| May 5, 2003 | Monday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1424 |
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Pakistan-India relations
Cut in NSS profit rates
Changing society
Park lying undeveloped
Traffic police
CSS-qualified candidates’ plight
Mobile phones
Indulgence in luxuries
Korangi industrial land’s allotment
Work on Walton Road
Cricket chief
Pakistan’s image
Striking resemblance
High octane gasoline: an overview
This refers to the article, “Consumer banking inflates luxuries” by Sultan Ahmed (EBR, 21 April 2003) and believe me, belonging as I do to the upper class non-resident Pakistani category, the government policies are music to my ears: reduction in import duties, proposed reduction in automobile import duty, and increased privileges for returning Pakistanis and now these credit cards.
Pakistan suddenly looks more advanced. However, I just cannot make myself disagree with Mr. Sultan on how inappropriate some of these policies are for Pakistan’s future. We should discourage imports, especially luxuries. We should make more efforts to build domestic industry just like most of our neighbours.
I know that such steps may take years to fructify and thus too late to benefit any of bureaucrats now in power. But if they are patriots as they claim to be, they should do it anyway. As for the rest of us, we must keep voicing our concerns even if it’s too optimistic to think that they would actually be heard.
Saad Zia Shaikh
Canada
MR ATAL Behari Vajpayee’s oblique statement in occupied Kashmir about extending a hand of friendship is proving to be a hand with a hidden danger in it. The early euphoria created in the minds of pacifists in Pakistan and India is now being reduced to a diminishing hope.
The latest missile tests, increase in crackdowns on helpless Kashmiris, staged attacks on government buildings, refusal to play bilateral cricket, and a terse reply from the Indian prime minister to an invitation from the Pakistan prime minister, all seem to point to a scenario that India is not in a very conciliatory mood, and wants to maintain an upper hand in any talks that might eventually take place due to world pressure and owing to the post-Saddam US objectives in this region.
The key objectives of the US and its allies, commonly called the COWs (coalition of the willing warmongers), are becoming clearer with each passing day: to control energy resources in this region, reduce Chinese power and weaken India and Pakistan through a possible clash between the two.
With economic development of Iraq and Afghanistan starting in foreseeable future, India badly needs the facility to overfly Pakistan, the right it lost in a fit of rage some time ago. Therefore, if Pakistan provides this for now, India will obtain its real short-term objective. Hence, Pakistan would do well to postpone resuming this kind of bilateral facilities until a positive development is made by India towards providing a substantial relief to the Kashmiris, such as withdrawing its troops from the Valley and scheduling the holding of plebiscite under the UN resolutions.
For now it is not Kashmir that is motivating it to extend cooperation, it is rather the Iraqi wealth and possibilities of large sub-contracts to the COWs-led “reconstruction” in Iraq and probably in Afghanistan, too, that demand that it should have a free flight zone over Pakistan territories.
Pakistan military planners should also be aware of a possibility that the Indian troops did not move back from the border because they found Pakistan ready to face the challenge. In all probability, the timings were not right for the “hidden” allies of India, and the military plan and philosophy used to intimidate Pakistan was faulty. Due to the mountainous Kashmiri terrain, massing the troops has undergone a total revision, and air power, supported by high-tech gadgets of its allies, will play a key role in a possible future action by India.
Obviously, a well beefed-up visit by US State Department officials to Pakistan this May cannot be expected to be to please Pakistan, but it would rather be to pressure it for concessions on Kashmir and its nuclear programme, issues on which Pakistan would not be able to soften down.
HASHIM SYED MOHAMMAD BIN QASIM
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
MUCH has been written about the reduced rates of profits on the National Savings Schemes (NSS), causing untold miseries to widows, retirees and people in the middle class income group. Yet the government remains unmoved and, instead, keeps toeing the dictates of the World Bank and the IMF.
