| April 15, 2002 | Monday | Safar 1, 1423 |
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The referendum mystery
Pakistani attitudes
Domestic car industry
Shortage of water for irrigation
True democracy
Rangers at the KU
Pakistani school at Jeddah
Robbery on the motorway
Speaking power
It’s all about winning and losing
Increase in GST
Voting age for referendum
Role of columnists
After my departure from Pakistan Steel Mills, I have read and heard a lot about its affairs. Unfortunately, most of the comments were not favourable. Absence of a holistic approach to its restructuring and misplaced priority given to manpower reduction deserved objective comments. Since the government had convinced itself that all was well at the PS, there was no point in offering any constructive suggestion. I have, therefore, refrained from commenting on these reports.
Dawn had published an article titled ‘Inefficiencies at Pakistan Steel’ written by Mr. M. Zafar. I was disappointed to read the letter of Pakistan Steel spokesman published in Dawn on 1st April 2002. Pakistan Steel had correctly exercised its right to clarify its position but inclusion of personal remarks against Mr. M. Zafar was uncalled for. It appears that PS management has become overly sensitive to fair criticism, which invariably is a sign of weakness. A position based on demonstrated performance and well-considered policies can be easily defended without recourse to personal attacks against the critics.
LT-GEN (R) S. QAMAR-UZ-ZAMAN,
Ex-chairman, PS,
Rawalpindi.
Reference is made to the letter by Mr. Zafar published in Dawn EBR, 8-14 April 2002).
The reference to press reports about the Public Accounts Committee in the letter reflects the ignorance of the writer about the Pakistan Steel affairs. These reports pertain to the past performance of the Pakistan Steel, and have nothing to do with the present management which took over on December 20, 1999. The losses of Rs9,326.288 million, mentioned in the press reports, are actually the accumulated losses for the period 1985-86 to 1999-2000.
The accounts of the Corporation for the year 2000-2001 are under audit, but as per the Provisional accounts, the Pakistan Steel has earned a net profit of Rs579.907 million during the year, and accumulated losses upto June 2001 had decreased to Rs8,746.381 million.
As far as the question pertaining to the import of secondaries is concerned, the writer appears to be ignorant about this vastly discussed issue too.
Secondaries in the grab of primaries are being imported by those who have been advocating in the favour of free import of steel on the pretext of promotion of the local engineering industry to enable it to make high quality steel products to compete in the international market. This lobby has been giving a false impression against the Pakistan Steel products by propagating that these are not only costlier, but their quality is also not upto the mark, whereas on their part they manipulate to import junk steel in the name of primaries as input for their industry.
As a matter of fact, Pakistan Steel is using the highest quality of iron ores, coking coals, manganese ore etc., available in the world, procured at competitive prices through tenders, in the international market.
The laboratories and other technical departments of the Pakistan Steel are ISO-9002 certified, and, as such, the quality of its products is maintained at par with international standards too, whereas their prices are also lower than the domestic prices of similar steel products in India, Japan and other countries.
Like every where in the world, in Pakistan Steel too, the deviations from given specifications are allowed in some cases only and only within acceptable limits, and, as such, the quality of the finished products is not affected in anyway.
M. ANWAR SHAHID KHAN
PR. PS
THERE is a special provision for referendum in the 1973 Constitution and it may only be invoked at a time when the opinion of people is required on matters of great national interest having long-term implications.
It also has great significance in the sense that there are issues in the development of nations where the opinion of people matter even in the presence of a parliament. Such issues are so critical that representatives of people, who are elected to steer the nation, are not fully entrusted to decide on such matters and broader consultation process is deemed necessary. Referendum is quite opposite to election. The decision on issues and the election of personalities may not be taken as one and the same thing.
Giving respect to the constitution at the cost of one’s personal gains is the first necessary condition of moving towards ‘civilized society’ and ‘development’ that underpins the rule of law and mind, and not the ‘gun’. Had we been sincere, the most important point in our history where referendum would have had some meaning was the present Afghan conflict when we were going to completely change our foreign policy — policy that prevailed over two decades and engulfed great chunks of our resources. The masses are not literate enough to advise the government on such issues, most say. The masses are merely to elect people and only those, as witnessed in the past, they have been asked to elect.
We have rules for interacting with developed countries but we don’t have rules for ourselves. We treat our nation as developed nations treat developing and under-developed countries.
