| April 6, 2003 | Sunday | Safar 3, 1424 |
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Mishandling Hajis
Indo-Pakistan cricket matches
‘Sugar export to escalate prices’
Removal of CPCL chief
Police and boy’s death
Lead-free gasoline
Politicians: ruling or serving?
What does Bush mean?
College teachers’ plight
US: love and hate
OVER 500 journalists from major networks are ‘embedded’ with ‘coalition’ forces, reporting ‘kindness’, ‘courage’ and ‘good intentions’ of the so-called ‘liberators of Iraq’.
However, there are some who are embedded with the people that are in a majority and cannot make sense of this criminality people of Iraq are exposed to. John Pilger and Robert Fisk are two such terrific journalists:
John Pilger wrote on March 26:
“Yesterday, Blair said that 400,000 Iraqi children had died in the past five years from malnutrition and related causes. He said ‘huge stockpiles of humanitarian aid’ and clean water awaited them in Kuwait, if only the Iraqi regime would allow safe passage.
“In fact, voluminous evidence, including that published by the United Nations Children’s Fund, makes clear that the main reason these children have died is an enduring siege, a 12-year embargo driven by America and Britain.
“As of last July, $5.4 billion worth of humanitarian supplies, approved by the UN and paid for by the Iraqi government, were blocked by Washington, with the Blair government’s approval. The former assistant secretary-general of the UN, Dennis Halliday, who was sent to Iraq to set up the ‘oil for food programme’, described the effects of the embargo as ‘nothing less than genocide’. Similar words have been used by his successor, Hans Von Sponeck.
“Both men resigned in protest, saying the embargo merely reinforced the power of Saddam. In 1932, Iraqis threw out their British colonial rulers. In 1958, they got rid of the Hashemite monarchy.
“Iraqis have shown they can overthrow dictators against the odds. So why have they not been able to throw out Saddam? Because the US and Britain armed him and propped him up while it suited them, making sure that when they tired of him, they would be the only alternative to his rule and the profiteers of his nation’s resources. Imperialism has always functioned like that.
“Saddam only came to power after the Americans helped install his Ba’ath Party in 1979. ‘That was my favourite coup,’ said the CIA officer-in-charge”.
Robert Fisk (reporting for The Independent on March 26 from Baghdad):
“It was an outrage, an obscenity. The severed hand on the metal door, the swamp of blood and mud across the road, the human brains inside a garage, the incinerated, skeletal remains of an Iraqi mother and her three small children in their still-smouldering car.
“Two missiles from an American jet killed them all — by my estimate, more than 20 Iraqi civilians, torn to pieces before they could be ‘liberated’ by the nation that destroyed their lives. Who dares, I ask myself, to call this ‘collateral damage’?”
FARAZ HUSSAIN
Karachi
THIS refers to Mr Naveed Ahmed Khan’s letter (March 12). I totally corroborate the facts mentioned as these apply to all Hajis who performed Haj in 2003. In my case, there was a group of 17 persons (eight purdah-observing ladies and nine men). All of us opted for the ‘A’ category residence because of old age and weak health and paid SR2,150 each.
The government gave us assurance that we would be provided residence within 600 metres with one bath each for five persons. On arrival in Makkah we found that our building (Qasre Bandha, Misfilah Hijra Street) was about one and a half kilometres from the Haram Sharif, making it impossible for us to offer our daily prayers at the Haram.
This was made more tragic when we were forced to adjust in three rooms (eight ladies in one room, five men in another on the 10th floor and the remaining four having had to share a room with others on the ninth floor. Only one bath was provided to the 13 persons on the 10th floor. No kitchen was available on that floor. One can imagine the problem faced by 13 people using one bath and no kitchen.
Our Muallim did not show his face once, what to say of any help for which we paid SR294 per person as his fee. He did not provide any transport from Minah to Arafat and Muzdalfa and back for which we had to pay from our own pocket, although SR180 was charged from us for this purpose.
Similar were the conditions in Madina, where a three-storey dilapidated building was acquired and the aged Hajis were given accommodation on the second floor with no lift. Ladies were kept in a separate wing with no Intercom connection. Elderly persons could not contact the ladies or go to Masjid-i-Nabvi for offering prayers as their poor health did not allow them to climb the stairs each time.
The consulates at Makkah and Madina as well as Khuddamul Hujjaj at Makkah (sent by government at great expense) could not provide any help putting the blame for hiring buildings on the shoulders of the officials of the Haj ministry at Islamabad.
Will the prime minister of Pakistan take note of malpractice in acquiring the premises for Hajis so that they are not made to face such hardship and indignities in future?
M. A. ABBASI
Karachi
THIS is with reference to an article in Dawn about India’s most famous celebrity Amitabh Bachchan voicing his thoughts about the India-Pakistan cricketing ties.
I read your newspaper quite regularly, and come across all kinds of opinions on our cricketing ties, including those by luminaries like Zaheer Abbas and many others who say that India is scared of playing with Pakistan.
