| December 5, 2002 | Thursday | Ramazan 29,1423 |
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Sindh urban quota in CSS
The price of being ungrateful
Call to make PIA competitive
Philosopher Al-Jili’s contribution
‘Rocking the CPLC boat’
Women legislators
Strength of civilization
` Graduate drivers
Meat alternatives
Graceful simplicity
China’s historic transition
TAKING a realistic overall view of the political situation one should have patience with the Jamali government and lend it support in the formative period. He has come to be the prime minister in circumstances that should daunt anyone.
Some wry wit is reported in the press to have said that he wears a crown of thorns. In the best of circumstances, the wise have warned: ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.’ It must be much worse wearing a crown of thorns.
Premier Jamali is not in a very enviable situation. He should know that he has come to preside over a country that needs statesmanship of the highest order. It would call for courage, not compromise. Those who have courage need no compromises to maintain or bolster their position. There is absolutely no reason he should yield to pressure from any party, least of all from the blustery MMA.
All the elements in the MMA alliance have a record that has nothing at all in common with the democratic thinking, polity or practices. They have, in one manner or another, spent years virtually in the lap of the longest ruling dictator in Pakistan’s dappled history. The Jamaat-i-Islami was a cabinet partner of the Zia dictatorship. When dictator Zia declared election was not his book, the JI did not turn a hair.
The JUI has been the godfather of the Taliban and Washington’s comrade in arms. The US was a steadfast patron of Israel then as it is now. By that link, the JUI was an ally of Israel-patronizing George W. Bush.
For the last three years all so-called religious parties have been bending over backwards for democracy. Where were these great devotees of democracy during dictator Zia’s more than 10 blighted years?
Prime Minister Zafraullah Jamali has two options. He is lucky he has options. In fact, a man of principle is never short of honourable options. He should promise to himself and to the nation that he will not wilt under the all too familiar slogans of the parties of piety, parading themselves as God’s real and only soldiers.
Making Friday the weekly holiday did not convert Pakistan into a paradise. It would not make any such difference now. It would cause a lot of damage by giving a handle to the enemies of Pakistan, presenting this country as a fundamentalist state, scaring all investment away. Don’t we believe all days are God’s days? Why fret about Friday?
There will be the old hue and cry about alcohol, about hijab, about segregation of female students and about a host of similar non-issues to confuse this nation and push it into paroxysms of fake self-righteousness.
Once again, there is a direct challenge to the thinking and sensible citizens to protect this nation from these self-appointed pious men, out to insult common sense in the name of purifying the rest of us. It is the duty of all thinking citizens to do whatever lies in their power to debunk fake Islamizers.
A. B. S. JAFRI
Karachi
THE merit list following the CSS 2001 examinations was announced in September this year. Even before the announcement of the list, it was apparently proclaimed by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) and the Establishment Division (ED) that, because of the provisional allocation of seats for some candidates of previous years, this year there will be a cut in seats from the Sindh (urban) quota.
The disputed candidates are from CSS-1999 and CSS-2000, but the whole burden is being transferred to CSS-2001 Sindh (urban) candidates, despite the fact that this year the results are much more competitive than those of the previous years.
The quota for federal services is provided in the constitution to safeguard the legitimate rights of the smaller provinces, but this uneven adjustment has made the safeguards ineffective.
Although the quota reserved for the category is just 7.6 per cent (though the combined population of Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur is about 10 per cent), sheer injustice is being done to this already deprived category.
This year more than 25 candidates have qualified in CSS-2002 examinations from Sindh (urban), but the announcement of nine seats (against 13 reserved seats for the category) has come as a bombshell. Allocation of just nine seats to a combined population of about 13 million adds insult to injury.
Reportedly, out of the 13 seats reserved for Sindh (urban), the FPSC is inclined to cut about four seats (about 25 per cent) to accommodate the disputed candidates of previous years against the “rules for competitive examinations 2001”.
There is no such law that empowers the FPSC or the ED to allocate seats to disputed candidates of the previous year from this year’s quota.
Furthermore, the new rules for the CSS-2002 examinations have changed the policy regarding domicile status by eliminating all checks to curb the encroachment on the quota reserved for the smaller provinces. This discriminatory treatment to the smaller provinces negates the spirit of federalism and must require immediate attention of the newly-elected government.
AFFECTED CANDIDATES
Karachi
IF one’s devoted efforts of several years cannot promise due promotion to one in an organization, be that private or public, it can safely be said that the organization is rotting and will eventually fail to yield good results.
The same is true of our educational institutes where the standard of education is fast deteriorating, mainly because teachers are not paid good salaries and hard-working teachers are seldom promoted. This is also a form of corruption, which is dealing a heavy blow to our educational institutions.
The head of an organization must appreciate dedicatedworkers and promote them as a reward for their hard work. Why do we raise slogans against corruption and injustice at higher levels when
we are implanting these menaces in schools? No wonder that most teachers have become listless and are devoid of the urge to be the best among the lot.
