| October 10, 2001 | Wednesday | Rajab 22, 1422 |
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Setting the record straight
Need for joint electorate
Resettling the displaced
Musharraf’s hardtalk
Golden opportunity for PIA
Burning of weapons
Human error or tragedy
Being just when it suits them
Please buy me a car
Generator funds
Cigarette ads on PTV
Issuance of domiciles and PRCs
Letting loose the reign of terror
I HAD sent a copy of Dr Eqbal Ahmed’s article (Oct 5) to an American friend of mine whose response is worth sharing with the people of Pakistan:
“I have learned from this article and the horrific experience of 11 September, as to what is the power of ignorance. Americans are largely ignorant of the activities of the US government in countries around the world over the past decades, in support of US foreign policy. Americans are also completely ignorant of the basic tenets of Islam, as are also, it seems, some of its more violent followers. America will now react in much the same way as a student will who is strong but ‘unlearned’. He will lash out and hurt others and not appreciate the consequences of his actions. America will not make any progress in fighting terrorism until it begins to appreciate the reasons why terrorists target US interests and addresses the root causes, not the symptoms.
“I consider myself, in spite of not living in America for 10 years, to be a patriotic American. Ironically, I have perhaps learned the most about America by living outside the borders and seeing her as others do. Millions of dollars will be spent on ‘revenge’ and it will be relatively easy, although no one will do it, to count these millions. Many times that amount will be spent on ‘cleaning up’ the damage from it i.e. trying to help those whose lives and homes will be destroyed by the military attacks, which are sure to come soon.
“It is so sad that Pakistan is caught so much in the bull’s eye of the American response. I hope that President Musharraf is supported by many people in Pakistan as to the outside observer he has taken the ‘best’ way forward, from a number of equally unpalatable choices.”
To these comments, I would like to add that as citizens of Pakistan, our priority should be “Pakistan first”. Our foreign policy should be restricted only to Pakistan’s national interest and our domestic policies should be geared to set our house in order.
Towards achieving these objectives, it is the responsibility, nay obligation, of all the thinking and privileged people of Pakistan to rise above their personal interests, work towards mending the various divisions which have been the outcome of our past follies and struggle for “Pakistan United”.
NAZIM HAJI
Karachi
THIS refers to the news item “IGP Sindh kept in the dark, ‘reverted’ police officers occupy coveted positions” (Oct 3). The correspondent has misquoted facts.
I was promoted to the rank of DSP on a regular basis due to an act of gallantry and meritorious services rendered by me during police encounters with kidnappers for ransom in some well-known cases. I recovered the kidnapped and the ransom amount of Rs2,000,000 and arrested the culprits. The accused were also awarded exemplary punishment by the courts. I am working as DSP on regular basis, since 28-05-1991.
At present, my name is on S.No. 15 of the seniority list of DSPs of Sindh police. As per policy, the first 10 to 20 senior most officers who are efficient, honest and hardworking have been posted by the IGP Sindh as acting SPs/Addl SPs in the province.
The correspondent has cast aspersions on my performance without any proof. The fact is that I have a very good record and busted several gangs of dangerous/hardened criminals and received appreciation letters from high ranking officers. I have secured A-1 and A grade ACRs throughout any career.
I have never been on the negative list; rather I have been given important assignments in special, traffic and crime branches of the police department and never received my adverse report.
I am a senior officer and at present holding the post of Addl SP West, Karachi, so I have to keep close contact with the higher authorities for official duties.
It is also not a fact that the IGP Sindh has been kept in the dark, it is only on the orders of the IGP that officers are promoted to senior ranks.
IMAM BUX TAGAR
Karachi
I FULLY endorse the views expressed by Mr Muhammad Ishaque Soofi (Oct 2) regarding joint electorates in Pakistan. The National Assembly passed the 1973 Constitution unanimously which introduced the joint electorate system in the country. That assembly came into being through fair elections, thus the 1973 Constitution reflected the true aspiration of the people. Who gave authority to Gen Ziaul Haq to change the basic shape and structure of the Constitution by amending it and introducing separate electorates? It is true that a nation cannot achieve unity without adopting the joint electorate system.
The government should not be afraid of the mullahs. It must introduce the joint electorate system without further delay. The days of the Taliban and their offspring in Pakistan are numbered.
HAMEEDULLAH K. MALIK
Daska
THIS refers to a news item, (Dawn, Oct 3), headlined, ‘Allotment issue hits Ghazi Barotha Project’. It was stated that ‘President Musharraf had, according to a set formula, asked Punjab, Sindh and NWFP to provide 1,400, 7,000 and 26,500 acres of land respectively’ (so that the displaced persons from Tarbela could be resettled).
As far as Sindh is concerned, this is highly alarming for the simple reason that considerable land of the province, has been frequently allotted to the bureaucrats and serving and retired army personnel. So much so, that the people of Sindh were compelled to say that their province had been converted into a ‘colony’.
I appeal to President Musharraf that, while taking decisions on sensitive matters regarding Sindh and Balochistan, he should take into consideration the situation prevailing in the two provinces. Otherwise, with the passage of time, this would lead to an irreparable losses to the federation. It appears that we have not learnt any lesson from the separation of Bangladesh.
