| May 27, 2003 | Tuesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 24,1424 |
To send a letter to the Editor
Click here
MBA as corporate secretary
Sufferings galore
Killings in Riyadh
Jamali’s visit to Karachi
UN’s redundancy
Wasim’s graceful exit
Controversial 58(2)b
QAU tragedy
Understanding Iraqi Shia
Thankful
Manners
Scheme for bad loans’ write-off
Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy’s write-up headlined “Terror in Okara” (May 22) made me realize that at least we too have an answer to our neighbour’s straight-speaking Arundhatti Roy, now more well-known for her civil rights activities than for her Booker Prize for her novel.
Dr Hoodbhoy told us, as it is in his article, without churning out adjectives or resorting to rhetoric. However, what has long pained me is the total absence of any objection to the high-handedness of the military towords over a million farmers of the military farms at Okara by any of our political parties — Jihadi or otherwise — besides almost a stony silence from civil society, its workers or the NGOs.
One hopes that necessary action, as suggested by Dr Hoodbhoy, will be taken in this case, at least, before it is too late. And, if there is a civil government in existence, it too must ruffle to register its presence on the national scene.
AMIR ALI ESMAIL
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy’s article.
It is indeed shocking and saddening to learn that our armed forces are committing atrocities against peasants in Okara. The question arises, why are the leaders of the country silent over this issue?
They make long speeches about the sufferings of the Kashmiris and show sympathy towards them, but they seem to have ignored the plight of the people living in their own territory.
Furthermore, we spend billions of rupees on our armed forces to protect us from external threats, but the million-dollar question is, who will protect us from our own people?
I request the Pakistan Television to make a documentary on the ordeal being faced by the peasants of the Okara military farms. Also, the PTV should telecast discussions on the issue.
ANIL KHAN LUNI
Karachi
PERVEZ Hoodbhoy’s article was really thought-provoking for ordinary Pakistanis.
The people are aware how military authorities treat innocent civilians and forget that they are getting paid to protect these civilians. These ordinary people are the ones who pay the taxes.
The press should, however, continue playing its role in highlighting the plight of the poor villagers of Okara.
S. AHMAD
Virginia, USA
THIS refers to Mr Akhtar Khan’s letter published in your issue of May 21 and the press release issued by the SECP (May 19) responding to the concerns expressed in some newspapers on the qualifications of company/corporate secretary set out in the chapter on corporate governance in the listing regulations of stock exchanges.
I subscribe to the opinion of Mr Khan for naming the position as corporate secretary because the term, corporate secretary, is wider in implication than the company secretary. Unlike chartered secretary, the corporate secretary is an organizational and professional position and not an academic qualification. A chartered secretary is a qualification provided the incumbent has rolled out of an institute that has received charter from a charter-granting authority which in Pakistan must be the one that has granted charter to the ICAP.
A seminar is being held in Karachi on corporate governance on June 3, 2003, with the objective to provide knowledge and understanding to corporate affairs officers of different hierarchical levels for effective implementation of corporate governance. One of the two presenters at the seminar is one of the commissioners of the SECP. The IBA, one of the prime institutes producing MBAs, is organizing the seminar.
One finds it difficult to understand the exclusion of MBA from the proposed list of qualifications of a company/corporate secretary. Further, one is also surprised on the exclusion of experience in corporate affairs from the proposed list of qualifications as in well-organized corporate bodies, the corporate secretary does not come out of the blue, but is grilled out of a proper succession plan for that position.
Interestingly, the press release of the SECP has not mentioned the value of experience of corporate affairs officers, which, if not given credence, may be very unfair to those who are half-way through the succession ladder in that profession.
It will be pertinent in the larger interest of the corporate sector in Pakistan if the SECP appreciates the relevance of MBA and experience in corporate affairs while recommending the insertion of Rule 14C in Companies (General Provisions & Forms) Rules 1985.
MARIA ABBASI
Karachi
I WOULD like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to the poor condition of the small industries estate area, 3km away from the Gujrat city.
The estate is an important organ of the district and was constructed in 1976. The estate, comprising about 250 units, generates big capital for the country but unfortunately suffers from lack of facilities, i.e. bad roads, poor sewerage system, absence of footpaths and polluted water supply.
During the rainy season, the situation worsens like anything; roads turn into ponds, the sewers go out of order and the potholes and ditches are filled with waste water, hindering the flow of heavy vehicles which face much difficulty in entering the area. The absence of footpaths and lack of other such amenities reflect negligence on the part of the local authorities.
The polluted water is a serious problem for both the local industrialists and the workers. The lines for water supply was laid in 1962, which was impaired long ago, and now the labourers have to drink subsoil water. The water tank, built a long time back, was known for supplying purified water but the situation has changed since dead animals were found in the water tank, exposing the callous attitude of the department concerned.
The provincial government should consider taking steps to end the suffering of the affected people.
