| October 23, 2001 | Tuesday | Shaba'an 5, 1422 |
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Hate and love in the US
Time for Americans to think
Emerging scenario in Afghanistan
Steps by Export Promotion Bureau
Support for the US
Guddu Barrage
Use of medicine
Statement of Israeli minister
Donation by Saudi prince
A suggestion
Dealing with the backlog of cases
“DAMNED if you do, damned if you don’t”: this is apparently the situation that Indian columnist Kuldip Nayar and some of his compatriots wish to see Pakistan in. Writing in his article, “Playing politics on the hoof” (Oct 13), he says: “The opportunist role Islamabad has played, first in creating a force like the Taliban and then abandoning it, is clear to the international community”.
The policies of any country are based upon its requirements. In the 1980s Washington was allied with Kabul to counter Moscow but now the former cold warriors are together arrayed against the present rulers of Afghanistan. Earlier this year India had shocked even some of its own citizens by ditching Moscow instantaneously to support America’s Ballistic Missile Defence programme. Now, they have rushed to offer all help to the US for its anti-terrorist campaign even without being asked for it.
Also, much to the Arab world’s consternation, India is closely involved with Israel in the military and nuclear weapons’ build-up. In a world of coldhearted realpolitik, Pakistan’s policies, by contrast, have always been shaped by its altruistic desire for maintaining complete sincerity in dealings with friends — the US, China, the Arabs and all — although that caused hardships for it many a time.
Even in the case of the Taliban, Islamabad did all it could until the very end to exercise a moderating influence on them and get them to respect their international obligations. When nothing worked they had to be left to their own devices.
At the time when Pakistan was engaged in supporting the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Mr Nayar and others like him were busy castigating this policy. But now, when the country has been able to conclusively determine what it had been telling the international community for the past couple of years, that Islamabad does not have the requisite influence over the militia, and wants to distance itself from Kabul’s actions, the gentleman is accusing Pakistan of being an opportunist!
Any reasonable person who has been following the “50 years ago today” column in “Dawn” would have realized how India has been extremely inimical towards Pakistan right from 1947. Instead of trying to hurt their neighbour or cornering it, the Indians should do a bit of soul-searching. Why is it that Islamabad has had to woo Kabul even before the Taliban had appeared on the scene? And, why did the country have to place such a difficult bet on befriending an increasingly unpopular and extremist regime in Afghanistan that had been causing diplomatic isolation and many headaches for Islamabad?
The simple answer is that, given India’s perpetual hostility towards Pakistan, it was imperative for the latter to ensure tranquillity and, if possible, strategic depth, on its other borders. Doing that has sometimes presented Pakistan with a Hobson’s choice, as in recent years. No sane person would disagree that having an eight times bigger adversary on one of its borders was more than enough for any country. It is only because of this ever-present Indian terror that Pakistan has been forced to run from pillar to post for a lifetime, including backing the Taliban, yet Mr. Nayar is audaciously dubbing it as opportunism!
Unfortunately, another thing that was already implicitly clear from his write-up and has been confirmed by subsequent events, is that India is again planning on having some kind of adventure with Pakistan. The UN and the world powers, in spite of their current preoccupation with Afghanistan, must awaken to the Kashmiris’ desperation and Pakistan’s predicament and pressurize India to defuse the tension in Kashmir - “The most dangerous place in the world” - by granting to the Kashmiris the right to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions. This would greatly help in bringing peace, prosperity and above all, sanity, to South Asia.
KHALID CHAUDHRY
Karachi
RECENTLY my son Khurram, a born US citizen, fell victim to the ongoing hate crimes when he was waylayed by two white young men in Chicago.
They called him Osama and what followed is too painful for me to describe. My son received injuries in his arms and scratches on his face. He fell down on the road resisting the two attackers. It was only after a girl working in a nearby drugstore came out and started shouting that the hoodlums ran away.
She immediately called 911 for paramedic help. They came in an ambulance in no time and rushed him to a hospital where he was given needed medical aid. Later, the police registered a case against the attackers. Both, the paramedic team and the police were extremely nice and helpful.
When Khurram called his office to tell them what happened, he was told by the management to rest and that they would make sure he is fully paid for his absence from work. In fact a few days earlier, in the aftermath of the September 11 incident, his CEO had issued an instruction to all the employees that he would not tolerate any incident against his Muslim employees and had also instructed the security staff to prevent any such incident.
Khurram, despite that assault made on him, is not a bitter person. He is not scared either. He has refused to pass a judgement on the entire American society on the basis of what those young men had done to him.
I pray that in the days to come, the bitter feelings would subside. Let us hope and pray that Muslims in America would be back in the mainstream of the American society soon.
MOHAMMAD SHAMIM MOZAFFAR
Safat, Kuwait
THE American nation is great; it has all the good qualities of a liberal society. It believes in human rights and supports the needy people from all over the world and gives them place in their lap. People admire the Americans for being honest and hard working.