KHAN BABA
Quetta
PRESIDENT Musharraf’s Hardtalk interview with BBC’s Lyse Doucet last week was something of a disaster. The creative tension that goes with in-depth interviews of the Hardtalk variety (Face to Face, Larry King Live) was thrown overboard by a visibly pent up Ms Doucet. Consequently, rather than intellectual sparring, the interview degenerated into interrogative arrogance.
One wonders if Ms Doucet would ‘hardtalk’ to President Bush or Tony Blair with as much insolence as she demonstrated during the Musharraf interview. Ms Doucet is a highly respected reporter, and it would be a pity if she were to exchange her reporting skills for performative disasters as a ‘hardtalker’. One only has to recall her recent hardtalk interview with former tennis icon Illie Nastase — Ms Doucet was all smiles and good cheer as she humoured the champ with girlish questions. Perhaps Ms Doucet would do well to take a break from her erratic interviews, and enjoy herself as an ace reporter.
SUROOSH IRFANI
Lahore
ACCORDING to a news report, Air China has ordered 30 Boeing 737 planes for $1.6 bn.
It is a wise move on their part because due to the current slump in the airline industry, companies like Boeing, threatened by the cancellation of orders by different airlines, are willing to sell their existing stock at a lower price than what it would have been under normal circumstances. I see this as a golden opportunity for the PIA to enhance its fleet and to replace the now obsolete Fokker 27.
Where has the Rs20 billion relief package been used which was announced by the president a few months ago. Instead of wasting this money elsewhere, it should be used to increase the fixed assets of the airline. Adding more aircraft to the PIA fleet would not only increase the airline’s revenue but would also create more employment opportunities.
Is the planning division of the PIA listening?
ALTAMASH JAVED LONE
Karachi
A FEW days ago, I was astonished to watch on TV a big catch of illegal weapons being put to the torch in a ceremony identical to the burning of heroin. The group of government officials and others surrounding the pyre applauded the act if it were a big achievement.
Illegal weapons cannot be treated at par with heroin. While heroin and other drugs act as slow poison which kills people, weapons are a highly valuable asset. They can be stored in the country’s maalkhanas for subsequently issuing it to the police, rangers and other paramilitary forces or sold to valid licence holders. After reconditioning, they can even be exported to other countries to earn foreign exchange.
According to a news item, in a recent drive against illegal weapons, 53,792 illicit weapons were surrendered while the police recovered as many as 9,712 weapons of different types. Calculating at the minimum average price of Rs 2,000 per weapon, the figure will amount to over Rs130 million. Burning weapons is burning money. This ill-advised practise must stop forthwith.
RAFI NASIM
Lahore
ACCORDING to press reports, the number of fatal accidents involving Wapda employees has, of late, increased manifold. These tragic incidents have left many families in despair.
Reportedly, these incidents are described by Wapda as the result of ‘human error’. And the blame of such errors is mostly put on the victims themselves. The supervisory staff responsible for the safety of Wapda workers, usually go scot free. In fact, such tragic incidents occur mostly due to the negligence of Wapda supervisory staff who put the workers’ live at stake by making them attend to live wires. The ‘human error’ occurs because there is no one to guide the workers. I think the occurrence of fatal accidents of Wapda workers could be reduced substantially if the supervisory staff performs their duty honestly.
I appeal to the Wapda authorities to ensure the safety of their workers by adhering to the safety rules and adopting some practical measures as well.
AGHA ALI GOHAR KHAN
Ghotki
RECENTLY, a conference was held in the South African city of Durban in which scholars of different religions expressed their views on racism. According to newspaper reports, delegates from Israel, the US, India and Yugoslavia had to face sharp criticism and came out of the conference thoroughly disgraced. Some insiders even went to the extent of saying that these countries had never faced a more difficult time than they did in Durban. The US considers supporting human rights, protection of the environment, animals, children, etc, a duty and an important pillar of its foreign policy. Ironically, it is also the greatest patron of Israel which has usurped Arab lands, killed thousands of Palestinians and demolished a large number of Arab homes. It has imposed sanctions against nearly 30 countries for allegedly violating human rights and killed thousands in Libya, Iraq, Sudan and Iran. It may be clarified that the Durban conference was convened neither for the rights of the Muslims nor had it any hand in initiating it.
In addition to the US, India and Yugoslavia also came in for severe criticism. However, Israel became a ready target, so much so that Israeli delegates screamed saying that the conference has been hijacked by the Muslims. The Americans ridiculed the resolutions passed by the meeting and openly denounced them. The American support of Jewish racism and genocide of Arabs is unpardonable. It is time the members of the UN Security Council settled the Middle East conflict on the basis of justice and equity.
AKRAM WASTI
Lahore
THIS refers to the news item “Court issues non-bailable warrant for ex-Punjab IGP” (Oct 3).
How the NAB ‘summoned’ the ex-IGP is not understandable. Ministers, MNAs and senators have been arrested prior to investigation. Why a different procedure here?
