| November 3, 2002 | Sunday | Sha’aban 27,1423 |
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Need of a trauma centre in Hyderabad
Deprived of a possible victory
Why should we oppose MMA?
State Bank’s misplaced focus
Smile, you look better
When law becomes a bottleneck
Poverty reduction
Water shortage in DHA
Roads need carpeting
Election of PM
Boycott of US goods
Eradication of Karo-kari
Menace of pye-dogs
Fair is foul and foul is fair
THIS is with reference to a letter, “Why this US bashing?”, by Fida Hussain (Oct 21). He has raised the question of “ideology” without answering my question.
You are welcome to follow any ideology, vote for it and bring your party to power, but I do not see any reason why as Pakistanis we should demonize the United States.
We already have problems with India, which is much larger in population and territory and has designs on our territory. It has not reconciled to Pakistan’s existence, and it will always find some pretext to attack and destroy Pakistan. In such a situation, I do not see why we need another enemy. We do not need even Malta and Madagascar as enemies.
America is not Pakistan’s enemy; it has never been, and it has no reasons to be. It has done no harm to us. There is no conflict of interests between Pakistan and the US.
America is situated thousands of miles away from us. It is a great economic, military and scientific power with which we should have friendly relations, just as we should have with Germany, France, Japan, Britain and Italy. These powerful nations have no claims on any piece of Pakistani territory, and they have cooperated with us previously in economic development and in combating Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. America and these countries helped equip the mujahideen for the jihad against Afghanistan’s Soviet occupation.
It is true that we do not appreciate America’s role in the Middle East and its total support to the occupation of Palestine by Western Jewry. For that, we can continue to raise our voice in the United Nations and elsewhere. But we do not have to treat America as an enemy.
Please note that the Arabs make no difference between Pakistan and India, in spite of New Delhi’s recognition of the Zionist entity and its close military and intelligence cooperation with it.
If we had not supported the US on Afghanistan, Washington would have attacked Afghanistan in any case. But we would have been the losers, for it is India and America that would have become military allies against us. That would have been disastrous for Pakistan
Let us be friendly with America, just as we must be friendly with Chile and New Zealand. There is no fun in making a new enemy, specially a powerful one.
JAMIL SOHAIL
Karachi
THERE is a dire need to have modern and well-equipped trauma centres to cope with major accidents because casualty departments cannot deal with such cases.
The Civil Hospital, Hyderabad, has been rendering healthcare services, including emergency treatment, but can only cope with small and medium casualties due to non-availability of space required for a larger setup, like trauma centre.
The Pakistan Medical Association, Sindh, has been drawing attention of the Sindh government to this matter. I would advise the authorities of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Science to move the provincial government and the University Grants Commission, and obtain financial and technical support in this respect.
As far as the space and location of such trauma centre is concerned, the Muslim Hospital Hyderabad, just opposite the present COD, is an ideal place. It is very close to the University Hospital and the present occupants, the rangers, may be requested to shift to the vast cantonment/army area lying vacant and unutilized. The rangers will, I am sure, cooperate in this noble cause.
Dr NOOR MUHAMMAD MEMON
Hyderabad
PAKISTAN’s 41-run defeat in Colombo by Australia in the first of the three Tests’ rubber was not merely due to the indifferent approach of the green brigade, but due to lack of planning from the concerned authorities.
Firstly, the decision to drop Danesh Kaneria, at the expense of Mohammad Sami, from the playing eleven and, secondly and significantly, the ouster of Shahid Afridi from the touring party proved disastrous.
The expulsion of Afridi and retention of Imran Nazir seemed highly illogical. If we carry out a comparison of the two, we can easily say that Shahid Afridi stands head and shoulders above Imran Nazir.
To begin with, if we consider the specialized fields of the two, we instantly get to know that Shahid is an all- rounder in contrast to Nazir’s sole batsmanship. If we take the youngster’s fielding into account, we reach a conclusion that there is hardly any difference, as either are agile and safe fieldsmen.
Lastly, but certainly not the least, Afridi’s more than useful leggies could have or rather should have edged him past Imran Nazir and could have made inroads for another specialist batter to bolster the more vulnerable batting line of the invitees. The ouster of Azhar Mehmood and Shoaib Malik from the touring squad is also mindboggling, as both possess a good enough record to find a place at least on the reserve bench.
Now, if we analyze the second innings, we see some yet again non-serious and unprofessional approach from some very professional players. For instance, the off drive-cum-horizontal bat slog of seasoned campaigner, Saqlain Mushtaq, eased the task for the other side. The silly strokes of Misbah-ul-Haq and Faisal Iqbal further enabled the Aussies to win the match.
ANWAR ADNAN JAFRI
Karachi
THIS refers to Ayesha Tariq’s letter (Oct 24) and another letter, “Why should we oppose MMA?”, by Baber Khairi (Oct 31).