People on your side should understand that the Indian tour of Pakistan can’t be a low profile one. It will be THE TOUR which will be a shot in the arm for the cash-stripped PCB and for cricket on the whole in Pakistan. But, the positives will be accompanied with some very dangerous and scary negatives. Security in Pakistan remains a very big issue for whichever cricket team is on tour and more so for an Indian team, which would be visiting after 14 long years.
I am totally for the holding of Indo-Pak matches at a neutral venue, which our government has not agreed upon. Amitabh Bachchan’s views are not just his, but of the millions of cricket fans in India. As my friend from Pakistan says, there is no better joy than watching India-Pakistan playing cricket.
We have got immense respect for the talent and flair that Pakistan possesses, and would love to see our famed batting line up against that flamboyant bowling attack, which stands depleted as of now.
NAVIN PRASAD
Bangalore, India
THIS refers the report, “Sugar export to escalate prices in local market” (March 27). The remarks that “bad management practices and primitive production techniques have made the sugar milling a pretty costly affair in Pakistan” are contrary to the facts.
Sugar production in Pakistan is managed by highly skilled and experienced personnel, and the techniques adopted are in line with International Standards Quality. The Pakistan sugar has wide acceptability in international market and is superior to the sugar produced by a number of other countries which have a longer experience of the sugar industry.
Poor management in no case is the cause of higher cost. Price of raw material fixed by the government without linking it to the price of sugar and inadequate supply of cane restricts utilization of capacity below 50 per cent. They are the main cause of higher cost of production in Pakistan.
We may also add that loss to the TCP on export of sugar is not a subsidy to mills but, in fact, is a help to cane growers who are paid an unrealistic price in view of the current sugar prices. Also, instead of improvement in domestic prices, after each TCP tender, prices have shown a downward trend.
The sugar industry is the second largest agriculture- based industry of Pakistan and improves our rural economy. Constructive reporting can help in resolving many matters avoiding misconceptions in the minds of readers.
M. A. SIDDIQUI
Karachi
I APPRECIATE Dawn for publishing the editorial (April 2) about the painful removal of Jameel Yousuf as CPLC chief.
We are what we are today, because we do not recognize individuals and leaders who sacrifice themselves for the sake of humanity. In fact, we unseat them. That we do not raise our voice against injustices is deplorable.
Instead of allowing Mr Jameel Yousuf to stay on, he was removed unceremoniously. Where are we headed to? We should request him to stay on and train a few devoted people, capable of replacing him, and then bid him a befitting farewell.
It is no secret that this man has delivered and served everyone, irrespective of their caste, creed or position in society.
I appeal to President Pervez Musharraf to intervene in this matter. It is important that the CPLC remains strong under a capable leader.
HASHIM SAMDANI
Karachi
THIS refers to your editorial about the unceremonious removal of Mr Jameel Yousuf from the CPLC as its chief. In this regard I would narrate here my experience with him.
Seven years back I was abducted and remained with the kidnappers for 27 days. The only person who fought against my kidnapping was Mr Yousuf. He helped in composing my traumatized family and made efforts for my safe release from the abductors, and that too without paying any ransom. He had the kidnappers arrested.
A man of his calibre who is crusading against crime voluntarily would have been respected all over the world, particularly in the civilized part. What did our government do? It removed him with disgrace!
MAZHAR IQBAL
Chelmsford, Essex, UK
THIS refers to the news item (April 1) about the abuse of a 12-year-old boy by policemen in an area of Karachi.
Is this the improved law and order that was mentioned by the chief minister and the city Nazim on several occasions since they have been in the administration?
I believe we have the most corrupt police in the world. We pay taxes through which policemen get paid, but the question is: what for? To commit such shameful acts? Is this a part of their training?
We have been robbed by these policemen for many, many years. They are found at every single traffic light of the city and at every corner of the city streets, in the name of checking criminals and terrorists. What is this? Criminals looking for criminals or hunting innocent citizens?
Moreover, how come the fourth person was not arrested! Why do the police always let some one to run away? I would like to tell the Sindh police chief that, before looking for criminals outside the city, he must weed out criminals from his own department. Exemplary punishment must be meted out to the criminals.
N. SHAIKH
New Jersey
LEAD is a cumulative neurotoxin that impairs brain development in children. Studies have found a statistically significant connection between the exposure of people to lead and reductions in their intellectual performance measured by IQ: a 10 microgram per decilitre increase in blood lead was found to cause an approximately 2.5 point decrease in the IQ of exposed children.
Additionally, the exposure of adults to atmospheric lead has been connected to elevated blood pressure causing hypertension, heart attacks, and premature death. No lower threshold of exposure exists under which the adverse effects of lead on children and adults cannot be detected.
In our country people are exposed to lead from a variety of sources. Vehicular traffic is the largest source of lead exposure, often accounting for more than 90 per cent of all atmospheric emissions. It is therefore important to make sure that the gasoline we are using is as lead-free as possible.
It was heartening to see an ad from a Pakistani refinery which has announced that it will make available more environment friendly, lead-free fuel shortly. I would request the oil marketing companies in the country to make sure that they sell gasoline with the least lead content.
