| October 12, 2002 | Saturday | Sha'aban 5, 1423 |
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Jinnah’s viceregal role
Europe hard on immigrants
An Algerian woman remembered
General elections
Canadian immigrant visa
Higher education showdown
Under a vigilant eye
Air pollution
Fate of the UN
Property tax and corruption
Request to orchestras
Education
Blasphemy law and harmony
THE news item, ‘FBI investigates lives of Muslims in US’ (Oct 7), did not surprise me as I have a personal experience of such an investigation.
I was working with one of NASA contractors at Johnson Space Centre when I was asked to see two special agents. They wanted to know about my link with Bashiruddin Mahmood, a scientist who retired from the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.
I told them that I had met him in the biennial conferences of Pakistani scientists held in Islamabad in 1998 and 2000 and that I had found him to be a man of integrity.
Though they were quite respectful to me throughout the interview, they told me at the end that my e-mail and telephone conversations will be under surveillance. They also asked me to inform them in advance about my trips to Pakistan.
Later, I learnt that other members of Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers in North America (APSENA) were also visited by the same people. The owner of the building in which the office of the Apsena was located, a Muslim, got so scared that he asked us to vacate the premises.
Although I am a US citizen since the early seventies, we are being constantly watched. We feel as if we are living under the Russians in the former USSR.
A Pakistani American, who is married to an American, often threatens those of us who write about foreign policy and history and differ from the establishment’s views. He posts around 20 messages daily, criticising Muslims and degrading Islam. Thus, the current climate in the US is dividing the Muslims among themselves and creating a class of quislings in their ranks.
Postscript: About two weeks ago, my job was terminated. Although the excuse given was shortage of research funding, the truth lies somewhere else.
BASHIR A. SYED
Ex-President, APSENA,
USA
THIS has a reference to Ghulam Kibria’s letter, ‘Jinnah’s viceregal role’ (Sept 30). This is not for the first time that Jinnah’s position as Governor General has been questioned, especially with reference to democratic traditions and the dismissal of the governments headed by Dr Khan Sahib and by Ayub Khuhro, in the NWFP and Sindh respectively.
In the NWFP, a referendum was held from 6 to 17 July, 1947, in which, despite a time of 11 days, Dr Khan Sahib failed to secure the support of the majority. A haughty 2,89,244 votes were cast in favour of joining the constituent assembly of the new born country while only 2874 voters were in favour of joining the existing Indian constituent assembly. It is also important to note that at the announcement of the June 3 plan, Dr. Khan Sahib had declared that he would resign if he failed to secure a majority vote in the referendum.
But after independence, he backed out of his promise and decided to continue as chief minister despite the overwhelming support for Pakistan in the referendum. It was only then that Jinnah decided to dismiss him. Also, it is wrong to say that he enjoyed majority in the provincial assembly. His case had been lost in the referendum.
Of course, being the Governor General of a newly established state, sometimes he had to go an extra mile to get his work done. As far as, Quaid’s views for democracy are concerned, he was the only Indian who was a democrat to the core.
In a meeting with Mountbatten on July 4, 1947, was the Viceroy, in a last attempt to persuade Jinnah to accept him as the GG of both the dominions, said: “Mr Jinnah, as PM of Pakistan you would be able to do more for your country.” Mr Jinnah, in a cool and calm manner, replied: “My Prime Minister can do the same.” ( Zahid Khan Lodhi’s book “Mountbatten’s anti-Pakistan role”, NBF 1995).
MOHAMMAD MAHMOOD
Hyderabad
THIS has a reference to Humeira Iqtidar’s ‘Europe hard on immigrants’ (Oct 8).
I live in India and feel amazed at the bleeding heart journalism which focuses so frequently on the ‘plight’ of the illegal immigrants to the West from Pakistan and India.
Let us get some facts straight.
There are legal ways for immigration. Those who choose to jump the queue or subvert the process, deserve to be punished. The desire to have a better life in a Promised Land does not morally or legally, justify illegal immigration just as the desire to be rich does not justify theft as a route to being wealthy.
Immigrants are accepted by the host country at their pleasure. If the host country does not want a particular immigrant, legal or otherwise, it is its right to prevent her or him from entering. In the case of illegal immigration, it is the target state which is the victim of aggression on the part of the immigrant.
Prosperity is created by striving. Illegal immigrants are escapists, who run away from the challenges posed by their own land to seek an easier route to richness in a foreign land, taking advantage of stronger currencies. So you chose to go to a country which does not need you, in the first place. Why then complain about conditions there?
If the West has created prosperity, it is because they have worked for it. Illegal immigrants are like flies, wanting a lick of the pie which is not theirs. Why don’t they work to create a better life in their own country?
Whether immigration, legal or illegal, is good or not for a country economically or otherwise, is to be decided by that country alone. It is ridiculous to see Indian and Pakistani journalists labouring hard to prove that illegal immigration to Western countries is actually good for those countries.
NITIN GOYAL
Kolkatta, India
THERE are several instances to show that women have performed a daunting task. They have every right to claim equality with men.