BEHZAD BUTT
Gujrat
THE western interests, specially American, were safe and secure in Saudi Arabia at the time when the US troops landed there in the 1990s, when thousands were killed by collateral bombings in Afghanistan, when the Muslims were being chased all over the world and pushed to the wall, when their identity was made a sign of terror, when the Israelis had flattened Palestinian camps and when new bombs were being experimented on the Iraqis. Except for some low-profile reactions, all was tolerated patiently.
Recently when America announced it would withdraw its troops from Saudi Arabia, the gesture was welcomed by the people from all walks of life. But this announcement was unbearable for the so-called Muslim patriots and they, without wasting a moment, launched a major anti-western attack.
These attacks cannot be justified in the interest of Saudi people and its economy. America had stationed its troops at the time of the Gulf war and since then they have proved fatal for the Saudi economy owing to the unaffordable expenditure. After the oil discoveries it was the Gulf war when, for the first time, the Saudi budget went into deficit. These were the major causes of anti-American sentiments among the Saudi people which compelled the government to think about its strategic decisions.
At this critical juncture, any negative move would only provide America with an excuse to withdraw its decision of shifting its bases and take over hasty steps against the Muslims in the name of terrorism. Therefore, such groups should be widely condemned.
The Muslim governments need to take collective, swift and decisive steps to dismantle the network of the terrorist organizations which bring about disrepute for the Muslims all over the world.
MUMTAZ ALI THEBO
Lahore
THE visit of Prime Minister Jamali to Karachi was beneficial in many ways. The dirt and filth which had accumulated for over two to three years were removed in a matter of six hours. M. A. Jinnah Road was polished and re-polished from the KPT fire-brigade to KPT Gate No 1. The totally broken and non-manoeuvrable road between KPT Gates 15 and 17 was repaired in a matter of three to four hours. The road was damaged by rain recently.
The Jinnah Bridge was quite clean and lime was sprinkled at the footboard borders. The containers, most of them heavy, were not allowed to park on M. A. Jinnah Road, making driving much comfortable and easy. It shows that our public works departments can be geared into action only when a dignitary visits the area.
But Mr Jamali came here for a short visit on fully clean roads, across the bridges which were attended by scores of sweepers and truck-loads of safety and security personnel. I hope his next visit would be inside Jackson Bazaar and Andrew’s Road where there are heaps of garbage, potholes, and open sewerage water flooding the roads. One such is at present opposite the gate of International Container Terminal.
I have been working here for the last 24 years and I have not seen a dirtier Keamari than what it is today. Andrew’s Road, which runs from the Railway Gate (near Pir Ghaib Shah Mazar) to the rear part of Mules Mansions (called Cowasjee Building ), is badly broken and nobody has cared to repair it.
The garbage dump behind the same building, near the last minibus terminus of W 11, is overflowing right on the road. On most occasions the garbage is simply burnt sending obnoxious fumes all around to the detriment of the people working or living in the locality.
For weeks on end the garbage trolley (in spite of repeated reminders) never comes to remove the garbage.
DR MINOO SUKHIA
Karachi
THE United Nations was supposed to deliver peace and progress, with economic growth, to all its members. However, it became a tool for legitimizing the illegal acts of the United States. It is currently being used by the US to clean up its mess in Iraq. Why not give it the status of the Red Cross as it is only capable of doing some humanitarian work?
It has been alleged that the UN secretary-general has few executive powers, and when he seeks to make changes or takes some important decisions, vested interests and tenured bureaucrats who enjoy the privileges of the status quo block him.
What purpose can it serve if it cannot protect the weaker nations from the injustices of the stronger members? The United Nations has become redundant and should be dismantled. The Muslim member-countries need to form their own international organization to look after their interests.
SAAD MUNIR
Islamabad
AFTER almost two decades of sparkling international cricket career, Wasim Akram recently made his exit from the cricket arena, at the age of 36, very wisely indeed.
We know that even Sir Don retired at 39. After a hectic career in sports, human reflexes tend to slow down after 35 or so, particularly if the ineffectual follow-struggle is possessed by a one-arm genuine fast-bowler. A fast bowler, in particular, and all other bowlers, in general, have to have a “shut-chest” action, looking at the facing batsman from over the shoulder of the other arm and making a gliding follow-through, after a pronounced over-arm action (and not a round-arm action as that of the medium-fast Indian bowler Vijay Hazare).
Wasim received accolades from here, there and everywhere deservedly. Look at the one by the former Indian captain, Sri Kanth: “Wasim (was) the best fast bowler I have even played against in the world.”
“He (was) the Sultan of swing.” — Indian Press.
“Wasim was the most natural fast bowler.” — Imran Khan (Wasim’s member).
“What can be safely said and concluded is that there can be no question of his genius as a fast bowler and he was a cricketers’ and critics’ delight.”
In 104 Tests he took 414 wickets and a world record 502 wickets in 386 one-dayers. Wasim was indisputably past master of reverse swing. Wasim hailed from Islampura, Lahore. I tutored him a little in printing press ground but did not succeed in teaching him the orthodox action of a fast bowler.
God bless him. He rendered meritorious service for Pakistan cricket.
ZAFAR H. ZAIDI
Rawalpindi
THE article 58(2)b empowers the president to dismiss the government and dissolve assemblies. This is a unilateral and unbridled power which goes unchecked.