The news item says that the gentleman “had (allegedly) accumulated assets worth Rs145.8 million”. All this was done in the 11 years while he worked as IGP, DG FIA and MD National Police Foundation.
This reminds me of a question published in the Readers’ Digest a few years ago: Will anyone please purchase me a car so that I should run away quickly from the corrupt country?
ABDUL RAHIM JUNEJO
Hyderabad
THE government of Sindh had allocated an amount of Rs60,000 for the construction of a generator room in the Taluka Hospital, Johi, which has been suffering frequent power failures. This amount was received by the hospital management in November, 1999.
Almost two years have passed since then but the work on the construction of the generator room is still incomplete. Consequently, the patients of the hospital continue to suffer due to power failures. I request the concerned authorities to look into the matter.
DR ABDUL MAJEED JAMAL
Johi Distt, Dadu
NOWADAYS, when we have the facility of satellite and cable systems, it is easier to compare our own television with others.
No doubt PTV is performing its duties well, but I have noticed that the most other channels do not telecast any cigarette ads.
Pakistan Television not only shows such ads, though with a warning message, but its collaboration with the cigarette manufacturers is so deep that a cigarette company recently sponsored the PTV awards.
If cigarettes are not good for health, as the warning appended to the cigarette ads says, then why does our television promote it?
TOOBA YASEEN
Karachi
THIS is to bring to the notice of the governor of Sindh the deplorable condition of the Hyderabad district office which issues Domiciles and Permanent Residence Certificates. The issuance of these certificates was suspended on Aug 13, 2001, when the then District Magistrate relinquished the charge of his post. It was said that this work would be resumed on the installation of the District Government under the devolution plan.
Later, the concerned staff informed the applicants that they were waiting for the notification by the government. The notification was issued on Sept 4, yet work has not been resumed till date.
The last date for the submission of admission forms to the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology has already expired on Sept 29, whereas deadlines for admissions to medical colleges and the NED University are Oct 15 and Oct 20 respectively. The desperate students have now been informed that modalities are being worked out for the issuance of such certificates needed for admissions.
Do the District Nazim and District Coordination Officer (DCO) realize that this apathy on their part might ruin the future of a large number of students?
Hopefully, the governor of Sindh would make an immediate intervention to save the situation.
DR MAQSOOD AHMED
Hyderabad
AT THE Labour Party conference at Brighton, on Oct 2, Tony Blair holding Osama bin Laden responsible for the Sept 11 attacks, thundered at the Taliban, in a right royal style: “Surrender the terrorists or surrender power. It’s your only choice”. He spoke movingly of the sad plight of the Afghans: “No art or culture is permitted.... Women are treated in a way almost too revolting to be credible. This is the fight for freedom and I want to make it a fight for justice, too”.
As a matter of fact that ‘fight’ started well over 200 years ago, when Britain started gobbling up the Mughal empire. As early as 1795, alarmed by a strong Afghan government at Kabul, which could pose a threat to their burgeoning Indian empire, they conspired with the Persian court to overthrow it.
The first full-scale British invasion of Afghanistan came in 1837 in the wake of Russian expansion towards Central Asia. In April 1839, the British army fought its way to Kandahar to install their own candidate Shah Shuja as king. But it soon became evident that the Afghans would neither tolerate foreign occupation nor a ruler imposed by a foreign power. The British army suffered a heavy defeat at Parwandarah in November 1840, and was forced to make a precipitate and shameful retreat early in 1842.
Soon after, a punitive expedition was sent to exact a heavy vengeance. It ranged from blasting the great bazaar in Kabul to the slaughter of every man, woman and child in the village of Killah Chuk, near Ghazni. The departing British army carried as a trophy the wooden gates of Mahmud Ghaznawi’s tomb wrongly supposed to belong to a Hindu temple. Receiving it with great fanfare Lord Ellenborough declared: “...Our victorious army bears the gates of the temple of Somnauth in triumph from Afghanistan and the despoiled tomb of Sultan Mahmud looks upon the ruins of Ghuznee... the insult of 800 years is at last avenged.”
Modernist thinking made its appearance in Afghanistan under the influence of an early 20th century Asian nationalists, Mahmud Tarzi, whose journal Serajul Akbar enjoyed great popularity in India for its anti-imperialist and anti-dogmatic tone, despite a British ban on its entry.
Tarzi’s daughter Surayya married King Amanullah, an ardent nationalist who proclaimed the complete independence of Afghanistan in 1919. Britain’s reluctance to recognize it led to the third Anglo-Afghan war when Britain used aeroplanes to bomb Jalalabad and Kabul. Though peace was signed in 1921, Amanullah’s independent foreign policy made him unacceptable and Britain played an important role in fuelling opposition to Amanullah’s attempt for social reforms, especially emancipation of Afghan women. Even while the king was touring Europe with his wife, British agents were distributing photos of the unveiled queen among the north-western tribesman to rouse their fanatical anger. Predictably, Amanullah was forced into exile and a reign of terror was let loose.
ASMA RASHID
Multan
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