There are now rumours of a further cut in the NSS profits, and the reasons given are that the government wants to improve the profitability of the banks whose balance-sheets have recently shown profits of Rs1.5 billion to over Rs2 billion. This should be enough for the banks which give their depositors from two to three per cent profit.
This is nothing but corporate dacoity with the backing of the finance ministry. It was for this very reason that Z. A. Bhutto had nationalized the banking sector.
The government has also claimed that NSS accounts form a major part of the domestic debt. Who is responsible for this state of affairs? All these years, when the profits of NSS were 12 to 14 per cent, the banks made a killing by investing millions in the NSS. Why did the State Bank allow this practice?
When the NSS was introduced, two main reasons were given: one to create a habit of savings which was the lowest then in the world. Secondly, to give relief to the widows, retirees and the middle class who were crushed by the high cost of living.
For them the conditions have not improved one bit. Has the president realized the direct effect of this decreasing rate on the people of Pakistan? In 2002, in Karachi alone there were 247 recorded suicides, of which 205 were poverty-related. How many more deaths, Mr president, before the government grants some relief?
Where can the small investors put in their money for their day-to-day expenses? The banks? No. They give such low profits that after withholding tax and Zakat the depositors are left with practically nothing. Small investors cannot invest in stocks because speculators there will wipe them out in no time.
The government is crowing about poverty alleviation when actually in the last three years, after the military takeover, poverty has increased by 300 per cent and per capita income has gone down by 20 to 25 per cent.
The middle is the backbone of a country and must not be made to suffer. Instead of toeing the donors’ policy, the government must increase reasonably the NSS profits to improve the living standard of the middle class. When they will have more money to spend, production will increase which, in turn, will create more jobs.
A. REHMAN
Hyderabad
I AM surprised every day by reading in the newspapers statements by rulers or cronies, called politicians in Pakistan, about Pakistan remaining underdeveloped due to lack of foreign investment and non-transfer of technology. I ask them, who did provide investment and technology to China to become economically the fifth strongest country in the world, despite America ensuring non-transfer of technology or investment?
Our rulers call China the best friend, but Pakistan should also have learnt a lesson from China which first changed its society. One may say that China was a communist country, but what about South Korea which, too, did exactly the same — changed society?
No society can develop unless it fulfils two conditions. One, level-up society where one’s position is not determined by accident of birth or by the land he owns as an absentee landlord or by the money he has amassed through however foul a means.
Number two and perhaps more important, accord the highest respect to the quality of scholarship of scientists, sociologists, historians and scholars of other disciplines. This is only possible in a modern society where education is compulsory for everyone and is of high standard, free up to secondary or at least middle level, extremely inexpensive higher education and sufficient funds for research scholars doing PhDs and to scientists and other academicians to run research projects.
So, unless the caste system is abolished, absentee landowners’ land is confiscated and distributed freely among the peasants and education reforms are genuinely introduced, Pakistan will remain a poverty-stricken, underdeveloped country.
May I remind the rulers that the East India Company started bringing foreign investment in 1612? Result: British imperialists ruled for over two centuries.
GHULAM KIBRIA
Karachi
FOR the umpteenth time, we have drawn the attention of the authorities concerned to a plot of land located in the middle of Sector 15-A/5, Buffer Zone, North Karachi, which was earmarked for the recreation of the residents of this locality, but no heed has so far been paid to this matter.
The plot has been lying as a barren piece of land for a long time. Its steel fences, marble benches and walking tracks have been destroyed. The authorities allowed this precious land to be ravaged. Although it could have been maintained as a family park, it is being ignored by the authorities.
The elderly men, women and children have to walk a long distance to go to a park in another sector. Will our city nazim look into the matter?
ATAUR REHMAN KHAN
Karachi
THIS refers to the photograph (April 23) in which a traffic cop is seen helping schoolchildren to cross the road in Bhimpura. Pictures like these are not only worth looking at but also develop in us respect for policemen who are otherwise known as bad people.
In a city where, on an average, four people die every day in road accidents, such a helping hand by our traffic police, particularly for young schoolchildren, is a source of great comfort for parents.
