| May 30, 2003 | Friday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 27,1424 |
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Equivalence certificate
Plea for restoring CSS seats
Ban on Shoaib
Lakhra powerhouse
Expectations about the budget
PTV programmes
Gwadar port & local people
Advice to Punjab CM
Did Muslim world accept Ptolemy theory?
Bus fares
IN SPITE of the congenial atmosphere created by Prime Minister Jamali’s phone call to Mr A. B. Vajpayee, India is still harping on the theme of “cross-border terrorism”.
With this attitude, it is doubtful if talks will proceed further. But we must not let the opportunity slip by, rather grab the moment and go forward from here.
First, it is sheer nonsense to call the freedom movement in Kashmir as “cross-border terrorism”. We have a long border with India, measuring more or less 1,500 miles — starting from the south and going northwards. We have on our borders Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, East Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. If Pakistan was creating “cross-border terrorism”, all these Indian states would have been in turmoil, but the reality is not so.
So, let us call a spade a spade. Let us admit without any guilt that there is “cross-LoC terrorism”. We can start talking with India about this “cross-LoC terrorism” and proceed from here. This will automatically lead us to the question, why is there this “Line of Control”? Since when is this line in existence? What is the genesis of this line and what is the time limit for its termination? How did this line happen to take shape in the first place?
This should be our starting-point of talks because India also attaches the highest importance to “cross-LoC terrorism”. Air travel, overflights, trade, diplomatic consulates, etc. are secondary questions. Once this LoC business and the terrorism it breeds is finalized, other things will automatically fall into place.
May we ask: is Pakistan creating cross-border terrorism in Assam and Tripura where the situation is no different from that in Kashmir?
IBRAHIM SUTTAR
Karachi
THE Kashmir crisis since independence has been the name of the game. ‘How long will India and Pakistan continue to fight? Will this bloodbath that has been going on for more than 50 years ever come to an end?‘ The answer to the Indian prime minister’s query is a big NO. There will be no end to this crisis unless both countries give up their claim over Kashmir and allow the people of Kashmir to decide their own fate.
Nobody seems to consider that Kashmir could be an independent territory. It seems both Pakistan and India feel that if Kashmir cannot be obtained, the existence of their own state would be in jeopardy. But this is not to be the case.
On the contrary, if Kashmir becomes an independent state through an understanding between India and Pakistan, the relationship between the two neighbours would improve. Besides this, the resources thus available could be utilized for the development of the people of the two countries.
ZULFIQAR ALI DOMKI
Karachi
WITH reference to a letter by a student and a subsequent reply by the IBCC regarding O’level and A’level examination grades and their equivalence, I would like to mention some facts which resolved this controversy a long time ago.
It was in 1996 that some private school students and Dr Fred Burke, principal assistant secretary of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, took up the matter with the IBCC and the equivalence committees of Pakistan universities as the marks obtained by the students were downgraded.
Dr Fred Burke met the chairman of the IBCC in Islamabad and the vice-chancellors of Karachi University, Quaid-i-Azam University and Punjab University. In my capacity as academic director of a leading school, I assisted Dr Burke in this mission. It was then decided that specially for Pakistani students, the University of Cambridge O’level and A’level examination certificates will have marks in percentage and at the back of the certificate a special clause was added which reads:
For the purpose of equivalence in Pakistan the following conversion should be applied to the grades awarded on this certificate:
Grade A is greater than 90 per cent
Grade B is greater than 80 per cent
Grade C is greater than 70 per cent
Grade D is greater than 60 per cent
Grade E is greater than 55 per cent
Or in the latest certificates the clause says:
Candidates for Pakistan: The percentage as shown on the certificate are for the purpose of ‘equivalence’ with corresponding examinations in Pakistan.
When the UCLES already indicates the percentage and grades with clarity, why does the IBCC or any equivalence committee need to further assess or evaluate the marks given on the certificates? The matter was resolved many years ago, so why has this cropped up again?
MRS AZRA RAZA Karachi WITH reference to a letter by a student and a subsequent reply by the IBCC regarding O’level and A’level examination grades and their equivalence, I would like to mention some facts which resolved this controversy a long time ago.
