| April 16, 2003 | Wednesday | Safar 13, 1424 |
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Farmers’ debt problem
Agricultural plan
Modi’s Hinduism
Why Pakistan next?
Taj Company victims
Pornographic websites
War crimes trial
Shortage of CNG stations
Humiliation of Mesopotamia
Question of recognition
Muggers in Karachi
Allama Iqbal Airport
Power theft
Tributes to Dr Ruth Pfau
ARAB countries are aghast with disbelief at the rapidity with which the Iraqi resistance collapsed. Saddam Hussein, anointed as a new Saladin in a quintessential Pakistani outpouring of sentimentality at the start of the war, has disappeared with his coterie of loyalists, leaving a trail of devastation and death.
Apprehension is being expressed that other Muslim countries, and even Pakistan, may be attacked one day. Anger at the West has led to the surprising elevation of Saddam, the most evil Muslim leader of the last 100 years, to the status of a folk hero. This bears repeating that he not only caused the death of over a million Muslims, but by pushing the Saudis into granting bases to the US caused the cataclysmic events of 9/11 with its worldwide repercussions.
The MMA and its ilk are advocating a ‘jihad’ against the West. In the face of the huge technological, economic and knowledge gap between the West and the Muslim world, they surely could not be making a call for mass suicide. Their call to ‘jihad’ can only mean a call to terrorism and more militancy, a recipe that hasn’t worked well at all so far.
The war on Iraq is being portrayed as a ‘war on Islam’. Actually, it was a war to pursue the national interests of the US as determined by its present administration. The relationship between the Muslim world and the US is fast deteriorating and gives every indication that the scenario of the ‘Clash of Civilizations’ may indeed become a reality some day with the Muslims most to lose. This is not the case until now.
What are the Muslims to do? We should become strong not by brandishing a sword but by reviving the quest for knowledge which was the reason we were great at one time, and work towards building tolerant, honest and democratic societies.
Resort to violence is a losing proposition because the power structure against which the violence is directed has far more formidable arsenal to bleed its adversaries. These are difficult times for the Muslim world but the way out of the morass is through peace and not confrontation, through clear thinking rather than emotionalism.
M. HAIDER
New Jersey, USA
OUR monetary and banking system is now subjugated to the IMF prescriptions. Our financial bureaucrats are required to periodically appear before the IMF authorities in New York to give a full account of every penny of our national income and expenditure.
Unfortunately, the International Monetary Fund is no kin to us and its policies are bound to be based on strategic rather than on humanitarian considerations and, therefore, are often cruel and detrimental to our economic growth.
The credit and recovery policies are such that they result in entangling the borrowers in a vicious circle of compound interest from which they can never hope to extricate themselves. The element of human error and natural disaster is never allowed for. The result is that our agricultural sector remains debt-ridden and the loan default is snowballing inexorably.
Given the strategic policy of the IMF to keep the people of Pakistan economically bankrupt so that, thus weakened, they cannot think of opening an ideological front with the West, it would be naive to expect our government to solve the problem of agriculture debt default but rather this weapon will always be used as an instrument of torture and repression. Needless to say that it is a false premise on which to base a policy deeply affecting over 140 million people.
Although it may sound like a cry in the wilderness in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the government is requested to solve the debt problem of the tillers, specially those belonging to the belt affected by the Indus, such as the Lundi Pitafi village, Muzaffargarh district.
MUHAMMAD ALI
Muzaffargarh
THIS refers to a recent news time headlined “Agriculture plan on the cards”.
The agriculture package which the federal government intends to announce includes flat power rates for tubewells, a diesel scheme and an insignificant cut in the input costs. However, this package will not help boost the agriculture produce, nor will it help the vast majority of farmers for the following reasons:
1. Electric tubewells are good if there are no power failures in villages, but unfortunately power failures for six to nine hours daily are very common in Sindh; hence the likelihood that electric tubewells will not boot the agricultural produce.
2. Green gallons for diesel for tubewells/tractors will be misused, as most farmers rent tractors from big land holders.
3. While the prices of electricity, fertilizer and diesel have shot up in the past three years, the prices of agricultural produce, including wheat and paddy, have not been increased, thus landing the farmers in an state of despair and depression.
4. There is a lack of effective representation of the agricultural sector at the government level; Unlike the United States, governments in Pakistan do not support farmers by subsidizing their produce.
The agriculture plan will be successful only when it benefits all the people related to the agriculture sector of the country, and not just the big landlords.
The government should not announce any agriculture plan without doing its homework.
DR ZAHID HUSSAIN JATOI
Dadu
NARENDRA Modi has capitalized on seething hatred of Hindu extremists, triggered by the train incident of last year. Nehru, the first prime minister of India, his daughter Indra Gandhi and grandson Rajiv Gandhi tried to construct painstakingly an environment of secularism, though in a diminishing order, to portray India as a liberal democratic state in contrast to Pakistan, proclaimed to be based on the Islamic ideology and driven by religious fanaticism.
Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the Nehru dynasty, a kind of delicate Hindu-Muslim detente was created.
This detente was damaged by the train incident and the ethnic violence that followed in Gujarat, resulting in the deaths of about 2,000 Muslims and widespread loss of prosperity, with the discreet connivance of Modi’s police.
In Election 2002, Modi presented himself as the sole saviour of the Hindus from Muslim extremists. His trick worked wonders and ensured a sweeping victory in the election for the BJP.
This type of politicking has precipitated communal violence in India — the anti-climax of Nehru’s secularism. The underlying mechanism is now spreading insecurity among people in that country.
M. SALEEM CHAUDHRY
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Azhar Nazir Sulehri’s letter, “Why Pakistan next” (April 9). It is hard to understand why we consider ourselves as American friends or allies. As a nation we should be very clear about where we stand.
We perform American demands like a labourer or worker. We perform our part as demanded by them, and they pay us in dollars, or write off our loans. If we refuse to tow their lines, they impose sanctions and call us terrorists. They coax us into buying beans, wheat and other tit-bits. Whether we need these or not, we have to oblige. Not much of a choice. We have to survive in this imbalanced system of societies and nations.
Now it is up to us how we groom ourselves for future when challenges would be much more coercive than what they are today. The present system does not suit our future requirements. The feudals, bureaucrats, public representatives, Ulema and all such other elements would be in turmoil if they do not change their outlook and give the child of this country his birthright, i.e. books, uniform, free education and clean water.
Just as a start-up, please stop spending on limousines, decorations, functions at five-star hotels, etc, and instead channel money into helping people become scientists, writers, and educationists. Each educated person should make a conscious effort to change the fate of this state.
FARAH GUL
Islamabad
WHILE it is heartening to note that the economy of Pakistan is finally recovering, with remittances pouring in and the dollar reserves at a record high, it is pathetic to note that we, the victims of the Taj Company deposit scheme, continue to suffer neglect.
Thousands of ordinary people, including government and private employees, retired people, widows and orphans placed their trust in the Taj Company, but were swindled in the process.
The government has reassured all of us repeatedly that our grievances would be redressed. But so far there has been only talk, and no action.
I myself have written repeatedly to the finance minister, the prime minister and the president, but sadly there has been no action, only promises. Just a while ago we were promised liquidation of the Taj Company, and payment to depositors from the proceeds. But again, nothing concrete has been done yet.
I urge the Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, and President Gen Pervez Musharraf to settle this matter so that our suffering should come to an end.
M. FARUQI
Karachi
IT was encouraging for all of us to hear that our government has ordered the Pakistan Telecommunications to block at least 1,800 websites described as pornographic. Although, it is difficult to pull the reign on pornography completely, at least we have taken the first step.
This step can further be strengthened by decentralizing filters at Service Providers’ level and applying dynamic algorithms that get updated periodically. Nevertheless, this step should be applauded.
MUHAMMAD JAHANZEB
Karachi
EVERY organization comprises a mixed blend of people. Each human being has a unique nature. It would, therefore, not be wrong to say that cruel and sadistic people are also part of an organization, irrespective of the ratio.
It is interesting to note that war crimes’ trial is only for those who lose the battle. How about those war criminals who are part of the victorious crowd?
It is necessary for the UN to look into this matter prudently and select members of war crimes assessment tribunal based on neutrality, excluding the parties directly. If neutral members are not available, then a combination should be used from countries which are not direct allies of either parties.
The actual trial should only take place after an unbiased identification (both the parties) has taken place of the war criminals. Likewise, the trial should also be conducted in the International Court of Justice with no member from the contesting parties on the panel of judges, and with an even blend of neutral or non-allied members.
SHAHID SALIM
Karachi
AS a source of energy for motor vehicles, CNG is both cheap and environment-friendly. This is why people are having CNG kits fitted in their vehicles.
But there seems always a long queue of vehicles at every CNG station at Karachi and Hyderabad. Besides, there is no CNG filling station in Larkana, Sukkur, or along the National Highway and the Indus Highway up to Sukkur.
The government announced setting up of 300 such stations during this fiscal year, but all in vain. What is creating hindrance? Red tape or high rates of bribe or favouritism?
RIAZ SOLANGI
Hyderabad
MESOPOTAMIA, the epitome of one of the most ancient cultures and the birth-place of Prophet Abraham (PBHU) and heroes like Saladin the great, has crumbled to rubble — bodies soaked in blood, innocent children maimed and devastated in what appears to be an aching revival of the Kerbala incident.
Iraqis have fought bravely to salvage their soil, their roots, not Saddam Hussein. The allied forces in turn have manifested their cowardice by taking on an ill-equipped army, women and children.
