| November 21, 2001 | Wednesday | Ramazan 5, 1422 |
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The Brahimi plan
Anti-India rhetoric
Remembering Dr Abdus Salam
CLI facility denied
Ban on cigarette ads
War against terrorism
Drug addicts at shrine
Spurious goods
Rooting out terrorism
Pakistani ads on Indian TV
Shadan Lund incident: stating the facts
DG Khan
SUBSEQUENT to the tragic and dastardly act of Sept 11, the unfolding of dramatic events have focused attention of the entire world on this region. Since then many people have been interviewed by the electronic media. One of the important questions everyone is asking, what next after the Taliban have gone?
Everyone seems to say that Afghanistan should have a broad-based multi-ethnic, political set-up, representing all tribes of Afghanistan in accordance with their population ratio. And, such a political system should be selected by the Afghans themselves. However, when asked about the strength of various Afghan ethnic groups, some of the people interviewed by the international media, have come out with figures that cannot be verified from the sources available internationally. The following are some examples:
Mr Gauhar Ayub, a former foreign minister of Pakistan, told the international media that 60 per cent of the population of Afghans were ethnically Pakhtoons and Hazaras were only two per cent.
Likewise Mr Kamal Ahmed, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the UN, during an interview to the International media claimed that 70 per cent of Afghanistan’s population are Pakhtoons.
Most officials of Pakistan government seem to project Pakhtoons as the majority population with 60-65 per cent strength. In fact the President of Pakistan has time and again mentioned that Pakhtoons in Afghanistan are in the majority and quoted a figure of 60 per cent while Tajiks are a minority with 15 per cent population.
The TIME Almanac 2000 gives the ethnic divide of Afghanistan as follows (all figures are in percentage):
Pakhtoons, 38; Tajik, 25; Hazara, 19; Uzbek, 6; Turkoman, Chahar Aimak, Baluch & others 12.
The TIME Almanac 2000, which draws its information from — Questionnaires to the individual countries; CIA World Factbook 1999, Centre For International Research, Bureau of Census; The Columbia Encyclopaedia; The World Book Encyclopaedia; Encyclopaedia Britannica, and various newspapers (information as of September 23, 1999). I doubt if internationally any other source of information with greater credibility is available.
From the above figures it is evident that the Pakhtoons cannot be classified as the majority, but can be called the largest single entity / tribe. Naturally the non-Pakhtoons, comprising Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkomans, and Chahar Aimak etc when put together, would be 62% of the population of Afghanistan. Thus one can easily say that the non-Pakhtoons of Afghanistan being 62 per cent of the total population would be in the majority.
Successive governments in Pakistan have followed policies in relation to Afghanistan in the last two decades that have resulted in annoying almost the vast majority of the Afghan people.
I believe it is high time we did the following:
(a) Take a serious look at our past policies in relation to Afghanistan and correct where corrections are required.
(b) Formulate a policy to ensure that the people of Afghanistan see us as friends.
AIR MARSHAL (R) S.A. CHANGAZI
Karachi
BEING sequentially logical and common-sense driven, Mr Brahimi’s plan for a future broad-based representative government in Afghanistan deserves to be robustly supported.
Of his five points, the linchpin is number three. It deals with the transition phase. In any fundamental change in a large organization not even half as complex as the historical and situational personality of Afghanistan, the management of this phase is inescapably unique on account of the many uncertainties surrounding it. It thus demands fresh, separate structures, independent of the day to day hubbub, led by fresh minds to guide the change process from the present state to the desired state.
The process is painstakingly intricate, for it requires meticulously detailed planning, covering the entire gambit of change. In the case of the Brahimi plan so closely hemmed in by time constraints the burning of the midnight oil will be an imperative necessity.
To cue Mr Brahimi would be like taking coals to Newcastle. Nevertheless there is no harm in drawing his attention to some recently focused upon considerations in managing change efforts. These considerations suggested by empirical studies, sequentially, are:
1. Constructing a wide angle detailed picture of how things would pulsate when the desired state is reached.
2. An objective diagnosis, again in detail of the present state focusing on the causes rather than the symptoms of the forces and their potency calling for change.
3. Building detailed integrated plans embracing foreseeable activity needed to reach the desired state, with full, objective knowledge of impinging forces.
4. The choice of options realistically available to bring about the change.
5. Most importantly a commitment plan to explain, seek agreement to, and commitment of the ‘critical’ players - particularly the Big Five in unison — who must get on board for the plan even to take off.
6. Formulating as an integral part of the plan, an ongoing evaluation, monitoring and feedback mechanism.
These thoughts are being aired only to highlight the enormity of Mr Brahimi’s task and thus the imperative need of the unstinting support of the world community so that a beneficent chapter may be written in peacekeeping and regional and world security under UN’s flag.
M.J. AS’AD
Karachi
I refer to Dr C.V. Patel’s article pertaining to the above-captioned subject.