Referendums cannot cover up for what we have done in the past as regards to the future of our nation. If we like referendums so much, we should hold referendums on whether there should be the rule of army or people, parliamentary system or dictatorship, law or favouritism, honesty or corruption, and above all propaganda or truth. Minds are simmering and there is an urgent need to reestablish the trust and confidence of common man in the efficacy of institutions and rule of law.
I have great respect for the soldier who is committed to sacrifice his life in case of alien aggression. But I am equally disrespectful to the adventurer army generals who have given this nation nothing except polarization and chaos. The history of Pakistan tells us that military minds have failed. The cause of their failure lies in their very tendencies and grooming. They can never be visionaries, as they have never been taught this art or exposed to knowledge required for vision and far-sightedness. I am afraid that a referendum will push Pakistan towards political polarization with a strong message to the outside world that we are too small to learn anything from our past.
There are boundaries and basis for nations, and both need to be protected. The basis should not be destroyed at the cost of protecting the boundaries. A nation with basis (good values, high standard of education, effective and efficient institutions, justice and rule of law) may develop and expand boundaries, but not vice versa.
ASIF KARIM
Lahore
THIS has reference to the letter by Mohsin Khan on the subject (April 5). I agree with his observations. The misplaced obsession with religion within a largely ill-educated population and its exploitation by politicians and various governments, are destroying this country and killing moderation, liberal views, progress and creativity in the Pakistan society.
How many writers, poets, artists, scientists, economists, theologians and philosophers of international calibre have we produced? None. We do not seem to get out of the ‘halaal/ haraam’ syndrome. Hence confusion and taboos thrive.
A successful and progressive person is the most God fearing and religious individual as he keeps his relationship with God as a private and personal matter. How many of the self-styled leaders of the so-called religious parties will find a job even as junior clerks in a decent organization?
It is the failures who exploit and indulge in rituals and not in the substance of religious teachings.
And it is also they who, instead of practising their religion within the four walls of the house, defame it by bringing it out onto the streets, promoting intolerance, bigotry and hatred within the society. We all should learn a lesson from the recent destruction of Afghanistan.
M.S. HASAN
Islamabad
THIS refers to the letter ‘Pakistani attitudes’ (April 5) by Mohsin Khan, a Pakistani settled in Detroit, USA.
If he has no objection in discussing subjects ranging from current affairs to movies with his Indian friends, why should he not like that matters regarding Islam and Pakistan be discussed in Pakistani circles?
His Indian friends will always welcome a chat on peripheral topics, but once he started talking about the core issues between India and Pakistan he will arouse their anger. They will never like a meaningful discussion on Kashmir.
I would urge the writer to make a profound study of the Muslims freedom movement and the history of Indo-Pakistan relations to have a clear understanding of the discussions in Pakistan circles.
MOHAMMAD GULAB KHAN
Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia
There is a lot of debate going on these days on the domestic car industry. However, it has never been highlighted as to how the car manufacturers are fleecing the public by charging unjustifiably high prices.
In fact, if the object is to benefit the common man, the bureaucracy in the concerned ministry and the car manufacturers should have discussed the ways and means to bring down the prices of the cars.
I would urge them to compare prices here with the prices being charged for the same cars being locally manufactured in our neighbouring country. There the prices are much lower.
Actually there are a handful of people here who do not care for prices and are ready even to pay any premium to obtain new models. Possessing money, they want to awe others by being the first to possess a new model.
On the other hand, there are hundreds of others who genuinely need a car and finance the purchase through a company loan or leasing. It is they who suffer on account of an unreasonably high price. But who cares for them?
In the past, the manufacturers had a handy excuse for increasing prices: the continuously falling rupee.
However, now that the rupee has gained and is fairly stable for the last six months against the dollar, the benefit, instead of being passed on to the buyer, is being quietly pocketed by the manufacturers.
I urge the authorities concerned to press the manufacturers to reduce the prices in view of the above mentioned facts.
MOHAMMAD TAYYAB KHAN
Karachi
THERE have been reports on PTV World regarding an acute shortage of water for agriculture; the reasons being very little rainfall, problems at storage facilities due to silt, aging dams, seepage of water from irrigation canals and water courses etc.