It was in 1996 that some private school students and Dr Fred Burke, principal assistant secretary of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, took up the matter with the IBCC and the equivalence committees of Pakistan universities as the marks obtained by the students were downgraded.
Dr Fred Burke met the chairman of the IBCC in Islamabad and the vice-chancellors of Karachi University, Quaid-i-Azam University and Punjab University. In my capacity as academic director of a leading school, I assisted Dr Burke in this mission. It was then decided that specially for Pakistani students, the University of Cambridge O’level and A’level examination certificates will have marks in percentage and at the back of the certificate a special clause was added which reads:
For the purpose of equivalence in Pakistan the following conversion should be applied to the grades awarded on this certificate:
Grade A is greater than 90 per cent
Grade B is greater than 80 per cent
Grade C is greater than 70 per cent
Grade D is greater than 60 per cent
Grade E is greater than 55 per cent
Or in the latest certificates the clause says:
Candidates for Pakistan: The percentage as shown on the certificate are for the purpose of ‘equivalence’ with corresponding examinations in Pakistan.
When the UCLES already indicates the percentage and grades with clarity, why does the IBCC or any equivalence committee need to further assess or evaluate the marks given on the certificates? The matter was resolved many years ago, so why has this cropped up again?
MRS AZRA RAZA
Karachi
THE total number of candidates who have passed the CSS examinations in 2001 is 850 against which only 156 seats have been announced. This is a record low announced this year as compared to 260 in 1999 and 206 in 2000.
This is done at a time when the number of candidates who have passed the examinations has increased. The reason being given in this respect is that no seat has been announced in DMG and information groups. Military lands and cantonment and OMG groups have already been excluded.
It is quite surprising that no announcement for seats in the DMG group has been made, though it is the prime group that attracts most candidates. However, after the devolution of power, very few candidates opted for this group and, according to some sources, this is the reason that seats in this group have not been announced.
But what about those who have been availing themselves of their last chance this year? If the situation changes next year and seats for this group are restored, then no one will be able to compensate for the loss which the candidates this year will suffer because of reduction in the number of seats.
I think that given the reduction in age-limit and other restructuring processes, the authorities concerned should take a sympathetic view and announce seats in DMG, military lands and cantonment, OMG and information groups for 2001, so that the maximum number of candidates could be accommodated.
AN AFFECTED CANDIDATE
Hyderabad
OUR celebrated bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, who twice crossed the 100mph speed-barrier with his ball, has been banned for two one-dayers for tampering with the ball during the last league match against New Zealand in the triangular one-day cricket series in Sri Lanka.
The PCB has taken a right decision not to appeal against this ban along with the fine imposed on Shoaib. He was personally warned by the PCB chairman to maintain discipline on and off the field before the team left for Sri Lanka. The chairman knew enough about the past behaviour of the player and hence warned him before the tour.
But Shoaib Akhtar showed no respect to the chairman who has been personally caring for him and has spent huge amounts on his treatment abroad and correcting his suspect arm action in a foreign clinic. Now I think he needs a bigger dose of punishment at home by the PCB.
There is no shortage of fast bowlers and many are waiting in the camp to find a place in the national squad. Let Shoaib sit outside as he has not only disgraced himself but has brought a bad name to the country. It would act as an eye-opener for others.
MOHAMMAD AZHAR KHWAJA
Lahore
AT present the Lakhra power station is a maiden power-generating unit that produces electricity economically by consuming indigenous extracted coal at the Khanote region in the Dadu district. A Chinese company commissioned it and handed it over to Wapda in 1995. Since then Pakistani professionals and technicians have been successfully running it. Its total capacity is 150MW, holding three units of 50MW each.
Owing to the impure nature of the coal, fluidized bed combustion (FBC) technique has all along been applied effectively for its operation. Provenly, coal-fired boiler’s operational and maintenance problems promptly necessitated rectification within the available means.
Over and above, substantial financial and technical support is continually sought by the local authorities to cope with the growing problems but Wapda made no effort to remove them. As a result, two boilers and one turbine have been rendered redundant.
