| February 20, 2003 | Thursday | Zul Hijjah 18, 1423 |
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Criteria for revenue sharing
How Israel fleeces US
Parliamentarians’ basic duty
Private medical institutes
India’s nuclear plans
Cricket and advertisements
Confusion over abbreviation
Housing schemes in Lahore
Zafrullah Khan remembered
Quaid’s birthplace
Pakistan’s Kashmir policy
THIS refers to a classical analysis of expanding black economy narrated in your editorial of Feb 5.
The substance of this analysis is reflected in the investigative survey conducted by an agency about a year back, relating to the volume of tax evasion at the federal level and the respective shares of stakeholders.
Now that the disease has been diagnosed, it is for the enlightened political leadership seated in the national and the provincial assemblies to rise to the occasion and take appropriate measures to treat the ailing economy before it is too late.
Let the sitting government not dry out their savings schemes by slicing down profit rates, without realizing that ‘government borrowing’ stands on an entirely different basis as compared to ‘private-borrowing’ by banks and other financial. The object of the former is to render ‘service’ to the needy and save them from the clutches of unscrupulous persons.
Let the government so tailor its schemes that only the deserving people derive benefits from them. Let it extend pensioners’ concession to all the established self-employed senior citizens, including widows, and minor orphans, etc.
Let the government realize that the rate of savings and investments is the lowest in our country as compared to equally-placed countries of the Third World.
Let them also realize that the national savings schemes are virtually like a tax. Let the government not rely on economic theories of the ‘real’ and ‘nominal’ rates of inflation and interest based on erroneous and misleading statistics and also not to push it in framing legal monetary policies which are adversely affecting the most sensitive segment of society.
Let the government also realize that the value of the money an investor invests in long-term savings schemes is virtually reduced more than it is compensated for by the addition of the amount in term of profit, as the real rate of inflation, being beyond the control of the government, is invariably higher than anticipated by it.
The government is under an obligation to review and revise the savings schemes afresh. Let the government realize that providing real profit to investors is possible only through the process of increasing production of goods and services in all sectors of economy and curtailing consumption likewise. This can be achieved only by providing work to every citizen.
PROF MASOOD AHMED ABBASI
Karachi
THIS refers to the unanimous resolution of the Sindh Assembly regarding the national resources/finance distribution.
The Assembly is of the view that Sindh has paid billions of rupees owing to a defective and faulty mechanism of revenue distribution on a population basis while receiving a negligible share of federal transfers. It is a fact that the provincial government has been under heavy deficit for two decades and pays around 17 per cent of its budget as debt servicing.
Sindh generates around 45 per cent of the revenues from taxes and excise duties, but the development sector of the provincial government budget is always financed through borrowings. Borrowed allocations are not enough to cater to the development needs of the province. Hence, poverty is increasing very rabidly.
Every student of public finance knows that Pakistan is the only country where population parameter is the sole criterion for revenue sharing and finance distribution. Other countries having features of similar nature like Argentina, Mexico, Nigeria, India, Colombia and Philippines use multiple indicators for revenue sharing. The common indicators used by these countries include population, revenue collection, area and development gap having different weightage for different indicators. Countries like Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia even practise a single criterion of collection for revenue sharing.
Some sections of society and political factions in Sindh have valid reservations about the population census of 1998, when they speak of under-reporting and demand for the results of the population census of 1991. In this situation, why don’t we benefit from the international experiences and work in consonance with our genuine national interest of federalism in financial matters.
It is time our policymakers and the elected government took the issue seriously and adopt a new, modern and progressive criterion for revenue sharing. In this connection, a lot of work has already been done by the previous regime and various recommendations and options have been assessed and proposed and even finalized by various working groups constituted for the 6th NFC Award.
I believe the adoption of multiple indicators in revenue sharing and optimal allocation of resources will not only strengthen the federation but the country will move towards a balanced and sustainable development by attacking poverty, too.
FATEH M. MARI
Tando Jam
ACCORDING to the Israeli daily Ha’aretz, Israel wants the aid package of $800 million promised by former US President Bill Clinton in July 2000 for the redeployment of Israeli defence forces from the southern Lebanon. Because of the US bureaucratic delays, the effective value of that amount is presently reduced to $200 million.
It was Israel that invaded southern Lebanon at the first place and now it wants compensation for its troops’ withdrawal. How about that?
Retired four-star Gen Anthony Zinni, speaking at the Middle East Institute Forum on Oct 10, Washington, cited 10 reasons explaining why the US should not wage a war on Iraq unless it was absolutely necessary.
He pointed out one of the reasons was the requirement that there be no Israeli military attack on Iraq, adding that Israel would exact a steep price for exercising restraint in order to alleviate its own economic difficulties.
Israel’s economy is mired in the worst recession in 23 years due mainly to the two-year-old intifada. The shekel loses value every month, tourism is down, unemployment has risen to 10 per cent and small businesses have suffered, as people are reluctant to wander through the malls owing to the fear of suicide bombings. Israel’s National Security Council has said the intifada is costing Israel $3.1 billion annually.
