| December 15, 2002 | Sunday | Shawwal 10, 1423 |
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Forex remittance card
Offshore outsourcing
‘An innovative way out’
Money for research
People’s problems
Islam and showbiz personalities
Ibex hunting
Visa fee
‘The final partition’
Renunciation of citizenship
Armymen for civilian jobs
Military government’s performance
JIMMY Carter won the Nobel peace prize for struggling for peace in the world, beginning with the historic Middle East peace process that President George W. Bush is bent on scuttling with mindless indifference.
Since he came to power, Bush has been ignoring the daily killing of Palestinians and Kashmiris and focusing on how to bring about a change of regime in Iraq, flouting all norms
In fact, in a brief period of less than two years, the accidental president has surrendered the presidency to a gang of bullies who seek to rearrange the world to their liking, not through diplomacy and peaceful means but rather through jingoism labelled as “pre-crisis” use of force.
The Bush administration knows that Iraq had nothing to do with the 9/11 incidents, the economic recession in the US or their inability to locate Osama bin Laden, anthrax terrorists or even Washington’s sniper killer. But American know that oil is black gold and Iraq has a lot of it. They also know that nation-building is a dangerous, costly and ultimately thankless task better left to the United Nations.
The CIA has concluded that Iraq does not have nuclear weapons and is militarily far weaker than it was 10 years ago, but the response of the administration has been to squeeze the agency to come up with reports that support its unsupportable case for invasion.
And how insulting to the collective intelligence of the American nation it was to see the US president hold up photos of dangerous weapons sites that were found to be piles of junk by American journalists who visited the location days later? Clearly, the president wants the UN weapons inspectors to return, fearing that they will not find much in Iraq.
While Carter has exhibited the patience of a peacemaker willing to rebuke contemptible leaders while offering them a path for redemption, Bush has become a self-fulfilling prophet of war, taking delight in the discovery of what he defines as immutable evil, thereby justifying an endless “crusade” against the “infidels”.
RAHIM PANJWANI
Karachi
THE US seems determined to attack Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein at any cost. After Afghanistan, it is Iraq’s turn now. And after Iraq, it might be Iran, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, all part of the ‘axis of evil’. And who knows, Pakistan may also be on the list. It is the beginning of a new era of imperialism.
America’s obsession with attacking Iraq is now very clear. First, it took away all the dossiers on Iraq weapons meant for the UN and announced that it would distribute it later to other members of the UN Security Council, a clear violation of the international law. It could be an attempt to tamper with the documents to justify an attack.
Then came the unconfirmed news about the seizure of a ship carrying scud missiles from North Korea to Iraq. Later, it was clarified that the shipment was bound for Yemen.
If Iraq is attacked, it will add enormously to the sufferings of the Iraqi people, who are already bearing the brunt of US sanctions. This will ultimately lead to more hatred and might even trigger, as a reaction, an unending cycle of violence that would grip the Muslim states and would soon spill over to the West.
The US must understand that hasty and unjustifiable actions will only lead to ‘destruction’. Why make the people of the world suffer?
KHURRAM MUSTIKHAN
Karachi
THIS refers to the letter, ‘Forex remittance card’ (Dec 10), by Ayaz Bader. I agree with his observation that the OPF forex cards division does not respond to e-mails. I, too, sent an e-mail to the OPF authorities several weeks ago, but have not received any reply yet.
I want to make the following suggestions in this regard and hope that they would be considered by the OPF and other authorities concerned.
(1) Make the forex card available to all Pakistanis even if they send the fee to Pakistan in any currency. Presently, this facility is only given if the remittance is in rupees.
(2) Allow endorsements of these cards by any transmitting banks, be they foreign or Pakistani.
(3) There should be no role of Pakistani consulates in regulating these cards as the consulates are already understaffed and overstretched.
(4) Forms and other relevant documents should be available on the Internet. They should not be mailed by a consulate or the OPF.
(5) The forex card should be in the form of a text paper on which endorsements be done. This will save many resources.
(6) Endorsements by banks should be acceptable and there should be no need for a Pakistani consulate to verify that an amount has been remitted, as this process of verification is a big hassle.
I will request the authorities concerned to make it easy for Pakistani expatriates to get forex cards by reducing the number of hassles. The less agencies are involved in the process, the better it would be.
S. K. MASOOD
Arkansas, USA
ALTHOUGH the US information technology industry has been in a slump since the late 2000, this downturn has created a huge opportunity for IT developing countries. The opportunity is that of ‘offshore outsourcing’. This means that US companies get some of their IT projects designed outside of the US.
The benefit accruing to the US companies by taking these projects offshore is in respect of its cost, particularly the labour cost. The country that is taking a lead in welcoming these projects is none other than India.
India tops the list of countries handling offshore projects for many reasons. First, India has a large number of computer literates. Second, this country has developed the infrastructure required to handle seamless project development life cycle which is free from environmental concerns and other hassles such as electricity shutdowns. Third, India has marketed itself greatly as being an important IT centre, maybe, second only to the US itself.
