| July 5, 2003 | Saturday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 4,1424 |
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Britain and Gulf wars
Cleaning up our backyards
Karachi COD’s relocation
Anti-corruption strategy
Plantation of trees
Jinnah Library at Gujranwala
Concealing the crime
Jamali ‘missed the point’
A new bloc waiting in the wing
Small NSS investors
Opposition
Authority of the Speaker
F. U. AHMAD
THIS refers to the views expressed in these columns by Mr Shams Naqvi (June 17) and Sardar Shoukat Popal Zai.
The first writer claims that Balochistan is being given a special treatment by declaring the Gwadar port as a special zone.
Gen Pervez Musharraf is the first head of state who is concentrating more on less developed areas, irrespective of the provinces. He has undertaken to build Gwadar as a deep seaport (third in Pakistan after Karachi and Port Qasim) on about a 700-kilometre-long coastline of the Arabian Sea, a coastal highway linking Gwadar to Karachi and the revival of the Saindak project with the assistance of China in Balochistan.
The president has also started work on Thar coalmine, one of the biggest coal deposits in Asia at Mirpurkhas in Sindh. Work is in full swing on the Gomal Zam Dam in D. I. Khan while the Kohat tunnel in the NWFP has been inaugurated, which has shortened long distances. A network of tubewells has been laid in Punjab to promote agriculture which is the backbone of our economy. The completion of the Gwadar port, a gigantic and unique project, would open floodgates of employment not only for the people of Balochistan but for the whole country.
The Gwadar port would serve as a gateway to landlocked Central Asian states which are rich in natural hidden wealth, including gas and oil, and link the Middle East, Europe and China. When declared a special zone and duty-free port, it would revolutionize our economy, make Pakistan a prosperous, economically viable, politically stable and a welfare state. People from every nook and corner of the country would rush to Gwadar to avail themselves of the job opportunities. Hence, Gwadar would also become another mini-Pakistan because it has vast areas to set up industries and accommodate millions of people as Karachi has reached the saturation point.
President Musharraf is free from parochial thinking and provincial prejudices. He is working with devotion to develop all provinces impartially. Nobody protested or complained when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif built the motorway from Lahore to Islamabad and later extended it to Peshawar at a cost of about Rs120 billion. He also built a new airport at Lahore at Rs10 billion, (all projects were in Punjab), while Sindh was ignored as its 160km-long superhighway between Karachi and Hyderabad remained in a dilapidated condition.
The patch-work done with substandard material has further disfigured the highway and made it bumpy. This superhighway was made in the 60s during the Ayub regime at a cost of Rs100 million. Toll tax was imposed on every vehicle which ran on it.
By now this highway has earned several times more than its actual cost, yet the toll tax has not been waived, which is sheer injustice to the people of Sindh. It is a matter of record that Sindh pays Rs160 billion to the centre every year while hardly Rs35 billion is annually spent on the development projects of this province.
MOIN SIDDIQI
Karachi
BRITAIN took part in both the Gulf wars. Its role on both the occasions was enthusiastic and effective, which brought out great results. Incidentally, these wars were fought under two different political parties — Conservative and Labour. Now, an impartial comparison of the performance of these parties clearly shows that the conservative did a better job.
In 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait and dragged it under its occupation. The incident seriously troubled the western world as it offended their economic interests in the region. Filled with rage, the West instantly decided to take a responsive measure to bring an end to the occupation. Various countries and many respected institutions in the world advised Iraq to take its hand off Kuwait and avoid foreign interference that was in the offing. But Iraq in return displayed supercilious attitude.
On the other hand, the West formed a huge alliance, used its collective resources against Iraq and pushed it out of Kuwait causing it humiliation beyond measure.
Britain, which spearheaded the campaign, faced tough time at the initial stage when the alliance was being shaped. The countries expected to join hands showed reservations under compulsion of their own. Here, credit goes to the Conservative government whose prime minister, Mr John Major, acted uniquely through the stormy circumstances and brought into alliance notable countries like Germany, France and Saudi Arabia. The UN realized the nobility of the intentions the alliance had and granted it power to use force against Iraq.