Yet in our chequered political history, this article is necessary to avoid military intervention or martial law. It may be recalled that the former chief justice of the Supreme Court, Sajjad Ali Shah, in one of his judgments emphasized for retaining this article.
I would suggest that to bridle the powers of the president from misusing his authority under 58(2)b, he may be permitted to use it for a transient period only and approach the apex court within 30 days to ratify his good intent. The apex court would adjudicate on this matter, within 60 days either upholding the president’s action or dismiss his petition restoring the assemblies and the government.
This should satisfy the opposition parties for an amicable settlement on this issue.
SAIFUDDIN E. CONTRACTOR
Karachi
THIS refers to Aileen Qaiser’s article (May 6). The writer presented the whole situation surrounding the murder-cum-suicide incident that occurred on the QAU campus. However, the article failed to arrive at any meaningful conclusion.
The article started with a sympathetic note about the boy who, in a moment of despair, shot his fiancee. There is no reason why he should have ended an innocent life. If the girl had changed her mind and decided not to marry him, no one should deny her this right. When the married people can divorce their partners and get married to someone else, why deprive anybody of this privilege who is not yet married but just engaged?
The writer is critical of the relationship between the students on the campuses. Well, there is nothing wrong with such relationship. One must not try to put unnecessary restrictions on others.
It is time to get rid of faulty ‘traditions’ that exist in our society and look forward to a brighter future. If a couple develops understanding and both are adults, it is their right to make a decision for the rest of their lives. However, if one of them changes one’s mind, then the partner has no right to force him/her to stick together. This applies to engagements and even marriages. It requires a complete change in the attitude of the parents, as well as of male members of society.
SARAH HAIN
Washington DC, USA
THIS refers to the article headlined “Understanding the Iraqi Shia” (May 17) by Mr Murtaza Razvi.
I think Mr Razvi could not match his own statements. First, he mentioned that Iraqi Ulema to this day have stuck to the theological position with the late Ayatullah al-Khoi for not accepting “Velayat-i-Faqih”.
Secondly, he mentioned that Saddam was unable to get from these Ulema a fatwa sanctioning war against Iran. May I ask Mr Razvi why Saddam could not get a single fatwa when all the Ulema and seminaries are against Velayat-i-Faqih.
ABID ALI
Karachi
I AM a permanent reader of your daily. On the death of the supreme leader of Jamaat-i-Ahmadiyya, Mirza Tahir Ahmad, you published a news item in a dignified manner for which I am thankful to you.
AMTUS SABOOR
Islamabad
I WISH to make a minor amendment to Mr Martins’ letter (May 24). Good manners demand that you first disclose your identity to the person answering your call and then make whatever enquiry you want to.
The proper and civil way is to say, “I am Martins, may I peak to Mr Peter please?”
SALEEM ZIA
Lahore
THE State Bank of Pakistan, through circular No. 29 dated October 15, 2002, now extended to June 30, 2003, has allowed the banks and the DFIs to go for write-off by following the scheme in letter and spirit. The purpose of the scheme is to get rid of irrecoverable loans and help cleanse the balance sheets of the banking sector.
It is indeed a good opportunity both for the banks and for the loan defaulters of all categories, especially the sick units, to avail of it so as to achieve a maximum benefit. Since the banks have the upper hand, they bear the utmost responsibility for the success of the scheme.
Experience so far shows that the banks are no doubt deriving the benefit but not to the extent it was expected. This is mainly owing to the fact that they are not following the parameters of the scheme. One major violation that came to light recently is the twisting of the valuation clause 7 of the scheme by the banks pretending to give extra benefit to their institutions. In this race the IDBP is in the front line.
Clause 7 of the scheme requires the valuation to be worked out on the basis of held (mortgaged/pledged) securities but the IDBP has made it a practice long before the inception of the scheme to feed data on held along with some un-held or fake securities to the valuators to obtain inflated valuation figure so that the liabilities could be settled on the higher side. This unfair practice came to light only when the State Bank directed all the banks to make available the valuation reports to the defaulters for information and record purposes.
Whenever such inflated valuation figures were detected and pointed out to the IDBP, it directed the defaulters to go to the SBP committee recently constituted to resolve such matters. How ill-founded its argument is! Is it a measure to torpedo the scheme or increase the burden of the disputed cases on the already burdened SBP committee (reported to be over 300 by now)?
It is suggested that the State Bank should create a monitoring cell comprising experts to monitor the affairs by surprise inspections of the banks so that the handling of the scheme is carried out on a merit basis. This will not only save the defaulters from injustice but also avoid unnecessary flow of cases to the State Bank committee. Moreover, the cases of disputes pertaining to the revival of sick and closed units should be only referred to the State Bank committee on a priority basis and all other cases be decided at the institution level with the help/ guidance of the monitoring cell.
AFTAB KHAN
Karachi
You can also send letters to the Editor
Just send your message to the following address:
Make sure you include your full name, postal address, e-mail address, and in the case of Pakistan your day-time telephone number.