DR HINA AMIR
Karachi
A DEMOCRACY is supposed to be a government of the people, by the people and for the people. But in truth, it is hardly true of any government in the world. In the US, the UK and some of the developed democracies, democratic norms are established with limits.
Are the people of the world then masters of their own destiny? The public opinion in the UK is against the war in Iraq, yet the UK is a key partner in that war. In India the worst kind of human rights violations take place frequently, yet it continues to call itself a democracy.
The developing countries, which rely on other states and donor agencies, are hardly independent in their decision making. We are no exception to this trend. Does that mean that there is no hope for democracy in our country?
Political parties reflect many shades of opinion. We have more parties than diverse opinions. From the orthodox to the liberal, from the conservative to the moderate, and from religious to secular, the mushroom growth of political parties has created a mess in society. The differences in ideology, agenda, attitude and operational style exist but these cease to exist when their leaders operate in a similar fashion. Criticism for the sake of criticism serves their ends.
Our attitudes reflect our intentions. There exist two attitudes to governance — to rule or to serve. When one is confined by personal interests, one opts to rule rather than to serve. When national interests are foremost, a true leader would look at governance with an attitude of service rather than establishing his domination over his adversaries.
Our realities are bitter. But reality is an ever changing phenomenon. Change is inevitable and we can bring that change with a change in our attitudes.
SOHAIL KHALID
Toba Tek Singh
GEORGE W. Bush, the president of the United States of America, has acquired so much notoriety worldwide that his name has become synonymous with threat, arrogance, unjust and unfair posture.
It appears the English language has now got some words to add to its vocabulary.
The compilers of English dictionary may consider adding new word on the following lines: to bush means to threaten with arrogance; to act bushly means to act with arrogance, to act in an unjust, unfair manner.
M. SHAFI LAKHANI
Karachi
THROUGH your esteemed paper I want to draw the attention of the new Sindh education secretary to the grave problem faced by college teachers. The problem is about the signing of ACRs (annual confidential reports). The principal of the college concerned and the director of college education sign and counter-sign the ACRs.
Putting into practice the traditional attitude and stance towards official matters and certain other considerations, they do not sign the ACRs on time or leave these unsigned very often. They are dumped in dusty corners of the offices. The problem becomes even graver when a principal or director dies.
Because of this practice college teachers have suffered much and are still suffering. The situation becomes much complex at the time of promotion which is solely made on the basis of ACRs. The teacher himself has to find out the old ACR forms and visit the officer concerned time and again to get these signed. For this he uses every method, fair or foul. After hectic efforts he gets them signed and submit to the offices concerned. But by this time it is for him to be promoted.
I would request the new secretary to look into the matter personally and initiate certain measures to solve this old problem of college teachers. The situation is grim even in the interior of Sindh.
BASHIR SOOMRO
Karachi
I refer to Mr William Worsley’s letter from Washington (March 22) and would like to make the following comments:
Mr Worsley is very right in pointing out that there appears a contradiction in the behaviour of Pakistanis because, on one hand, they seek admissions to American universities and, on the other, express their hatred towards America in the columns of Dawn. One is likely to infer that impression on a cursory look, but looking deep and closely, the position will be clear and misunderstanding removed.
No Pakistani hates the American people. Rather we have the highest respect, admiration, esteem and veneration for them, not only for the position they have carved for themselves in the comity of nations but also for their disposition as an open society and indulgence in self-criticism. Hence, our desire for learning and gaining knowledge from American institutions.
Mr Worsley, you are a great nation and no one doubts it in Pakistan. But it is some of the actions of your government which, unfortunately, are the cause of hatred of people here. To name a few, the double standards adopted in dealing with similar situations.
For instance, while Iraq is assumed a threat to its neighbours, who all deny the charge in unison, Israel is treated in highest esteem, despite its occupation of neighbours’ territory for years together. Or, while Iraq is being punished for not complying with the Security Council’s Resolution 1441, Israel is not questioned for ignoring dozens of resolutions passed by the SC in the last 35 years; or India is allowed not to bother about the resolutions passed in the SC over half a century ago.
Similarly, a case has been contrived against Iraq for the regime change to “liberate” its people for bringing in democracy, while all types of undemocratic governments (kingdoms, dictatorships and military rules) are not only accepted but are made close friends.
A major problem in America is that the media is very strong there, and is controlled by a certain lobby, which has its own agenda. The paradox is that where there is complete freedom of expression, the dissenting voice is dealt with a heavy hand in the media.
On the other hand, facts are twisted to lose their identity and make them look quite different from what they are. The lobby behind the media is so strong that sometimes even the government has to toe its line. It was only after 9/11 that TV channels have started covering international news. Before that the local population was kept in the dark about the government’s meddling in the affairs of other countries.
Mr Worsley, may I venture a little advise to you? You try to find out the attitude of other nations toward America and you will notice the same hatred everywhere, which is definitely not for the people of America, but for the arrogance of your government.
M. I. HUSAIN
Karachi
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