the list of those who formally announced to compete in the race for President in the Afghan Presidential Elections 2009.

1. Dr. Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi (Afghan Millat)
2. Abdul Qader Imami Ghori (Hezb-e-Islami then Jamiat-e-Islami and now Independent)
3. Ramazan Bashardos (Independent)
4. Fawzia Kofi (Jamiat-e-Islami and now Independent)
5. Abdul Jabbar Sabet (Hezb-e-Islami and now Independent)
6. Daud Sultanzoi (Hezb-e-Islami)
7. Ali Seraaj (Royal Family, Independent)
8. Sayed Jalal Karim (NAABEGHA/The Genius) (Independent)
9. Shahlah Atta (Independent)

Following is the list of those who have showed their strong interest in the post, but yet to formally announce their candidacy.

1. Abdullah Abdullah (Shura-e-Nezar)
2. Burhanuddin Rabbani (Jamiat-e-Islami)
3. Halim Tanveer (Independent)
4. Bashir Beezhan (National Congress)
5. Ali Ahmad Jalali (Independent)
6. Hedayat Amin Arsala (Independent)
7. Sayed Ahmad Gillani (National Islamic Front)
8. Hanif Atmar (Independent)
9. Younus Qanooni (Shura-e-Nezaar)
10. Farooq Hamidi (Independent)
11. Shahnawaz Tannay (PDP)
12. Gul Agha Sherzai (Independent)
13. Ahmad Zia Massoud (Shura-e-Nezaar)
14. Mustafa Zaher ( Royal Family and Independent)
15. Dr. Ashraf Ghani (Independent)
16. Mirwais Yasini (Independent)
17. Hamid Karzai (Independent)

I will keep posting on potential candidates, and their affiliations, ability of the job and the possibility of becoming our next president. Keep visiting AfghCorner.

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