Besides, the station requires an overhauling exercise for four years but no assistance has come forward for it. The Lakhra power station is now running under the lowest capacity ranging between 60 and 80MW owing to lack of funds, material, equipment, technical staff, etc.
Flimsy excuses for its inefficiency are put forth such as politics, nepotism and corruption. If it is so, why did the higher authorities fail to take corrective measures to eliminate them? A crisis-like situation is gradually being developed to justify its closure, though it produces energy cheaply. Its unit cost is about three rupees (inclusive of all expenses) which is much lower than the cost of oil/gas-fired units.
The recent power vision policy envisaged more coal-based units to minimize dependence on expensive oil. But ironically, Wapda’s unjust approach to the Lakhra powerhouse is, by all means, ominous and disastrous.
JUNAID SHEIKH
Hyderabad
BUDGET for 2003-04 is under preparation. It has been said that this budget will be development-oriented and is likely to bring prosperity to the country. I request the finance minister to have pity on lower and middle classes and save their present, as well as secure their future.
The economically-depressed people, specially the labour, government employees and pensioners, may be paid such emoluments as will enable them to at least pay their monthly utility bills and fees of their children plus a bit for subsistence to keep them alive.
The elected government, being more aware of the difficulties of the people, would hopefully rise to the occasion and present a poverty alleviation budget for the betterment of the present and future of the nation, specially of those who live below poverty line and who are said to be not less than 60 per cent of the total population.
SYED ALI NASIR RIZVI
Lahore
IN the first week of June, the budget for 2003-04 is expected to be announced. I earnestly urge the finance minister to use all his expertise to prepare a family budget for the majority of the old and the pensioners (not only ex-government employees), keeping in view the monthly expenses with a normal family load and responsibilities. He is also requested to show how a person can make the two ends meet with his average return on an investment between Rs200,000 and Rs300,000 in the NSS.
It is hoped that, at least for the senior-citizens in the 59-plus age-bracket, a special package will be announced in the budget.
ANILA ABBAS
Karachi
I WANT to draw the attention of the PTV authorities to the telecast of educational programmes. All over Balochistan, the PTV rebroadcasting centres telecast only the programmes of PTV-2. However, educational programmes, specially those of Virtual University and Allama Iqbal Open University, are being telecast by PTV-1. So, most people in the province miss these programmes.
Will the authorities look into the problem and help the people in this province to
benefit from the educational programmes they have so far been missing?
BADARUDDIN QURESHI
Balochistan
YOUR correspondent (May 12) has pointed out that the benefits derived from the Gwadar port does not trickle down to Gwardarians in the recruitment of the coastguards.
The mega project is intended for the economic development of the people of Balochistan who have remained deprived of economic benefits in terms of employment.
The first preference in jobs, generated by development projects like Coastal Highway Authority, the Mirani dam and the Kachi Canal project initiated by President Gen Pervez Musharraf, needs to be extended primarily to the local people because if they cannot get employment in their area of domicile, where else can they get jobs?
FAZAL KAZI
Karachi
THE Punjab chief minister’s desire that Gen Pervez Musharraf serve the country for 5+5 years must have pleased the general but not those who want real democracy to flourish in Pakistan. Perhaps the CM’s own political career depends on the goodwill of the establishment.
As he is also the owner of a large industrial empire, which includes two sugar mills, textile mills and flour mills, he is following in the footsteps of the former prime minister and the chief minister of Punjab who were also having a large industrial empire and were promoted by the establishment to achieve the highest government posts in the country.
In Pakistan, money plays a major role in politics and the political career of a leader depends largely on the goodwill of the establishment. Hence the Punjab CM is serving his personal interest by praying for the continuity of Gen Musharraf for another 10 years even if he is wearing a uniform of the COAS and has made himself the president of the country.
It is unfortunate that politicians like the Chaudhrys of Gujrat have to abandon the basic norms of parliamentary democracy and ignore the supremacy of the Constitution.
ENGR S. T. HUSSAIN
Lahore
THIS refers to the letter headlined “Ptolemy theory” by Mr S. M. Mehdi A. Jaffery (May 4). The writer has asked whether the Ptolemy theory was accepted and followed by the scientists/astronomers of the Muslim world, or rejected and an alternative theory was offered by some scholars of the period between the seventh and the 15th centuries AD.