People oppose them because of their hypocrisy. While they do not like the Musharraf government’s inclinations to cultivate strong ties with the Western countries, specially the US, they have the audacity to send their children to the same countries for acquiring higher education and wealth.
As to their policy about the rights of women, they say that Islam has honoured women by giving them many rights, but they practically oppose all such efforts which could ensure that women exercise their rights. How ironic!
What will they do if, after coming to power, they have to hold negotiations with some women diplomats, say American ambassador to Pakistan, Nancy Powell?
I cannot figure out where they will take our country if they manage to come into power. We have already been striving hard to attract foreign investment back but if we elect MMA-type rulers to the legislature, there will be a complete withdrawal of all foreign investments.
ADIL Dubai, UAE
IN ITS annual report about the fiscal year 2001-02, released on Monday, the State Bank says that Pakistan must continue to implement the IMF/World Bank reforms to improve upon the 3.6 per cent growth in the GDP achieved in the year 2001-02.
The State Bank’s outright emphasis on the continuation of the IMF and World Bank’s reforms seems misplaced as an analysis of their impacts on our country’s economy since 1988 show that these reforms have given birth to the many burning issues that our economy is facing today.
The absolute as well as relative poverty and the dismal state of unemployment in the country are the by-products of these so-called reforms. It thus remains inexplicable why the SBP has warned against discontinuing the reforms.
Furthermore, the SBP seems satisfied with 3.6 per cent growth rate of the gross domestic product. There is no denying the fact that the growth rate in the face of several adverse situations is admirable, but it is not the mere positive GDP growth that should be stuck with as a policy target. More important is the target of an equitable and even distribution of the growth.
Unfortunately the economic growth is not evenly and equitably distributed as we see that, despite a positive average growth rate over the past 14 years, poverty and inequality have been on the rise.
I suggest that when a policy is formulated, not only a measured growth rate should be made policy targets, but also a just and egalitarian distribution of that growth be given a priority.
ALI KEMAL KHUSHIK
Islamabad
THIS refers to a letter, “Smile, you look better”, by Mushtaq Madni (Oct 25).
I do not know why our Ulema look so grim. Generally, their eyes pour forth anger, hatred, venom and jealousy — of God knows what. What is missing from their demeanour is love, compassion and mercy which, in fact, should be the hallmark of any religious personality.
Maulana Fazlur Rahman occasionally smiles, and Maulana Noorani often gives the appearance of a man at peace with himself and the world, but Qazi Hussain Ahmad, the Jamaat chief, is always angry, boiling within himself? Maybe, he misses his American granddaughter.
I would like to quote Mr Madni’s advice to all MMA leaders, “Keep it up, sir. Believe me, you look better.”
LATEEF MINHAS
Hyderabad
IT stands to reason that laws are made for the safety of human beings but if any law fails to protect human life, it should not be called law.
Recently, I visited a hospital to see a friend. While I was passing through the emergency ward, I saw three boys carrying a seriously injured man on a stretcher and entering the emergency ward. They said someone had shot at him and they had brought him there to save his life.
After five or six minutes, a doctor and a nurse came. When the doctor was informed that the victim was an unidentified person, he said he could not touch the victim until the first investigation was completed; this is the law.
After a while a police officer came and asked some questions. He took out the ID card from the victim’s pocket and wrote down his name and address in his book. Then he allowed the doctor to treat the victim and asked us to leave the ward. A little time later, the police officer came out and took the three boys to his mobile van and left for the police station. I was astonished to see the “reward” for their good deed!
After some time, the doctor came out and said to us, “Sorry, you took a long time to bring the victim here.” I kept on thinking about the cause of that man’s death and found it was the insistence on meeting the legal requirements before treatment.
I wish he had been given treatment and time would not have been wasted in asking so many questions.
ARIF RAZA
Karachi
THE recent increase in gas rates for domestic and commercial consumers is unfair and will undoubtedly add to the miseries of the poor.
The funny part of the story is that, as reported in the press, this increase has been made as per an agreement with the World Bank and the IMF as ‘a part of the reforms to ensure the release of the Poverty Reduction Growth Facility tranche this year’.
It has also been reported that according to the agreed formula, the government is bound to revise upward gas and electricity rates twice a year.
The prescriptions of the WB and the IMF for the developing countries are indeed unique.
ABDUL NOOR
Karachi
THERE has been an acute shortage of water in Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, because of the recent rationing of water supply by the KWSB.
This sprawling housing complex needs 8mgd water for which an MoU was signed sometime back. However, DHA has been receiving only 4.5mgd and that, too, with suspensions in between.
The total water storage capacity of DHA is said to be 5.5mgd. It is, therefore, felt that if at least 5mgd bulk water supply is made to DHA, the potable water problem could be solved easily.