AISHA KHAN
Karachi
I WENT to Lahore and Islamabad in company of a friend on Oct 12. First, we wanted to fly by our national carrier (PIA). The agent told us that the fare of PIA from Karachi to Lahore was about Rs4,200. Whereas a private airline charge about Rs3,100 for the same journey.
For me, it was unbelievable. How could there be a difference of Rs1,100 for only one-way ticket? So, we opted for the private airline. The service and all other facilities of the private airline were in no way less than PIA’s.
From Lahore to Islamabad, we had no option because only PIA operates on this route. The fare for 25 minutes’ ride was Rs2,100. Would the CAA kindly explain as to why private airlines are not allowed to fly on this route? I am sure their fares would have been about Rs1,500.
The PIA fare from Islamabad to Karachi is about Rs4,895 and that of the private airline is only Rs3,480. So, I, a teacher, saved a good sum. The service of the private airline was simply good, and we were looked after well by the staff.
Wake up, PIA, we have already entered the global and private sector competition.
J.N. RAHI
Petaro
THIS is with reference to Zamir Ali Badaiyuni’s article, ‘Nietzsche, Iqbal and post-modernism’ (No 24). It was quite heartening to read anything of philosophical nature, a phenomenon fast disappearing in a country that was conceived by a poet-philosopher.
Our present intellectual scene is dominated by critique of post-modernism and deconstruction as the latest philosophical movements. Personally, I do not have anything against post-modernism and deconstruction or taking them as philosophical movements, though I am of the view that they have not contributed to the evolution of modern philosophical thought in the true sense of the word.
As to Mr Badayuni’s article, I am constrained to say that it was quite disappointing in some respects. First, he does not seem to be sure about the name of a great Muslim philosopher of Al-Jili’s stature as he has misspelt it as Al-Jelly (a queer word to say!).
Abdul Karim Al-Jili was a Muslim thinker of 14th and 15th centuries. He was greatly influenced by Ibn-i-Arabi, and his mystical philosophy of the perfect man had a profound influence upon later mystics and thinkers, most of all Allama Iqbal who, in refutation of those who alleged that his concept of Mard-i-Momin had been influenced by Nietzsche’s concept of superman, openly declared that his concept of the perfect man had its origins in the ideas of Muslim mystics and philosophers like Al-Jili.
It is unfortunate that Al-Jili has not been studied as he ought to have been. He is one of the very few thinkers who conceived the absolute being as a self, an idea which was later to be developed by Allama Iqbal in the context of his philosophy of self in a profound and fascinating way in his prose and poetry.
What I want to point out is that just a passing reference can hardly do justice to such a profound thinker. Moreover, the comparison between Nietzsche, Rumi and Iqbal is not quite conclusive, to say the least. Having said this, I would like to add that the subject is quite important and requires serious consideration.
DR ASLAM ANSARI
Multan
SAMI Mustafa, in his letter, ‘Rocking the CPLC boat (Nov 30), refers to some “intrigue” to replace the chief of the “highly-respected CPLC”.
It is very grotesque if it is so. Or is it a well-orchestrated campaign at the behest of the CPLC chief, who is very a competent and honourable man and has been at the helm for the last many years?
There is an ugly flip side to this matter. If he is not doing it already, who would stop him if he wishes to declare, “I am the CPLC”, following in the footsteps of Louis XIV of France or the infamous director of the FBI, Edgar Hoover?
In all civilized societies, individuals are supposed to make an exit or be replaced after serving for a while. That is how institutions draw on fresh blood and get strengthened.
It is only in certain developing societies like ours that we start equating individuals with the institution and have “chairpersons for life” or some legacies passing on even to the next generation and so on and start smelling a rat even in a straightforward, normal, timely moveover.
In this entire episode what is soul-wrenching for those who know Nazim Haji is the foul language that Mr Mustafa has used for that gentleman.
SYED QAISER ALI
Karachi
I AM indebted to the CPLC’s team and particularly to Jameel Yusuf for his untiring effort and dedication during the crisis in 2000 when my husband was kidnapped.
Mr Yusuf worked round-the- clock with my brother-in-law on this mission and they spent sleepless nights with us for his recovery.
We saw the humane and compassionate traits of this man, who would take time out to counsel my children and give me the strength to carry on.
AZRA RAZA
Karachi
TALKING about our women legislators, Ardeshir Cowasjee has rightly stated in his article (Dec 1) that “wives, sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins, buddies and favour-collectors and so forth of our political heavyweights make up the larger number”.
Even the pious ones, who used to accuse the feudals of foisting their kith and kin on the nation, did not resist the temptation of bringing their own family members to the legislatures. A few, if any, of these members have reached the assemblies from the rank and file of the political parties.
But now they are all talking about changing the future of women in this country. What their fathers, brothers, husbands and patrons could not achieve in decades, they hope to do it in just five years. Is this the height of optimism or just tall talk?
If they are really serious about their resolve, why don’t they form a women’s group across the political divide?