I have made an attempt to answer the above-mentioned question, which is as follows:
Claudius Ptolemaeus, popularly known as Ptolemy, born in Hellainistic city of Ptolemais Harvi, was a celebrated astronomer, geographer and a mathematician (2nd century AD). He evolved detailed description of an Earth-centred (geo-centric) universe.
His astronomical work, known as “Mathematika syntaxis” (the mathematical collection), was eventually known as “Almagest’ in the Arab world. He was basically impressed by the Greek astronomer Hiparchus to formulate his geo-centric theory. This theory prevailed in the Christian world up to the 15th century when Nicolas of Cusa, cardinal, wrote in 1440, “I have long considered that Earth is not fixed, but moves as do other stars..... To my mind, the Earth turns upon its axis once every day and night.”
Subsequently, in the 16th century, the theory of Ptolemy was seriously quashed by Nicholus Copernicus (1543), a Polish astronomer. He produced a helio-centric (Sun-centred) theory. Because of the religious bigotry prevalent in Europe, he avoided any conflict with the Church by withholding the publication of his great work, “De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium”, until after his death.
However, in the East much earlier the erroneous idea of Ptolemy was shattered by the revelation of the Holy Quran at the advent of Islam, i.e. four centuries before Copernicus. In the following verses of the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has described cosmogeny and invited men of understanding to ponder over the creation:
1. XX1(33): And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float, each in an orbit.
2. III(190): For sure, in the creation of the heavens, and the earth and the alteration of night and day, there are signs for men of understanding.
3. XXXXV(12x13): It is Allah Who has subjected sea to you, so that ships may sail upon it by His command, and that you may seek His bounty and be grateful to Him. He also subjected to you whatever is between the heaven and the earth; all from Himself. Surely there are signs in this for those who think.
Thus the Holy Quran, for the first time in the history of humankind, opened the gates of inquiry and introspection by subjecting whatever was created between the heaven and the earth to investigation. This broke the myth of the centuries-old worshipping various objects as gods and begin an era of scientific development.
In the Muslim world, learning started in every field such as philosophy, law, grammar, lexicography, administration, histriography, astrology, geography, alchemy and medicine. Great scholars were produced during the 500 years of Abbasid rule which gave an impetus to one of the greatest cultural movements of this period.
Thus during the eighth and the ninth centuries the Muslim world produced mathematical astronomy. Muslim astronomers compiled remarkably rich and varied corpus of literature relating to their subjects. Some of the literatures survived despite the fall of Baghdad in 1258. Almost 1,000 manuscripts are preserved in the libraries of south-western Asia, North Africa, Europe and the United States. During the past 200 years, a very small number of scholars turned their attention to a fraction of this surviving material. The great names in the field of astronomy produced during the 8th and the 9th century are Nasiruddin Tusi, Abu Jaffer Mehmood bin Munsar al-Khawarzami, Muhammad bin Jabir bin Sinan al-Batni, Ibn al- Haythan, Al-Kharqi, Muayyad al-Din al-Urdi, Quta al-Din al- Shirgi, Ibn al-Shatir, et al.
In the 13th and the 14h century, Ibn Banna and Ulagh Baig, the grandson of Taimur Lung, were the most remarkable cosmogonists of their time. Unfortunately, after the Crusades started in the 11th century and subsequently the fall of Spain/Granada occurred in the East, which were totally obscured from the West in the dust of hatred. It was Umar Khayyam, a great mathematician and astronomer, who in the 11th century had discovered that Earth is not the centre of the universe and it is revolving on its axis.
MANZOOR HUSSAIN KURESHI
Karachi
THROUGH your newspaper, I may inform the authorities that in spite of a reduction in petrol and diesel prices the bus and rickshaw fares are still the same in Hyderabad.
The local authority should note that the transporters are not following the government order about reducing the fares. The authorities must ensure that the people pay the reduced fares in view of the recent reduction in the prices of oil.
R. ABBAS
Hyderabad
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