Of course, less rainfall and climatic changes are factors beyond our control, but the seepage of water into the ground through earthen irrigation canals and water courses can be controlled. According to the figures worked out by Wapda, the Irrigation Department and the DG water management “up to 40 per cent of water is lost through irrigation canals and water courses”. It’s a pity that all our talk of high technology cannot plug the leaks in canals and water courses.
The problem is acute and we will have to go for new technology to “save the 40 per cent loss”. Concrete methods and applications are available in this world to plug the leaks in water courses and irrigation canals in 48 months’ time, without closing any canals or water courses. This way the problem of waterlogging and salinity will also be solved.
SYED FAROOQ
Bangkok,
Thailand
HISTORY is once again repeating itself. The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan is going to experience another setback in the form of Musharraf’s referendum. Constitution, being the most sacred thing in any democratic state, is repeatedly bypassed and scorned in our country.
If the Pakistani people are even marginally consciousness of democratic norms they will boycott the proposed referendum. There should be no obscurity in this regard. Referendum is held only on matters on which the constitution is silent or does not provide clear direction. The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan provides a very clear cut method of electing the president, hence referendum is an unconstitutional way for the purpose.
However, it seems that the referendum will take place and Gen Musharraf will be imposed over the country for the coming five years. But the question arises: what will happen after five years? Will another referendum be held to choose a president for the country then? Who will replace Musharraf? No one is sure.
If the referendum takes place the Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Constitution of Pakistan and all other democratic institutions will lose their respect and due position. The people of Pakistan need to realize that only true democracy can save them from destruction.
ASFANDYAR KHATTAK
Peshawar
ALTHOUGH, the rangers positioned at the Karachi University are playing an effective role in handling tense situations at the campus, I would like to shed light on the fact that instead of nipping fights in the bud, these rangers act after the fights reach their climax.
I recommend that they be advised to act wisely and disperse the students as soon as they see signs of conflict, or restrain them from fighting as soon as they start arguing instead of waiting for them to get physical. This way many quarrels would be prevented and students will not get hurt.
RAHAT KAMAL
Karachi
We Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia are facing great difficulties when it comes to educating our children here. The fees at the Pakistan embassy school are too high. If some one has four children to educate, then he would probably be left with nothing after paying the school fees.
I am one such person and, therefore, I have sent my family back to Pakistan. Although, to live without the family has its own problems, that was the only way to survive and have the children educated as well.
But even that did not come easy or without a financial hardship. When I went to the Pak embassy school for getting school leaving certificates for my daughters, I had to pay Saudi Riyals 610, or Rs9,760 (approx) for each child as the fee for the period when they did not attend school, having gone back to Pakistan.
I request the concerned authorities to look into the matter and to bring down the school fees to a level where a Pakistani expatriate of average means could also afford to educate his children.
MUHAMMAD ARIF USMAN
Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
I WOULD like to bring to your notice a new way of robbing drivers on the M2 Motorway by the police. It is like this: passenger of selected vehicles are being fined Rs300 each for not wearing seat belts. When I was personally a victim of this assault, I raised a few questions, which were never satisfactorily answered. They were:
1. Where is the notice that this is a criminal act?
2. Why do you allow vehicles to enter the motorway without seat belts?
3. Why are only selected travellers fined?
When I identified coach and bus drivers without seat belts, they said the rules had been relaxed in their case.
When I asked for the text of the relevant law, the police officer on duty didn’t have it.
People should be educated and warned before being penalized for such acts. I believe these actions will divert the traffic to other routes.
MUNIR SHAHANI
Lahore
MY buffalo knows Shakespearean English, but unluckily, she is not endowed with the power of speech. This is the dilemma of our ‘silent majority’, which knows what to say, but cannot speak. It has been effectively made ‘silent’, beginning with the lashes of Gen Ziaul Haq.
M. AKBAR
Lahore
THE crux of the article titled ‘Turbulent political journey’ by Gen (retd) Khalid Mahmud Arif (Dawn, April 10) is reproduced here:
“Military rulers prefer a stamp of political legitimacy on their rule as the stigma of being a non-elected president begins to tell sooner or later, particularly when the rule prolongs. Hence phrases like controlled democracy, basic democracy, real democracy and genuine democracy are used for reasons easy to fathom. Zia’s referendum that ‘elected’ him president boomeranged because the choice given to the electorate was self-serving for the president. Zia won the referendum but lost morally and politically.”
