| March 19, 2003 | Wednesday | Muharram 15, 1424 |
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Preparing future physicians
Hats off to France
Satellite for education
Plight of CSS candidates
Porus vs Dahir
Complaint of NIC applicant
Police-friendly governor
Cricket: some suggestions
March 23 parade
The Pugwash Council
MUCH has been said, written, published and aired in the media about the recent performance of our national cricket team culminating with the disastrous finale in the World Cup competition. Many commentators have blamed the captain. Others have criticized the players, individually as well as a team.
Blaming the captain alone would be less than fair. Perhaps it is truer to say that the team just failed to click. But this does not mean that the whole team can be held responsible for the World Cup fiasco.
The key question remains to be rationally addressed: what went wrong, where, why and also when? It is only fair to say that the cricket seniors, those who are the managers and organizers at the top, have to be held responsible and also answerable for the huge failure.
After much agonized thinking I find myself driven to the conclusion that the real flaw in the management of our cricket affairs lies in the structure of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Why not think in terms of abandoning the present system of the PCB being a government outpost, answerable to no one — neither the cricket-lovers, nor to the cricketers, nor indeed to the cricket supporting public.
Let us have a Pakistan Cricket Board that is elected by a relevant electorate and responsible and answerable to such an electoral college and the country as a whole. All the old, current and up and coming cricket players should be brought together to form the country’s cricket electorate. This body should, in turn, elect a Cricket Council with 25, 30 or 35 members representing all the provinces and regions (for instance, we cannot ignore FATA and PATA) of the country. The Council should be empowered to elect it chairman, the head of the PCB, and other office-bearers.
It is only logical that the PCB so constituted proceed to elect/select a committee of three to act as team selectors who should perform their functions without fear or favour of any kind. The PCB will also be required to set up arrangements to look after matters like finances, administration, public relations, publicity, marketing, etc.
We have persistently messed up the appointment of the team coach. Let us decide, once and for all, that the coach will be selected and appointed by the PCB from amongst our own cricket stars and veterans. We have a galaxy of glorious cricket stars. Why go abroad?
It should be the function of the team selectors and the coach to select the team for any given competition. The captain may have a consultative role and no more. But once the team is selected, all players shall owe total allegiance, loyalty and unstinted obedience to the captain.
Where do we go from here? First and foremost, there should be a relentless clipping and pruning. Our old-time greats should be given a dignified farewell. All the old caps must go home in one procession. Let us have the courage to part with the past-their-prime greats and plan our future with confidence in our younger talent. There is more of it than we believe. Turn not only a new page but a new chapter. The time has come for a historic change.
ROQUYYA JAFRI
Karachi
THE health status of a population is affected by many social, political and economic factors. Our health care providers, specially physicians, should be well versed with these factors to be more effective in their health care provision.
Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. Training of physicians is, therefore, a very important aspect of health care reforms, currently being undertaken by a vast number of countries, including Pakistan. Traditionally, physicians hold key positions in shaping and operating a health care system. Therefore, it is even more important for us to be very careful and pragmatic in their training.
Health care workers, such as nurses, can easily perform many of the tasks with equal effectiveness, which a physician undertakes, making these more cost effective.
Our future physicians should be prepared for the tasks, which they would have to perform when they enter into their professional lives. With transition in health care needs of the people, the future physician will have to be ready for community health care, besides individual health care; preventive and promotive health care as well as curative care; health care planning and management along with the clinical care; and comprehensive and continuity of care, in addition to episodic interaction with health care seekers. This will be essential to meet the ever-growing needs of the population.
The World Health Organization has professed for ‘five-star doctor’ for future physicians who would have to possess five skills: care provider, decision maker, communicator, community leader and a manager. Therefore, for the future physicians, it will not be sufficient to be good clinicians only. This transition will have implications for health care, medical education and medical practice all over the world, more so in the developing countries where rational use of our meagre resources compels us to be more hard-nosed and pragmatic in training our future physicians.
A very commendable step was undertaken in Pakistan when, to begin with, one medical college in each of the provinces was declared for community-based medical education. However, more concerted efforts, besides a strong political will, are required to move faster in that direction.
I am sure the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council is cognizant of the issue and due consideration is being given to it. This is an important aspect in the successful implementation of health care reforms, so direly needed by this country of 145 millions.
Dr PARVEZ NAYANI
Karachi
KUDOS to French President Mr Jacques Chirac for the firm and stern stance taken against the rogue and unjust policies of the US. By taking a stand against war, France has made the destruction-hungry US think again about the unfair policy on Iraq. Despite pressure it has shown the world how to say ‘no’ to something which could render thousands dead and millions homeless.
Mr Chirac’s firm stand could at least make other European states ponder over their thoughts of siding with Mr Bush when the man can only see and think in terms of war. After Mr Hans Blinx’s report on the disarmament of Iraq and that all biological and chemical weapons of so-called mass destruction have been destroyed, there certainly is no point in attacking the country which is already under numerous sanctions.