Firstly, I would like to express my deep appreciation of Dr Patel’s initiative to read and subsequently examine Pakistani news items. I would also like to welcome him as a new reader of Dawn, since I am convinced that it is imperative for the educated classes of the two respective countries, if indeed not a duty, to try and understand the other side’s views and, consequently, their approach.
I would like my friend to note that I, like him, have been reading Indian newspapers (all major ones!) quite regularly for some time and, unfortunately, I feel compelled to raise similar grievances that he highlighted in his letter.
As for the lack of emphasis on education, corruption and a long term strategy I would recommend Dr Patel to keep reading, especially columns by Shahid Javed Burki, a former World Bank Director from Pakistan.
In the same vein, I feel I must bring to attention the fact that Pakistan’s “war toys” which Dr Patel refers to, are solely a consequence of the conflict that exists between our two countries over Kashmir. The world over, Kashmir is regarded as disputed territory. That Kashmir is an integral part of India is, at best, a fabrication that subsists, or rather has been made to subsist (through pure rhetoric) only in the minds of the Indian public.
For Pakistanis, even the most liberal ones, India’s control over Kashmir is nothing other than a blatant violation of the rules according to which the sub-continent was partitioned. The denial of Kashmir to Pakistan is nothing short of denying the reality of Pakistan itself. Therefore, so long as the Indian army stays on in Kashmir, I really do not see how these mutual animosities can go away.
AANIF MEHDI
Karachi
PROF (Dr) Abdus Salam, the Nobel prize winner physicist of Pakistan, passed away on Nov 21, five years ago.
I remember that on his first death anniversary, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy, had organized a four-day memorial meeting from 19 to 22 Nov 1991, to honour the memory of Prof Salam. Two and a half days were devoted to Physics, the queen of all sciences, with lectures from his colleagues on recent developments in Theoretical Physics, while one entire day was reserved for his commemoration by friends, collaborators, Italian and international dignitaries and members of the Salam family.
On Nov 21, Prof M.A. Virasoro, Director of the ICTP, announced that, following a decision of the Centre’s Steering Committee, the Government of Italy, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and International Atomic Energy Agency, Geneva, the Centre would henceforth be named as The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
The Director further said that “the Centre bears Abdus Salam’s name because it was created by him and through his vision and untiring efforts, achieved a high level of international excellence that promises to continue through the next century and beyond”.
Prof (Dr) Pervez Hoodbhoy of the Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, said on that occasion that it was a historic moment and that from that day the Centre was being named to honour its creator.
We, as Pakistanis, feel elated at all these eulogies and achievements of our Nobel Laureate scientist. On that occasion, two scientist sons of Dr Salam, namely, Ahmed Salam and Umer Salam, also made revealing speeches on various aspects of their loving and beloved father’s life. Mr Umer Salam said that his father used to describe the 25th anniversary celebrations of ICTP in 1989 as the happiest day of his life.
Yes, Dr Salam always felt happy at his achievements as a scientist, thinker, philosopher, writer and especially as a highly dedicated science teacher and was most pleased that more than 70,000 young scientists from Third World countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America have gained latest knowledge of developments in modern sciences, during his 30 years’ directorship of ICTP from 1964-1994.
M.S. KHALID
Rabwah
I AM a subscriber of telephone NO.215792 installed at 466-D, Satellite Town, Sargodha. I applied for the provision of the CLI facility more than two months ago, on September 4 to avoid obnoxious calls. I was told that due to some technical difficulty it would take some time but it would be provided by the end of September.
However, this has not been done in spite of my repeated telephone calls.
Meanwhile, I have tried to contact the Divisional Engineer and other officials concerned but I was always told that the person concerned was not present.
I am being denied the utility of this service without any cogent reason. The PTCL high-ups are requested to look into the matter and the CLI facility be provided to me without further delay.
PROF BAKHSH CHAUDHRY
Sargodha
THE enlightened decision of the Indian Supreme Court to ban smoking in public and also to ban the advertisement of cigarettes must give us a point to ponder. That smoking related diseases are ruinous to health, is an indisputable fact.
In Pakistan, smoking-related diseases are rising alarmingly. Our young are led to smoking by the aggressive advertising which often features sports heroes, glowing with success and good health for which they owe nothing to cigarettes. This dialogue with death must end. Our sports stars should refuse to be a party to something that endangers the health of the young.
The government should ban smoking in public. Cigarette ads should also not be displayed in government buildings. One such example is the PTDC lodge at Bahawalpur which has erected a huge arch over its entrance, advertising cigarettes.
K. ABBASI
Karachi
DR Aziz Kurta (Nov 13) has made out an excellent case to prove that the American war against terrorism in Afghanistan is not only immoral but also illegal. In support he has very aptly cited the Kellogg-Briand Treaty of 1928, the UN Charter and the International Court of Justice judgment on Nicaragua’s complaint against the United States for supporting and abetting military activities against that country.
Isn’t there any human rights organization in the world which can sue the US and its allies for committing aggression in Afghanistan against all international norms?
LATIF QURESHI
Lahore
HUNDREDS of thousands of people daily visit the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi to pay homage to the saint.