I condemn from the depth of my heart terrorist attacks — whether in America or anywhere else in the world. Indeed, the whole world is mourning in unison with the American people. The incident of Sept 11 was an unspeakable crime.
However, now is the right time for the Americans to give thought to a point — why are terrorist attacks being launched against them and why is so much hatred shown against them? The attack is a result of the politics of the US government outside the US boundary.
America’s unnecessary involvement in the internal affairs of Cuba, Iraq, Malaysia, and Korea, the support to Israel, and using Taiwan against China are examples that come to mind.
Resentment has mounted over the plight of the people of Iraq, where half a million children have lost their lives. The US administration not only ignores Israeli aggression and terrorism unleashed against Palestinians; it is not even ready to be part of the world community to condemn Israeli atrocities, as shown by America’s boycott of the Durban conference.
The American public and law-makers should ask their government to mend it politics and follow policies which should result not only in respect for the American nation but also for its government.
America is a mighty nation and its endeavour should be to propagate peace, love and justice in the world as they are maintaining them in their own country; if required they should use their resources to meet this goal.
Uncalled for retaliation and incidents of attacks on people of Muslim and Asian origin are deplorable and belie America’s claim to be a liberal society.
America alone must not define terrorism; it should be defined by the international community as represented by the United Nations. The Irish Republican Army is a terrorist organization but the American government has taken no action against it. Similarly, Israel’s prime minister, Ariel Sharon, is a terrorist and was responsible for the Sabra-Chatilla massacre. The state terrorism by Israel against the Palestinian people is an example where US policy-makers follow double standards.
ZAHID HUSSAIN AWAN
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Dr Maqbool A. Bhatty’s article (Oct 12). I do not agree with him when he says that “President Bush wisely held back action for nearly four weeks as he wanted to give a chance to diplomacy”.
No sir, he took this time to make “preparations” because he knew that his “act “ on Afghanistan will continue for years.
Mr Bhatty maintains that “President Bush also took other initiatives such as support for Palestinian statehood and dispatch of Defence Secretary to the Middle East”. Does Dr Bhatty mean to say that these two minor actions would mollify the Muslim world which has endured more than 35 years of Israeli occupation of territories in Egypt, Syria and Jordan?
Again, he writes that “US would like to play a leading role in the formation of a broad-based government to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan”. Does he really feel that showering of bunker buster bombs through B-52 is going to help form a government in Afghanistan which would bring peace and stability?
Yes, Dr Bhatty is right when he says, “Bush administration has got a coalition against terrorism with all countries under the threat that those not joining it would be considered allies of terrorism.”
Why has then Dr Bhatty tried to justify Bush?
ABDUL RAHIM JUNEJO
Hyderabad
THE present situation requires concerted efforts on the part of the Export Promotion Bureau. This may be in the shape of measures aimed at building up the confidence of the foreign buyers, re-gaining of the cancelled orders from overseas clients and seeking fresh orders as well.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that the EPB intends to launch a ‘Hand Holding Scheme’ which aims at guiding the exporters and at encouraging new entrants to the field of exports.
Another welcome step is the introduction of ‘Export Housing Scheme’. This scheme would provide a venue for the display of exportable products. This would make it convenient for the foreign buyer to examine and select items suited to his requirements.
In this regard, we hope that the EPB would not ignore the role of the items of export from the smaller cities and towns of the country. They must provide them a proper place for the display of their products. It should be remembered that if we seek large export earnings, we must not ignore the smaller orders. The demand for Pakistani products is likely to increase through these efforts. And it would indeed be helpful if the missions of Pakistan abroad are given targets for obtaining orders.
ATEEQ MUHAMMAD QURESHI
Hyderabad
“SAFETY will be the sturdy child of terror and survival the twin brother of annihilation”. In the current geopolitical environment these ringing words of Winston Churchill are well worth recalling.
We must pause and assess up to what point in fact and time, will our continuing support for the US-led action in Afghanistan remains justifiable? As the intensity of protest strikes and processions in our streets increases exponentially; religious parties of the ultra-right are clearly feeling their toes, sensing blood and dreaming of a situation in which mullahs and clerics (remember the words of the Quaid-i-Azam) can grab the reins of power in the here and now, without fear of a defeat in general elections which are a year off.
Gallop polls commissioned in Pakistan recently by Newsweek magazine, show that in barely two weeks’ time, public sympathies for the Taliban soared from 40% to 83%, while a full 75% were against allowing the use of our air bases by the US.
Even if it entails opening a Pandora’s box, President Musharraf would be well advised to enlist the support of the mainstream political parties by co-opting their representatives in advisory bodies which should be set up at both the central and provincial levels.
S. ASIF MAJEED
Karachi
WHEN you drive over the Guddu Barrage towards the Left Bank, you come across two dangerous holes. These are in the middle of the road and are so located that it is quite difficult to drive through without damaging your vehicle. The policemen on duty have verified that this has happened.