I may sound like pleading the cause of Iraq but can a country, after suffering 12 years of hard-hitting embargoes, survive another war? The Libyan president sounded so true when he said that after hitting out on Iraq, other Gulf and Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Libya, Sudan and Pakistan could be well on top of the hit list.
The US president does not need any rhyme or reason to devastate poor countries, all the war-hungry president wants is to fix his control on Iraq and lash out at other Muslim states.
Oil is the foremost reason. The world knows it but the European countries, except France, turn a blind eye to it. Re-construction plans have already started and firms are being selected to initiate construction, which means Iraq is going to be hit hard.
The topmost agenda of Mr Bush is to capture oil resources by installing a puppet government in Iraq, hit other Gulf countries, cripple them and rule the world. It is so very much simple to stop this man: Muslims should unite and form a strong alliance. The US is always afraid of a united Ummah.
HASNAIN SHABAN
Karachi
THE launching of Paksat-1, our first satellite, by President Gen Pervez Musharraf has brought Pakistan on the outer space map. This is a landmark event, a launching-pad to leapfrog to the cutting edge of technology in the fields of education, research and development, defence, navigation, medicine, disaster management, etc. The government and in particular Prof (Dr) Atta-ur-Rahman deserves congratulations.
The people’s problem of education and teaching can now be addressed more effectively by using smart and high-tech tools along with traditional methods. Satellite communications offer educational entities the possibility of bypassing the barriers — lack of teachers and allowing more direct contact instructions to students and workplaces. Therefore, the policy of the ministry of science and technology to focus on distance education is correct.
Since this technology is new to Pakistan, we strongly recommended that a comprehensive business plan be immediately drawn up in consultation with local and international organizations having the expertise in such areas. However, to the best of my knowledge, at present there is no policy or legislation on lifelong learning or distance education in the country and, as such, the government must immediately promulgate an effective legislation.
It was imperative that such arrangements ought to have been made, policies and programmes prepared in advance. Such a framework should include executive orders, arrangements for ensuring coordination across ministries and other institutions involved in education and training activities, and the administrative mechanisms for certifying the achievements of learners, monitoring institutional and systematic performance, and promoting learning pathways.
AFTAB MOHAMMAD KHAN
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the letter by Mr Ahmed Ali regarding the delay in CSS allocations by the FPSC. The case, pending adjudication in the Supreme Court, is important because two leading lawyers are representing the two parties. They are the attorney-general and Mr Hafiz Pirzada.
The good part is that the most experienced minds in the legal community are committed to an issue of vital importance, but the bad part is that there has been no hearing of the case for the last two months because of personal commitments of the two lawyers.
Enough has already been said about the agony of over 150 families which are not a party to the case and are hoping their members to take up jobs in the civil service. As such, this is one of their fundamental rights to earn and one of their moral duties to serve their country.
On behalf of the successful candidates of the CSS examinations 2001, I would request the two lawyers to discharge their moral obligation towards these men by protecting their fundamental rights by expediting this case.
ABAD RAZI
Lahore
I AM shocked to read Kunwar Khalid Younus’s letter about Dahir and Porus. So, now we will see history from a pure racist view (yes, racist, Dahir is a hero because he was a son of the soil). No regard to the wrongdoings of that cruel raja, and no appreciation of that young brave Muslim who came here not to conquer some land but to rescue a helpless girl!
Ask the historians whether the Sindhis became Muslims at the point of Mohammad bin Qasim’s sword or because of his humble nature.
M. KAMRAN SHAKIL
Islamabad
MY application for an NIC was submitted to Nadra in Islamabad by the Pakistan High Commission in Canberra, Australia. This was in March 2001, two years ago.
Now the high commissioner in Canberra, who has been handling my application with Nadra for over two years, refuses to renew my expired Pakistani passport. This is because my NIC is still pending with Nadra.
I have corresponded with Canberra many times. It is adamant in its refusal to renew my passport which expired two months ago. I have also written three urgent letters to Nadra, Islamabad, recently, but in vain. Now I am frustrated very much.
I provided the High Commission in Canberra with detailed particulars of myself during November 2000, attended a personal interview in Canberra on Jan 12, 2001, and answered the minor queries raised by the Nadra staff in Islamabad through Canberra during July 2001. I have pressed Canberra on a regular basis to get the issue of my NIC solved.
I have been a citizen of Pakistan since 1950 and now I am unable to even get my passport renewed because both the Pakistan High Commissioner in Canberra and Nadra in Islamabad are unable to act in time.
I made Canberra aware of my intention to travel to Karachi in February, as I do annually. But they refused to renew my passport. I hope this letter will prick the conscience of the authorities concerned, and I will receive my NIC without any further delay.
HUSSAIN A. HASHAMBHOY
Thirroul, NSW, Australia
IN spite of being foreign masters our colonial-era governors were fairly people-friendly. Our present governor of Sindh has also come from ‘London’ to take up the governorship of Sindh.