In this sector there is a great opportunity for Pakistan. There is no dearth of talent and manpower in our country. All that needs to be done for a good start in this direction is for the well-established companies to take notice of the great economic potential that this industry offers, and to seriously start considering investing in it.
FAISAL HABIB GHAURI
Clarendon Hills, USA
THIS refers to the editorial, ‘An innovative way out’ (Nov 24). The KESC is to be commended for introducing temporary connections for public functions, and for events taking place that are legally organized. Street cricket, however, does not come under this classification.
The playing of street cricket, whether in the day or during the night, causes hazards and is a public nuisance. One may seek to condone it because of the lack of playing facilities, but many who play street cricket consider it a right because of the convenience, even when playing fields are available in the vicinity.
In his letter on this subject (Nov 28), Dr Mohammad Idrees Adhi mentioned the hazards and dangers the public are likely to encounter. If we add the possibility of traffic accidents, particularly at night, the “innovative way out” does not justify street cricket.
Moreover, street cricket unfortunately is invariably a raucous affair with shouts, appeals or exclamations, accompanying almost every ball that is bowled, that disturb the neighbourhood, specially the sick and the aged. When this take place at night in Ramazan, people in the vicinity are unable to rest properly, so essential for them to rise for Sehri, prayers and starting work earlier than normal.
OSWIN MASCARENHAS
Karachi
THE editorial, ‘Money for research’ (Nov 29), is an eye-opener for the nation. lt should be a matter of concern for us to learn that a paltry amount of one million rupees has been allocated to the Quaid-i-Azam University’s current research budget.
On the other hand, we give away millions of rupees monthly as salaries and perks and privileges to an army of MPAs and MNAs, mostly coming from affluent feudal families like Lagharis, Khakwanis, Makhdooms and Sardars. Can these feudal lords not forgo their perks and privileges, at least partially, and divert the amount, thus saved, to improve the quality of our education?
The editorial has rightly pointed out that “as long as we are reluctant to spend more on research, our public universities will continue to be mired in a sea of mediocrity, with faculty teachers using decades-old teaching methods and churning out graduates with poor skills.”
Our system of education has already lost credibility within the country and abroad due to the poor quality of our students who lack creativity, innovation, independent thinking and analytical skills.
It is not only the research facilities which are inadequate, most of our colleges and schools also do not possess basic equipment and apparatus for lab practicals. These institutions are just churning out degree and certificate-holders with half-baked knowledge.
PROF ATA-UL-HAQ SUBHANI
Faisalabad
THIS refers to Ardeshir Cowasjee’s article (Dec 9). Although it contains detailed comments on Ordinance No. VIII of 2002 and the pending litigations. I, as a member of the legal community, am duty bound to bring more facts to the knowledge of the public.
Hundreds of cases have been filed by SHEHRI against almost all high-rise buildings but it is disappointing that not a single case has been brought against encroachments on footpaths on almost all the roads of Karachi. They include the road in front of Sindh Islamia Hotel and the GPO, Marriot Road and Zaibunnissa Street. I, as a citizen, ask SHEHRI whether it has taken any step in this regard.
As far as Ordinance No. VIII of 2002 is concerned, it is a valid piece of legislation and has been promulgated for the convenience of the public and to save them from unnecessary paperwork and red tape by the KBCA.
MUHAMMAD ASGHAR
Karachi
This refers to the write-up, ‘Catching the spirit’ (Dec 9, Images), by Shazman Shariff. It was interesting to know the role that the holy Quran seems to have played in the lives of many showbiz personalities.
Unfortunately, direct access to the holy Quran is not a matter of priority or urgency in much of the Muslim world today. There are too many filters and modulators. Making the message of the holy Quran available to readers who do not understand Arabic is the most important service Muslims can do to their own community and to others. In the present troubled times, it is the need of the hour.
Those who know Urdu well are fortunate because they have some excellent translations made available to them in nice, beautiful Urdu by Maulana Maududi, Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi and others.
I hope Muslims will soon be able to match and surpass that standard in English, too.
SYED PASHA
New York, USA
This is with reference to the letter, ‘Ibex hunting’ (Dec 12) by Haseeb Khalid. The wildlife in Pakistan are our national wealth. Apart from their aesthetic value, they help keep the ecosystem in balance.
Most nations make conscious efforts to protect their ecosystems but, in our country, things are altogether different.
Ibex goats are not in surplus. A large number of animals, including Ibex goats, died in the last drought in Sindh and Balochistan. Even if they are in surplus in one part of the country, they can be donated to deficit areas like Hazar Gangi National Park, Muslikh Range near Quetta and Kamalia Park.
These animals are a good source of recreation and education. I wonder why the government has allowed hunters to kill them?