But to the great inconvenience of the visitors, the Dargah and the area around it is occupied by drug addicts, beggars and other nuisance makers.
Drug peddlers are found selling drugs to innocent people irrespective of age and gender. The drug peddlers clearly have the patronage of the area police.
Beggars pick the pockets of visitors. A good number of thefts have also been reported in houses in the vicinity of the Dargah.
The toilets and bathrooms in the Dargah are in a pathetic condition. There is a scarcity of potable water and the devotees face problems.
Another menace is the encroachment by land grabbers. Why has the Auqaf Department and the district administration turned a bvlind eye on this?
M. IRFAN QURESHI
Karachi
WE all hear of different mafias every day and read about their anti-social activities in newspapers. There are drug mafias, land mafias and the like.
The cheaters and swindlers belonging to the underworld carry on their business without any fear of law or social sanctions.
One mafia is indulging in trade in fake goods. Many categories of daily necessities such as foodstuff, medicines, cosmetics and cigarettes are thrown in our markets by this mafia.
The net result is that it is not only the consumer who suffers but society as a whole and the government loses a great deal.
It is estimated that the loss caused by spurious goods sold in Pakistan, to the economy is between Rs 1800 billion and Rs 2000 billion every year.
This is a colossal loss which a developing country like Pakistan can ill afford. This situation demands quick, tough and stern action against the mafia indulging in this crime of producing and selling spurious goods in Pakistan.
ASHRAF CHAUDHRY
Islamabad
AFTER 39 days of the US air-raids on Afghanistan’s civilian population and on the Taliban frontlines causing a retreat of the Taliban, it seems probable that Osama bin Laden might be captured or killed.
What does the US really want, to root out “terrorism” or only the “terrorists”? By putting Osama on trial and by executing him, what will the US achieve?
The elimination of one Osama or one Mullah Omar will give birth to hundreds of Osama and thousands of Mullah Omar.
If America is really sincere in rooting out terrorism, then it should settle all the disputes that have led to acts of terrorism.
B.K. SAHITO
Jamshoro
THIS is with reference to M. Mohiuddin Azfar’s letter ( Nov 17). The reason why Pakistani firms are advertising frequently on foreign channels is that while their viewership in Pakistan has increased, their rates are highly competitive.
For example, an advertiser can get on the foreign channels as much as three times the number of spots of the same duration on PTV1 or PTV World, for the same amount in US dollars.
If the PTV bureaucracy works out a competitive tariff, you’ll notice a shift, back to the domestic channel.
FATIMAH SHAIKH
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the reports published by Dawn (Nov 11 and 16) regarding the “Shadan Lund” incident under the headlines:
“Elected team handled the mob better”; “Shadan Lund clash toll rises.” and “Shadan Lund clash: Nazim sends report to the governor”. These reports have not given the true picture of the incidents and are having a negative impact on the government’s administrative machinery in the Dera Ghazi Khan district.
I was present at the spot and actively participated in the post-incident events. The facts are as under:-
The contingency plan devised by the Dera Ghazi Khan police on Nov 4 identified 74 trouble spots throughout the district including Shadan Lund and Kala and a reasonably strong police force was deployed on the two points.
The contingency plan was discussed and much appreciated by the Zila Nazim in the meeting held on Nov 11 in the DCO’s office in which the Zila Nazim, DCD, SSP, a delegation of transporters and myself were present.
In addition to the deputed police force at the trouble spot the DSP concerned had a reasonable force at his disposal to be deployed as and when required. In addition three reserves were put on high alert in the district police lines. When I reached the spot, the DSP Taunsa Sharif, was also present along with his force at the railway station of Shadan Lund.
When reinforcements were called in, I myself rushed to the spot along with a force, while the SSP and Zila Nazim followed.
The role of the Zila Nazim is to be appreciated in that when he was informed of the incident, he accompanied the SSP. They travelled in the same vehicle and discussed the situation on their way to Kala.
I being the first to reach there, negotiated with the protesters for several hours in a mosque. Later, I was joined by the Zila Nazim.
After Maghrib prayers the Zila Nazim came back to D.G. Khan to talk to the governor while the SSP, myself and the DSPs continued with the negotiations. As a result, the highway and the railway track were cleared and the traffic restored.
Referring further to the report published on November 16, Mr Tariq Bermani claimed by quotes the Zila Nazim’s report that the District Police Officer (SSP) slapped a protester in front of a mob which made it violent, is totally wrong because the SSP, DG Khan, was not present on the spot at the time of the incident. Rather he reached there after the incident along with the Zila Nazim.
Mr Bermani claims that the DSP and DIG were kept hostage is totally wrong because all this time, the DIG, remained in contact with the high-ups as well as with the district police officers who were present at the spot.
Reports about important government officials must be verified beforehand.
The report regarding indiscriminate firing by the police is premature unless the results of an inquiry are made public.
AKHTAR UMER HAYAT LALAYKA
SP Traffic,
Dera Ghazi Khan Range
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