Authorities concerned are, therefore, requested to please carry out the repair of road beside the Guddu Barrage on the left side, to avoid further accidents and damages to vehicles.
AGHA ALI GOHAR KHAN
Ghotki
I happened to read a letter by Dr Javaid A. Khan on the ”Rational use of medicines” (Oct 1) which was very enlightening.
Since I am a social worker and running a charitable institution (hospital) working towards the welfare and betterment of ailing humanity, I need his assistance.
In fact, want to form an association under his guidance and leadership.
I would request him to contact me or give me his address or phone number. My phone number is: 508 2065-68.
MAQBOOL ALAM
Karachi
THE assassinated Israel tourism minister is on record as having said that he did not want to see any Palestinians even in the occupied territories and they should all leave for Makkah. He was obviously asking for trouble and he got it.
The US has been wanting, since Bill Clinton’s days, for India and Pakistan to start talks for resolving the Kashmir issue. Would the US not have taken note of, if either a Pakistani or an Indian minister had expressed such rabid views about the other party to the dispute?
Why, then, was an ultra-right minister being tolerated in the Israeli cabinet who was talking such extremist, racist rubbish? Is this how peace talks are facilitated?
All elected representatives, from the American President downwards are hostages to the American Jewry, hence the double standards which impede progress. Edward Said’s assessment has been proved right that America cannot serve as an honest broker in the Middle East.
KHURSHID ANWER
Lahore
PRINCE Al-Waleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia offered $10 million to help the victims of the World Trade Center incident. These victims include the citizens of 62 countries and happen to be Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews and non-believers.
Rudolph Guiliani, the Mayor of New York, rejected the offer for selfish motives. He played with the sentiments of the US citizens with an eye to gain their support in the future while running for the governorship of the New York state or some other profitable public office.
I suggest strongly that Prince Al-Waleed should donate this amount for removing the landmines left by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan which are crippling 300 children, women and men every month.
God will reward him for this good deed.
AHMED CHAUDHRY RAFIQ
New York,
US
IT has become the daily practice with PTV to repeat the same Ayaat and Ahadees before the news at 6pm and Khabarnama at 9pm. Also, it repeats the same verses of Allama Iqbal after the news at 6pm.
PTV is requested to quote other Ayaat and Ahadees and also give different verses from Iqbal to enlighten its viewers.
AZHAR NAZIR SULEHRI
Lahore
THE number of pending cases as disclosed in a seminar on judicial reforms was indeed alarming. To deal with the backlog of cases I would suggest that the procedure prescribed in law for trial of case or appeal must be strictly followed.
For instance, for the trial of civil cases after issues are framed, the date for the trial of the case should be fixed by the court and on that date the parties (both the plaintiff and the defendant) must be ready to proceed with the case and produce all the evidence. The adjournment should not be leniently allowed.
Similarly in the criminal cases, after the charge has been framed, the investigating officer must be bound-down to produce all the prosecution witnesses on the date of trial. The trial once started must be concluded by the court on day-to-day basis and no adjournment should be allowed. Such practice was faithfully followed in the fifties and sixties as well as mid seventies.
In appeal once the paper book is ready, the case should be set for regular hearing and no adjournment may be allowed. In some cases where the mandate is given by the legislature that the appeal should be decided within a stipulated period, the endeavour of the court/tribunal should be to decide the appeal within stipulated period. After the trial is concluded, if the advocates are unable to argue the case verbally, the court should fix the date of order/judgment and direct the parties to file written arguments.
The lapse which I find in most of the cases which defeats justice is that the case diaries are written by the readers of the courts. In my experience both as a lawyer and as a judge for a limited period I found that even in detention cases the case diaries are written by the reader and blindly signed by the magistrates.
One case diary which I read made a very interesting reading. In a detention matter, the case diary mentioned “accused on leave magistrate remanded to custody” and that diary was signed by the link magistrate/judge. In such a manner detention was extended and a citizen was deprived of liberty.
I also find that the court staff is incompetent. Therefore, I propose that apart from training of the judges in the Judicial Academy, after every three to six months the steno-typists should also be given further training to improve their skills. Skilled staff is an asset and will help in speedy disposal of cases.
In spite of best efforts by the Accountability Bureau, corruption has not been checked. I would therefore propose that on the pattern of Federal Shariat Court, there should be an Ehtesab Court established under the mandate of the Constitution and should be a permanent feature.
For the purpose of integrity of judges I would recommend that all appointees on the constitutional posts must declare their assets at the time of appointment and at the time when they are relieved. Any mis-declaration should be seriously viewed and tackled.
There should be across-the-board accountability, and the laws relating to accountability should be more stringent. It is not good practice that on the basis of plea bargain the accused should be let off on the payment of money. The money returned by the culprit does not belong to him. It is looted money. This practice militates against the broader concept of justice. It also amounts to buying freedom on the payment of money.
M.L. SHAHANI
Karachi
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