The quashment order that holds the order of the ombudsman on police affairs in abeyance is not only regrettable but also ‘police-friendly’.
ENGR SHAMIM ALAM
Karachi
WHAT happened to our cricket team is nothing but a natural phenomenon. When the peak is achieved, no one can stay there forever and after some time the downward journey starts. Now only two courses are open: going down slowly and starting the upward journey midway or, streaking downward and reaching the bottom.
Our cricket team has reached the lowest depth and it can only travel upwards. Now is the time when appropriate plans should be made to help Pakistan cricket regain its lost glory. Immediate attention should be paid to the Sharjah Cup; and this opportunity should be utilized to try youngsters. I suggest:
— Wasim and Waqar should be sidelined. They are not on good terms and their inclusion would split the team. Also, omit Shoaib Akhtar, who is more after speed than line and length.
— Bring Muhammad Sami, Najaf Shah and Fazl-i-Akbar for fast bowling. They are not only good bowlers but also good hitters of the ball.
— Take Saeed Anwar, Imran Nazir and Taufiq Umar as openers.
— Yousef Youhana, Younus Khan, Faisal Iqbal and Misbahul Haq for the middle-order slot.
— Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood as all-rounders.
— Bring back Moin Khan as wicket keeper with Kamran Akmal as his understudy.
— Take Shoaib Malik and Danish Kanera as off-break and left-break spinners. Shoaib Malik is also a good and reliable batsman and with proper exposure can emerge as a good all-rounder. Danish Kanera, too, is a reliable hitter.
— Moin Khan can be made captain and Razzaq or Younus Khan his deputy.
S. Naqi Hasan
Lahore
AUTHORITIES assigned the task of arranging the March 23 parade have started rehearsing for the event. No doubt, this is a great national event. The rehearsal has begun from March 1 in the capital. The armymen start their exercises at 7am and finish at 1pm blocking the main roads at the time when students and people going to work are pressed to reach their destinations in time.
Because of traffic diversions people have to walk a long way to get to public transport which is restricted by the military police from going beyond China Chowk. Those who have to go to F-6, F-7, Pak-Secretariat and the National Assembly, etc. are suffering a lot because of these closures and restrictions.
I suggest the defence authorities consider starting their rehearsals from 4pm onwards, as 80 per cent of the people would have left the government offices and schools by that time.
SAJJAD ANWAR
Islamabad
THE reporting of the recently-held Pugwash Workshop in Lahore by your correspondent (13 March) was misleading. It seems that the reporter could not gain access to the meeting and hence based his report on hearsay. It betrays total lack of objectivity when it labels Pugwash a CIA-sponsored organization. In fact, Pugwash conferences are a constant irritant to the US government.
The conference was awarded the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize. Its chairman, Joseph Rotblat, has recently declared that the US and not Iraq is the real nuclear threat to the world (3rd World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates held in Rome, Italy, October 19-20, 2002).
I might add that the Pugwash movement is basically an anti-nuclear arms movement that had its beginning in the issuance of a joint manifesto by Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell in London on July 9, 1955.
The Pugwash conferences take their name from the location of the first meeting held in 1957 at Pugwash, a village in Nova Scotia, Canada. Since then has evolved both a continuing series of meetings at locations all over the world — with a growing number and diversity of participants — and a rather decentralized organizational structure to coordinate and finance this activity.
By late 2002, there have been over 275 Pugwash conferences, symposia, and workshops, with a total attendance of over 10,000. There are now over 3500 individuals the world over who have attended a Pugwash meeting. The conferences are held annually and attended by 150 to 250 people. While topical workshops and symposia involving 30 to 50 people are held more frequently, the Pakistan meeting was a workshop. The participants are always invited as individuals in their private capacity and not as representatives of their organizations or governments.
The purpose of the Pugwash Conferences has been described as “to bring together, from around the world, influential scholars and public figures concerned with reducing the danger of armed conflict and seeking cooperative solutions for global problems. Meeting in private as individuals, rather than as representatives of governments or institutions, Pugwash participants exchange views and explore alternative approaches to arms control and tension reduction with a combination of candour, continuity and flexibility, seldom attained in official East-West and North-South discussions and negotiations.
“Yet, because of the stature of many of the Pugwash participants in their own countries (as, for example, science and arms-control advisers to governments, key figures in academies of science and universities, and former and future holders of high government office), insights from Pugwash discussions tend to penetrate quickly to the appropriate levels of official policy-making.”
I did not attend the meeting so I could not comment on the speeches. But to label them as “highly objectionable”, as your correspondent does, is highly unprofessional. A reporter has to report, which your reporter is obviously not. He is expressing his opinion, which is that anyone not conforming to government policy on nuclear arms should keep his opinion to himself.
I think this is not helpful for achieving a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. I think we should have open, objective and rational discussions on all government policies that affect our lives, and not accept the incumbent functionaries of the government or their spokespersons as the only source of wisdom and truth.
DR ANIS ALAM
Lahore
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