MUHAMMAD IQBAL
President, Pakistan Society for Conservation of Wildlife,
Karachi
A VISIT visa to Pakistan now costs visitors of non-Pakistani origin $120 (Rs7,200 according to the current parity rates of the dollar and the rupee) for one year.
By any standards, $120 is a high fee for a one -year visit visa even in the US. Would it be good if only a few people visit Pakistan due to the high visit visa fee?
If a family of five Americans wants to tour Pakistan, it will have to pay $600 (Rs36,000) as visa fee. This is in addition to a host of hurdles, including extraordinary security checks at airports.
DR A. RAZA KHAN
Washington, USA
IRFAN Husain’s article, ‘The final partition’ (Nov 23), was an excellent read and a wonderful portrayal of the growing intolerance between the people of the two countries.
My father always tried to explain to us that politics would never get between the people of India and Pakistan. We believed him then, but now I see that his idealism is getting far-fetched.
I see, to my amazement, some of my Pakistani friends in the US spitting fire against their Indian co-workers and I cannot understand such sentiments.
When my husband and I try to talk some “sense” into them, they see us as traitors to the Pakistani cause, whatever that is. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Indians would be harbouring similar feelings against the Pakistanis. Maybe, they are only too discreet in our presence.
Irfan Husain made things clearer, sadly so. I hope our press will continue to provide space to writings such as this piece, and enough people would read them and rethink their discriminatory ideas.
GHAZAL MIR
Arkansas, USA
This refers to the letter, ‘Renunciation of citizenship’ (Dec 11) by Tanweer Hussain, in which he stated that the issuance of renunciation of Pakistan Citizenship Certificate took around nine months in the directorate-general of immigration and passports.
He further stated that his application for renunciation of Pakistani citizenship had been forwarded to the DGI&P by our consulate-general at Frankfurt.
It is clarified that the application of Shaikh Tanweer Hussain, resident of Bickenbach, Germany, was received on Sept 20 through the consulate-general and the renunciation certificate was dispatched through a diplomatic bag on Nov 29.
The processing time at this directorate-general, if all necessary documents are provided, is not nine months but only about two months. Efforts are being made to reduce it further.
The suggestion regarding the mentioning of place of issue on the certificate has been noted.
KHALID SAEED HAROON
Director-General, Immigration and Passports,
Islamabad
I HAVE read in Dawn that in the last few months several retired and serving military officers have been appointed on civilian executive positions.
One fails to understand as to why army officers are being appointed heads of various civilian organizations, including financial institutions.
AMJAD SIDDIQUI
Toronto, Canada
ON the eve of the formation of the political government, Gen Musharraf recounted his own and his government’s achievements. Basically these related to the ending of so-called sham democracy, abolition of corruption, accountability, improvement in economy, increase in foreign reserves, rehabilitation of the country in the world community, increase in collection of taxes, holding of election as per Supreme Court judgment and ushering in of a true democracy.
All dictators throughout history, with a very few exceptions, have surveyed their domains with coloured glasses; that is, they see what they want to see and their underlings ensure that they are isolated from reality. Now that Gen Musharraf is no longer the chief executive, the realization will soon dawn on him that the country today is no better than what it was when he dispatched an elected government for whatever reasons.
In fact, if anything in material terms, it is worse than before. It is an accepted fact that the poverty level has increased and the literacy level remains static, if not lower, corruption in the government departments dealing with citizens rages unabated, exploitation in the name of religion and of women continues unhindered, clean drinking water remains as scarce as ever, indiscipline in the land abounds as before, investment in the economy is as shy as ever and rehabilitation in the world community is a mere chimera liable to be revered by just one wrong move by the government.
Indeed, the only change that has occurred is in the realm of foreign policy and in the increase in foreign reserves, both of which being inter-related. Need it be said that these changes are not attributable to any volition or effort on the part of Gen Musharraf’s government but due to circumstances that emerged in the wake of the 9/11 incidents, and the result would not have been different had any other government been in power at the time.
The accountability process started with such fanfare was also derailed when a number of known corrupt individuals were let off and a great many of them remain comfortably ensconced in the UK and the USA even though the government had the clout, due to its support of war on terror, to have them brought to justice. Besides, selective accountability cannot be a substitute for rule of law, so essential for controlling corruption. Indeed the only thing to the credit of the military regime has been running of a relatively clean administration at the cabinet level though marked by ineffectiveness.
As a rule, one does not expect from dictators any extraordinary results but one does expect them to at least instil discipline. When the Italian dictator, Mussolini, was criticized for achieving nothing, it was said that at least during his time the trains ran on time. Alas, that too, did not happen here.
As regards the loudest claim of the general that he rid the country of sham democracy and introduced true democracy, the wheeling-dealing and horse-trading that we have witnessed in the National Assembly and the fact that certain individuals with skeletons in their cupboards have still found a niche in the new government, make this claim a mockery.
One might ask, what has Pakistan gained from these three years of interregnum?
JUSTICE (R) M. SHAIQ USMANI
Karachi
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