I am sure they will feel relaxed that there is somebody out there who cares about their children while they are on their way to school and back home. My thanks to Dawn for publishing that eye-catching photograph.
M. RAFIQUE ZAKARIA
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Ms Ayesha Ansari’s letter, “Plight of CSS-qualified candidates” (April 23). I fully share her feelings and worries. I am also one of the candidates who have qualified in CSS 2001 examinations.
The inefficiency on the part of the authorities to allocate occupational groups / departments to the successful candidates has led to uncertainty not only among the qualified candidates but also among their near and dear ones.
Our education system is so faulty that a student even after doing his master’s with distinction cannot qualify in the competitive examinations without special preparation. In order to qualify in the CSS, a candidate, after completing his studies, has to undergo a tough phase of further study for years after years of hard work. But he is made a scapegoat at the altar of policymakers and only a small number of qualified candidates are allocated the occupational groups/departments. The rest of the qualified candidates remain frustrated.
This is not fair. The CSS-qualified candidates are the cream of society. The qualified candidates who are not appointed have no less abilities than those who are appointed. It is by no means a proof of the fact that those who are appointed are more intelligent than those who are not appointed. All the CSS qualified candidates deserve to be appointed. They are the asset of the nation.
For the progress and dignity of Pakistan, it is essential to appoint all the CSS-qualified candidates in federal / provincial services on the basis of the waiting lists as soon as the posts of BPS-17 are declared vacant. This practice should begin forthwith with the qualified candidates of 2001. I would request the authorities to look into the matter and alleviate the sufferings of the CSS qualified candidates and their families.
DOST MUHAMMAD KHAN
Peshawar
THROUGH your columns I wish to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to the use of mobile telephones. This is a happy sign showing prosperity and advancement in society but its use, while driving, is positively dangerous.
In some countries this practice has been banned. The situation calls for some strong action here also. Motorcycle riders have also been seen holding mobile phones in one hand while manoeuvring by the other.
Three-wheelers pulled by cycle-riders, carrying heavy loads cause congestion, particularly on the Clifton Bridge.
SALAMAT RIZVI
Karachi
THESE days brand new cars with government number plates are seen running on Karachi roads.
As a citizen, who is paying a huge amount in taxes under various heads, I would like to know why costly cars are being given to public servants or newly-elected representatives of the people of this poor country, where a large portion of the population are deprived of basic amenities.
MOHAMMAD RAFI
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the plots in the Korangi industrial area, old SITE area, SITE area of Scheme 33, etc., which were allotted to the people most of whom were neither industrialists nor manufacturers but purely investors. The plot prices are raised by them as a form of gambling, thereby increasing its market value.
These allottees/investors gamble by selling and purchasing the plots from time to time in the above-mentioned industrial areas to increase their prices. The allottees who are actually manufacturing can operate on 400 to 1,000 square yard plots but they had been allotted plots measuring one to five acres or sometimes more, which they sell off to interested industrialists at very high prices.
To deal with this situation, the government may take the following measures:
i) Investigate the gambling among allottees/investors who increase the prices of land, as well as investigate about the lack of mention of the actual prices of transactions.
ii) The government can begin investigation with the original allottees.
iii) Sometimes the investor purchases a plot from the original allottee/investor and keeps the file open for a very long time and then sells the plot at a very high price. The estate brokers are also equally responsible for such irregularities. The government should immediately cancel such plots even though the allottees pay the non-utilization fee for those vacant plots to the department concerned.
iv) Before starting an inquiry and cancelling the unutilized plots, laws may be passed so that those involved may not get the stay order form a high court.
ABDUL AZIZ GOHAR
Alberta, Canada
I AM a resident of Walton Road, Lahore Cantt. I want to draw your attention to the slow pace of development work on Walton Road. The work that began last year is still continuing. The slow pace of work by the city district government has caused major problems for the local residents like pollution.