Djamila BouPacha, an Algerian freedom-fighter, despite the inhuman behaviour of the occupying forces, refused to divulge information and betray her leader Boumedienne. The people of Algeria have recognized the contribution of Djamila BouPacha towards their freedom struggle. I had the good fortune, as a seafarer, to have been close to the sea-coast of Algeria where the courageous Djamila along with other fighters threw enemy soldiers into the Mediterranean.
Laila Khalid took over, ‘hijacked’ in normal terminology, an American passenger plane and, without causing any harm to the passengers, compelled the pilot to land on the soil of Palestine. All she wanted was to draw world attention to the freedom struggle of the people of Palestine.
During the British rule, Kalpana Dutt of the famous Chittagong Armoury case had organized a group of 12 women freedom-fighters in Chittagong and captured the armoury.
When Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister of India, I wrote in The Times of India, Bombay: “Is it a secret that half the population of India is made up of women? Then how is it that a woman PM has not done anything to provide half the seats in the Lok Sabha for women?”
In our own case, we had a supposedly ‘enlightened’ women Prime Minister, duly elected by the people then how did it happen that Benazir Bhutto did not provide half the seats in parliament for women? I also wrote about this matter in the British Daily Telegraph when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister. However, it is a facts that even this ‘mother of all parliaments’ did not provide half the seats for women.
It will be interesting to note that New Zealand provided seats for women after a Maori girl, Hurea Matenga, swam in rough seas and saved the lives of eight burly sailors when their ship ran aground on a rocky coast; indeed, Hurea even climbed up a rope on the deck of the ship and helped bring down an injured seaman.
M. J. SAYEED
Karachi
AS a result of general elections, another national assembly has come into existence in Pakistan. But with so much power acquired by the President through amendments, how long would it last?
I pray that this election will bring political stability in the country and the money spent on it would prove to be worth it. I also pray that the government which comes into power would be allowed to complete its full term. The people of Pakistan want not only the restoration of democracy but also to see the democratic process gain strength and taking root in their country.
DR TALHA AHMED
North Harrow, UK
I WOULD like to comment on two things related to elections.
I was greatly impressed by no rowdyism in the streets, no road blocks and no traffic jams during the entire election campaign. It was a very pleasant experience indeed.
However, the impounding of public transport by the police and other agencies for election duty was totally unjustified and condemnable. I had thought that this action was confined to public transport only. But on Oct 09, I learnt that the school van of my children was also confiscated by the police and the only explanation given was that these were the orders from the higher authorities.
Can we know who is that ‘higher authority’ which is behind these actions? These experiences do not go well with the present government’s claims of good governance.
M. A. GHAZALI MARGHOOB
Islamabad
MY husband, a Canadian immigrant, applied for my immigration visa by sponsoring me in October 2001. My interview was held in June 2002 and everything was found beyond any objection. I was told that the application has been approved and I would get my visa shortly.
However, I have still not received it. I have sent several letters to the Canadian embassy at Islamabad by post and through fax, but no reply whatsoever has been received.
Could any one tell me how long it takes these days for the Canadian embassy at Islamabad to issue the visa after a successful interview?
IREEJ KHAN
Karachi
I REFER to the editorial, ‘Higher education showdown’ (Oct 6) and strongly condemn the harsh treatment meted out to the protesting teachers by the police.
A section of teachers is not happy with the proposed policy in the higher education sector and they have every right to give vent to their feelings.
The teachers do not agree with the recommendations of the Task Force on Higher Education. The teachers’ meeting was peaceful and they created no law and order problem nor indulged in an activity to warrant such a humiliation. They were baton-charged, badly roughed up and grievously hurt.
Teachers have apprehensions that the proposed recommendations will ultimately commercialize higher education instead of improving the management and quality of education. They feel that the proposals would pave the way for privatization of education with increased fees and loss of job security for teachers.
Though there appears merit in both views, there is a lack of government-teachers communication. There should be debate on the subject.
The government should not be in a hurry to impose its proposals and if it is confident that the proposals will improve the management and quality of education, it should talk to all parties having an interest or concern in the matter.
CHAGHTAI MIRZA EIJAZUDDIN
Chairman, D. J. College Alumni Federation,
Karachi
IT is a common sight to see at night, on deserted roads, respectable citizens not only jumping the traffic light without any qualms but also justifying their action to there being little or no traffic at that time. However, the same people become the most law abiding on the mere presence of a foot constable at the crossing.
I think it is in our genes to flout the law to our advantage given an opportunity on any pretext, justifiable or not. Seeing the past record of the politicians, the common man is apprehensive of the newly elected parliamentarians who might turn out to be as much corrupt and selfish as those ruling this country in the past.
I have, however, no such concerns. Musharraf will be around to take care of them, at least for the next five years.
COL (R) RIAZ JAFRI
Rawalpindi
AIR pollution due to smoke-emitting vehicles has become a serious hazard to the health of the public exposed to it. Authorities ought to do something in this regard.