At present, since the total water supply of 4.5mgd falls much short of the requirement, the number of water shortage complaints from the residents have been swelling day by day. The problem can assume serious proportions with the advent of Ramazan.
DHA, for its part, has been doing its utmost to tide over the problem by improving the distribution system. A new pipeline of 24/30-inch diameter is being laid down from Chakar Goth to DHA to augment the water flow. It is learnt that half of the work has been completed by now and the rest would be finished during the first quarter of the next year. The water storage capacity will also be upgraded by up to 2.5 million gallons by that time.
However, to give immediate relief to the residents, it should be possible for the concerned high-ups in DHA to persuade the KWSB to release 5mgd for the time being. This increase will solve the problem to a large extent and enable the DHA water management to smoothly carry out its plans for an improved distribution system.
M. ALEEM SHAIKH
Karachi
I AM a resident of PECHS, Block 6, where I have been living for 15 years. I have been paying high taxes and also an extra fee to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).
For the past five to six years, none of the roads of the entire block has been repaired even once. Now almost all of these are in dire need of re-carpeting. The road where the PTCL office is located was recently dug up. It needs to be rebuilt as it has become a traffic hazard.
I urge the city administration and the Nazim of the area to please look into the matter immediately.
A RESIDENT
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Dr Mehnaz Fatima’s letter, “Election of PM” (Oct 30). I agree with her.
I remember that Jamaat-i-Islami leaders had rejected the mandate given to the previous governments on the ground that those governments had been brought to power by a small number of the electorate.
The question arises: is any leader of the Jamaat qualified to become prime minister with 16 per cent of the votes cast in favour of the MMA?
The MMA has not got full support of the people yet. People vote so that their chosen representatives could run the system, not ruin it.
WAJAHAT MEHDI
Detroit, USA
THIS refers to Moeen Faruqi’s letter, “Boycott of US goods (Oct 27). In view of the total destruction of Afghanistan and a threat to invade Iraq, and also the unfair treatment of Muslims in the US, it has become imperative for us to boycott US goods. I wonder why our religious leaders have not yet given such a call, as has been done in Saudi Arabia.
Obviously, we cannot wage a war against a superpower and its allies, but we can hit their soft belly where it hurts the most. If the Muslims the world over boycott their products, their economies which are already showing signs of slowing down would be severely hit.
Let us begin from our own house and mobilize public opinion against consuming cold drink which has been declared unfit for human consumption in the manufacturing country.
S. A. BILGRAMI
Karachi
EVERY month, many innocent girls, women and men fall prey to the custom of Karo-kari (the so-called honour killing). This menace must be eradicated without any delay.
The first step would be to tell people that this custom is an un-Islamic act. A law should be enacted to punish culprits severely. Non-governmental organizations should also take up the issue to save the lives of innocent people.
QAZI NAZIM NAEEM
Hyderabad
ONE comes across pye-dogs barking at passers-by or chasing vehicles in every street and lane in the Saddar area of Karachi, specially during the night.
This is both sad and strange that the authorities concerned are not taking any action to put the pye-dogs to sleep in an area which people visit frequently.
It is time a campaign was launched to relieve the residents of the downtown of this dangerous menace.
DESMOND CARLTON
Karachi
FAIR is foul and foul is fair, so said Shakespeare. This is very true in respect of Pakistan. The latest news (Oct 31) indicates that Asif Ali Zardari is to be exonerated of all charges for lack of evidence and then flown to the UAE for re-union with Benazir Bhutto and his children.
Benazir is to return home triumphantly and to be hailed as Ceaser. A deal has been struck — reportedly at the behest of America and Saudi Arabia. Our head of state had to eat a humble pie because he had no choice but to act according to the dictates of our financial rescuers, as without their financial aid, we cannot survive. We have proved to be incapable of standing on our feet.
No charge would be levelled against Mohtarma, whom the Americans prefer to see as PM instead of Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The Americans are probably panicked over the success of the MMA in the election and fear that their policies could be jeopardized if the MMA occupied the seat of power. Perhaps, the establishment also shares the American view.
Nawaz Sharif would expect the same treatment and the Saudis would pressure President Musharraf to forgive and exonerate Sharif and his family also so that they may return to the country and take part in politics.
Possibly, the government would be headed by Makhdoom Amin Fahim with the support of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his party. They would coordinate with each other and pull members of the opposition parties and independents to their side on account of the repeal of the law banning floor crossing.
It seems everything is now ready. The MMA would sit in the opposition and would have only a nuisance value. Their seat of power in Frontier and Balochistan would be temporary as they would be dislodged by the promulgation of governor’s rule.
Thus the government would carry on with the help of the Americans and the establishment. It appears that our history of the year 1956 would be repeated as coming events cast their shadows.
A. S. PINGAR
Karachi
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