Ariel Sharon is trying to exploit the situation to get some money from the US for non-involvement in Iraq. President Bush wants Sharon, if only as a lip-service, to behave decently with the Palestinians and to keep out of war with Iraq, and Sharon wants to exact a price and guarantees for cheap loans.
The policy of eight American presidents regarding the Israeli occupation of lands — the Golan Heights, West Bank and Gaza Strip — captured in the 1967 war, violates international law. During this takeover, water supplies grabbed from Syria have been diverted to Israel.
On top of that, “the $3 billion ‘water project’ request (from the US) apparently would finance replacement of water sources used by Israel over the years.... The ‘water project’ payment would be a reward to Israel for water robbery”. (Leonard Larson, Dawn, Jan 28, 1996).
PROF DR P. NASIR
Gujrat
THIS refers to the reports titled ‘Jean Dixon in House!’ and ‘Minister ready to prove adulthood’ (Jan 30).
Taking a cue from these reports I am tempted to write that the fundamental duties of parliament are to devise and amend laws/rules for the benefits of the public, in accordance with the prevailing circumstances.
Obviously, this is the most important task in the life of any nation whose consequences can make or break the future of a country and its citizens.
Allah Almighty in His infinite wisdom has never bestowed prophethood upon any of His prophets before the age of 40. This implies that a person attains maturity at this age.
Thus, being the believers, we ought to seek guidance from the traditions of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) and the minimum age-limit for parliamentary candidates should be accordingly fixed at 40 years.
In case, chances are to be given to the younger generations, the limit can be relaxed at 35 years, but coupled with some other extraordinary qualifications. And this relaxation should be allowed for a limited number, so that they do not turn the tables on the seniors on any vital issue of national interest. In the best national interest they should not be awarded ministerial assignments.
Besides, in case of any misconduct, defaulting parliamentarians should be constitutionally barred from taking part in two consecutive elections.
I am of the opinion that prudent members of the current National Assembly ought to take up this issue and get the Constitution accordingly amended. In this way, I hope, mature and seasoned parliamentarians can be propped up for the overall betterment of the nation.
MAJID KHAN JADOON
Karachi
I STRONGLY appreciate the wise and timely decision of the Academic Council of Fatima Jinnah Medical College of remaining affiliated with the Punjab University in the best interest of the college students and parents (Feb 6).
The Punjab University, established in 1882, is known throughout the world and the degree awarded by it is recognized the world over, while the proposed University of Health Sciences is yet to take off.
Our medical education system is one of the best in the world and any modification in it will ruin it. This system produced eminent doctors like Ameer-ud-Din, Riaz Ali Shah, Col Ilahi Bakhsh, Riaz-i-Qadeer, Sardar Ali Sheikh and Akhtar Khan.
Prof Mahmud Ali Malik. who had the guts to speak before the governor and lose his job, is also a product of this university. Our doctors under the same system are serving health departments in civilized countries such as Britain and the US, besides the Middle East region. So, let us rise to the occasion to save it from collapse.
The recent mushroom growth of medical colleges in the private sector, encouraged by the new university, also needs to be checked right at the moment, lest students of these colleges waste their precious time and parents their hard-earned money. It may not be out of place to record here that all private medical colleges are supporting the establishment of the new university. The reason is obvious.
It is time the Punjab government took bold decisions of shelving the University of Health Sciences and allowing the system to work smoothly.
HAFEEZ AKHTAR
Lahore
IT is ignorance and illogical on the part of N. Kulkarni (Jan 26) to state that the subcontinent was nuclearized in the late 1980s when Pakistan developed its nuclear regime capability and related infrastructure.
History bears testimony to the fact that it was the Republic of India which not only started nuclear proliferation in South Asia in the late 60s, but also tested its first nuclear device way back in May 1974.
However, in order to befool and mislead the world community in its stereotype style, the Indian leadership, including the prime minister in office at that time, ridiculously called it a “peaceful nuclear explosion”.
As far as the development of nuclear technology by India’s biggest western neighbour is concerned, it was forced to do so after 1974 in order to safeguard its sovereignty and national integrity; the Indian leaders, after the separation of East Pakistan, claimed publicly to have “drowned” the two-nation theory in the Bay of Bengal, and were bent upon achieving their hegemonic aims in South Asia.
Whether Kulkarni likes it or not, the fact is that the nuclear capability of Pakistan has served as deterrence and helped avert many wars between the two countries since 1971.
ENGR AAMIR A. SALARIA
St. Louis, USA
I AM writing this to extend my felicitations to the STN for adopting the novel method of showing advertisements in a window, while cricket is being shown on the TV screen, without interruptions.
This is a boon for cricket lovers who are disgusted with the interruptions during the game. Unfortunately, cricket transmissions are commercialized very much — so much so that viewers’ interest in the game is killed.