This new rule of the sword has proved itself to be a fast journey back to the stone age. The fate of Afghanistan stares at us in the wake of this new war.
Symbols of a great civilization have been laid waste beneath the flag of imperialism hailing from a country of cowboys and McDonalds. This post-Saddam anarchy and looting is indeed a humiliating sight in the history of this country. Will Baghdad ever survive this invader?
DR ZEBA HASAN HAFEEZ
California, USA
AFTER the so-called “allied” invasion of Iraq when an illegally-formed new government is installed there, will it not be prudent for sane countries of the world to not to recognize it?
I wonder whether Saddam Hussein’s government was legal or not, the new government imposed by force upon the Iraqi people would definitely be illegal, seen from any angle.
S. A. HYDER
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
I WOULD like to draw the attention of the Sindh police boss to the increasing number of daylight robberies being committed in Karachi’s PIB Colony, particularly in the lane behind the Habib Bank building and on the main road leading from PIB Colony to the New Town police station.
Most pillion-riders snatch, at gunpoint, gold bangles from women or mobile phones and other valuable items. These robbers, mostly educated boys, usually strike during the first half of the day when streets are a little empty. Some time, they operate in the evening and at night, and also loot even small shops in the locality.
The police usually patrol the main road to have their shares from the hawkers and hardly patrol the lanes inside.
The IG must order extra police patrolling and deputation of plainclothesmen to protect the people from robbers.
ABDUL R. SIDDIQI
Karachi
THERE are a number of bad things about the newly-inaugurated Allama Iqbal Airport in Lahore. It appears that Rs10 billion has been wasted on it. Its colour combinations inside the two terminal buildings are outrageous; it needs additional boarding bridges — at least three more — as well as additional space at arrival and departure lounges.
No lighting has been provided at the approach roads from The Mall as well as from Defence. More modifications in designing are required at the arrival/departure lounges, at least on the basis of the Jinnah Terminal at Karachi.
Moreover, there are no hangars/cargo complexes for aircraft maintenance. The design of the airport complex is rather funny — there aren’t any close circuit TV sets/Internet kiosks at the arrival and departure lounges.
Will the CAA look into the matter and take the appropriate steps to at least give a decent look to the airport.
MAJ (R) TAUFEEQ AMIR
Lahore
I SUPPORT the managing director of the KESC in his efforts to combat the increasing power theft in Karachi.
It is appalling to learn from the press that at least 10 electricity feeders have 80 per cent of their electricity stolen, while about 1,888 feeders have 60 per cent of their electricity stolen. The KESC should publish more details and highlight the localities where such crime is rampant.
All sane citizens must join in this campaign to eliminate electricity theft. About 25 per cent of the KESC’s electricity production is stolen — and eventually paid for by ordinary consumers in the from of higher electricity rates and taxes. Thus, thieves are not stealing from the KESC, they are stealing from all of us.
Can the KESC boss tell us how we can help practically, apart from not stealing electricity ourselves?
ROLAND DESOUZA
Karachi
THE Jinnah Society has paid befitting tribute to Dr Ruth Pfau by conferring on her the Jinnah Award in recognition of her humanitarian services in the field of leprosy treatment.
Before leaving Europe, Dr Pfau had taken a firm decision never to return, to become a Pakistani. On arrival at Karachi in March 1960, she, accompanied by Mexican Sister Berenice, visited the McLeod Road leper colony where about 150 poor beggars suffering from leprosy lived in jhuggis.
The Marie Adelaide Dispensary was earlier founded here by a French social worker. There would be no place more miserable as this leprosy colony. Dr Pfau found herself in the mist of suffering fellow humans who needed help. From that day on, she and her colleagues set out to make the most pleasant changes in the lives of leprosy patients throughout Pakistan.
In Germany, when she was young, she once asked the Jesuit of the Church if she had a vocation to the religious life, and he replied that he would not rule it out but he thought that she should give the question of marriage a serious thought and review the situation after a year. During the year she met Guenther. They had much in common. ‘I loved him because he never treated me as an object, as something to be owned.’ Then the time came when her love finally proposed. She listened but said that she loved to say yes to marriage, but she just can’t. She has a vocation, a calling to the religious life and there was no other way but to follow it.
Born on Sept 9, 1929, at Leipzig, Dr Ruth Katherina Martha Pfau has been working against the odds for the last 42 years. It has largely been through the people of Germany that she has been able to initiate the work and carry it on. In search of index cases, she has travelled to every nook and corner of Pakistan. She has built a complete hospital at Karachi where leprosy patients are now being treated medically and socially.
She is a great friend of leprosy patients. She believes that leprosy work is not merely medical relief, it transforms the life of a patient, her frustrations into joy and happiness.
In recognition of her services, Dr Pfau has received the highest award from Germany, Pakistan, the USA, the Philippines and many other countries.
CHAGHTAI MIRZA EJAZUDDIN
Karachi
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