Plight of drought-hit people

FOR the past over six years, Sindh and Balochistan have been in the grip of the environmental impact of one of worst droughts on record. The Indus is barely flowing as there is no rain. Then, the wetlands of Sindh are dying because they are no longer fed by hill torrents.

The prolonged interference in natural water resources by the National Drainage Programme and other multi-million-dollar mega projects, funded by the World Bank and other foreign donor agencies, has brought our provinces to this tragic situation, putting food security for our people and agricultural activity in jeopardy.

Moreover, unemployment is rampant in rural areas. My recent trip to lower Sindh, through Tharparkar right up to Mithi, revealed the extent of shortage of food for both men and livestock. Men and their livestock are either sitting idle or are just wandering around. The mainstay of employment — water for Thar — is non-existent. There is no agricultural activity in the region.

In normal times, the livestock are healthy when they have enough to eat. Mechanized farming is practised in a few areas of each district. Areas like Tharparkar and the habitat in the Khirthar mountains have villages which are scattered and at large distances in between, with poor communications.

The people of Sindh are innovative, but how can they fight the drought without massive injections from the government for resources and infrastructure? How do they get equal opportunity to live?

These people are the foundation of governments, democratic or otherwise. The economic indicators on paper drawn up in offices in the capitals of the four provinces and then in Islamabad for further dispatch for the clearance of more funds for the establishment do not depict a realistic picture.

Most important, if the Balochistan government can release billions of rupees to mitigate the suffering of drought victims of the province, why does the Sindh government not follow suit?

Prime Minister Jamali is a seasoned social worker. We have, for the first time, a prime minister who served the people voluntarily. Now the people who are affected by the calamity need his immediate attention and prompt relief. The affected people should not be subjected to typical governmental methods, as in that system, they feel humiliated.

MUMTAZ RASHDI

President, Sindh Sudhar Tehrik,

Karachi

Polio vaccine: safety issues

IN her letter (Feb 2), Aliya Shahid has described an acute allergic reaction to the first dose of the polio vaccine which was given to her son.

This is an extremely rare occurrence and used to occur when antibiotics like neomycin or streptomycin used to be added to the polio vaccine to stabilize it. The more serious side effect is the one known as vaccine-associated paralytic polio. The incidence is as low as one in two million doses. It mostly happens after the administration of the first dose of the polio vaccine, and is almost unknown after the second or subsequent doses.

Putting it in a proper perspective, if all the babies born in Pakistan in one year are given polio drops, one or two babies might develop this kind of paralysis. Compare this with the smallpox vaccine where one in 10,000 children given the vaccine used to have a severe or fatal reaction.

The total number of immunodeficient persons suffering from this adverse reaction over the last 40 years is 19. The injectable vaccine contains inactivated polio virus and produces immunity in the person who is injected with this vaccine, but is not excreted. So the unimmunized children around do not become immune unlike with oral polio vaccine is given to them.

Secondly, it needs a skilled person to administer the vaccine through an injection. Thus, giving the polio vaccine through injections in a national campaign is not feasible. Injections have their own serious side effects. Besides, an injection is 10 times more expensive than an oral vaccine.

Finally, we need to remember that most of the countries of the world have eradicated polio by using oral polio vaccine.

We should also remember that no drug is 100 per cent effective or safe. But the vaccines have the best cost benefit and risk benefit ratio of all the drugs. We are nearing a stage when polio will be completely eradicated by the use of vaccine and we may not need to use it anymore.

PROF TARIQ IQBAL BHUTTA

Chairman, National Polio Eradication Certification Committee,

Lahore

Need for educational reforms

THE world is rapidly developing in all sectors of life. Unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging behind. Although more than 50 years have passed since independence, the nation is still in the midst of despair.

This is because of incompetent governments, the short-sighted policies adopted by the rulers and, of course, the reluctance of the people to work faithfully for the state. As a result Pakistan has reached a stage where it requires complete overhauling of its institutions.

Pakistan’s educational system and the literacy rate are appalling. It will not be possible to instill a uniform ideology into the people for the purpose of national supremacy. The entire educational system has to be reformed.

We need to bridge the gap between English medium and Urdu medium schools (this does not mean conversion of Urdu medium into English medium, but upgrading the standard of Urdu medium schools). National studies, right from primary schools, should be made essential.

Moreover, the literature about the European enlightenment period such as Stuart Mill on liberty, Rousseau on social contract should be made compulsory in secondary schools, be they private or public. This will give a new vision and broaden the mental horizon of the people. The effects of such a policy will be gradual, but permanent.

MAKHDOOM TAHIR

New York, USA

Why not celebrate Basant?

With reference to Asif Sheikh Javaid’s letter (Feb 3), I would like to suggest that Basant’s event may be used to promote industrial growth and exports as well as to enliven cultural activities .