Zia’s referendum was held in 1984, when the author was serving him as vice chief of the army staff and he held that post till 1987, while Gen Zia died in an air crash in 1988. Did the writer ever feel during 1984-87 that the choice given to the electorate was self-serving and that Gen Zia had lost morally?
HAFEEZ AKHTAR
Lahore
WHEN government officials declared the imposition of 15 per cent GST, they estimated its plus points as follows:
Through 15 per cent increased GST on medicines, over Rs4 billion would be generated.
This additional income would be spend on the health sector, especially in government hospitals, dispensaries and maternity homes, to improve the health facilities.
Due to increased GST, rise in prices would be only from 3 to 4 per cent.
To share the pressure on pharmaceutical companies a slash from 10 to 5 per cent on raw material for basic manufacturing of pharmaceutical active ingredients is granted.
The most affected will be the general public, who will have to bear the burden of increased GST.
Now the President has ordered the withdrawal of GST on life-saving drugs. The Finance Minister also stated that the GST will be withdrawn, but in phases. This is a welcome step.
MUHAMMAD UMER QUDDAFI
Kharian
TO elect a president, a voter has to be 18. To elect a member of the national or the provincial assembly, a voter should be 21 years of age — or more wise!
SARDAR ABRAR RASHID
Abbottabad
COLUMNISTS influence their readers’ opinions. Each has a style of his own for doing so.
Omar Kureshi’s sense of outrage at anything he discerns as an inequity or trespass is not unlike that of a prudish woman’s first exposure to Playboy magazine. His columns have woven into them, some say snarled, a strong strain of fair play and morality.
Ayaz Amir has a way of making words flow, which few can approximate. His readers, however, get so doused by the flow that they often lose their way. They have to go back and read again, or consult others, and find that Ayaz is often against everything that everyone else is for.
Kashmir is never out of Khalid Hasan’s mind. When he worked for OPEC in Vienna he almost got that body to discuss Kashmir. Khalid Hasan’s bonnet is seldom free of a bee. He is either eulogizing someone or something to high heaven, or going hammer and tongs after someone or something. Khalid does not believe in middling, he goes for the jugular, or for the potent ego massage.
What would Sultan Ahmed, or Rambler, do if there were no parties, or if the economy was alive and not on a respirator? Sultan probably has the answer but he is not telling.
What the worst sorry mess would KDA, or the Cantonment Boards, or ABAD be, if there was no Ardeshir Cowasjee. What he writes are researched and documented facts which the transgressors are hard put to counter.
We are all for peace, but Irfan Husain is more for it. We don’t dislike the Indians, only the fact that they want to be not only more equal amongst equals but the regional godfather. Irfan has a point that peace with India would benefit us more than it would them and we should, therefore, try harder. The Indians know this as well, and they want us try so hard that there is nothing more left for us to give, except what the Indians want, total submission. A line has to be drawn at some point. Where is that point, Irfan?
Kuldip Nayar works hard at being a liberal. The only time he unfurls the true colours is when Pakistan becomes projected and is in world focus. Indians are not used to Pakistan being treated at their level or a notch or two above by the world community. Whenever they perceive this happening they begin to ‘gyrate their hips furiously’ as Arundathi Roy put it, to divert the world’s attention back to India, the ‘secular’ and largest democracy of the world. When the rest of India is gyrating, Kuldip Nayar waddles too. His peace agenda is trimmed.
Then of course Dawn has a largish assembly of latter day columnists, the retired generals, air marshals, mercifully no admirals, and a bevy of retired bureaucrats.
Kunwar Idris, or Roedad Khan, has all the answers. What were they, and their other writer colleagues like Ahmed Sadiq, doing when they were governing? The answers appear to have been a trifle late in coming.
Why does such a welter of joint cackles from former bureaucrat-writers against the new local government system being brought in? It may or may not work, but the system Idris and Roedad and their colleagues are products of, and functioned within, was definitely not working, the proof of that is the state of the country.
Written on stone is the fact that any system which seeks to empower the people, however minimally, is unacceptable to the bureaucracy, serving or retired. An unnecessary encroachment into their ‘hereditary’ domain.
Another fact, however, and this one is written on iron, is that unless the people are empowered the country isn’t going anywhere.
KHALID HUSAIN
Karachi
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