I would request the authorities concerned to speed up the work so that a common man can benefit from it as soon as possible.
USMAN KHAN
Lahore
I WAS amazed to read the statement from Mr Tauqir Zia that he has lost interest in cricket after the Pakistan cricket team’s debacle in the World Cup. The fact that he is the chief of Pakistan cricket and says he has lost interest in cricket makes the statement very funny.
MIR ZAIN KHAWAR
Rawalpindi
THIS is in response to Mr Naqvi’s letter (April 30). Mr Naqvi points to the fanatical image the Ethiopians have about Pakistan.
In the current situation a developing nation has only a somewhat stereotype image created by the media. Mr Naqvi refers to gun-toting Pakistanis being shown on the CNN. The same channel has also presented a not-so-proud image of Ethiopia. Ask any ordinary Pakistani or anyone about Ethiopia, the first thing they will mention is hunger, poverty and so on.
Is this the true image of Ethiopia? Certainly not. It is for the people of the developing world to rise above the stereotypes and judge a country’s people by their merits.
Over here in Canada most Canadians have quite a favourable view of our country or most countries in our region because they bother to interact and see things as they actually are. So, the responsibility does not lie with the state but its citizens.
Mr Naqvi does give a few good pointers about what Pakistan should do about this, but Pakistan’s views on these events should not be myopic or India-specific. We as a nation are quite different from India with different demographics and so on (just look at their size).
The need of the hour is that all of us as a nation should pursue a “Pakistan First” policy and not a “blame Pakistan first” one. It’s only then we are going to free Pakistan from the shackles of being stereotyped. Just look at the current Iraq war. The days of thinking too objectively are long gone.
SALMAN RAZA
Toronto, Canada
US Defence Secretary
Donald Rumsfeld and Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri bear so much resemblance that they look half-brothers, if not full.
Most interestingly, just like their features, their views about most of the global affairs are also similar. But, can they offer similar solutions to different problems being faced by Pakistan? No, Rumsfeld can’t.
RAFAT MAHMOOD ANSARI
Islamabad
WITH reference to Mrs Siddiqui’s letter (April 25), I would like to promote the idea of hers to initiate a debate on the significant misconceptions about so-called health hazards of high octane gasoline.
It is true that benzene levels in fuels are two-three per cent, but total aromatics are from 20 to 40 per cent. When these aromatics are combusted, a large percentage comes out in the exhaust as benzene. Hence the much higher levels of benzene than expected, but all their effects, as well as human tolerance levels, have not been fully researched.
There are petroleum hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide which are more hazardous than benzene. Another key aspect of all this is that the lead levels in leaded petrol have been reduced. In fact, the benzene and total aromatics levels in leaded and standard unleaded petrol are virtually the same in many countries.
The additional lead content is the only major difference between standard ULP and leaded petrol. The levels of benzene and other aromatics in premium unleaded fuel are extremely high. So I would urge people never to use leaded fuel.
The diseases pointed out by the respected “critic” are not generated only from the exhaust of higher octane gasoline, which is brought into being by the refining of crude oil. In fact, these are the common health hazards caused by the continuous exposure of human being to hydrocarbons.
Can Mrs Siddiqui give me the name of those refineries in which (according to her) “hardware changes” have been made and unleaded gasoline produced with less benzene and aromatics through “suitable additives”.
The fact is that the vehicle exhaust is being catered through the installation of the catalytic converter which is the worst possible answer to the problem of emissions and itself a debatable issue in western countries as the lead makes the converter poisonous.
We must promote the usage of unleaded gasoline just to save people from the irreversible aftereffects of lead, which has the chronic effects on the nervous system — paralysis of motor nerves, poor aptitude (specially in children) and other effects on cognitive functions.
Mexico, which uses almost seven per cent of the world’s lead additive, high blood lead levels are threatening the intelligence of an entire generation of Mexican children. Four million cars pump 32 tons of lead into the air every day in Mexico City.
RASHID ASHRAF
Karachi
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