The federal government, along with the provincial governments and semi-government institutions, should celebrate and conduct an ‘International Basant Industrial Exhibition’ at Lahore or Karachi on every Basant.

The proposed exhibition should be held for three days or for a whole week in which all multinationals, national companies, banks, DFI’s, institutions and organizations will participate. Many developed countries have converted their local traditional festivals into industrial and commercial exhibitions to promote exports, tourism and industrial activities.

The commercial attaches appointed throughout the world in Pakistan’s embassies should be given this task.

SAALIM SALAM ANSARI

Karachi

Bypass needed immediately

THE Muzaffargarh ring-road project, sanctioned long ago, continues to be held hostage to the interests of local municipal and law-enforcement agencies, both of which fear loss of toll tax and other ‘extralegal’ incomes if it is built.

Thus, the funds that were earmarked for this project from time to time always lapsed. At present the added element of rivalry between the local government and central, provincial public representatives threatens to further delay the construction of this bypass which is a sine qua non for the economy and people of Muzaffargarh.

The chief minister of Punjab are requested to order construction of the bypass around Muzaffargarh to divert heavy traffic away from the thickly-populated parts of the city.

MUHAMMAD AKBAR

Muzaffargarh

Humanitarian aspect of Iraq war

THE United Nations recently released a report on the humanitarian crisis as a consequence of the impending war on Iraq. It has been estimated that the conflict will create more than two million refugees.

In mid-January, the Turkish Red Cresent Society began preparations for a large number of refugees who are expected to cross into Turkey from Iraq if a war is imposed on Iraq by the US and its allied countries.

The current state of health in Iraq is appalling. The availability of food, medicines and other basic necessities of life has become almost impossible. If, in these circumstances, a war is imposed, Iraq is bound to face death and destruction.

During the 1991 Gulf war, Turkey received almost half a million refugees. But in the event of another war imposed on Iraq, more than two million people may enter Turkey and other neighbouring states. It is also feared that as a result of war, more than 200,000 civilians may die.

The UN has estimated that 60 per cent Iraqis depend on the government rations. Under the UN oil for food scheme since 1996, Iraq has covered almost 70 per cent of its food needs. However, the people face problems likely injuries, deaths and bombing.

Besides the death of the civilians and non-civilians, destruction of essential infrastructure such as communications, roads, water reservoirs, electricity and gas supplies and health services would also take place. These services are already in a shambles.

TARIQUE MAHMOOD SIYAL

Islamabad

WHAT makes empires rise and fall? The people of a nation feel certain deficiencies which give rise to a collective ambitious mind which, in turn, generates a system or a leader that they use to expand their reach up to the remote corners of the world. This explains the rise, but how does its fall come about?

Here, an analogy to the pathophysiology of the human heart failure is called for. When the heart is afflicted by blockage of an artery (a heart attack), it is rendered weak and it initially overcomes this deficiency by expansion of its muscle. It grows in size as a result, but the extra muscle needs extra nutrition which the already deficient heart is unable to supply and, therefore, it ultimately fails and is likely to die. This is the point when it can be saved by external help.

Similarly, an overstretched empire can also be saved by associating external people. Perhaps, today’s sole superpower’s perpetuation, too, lies in the same formula. Immigration has been a strength of the United States since this country came into existence and its discontinuation is fraught with great dangers for it.

The Bush administration may be well advised not to scare its alien population as it is doing presently, and to release the suspended JI visas of the Pakistani doctors already selected for hospitals in the US.

MUHAMMAD ABRAR

Muzaffargarh

Administrative wisdom

THIS refers to S. Asif Majid’s letter, ‘Administrative wisdom’ (Jan 24).

More than a century back, a deputy district officer (Revenue) was called as deputy collector/assistant commissioner by virtue of his appointment. He was also the sub-divisional magistrate and the chairman of the sub-division crime control committee, besides being responsible for maintaining law and order in his sub-division.

Also, a Taluka Mukhtiarkar was then the first class magistrate. The collector/deputy commissioner, as district magistrate, used to hold a meeting on law and order every month and was responsible for maintaining law and order in the district. Thus, the over all working of the law-enforcement agencies were always kept in check.

At present, the ground realities are deplorable. The law and order situation is completely out of hands, resulting in many problems, despite the fact that huge money is being spent on this account.

It is time the administrative service structure was reverted to its previous position in the larger interest of the public, before it is too late.

MUHAMMAD SIDDIQUE G. MEMON

Hyderabad

Kashmir Day: who benefits?

MOST of the woes of this country are because as a nation we are managed more by dogma and sloganeering than by pragmatism and implementation. The Kashmir Day is a classic example of this.

If I were an Indian I would be overjoyed that Pakistan chooses to show ‘solidarity’ with Kashmiris by closing down its economy for a day. How does this really benefit Kashmiris?

It would be far better to work on the Kashmir Day and ask everyone to contribute a portion of that day’s income to a welfare fund. But, I suspect, that kind of approach would be too pragmatic for our jingoistic ‘leaders’, and also carries with it the risk of exposing the real support from the public for this cause.