H. U. HASNAIN
Islamabad
I WOULD like to say with regard to Advani’s “challenge” of war that the strength of a civilization is not measured by its ability to fight wars but by its ability to prevent them.
As an Indian, he might happily want to follow the path that leads to a loss of millions of lives but, I, as a Pakistani, would rather explore other possibilities, peace being the topmost on my list of priorities.
It is time the Indians started taking responsibility for what is going on in their own
territory, occupied or otherwise, rather than blaming it on whomsoever it seems convenient.
SAIMA ABBAS
Karachi
IT is good to see that the government is importing a large number of CNG-run buses from China for solving Karachi’s transport problems.
I suggest the concerned authorities hire and train our unemployed educated youths, preferably graduates, in driving these buses.
Such educated youths would behave responsibly and have greater concern for people’s lives. Conductors, too, should be at least matriculate.
I am sure that this step would bring about a pleasant change in the lives of commuters.
NASREEN A. AHMAD
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the news item, ‘City government wants meat prices reduced’ (Nov 30).
As a consultant on nutrition, I can say that no other food group is as good a source of high biological value protein as meat. It is indispensable to growing children, adolescents, pregnant women who suffer from an iron deficiency, and also the aged.
Iron is found in red meat in a form that can be utilized by the body most effectively. Protein-energy malnutrition is a condition resulting from a deficiency of protein in the diet which manifests itself in several ways, including an increased susceptibility to infection.
However, now it is widely recommended that people should substitute plant protein for some of the animal protein in their diets. Dry beans (lentils, cereals), also known as the ‘poor man’s meat’, are the richest source of vegetable protein. These are low in fat and cholesterol and a good source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. Also, innovative and tasty dishes can be prepared with them.
Those who have lived in societies that relied heavily on meat and animal products have paid a very high price for it. These food items are loaded with fat and cholesterol that lead to heart attacks, cancer, diabetes and food poisoning. Those who eat a lot of meat are likely to consume too few carbohydrates and may have unnecessary fatigue.
SHAISTA TARIQ NAWAZ
Toronto, Canada
IT is highly encouraging that our prime minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, is always seen in the simple national dress — shalwar-kameez and waistcoat.
This simplicity enhances his personality manifold. I hope that members of his cabinet and government functionaries would also follow suit, thereby, setting an example of simplicity and austerity for the masses.
PROF (R) A. H. SUBHANI
Faisalabad
THIS refers to the article, ‘China’s historic transition’ (Nov 30), by Muhammad Ali Siddiqi.
I think it is only too facile to seek to interpret China’s recent economic successes solely with respect to the post-Mao period or what Mr Siddiqi terms “China’s third revolution” initiated by Deng Xiaoping.
It is too convenient to forget that the ambitious modernization programme China embarked on after Mao’s death was only and only a result of the achievements of Mao Zedong.
No backward country like China was in the days before the revolution in 1949 could have modernized in a short period of 20-odd years under Deng if it had not been for the fact that under Mao, feudalism and landlordism, which characterized China under the Qing dynasty, were readily abolished. Millions of Chinese peasants were, thus, liberated from the yoke of serfdom.
There are other achievements of Maoist China which are frequently glossed over by so-called experts on China, since Mao and Maoism are no longer fashionable topics for commentators, most of whom appear to have embraced Fukuyama’s arcane thesis on the “end of history” and appear to see each country in terms of the profit motive and how far that country is open to foreign investment.
China’s workforce today is one of the most educated in the world; this was solely the result of the mass literacy programmes initiated by Mao during the Cultural Revolution. Likewise, if today, the Chinese economy has the potential to feed its 1.30 billion people, it was possible because of the achievements of the communization programme under Mao. The programme provided three square meals to the Chinese people every day.
I disagree with Mr Siddiqi when he says that “Deng repudiated class struggle because he thought the Chinese revolution had crossed that stage”. What happened was that after Mao’s death the Chinese Communist Party came under the dominance of the right-wing led by Deng, who no longer believed in Mao’s revolutionary principles; this had also to do with the general deradicalization of that other colossus of Marxism, the Soviet Union under Khrushchev.
I am a bit less optimistic than Mr Siddiqi is about China’s economic and political future courtesy the new leadership under Hu Jintao. Internally, there has been discontent with the policies of the Chinese government, particularly among workers in the coastal cities. The state is gradually withdrawing itself from providing free food, medicine and education for the masses as it embarks on a corporatization of the “Communist” Party;
Sooner or later China’s fragile capitalism will have to accommodate people’s needs; it certainly cannot do that while moving further towards big capital and ignoring its people’s needs. It cannot sustain its present high growth rates indefinitely. So, in order to prevent socio-political explosions from below, China’s government would be wise to redirect some of these gains towards the discontented Chinese masses. Otherwise, most of the achievements for which Mao’s peasant army toiled for over 20 years would appear to have been in vain.
RAZA NAEEM
Lahore
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