I wish PTV could do the same. I would like to suggest that the inset window should be on the right-side lower corner instead of the upper corner of the screen, where usually some important figures are displayed.
NIZAM A. KHAN
Karachi
THIS refers to the news report headlined ‘INS: US law firm hired’ (Jan 20) about the National Security Entry-Exit System which was abbreviated to ‘NSSERS’.
In another report, ‘Kasuri, Cheney discuss Kashmir, INS issue’ (Jan 30), the National Security Entry-Exit System was abbreviated to ‘NSEERS’.
The difference between the abbreviations is bound to create confusion among the readers. To avoid confusion, it is advisable to observe uniformity in abbreviations.
NAIMATULLAH SHAIKH
Shikarpur
IT is heartening for the people of Lahore that new housing schemes are being planned and houses/bungalows can be purchased at reasonable prices.
However, a flaw has been noticed in such schemes which are offered to the middle-income employees of the government and the private sector. No space has been earmarked for public parks which provide people in urban areas with much-needed fresh air and better environment.
The late governor, Mr Jillani, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif are credited for making large beautiful parks in all localities, from Model Town to Allama Iqbal Town. However, no such facility is being provided even in posh localities such as DHA. This matter is quite serious due to the increasing air pollution in the city.
There is an important need for allocating large tracts of land in new areas similar to the Model Town Park and the Jinnah Garden, so that the residents of these areas can live in a healthy environment.
Will Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi consider this matter and do the needful?
JAWAD AKHTAR
Lahore
THE month of February this year marks Zafrullah Khan’s 110th birth anniversary. Chronicled contemporary history must look upon him as a devoted and able statesman of Pakistan and the Muslim world who brought much kudos to his country as its first foreign minister and later as president of the UN General Assembly and judge and president of the International Court of Justice.
In remembering him one can hardly pay him a tribute richer than that paid to him by the Quaid-i-Azam. In his letter of Oct 22, 1947, to Ambassador M. A. H. Ispahani, the Quaid wrote: “As regards Zafrullah, we do not mean that he should leave his work so long as it is necessary for him to stay there (UN), and I think he has already been informed to that effect, but naturally we are very short here of capable men, and especially of his calibre, and every now and then our eyes naturally turn to him for various problems that we have to solve.”
M. J. AS’AD
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the letters published in Dawn regarding Quaid’s birthplace.
It hardly matters whether the birthplace of the Quaid-i-Azam was Karachi or Jhirk. What really matters for us is that he got us liberated from the shackles of slavery, both of the Europeans and of the Hindus.
Mr Jinnah gave us some lofty principles to follow, i.e. honesty, steadfastness and transparency in dealings. His impeccable integrity and patriotism should be a guiding factor in our personal and national lives.
PROF (R) A. H. SUBHANI
Faisalabad
THE Kashmiri struggle for freedom is regularly in the news. Kashmir should have joined Pakistan in August 1947, but it couldn’t do so, not till to date, almost 55 years later.
India occupied it without any moral or legal justification and has contemptuously flouted UN resolutions to hold a plebiscite. Clearly, this is because India is a very big country and has full support of veto-yielding Russia. Obviously, the UN can force its decisions on small and weak countries only.
Unfortunately, America, whom Pakistan considers its ‘close’ friend and ally, has never supported us seriously on the Kashmir issue. Worse, within the last few months, it is openly supporting India by pressurising Pakistan to stop the so-called infiltrators from entering Indian-occupied Kashmir.
In a rather timid reaction, Pakistan’s rulers insist that Pakistan is providing only diplomatic and ‘moral’ support to the Kashmiris. The rulers forget that Pakistan does not have/and cannot have any diplomatic clout being a weak, debt-laden and poor country with $34 billion external debt and Rs2,100 internal debt (40 per cent living below the poverty line) and surviving on foreign aid. And as for the ‘moral support’, have we morals left after what we did in East Pakistan?
Diplomatically, Pakistan has failed to obtain effective help even from ‘brother’ Muslim and Arab countries. Fully exploiting Pakistan’s hollow claim of diplomatic and moral support, the Indian army is carrying out a massacre, virtually a genocide, of Kashmiri Muslims and is razing their houses. So far, over 85,000 Muslims have been massacred in fighting for their just cause.
Is it, therefore, not time we reconsidered our policy of impotent ‘diplomatic and moral support’ and let the Kashmiri Muslims continue their freedom struggle, unshackled from ours, in practice, negative support?
I am confident that unshackled from our ‘help’, the Kashmiri Muslims will defeat Indian imperialism, just like the Vietnamese defeated American imperialism, or other smaller nations overthrew their occupiers.
We fought four wars against India in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999 — all ended in a debacle or a defeat.
It is time we revised our Kashmir policy so as to provide the Kashmiris, fighting for freedom, with real help.
GHULAM KIBRIA
Karachi
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