TAHER G. SACHAK

Karachi

Musharraf’s legacy

EVERY military ruler of Pakistan leaves the legacy of his deeds for which the nation has to pay the price.

Gen Musharraf has failed to introduced the “real” democracy based on political morality and principles. He has strengthened the political power of religious forces, and protected the status quo and stronghold of feudal lords.

Besides, his steps have eroded people’s confidence in the integrity and competence of the judiciary, encouraged ‘lotaism’ in politics and changed the basic structure of the 1973 Constitution.

ENGR. S. T. HUSSAIN

Lahore

Dearth of mental health experts

THIS refers to the letter titled ‘Dearth of mental health professionals’ (Jan 28) by Dr Abul Faizi.

It is true that the Aga Khan University has a full-fledged department of psychiatry and that this is the only institution where examinations in psychiatry are conducted at the undergraduate level.

It is an honour that I have also played a small part with Dr Shaheen Husain in launching this department when the AKU teaching was started at the College of Physicians and Surgeon in the 70s.

However, the well-staffed 15-bedded unit in a private hospital does not really matter when mental health needs of Sindh or Karachi are considered. This small unit fulfils the criterion of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council for purposes of teaching, but the paucity of mental health from the service point of view remains acute.

No state medical college of Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Nawabshah) is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan and the University of Karachi, because there are no recognized specialists; Sir C. J. Institute of Psychiatry at Hyderabad has recently had the good fortune to appoint a qualified psychiatrist (through the Public Services Commission) who has yet to be recognized as postgraduate teacher.

For the last eight years, the Public Service Commission is advertizing for such posts in psychiatry, but no teacher is available with a proper domicile. How can one expect qualified psychiatrists when there is no teaching going on in the province, and those who want to return from foreign countries do not have appropriate domiciles?

The health department was requested by the Pakistan Association for Mental Health to appoint on a contract basis qualified and available psychiatrists in the medical colleges of Sindh, and whenever teachers with proper domiciles are available, they can replace them.

This will at least start a teaching and training programme, and will eventually make up for the dearth of mental health professionals in the province.

PROF S. HAROON AHMED

Karachi

Condition of Karachi roads

MILLIONS of people residing in the western and central districts and working in Saddar and adjoining areas have three or four options for reaching their destinations. One can choose driving through Nazimabad and onward to Business Recorder Road or via Garden Road to reach Saddar. One can also choose the inner lanes of Soldier Bazaar. The other route is via Liaquatabad onwards to Jehangir Road.

All these roads leading to the business district are in a deplorable condition. No efforts have been made by any civic agencies to improve their condition. More than 50 per cent of Business Recorder Road is occupied by taxis, rickshaws and upcountry going buses leaving very small room for the traffic to flow smoothly. On top of it, the road itself speaks of the attitude of the TEB and other relevant agencies.

The route through Garden is yet another experience. All roads along the Gandhi Garden are in an extremely bad shape. Even if a driver wants to go through Soldier Bazaar Road, he has to drive through a small non-motorable area just opposite Holy Family Hospital.

It appears that the department responsible for maintaining the roads is not interested in performing its duties. What surprises me is the apathy of the city fathers who do not realize the problems faced by the commuters. They are to serve only those who matter and who can bring about a change in their lives and status.

The road of the locality where the prime minister stays while in Karachi was carpeted overnight. Similarly, the road in the area where our industries minister resides is being carpeted day and night. Why are we not treated at par?

I wonder when we shall be having someone who cares for us and who feels the pain and the miseries of others. Who will look after this neglected city of the Father of the Nation?

SHAHAB SHARIF

Karachi

Second professional MBBS exams

THIS refers to a letter (Jan 30) regarding the II professional MBBS examinations by the students of Dow Medical College and Sindh Medical College.

We, the students of KMDC and SMC, fully support the views expressed in the letter. According to the website of the University of Karachi, the examinations of the third year MBBS batch were scheduled to begin in the month of May this year, but, to the surprise of every student, the scheduled was later removed from the website and the new examination date was Feb 17.

The results of the II professional MBBS part ‘B’ examinations were announced quite late, almost by the end of August, owing to mismanagement and unauthorized admissions.

This is not all. Untiring and hectic schedule of wards, ward tests and evening and night duties began after the results. The delay created even more serious problems for the students appearing in the supplementary examinations. Their results were declared approximately 40 days before the new scheduled date for commencing examinations.

In the light of these factors and the views expressed by the DMC students, it will be fair enough to extend the examination date at least by 15 days. If the date is extended, the students will get some time to cope with the extensive course of the third year, which is considered to be one of the toughest years.

We request the vice-chancellor and the controller of examinations of the University of Karachi to look into this matter and extend the examinations date.

STUDENTS OF KMDC & SMC

Karachi