The first step should be to create an awareness through street banners and campaigns in the electronic and the print media. Next, the owners of smoke-emitting vehicles should be advised to get their vehicles free from emissions causing pollution, by a certain date.
After that date is passed, a campaign should be launched to check smoke-emitting vehicles including rickshaws. Vehicles with engines requiring overhauling, should be given tickets.
JAMSHAID MOHSIN
Lahore
THE appeasement of Germany at Munich in 1938 caused the demise of the League of Nations. The United Nations is most likely to meet the same fate if it does not challenge the arrogant and haughty attitude of the only super power and some of its allies.
AHMAD SIDDIQUI
Karachi
IT is appreciable that someone collected courage to expose the corrupt officials and brought to light the tactics being used by the Excise Department in the levy of property tax to extort money from the property owners (‘Property tax and corruption’ Sept 27).
I would like to add that the Sindh government has allowed certain concession/rebates in connection with property tax which is hardly known to common tax-payers. The Excise Department takes full advantage of this unawareness and allows these concessions only when a tax-payer agrees to please them.
According to the notification (Dawn June 19, 2001), the admissible concessions/rebates are:
1) Properties built prior to 1970 and 1980 are allowed (certain percentage of) rebate.
2) ACC, tin sheets, etc. shall be assessed less than 25 per cent of the revised rate.
3) For the properties in Karachi Zone ‘C’ (DE, J-II, J-III, K-II & 5) tax on covered area is Rs0.30 per sq ft.
The concerned authorities are requested to take measures to prevent issue of inflated challans and ensure that the tax-payers are allowed lawful rebates without pleasing officials of the concerned department.
RIAZ-UL-HASAN KHAN
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Rana Syed Rehman’s letter “Request to Karachi orchestras” ( Oct 4) where he writes about the wish of the parents of American journalist Daniel Pearl that they would appreciate if orchestras from around the world, including Karachi, would honour their son by dedicating a performance to him on his birthday (Oct 10).
Unfortunately, I am not a musician. If I were, I would have definitely offered a performance in memory of the murdered journalist. But I want to convey my sympathy to the parents of Daniel and also assure them that everyone who believes in humanity, peace and harmony was depressed and grieved over the killing of their son in Karachi last year.
However, Pearl was not the only one whose life was taken away by the terrorists. So many pearls belonging to parents around the world have been lost on account of terrorism. Let us not forget them nor the sorrow of their unfortunate parents.
JAVED ALI KHAN
Karachi
MR Ayaz Amir, in his semi-autobiographical piece titled, ‘An imperfect education”, (Oct 4) has once again left his readers with a number of points to ponder. Being an ardent fan of his writings, I would like to request him to write an autobiography in his own inimitable style.
I am sure his multi-dimensional wanderings in the fields of literature and history would be of great benefit for the younger generation.
WAQIF
Lahore
THIS is with reference to the letter, ‘Blasphemy law essential’ by Dr Abdur Razzaq Sikendar (Oct 4).
The writer says: “We need peace and harmony in our beloved country and for this purpose the law of blasphemy is essential.”
To be honest, it’s very difficult to comprehend the logic behind this statement. Nevertheless, people are entitled to their opinion. Anyhow, the novel idea of peace and harmony is utterly meaningless if people are falsely implicated under the blasphemy law.
It’s already an enacted law but it doesn’t shower harmony of any sort whatsoever. Otherwise we would surely have been the world’s most peaceful country.
Whether all discriminatory laws, including the blasphemy law, are essential or not is indeed an extremely crucial issue.
Regrettably, in our country laws purely grind the helpless, that is, the minorities in general and the weaker sex in particular. Moreover, the application of these laws has merely tarnished our image as there is no sense of justice in their prevalent nature.
The law in question could easily be distorted in the name of Islam. And what greater argument do mortals need for its annulment!
Just come to think of it, minorities are persecuted legally and constitutionally in this Islamic republic. Most importantly, there is no point in awarding death sentence to a non-Muslim under section 295-C; a non-Muslim simply cannot commit blasphemy because he is a Kafir. Naturally the Hadd punishment is not applicable to him. Another grimy fact is that the blasphemy law is also being abused by Muslims against Muslims to settle petty scores.
These cruel laws ought to be repealed because they ignite religious extremism. Moreover, the interpretation of all these laws makes a vast difference.
Any law which is open to abuse is dangerous. The argument that “nearly all laws in Pakistan are being abused in broad daylight, hence should all of them be abrogated?” does not have much weight. Rather, we ought to be ashamed of our system which is flawed. This is quite a big loophole and by all means not a point for valid and mature argument.
Since we live in Pakistan, the blasphemy law on the statute books of the ‘mother of all democracies’ is not our business. However, Pakistani laws are of utmost importance to us because their interpretation and enforcement directly effect our lives.
Law is supposed to provide justice and not to be twisted according to the wishes of a particular slot. In other words, law is neither supposed to do wrong nor condemn innocent people just like that.
NADIRA REHMAN
Karachi
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