In Britain, both parliament and the people supported the government. No dissension or agitation was witnessed anywhere. Most remarkably, the British armed forces who engaged in the conflict suffered no big losses.
In the second Gulf war in 2003, Britain was led by Labour Party with Mr Tony Blair as prime minister. The events right from the start to the end of the conflict have been porous, distastefully awkward. Germany, France and Saudi Arabia stayed out of the alliance. The UN showed no attachment with alliance. A vast split occurred in Mr Blair’s cabinet and still more nasty time for him was when his ministers left him out in the cold. The people showed stern opposition against the policies of the Labour government. No weapons of mass destruction were found despite hectic efforts. Most painfully, the British armed forces suffered heavy losses.
MUSHTAQ L. DIN
Lahore
THIS refers to the letters by Nausheen Ali, Uzma Siddiqui and others relating to incidents of molestations. I think a particular religion or a country has nothing to do with all that is happening. A government alone cannot do anything. It all boils down to our basic attitude. Imran Khan put it beautifully by saying that we are browns, we preach and act differently and are governed by complexes.
The Karachi nazim wants all ads depicting women to be removed from posters/billboards. For what reasons, nobody knows? Why are we always attacking the tip and not worrying about the iceberg itself? The NWFP government wants to ban music, cinemas and satellites. What will be the outcome? We will be pushed further back and deep into darkness. We all must study the holy Quran and understand what our religion is all about. It is about tolerance, patience, compassion and care of other human beings. Unless we spend time to understand all that our religion has given us, we cannot move forward. Men will continue to pinch, use the aeroplane floors for toilet and blame others for things happening around them.
Are we a tolerant nation? We are not following the basic teachings of Islam, so why bother about anything else? The extremists will continue to exploit whether in the East or in the West, it is all the same. Fully developed nations too have rowdy boys, molestations, rapes, divorces, gays‘rights and bad treatment towards other human beings.
It is all in the attitude and we Pakistanis need to clean up our backyards, reject the mullas, read the Quran ourselves, understand it and work towards becoming true practitioners.
DR OMER KIANI
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
THIS is with reference to the letter headlined ‘Relocation of Karachi COD’ by Mr Nizam A. Khan (June 25).
It seems that Mr Khan is not well-informed about the storage contents of COD. Had he been, he would not have compared it with the Ojehri Camp or any other explosives’ depots.
Since its establishment during the Raj era, the COD continues to accommodate non-explosive items. Mr Khan and all other citizens of Karachi should rest assured they are very safe while passing through the recently-broadened Rashid Minhas Road.
As far as its relocation is concerned, it is a matter of army logistics, based on operational requirements. We should leave this decision to the army authorities as they are the best judge in this regard.
BRIG (R) MUHAMMAD ALI JAWAID,
SI(M) (Ordnance)
Karachi
THIS refers to a workshop organized by the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) on June 26. Especially a person like me and a senior citizen retired and wondering on the streets, trying to give something to the forthcoming generation of “Pakistan”. It was comforting to listen to the strategy presented by the organizer, in which the participation of TV artistes/students/press and common people was taken into account, particularly by the people in uniform.
The main purpose of this workshop was to bring awareness to the individuals, particularly those who have excess money and power to corrupt society, to achieve their goal and to gain monetary benefits. The question is: how can we induce and sustain a corruption-free society and help those who wish to abide by the law and cooperate in reducing corruption?
I hired a coaster to take my family to Thatta. He charged me Rs3,000. When I asked him why he was charging so much, he replied that he had to pay bribe on the way to Thatta. On my inquiry, he said his vehicle and papers were absolutely in order. Then I told him there was nothing to be worried about. But he said he might not have to pay the bribe today because of my presence but it was his day-to-day business. What would happen tomorrow when I would not be there?
May I suggest that the person caught under corruption charges should not be monetarily penalized, but should be sent to some educational institution of reforms.
The NACS should establish “Reform Institute” where all these corrupt people should have their training. The reform institute should comprise people from all walks of life and with the special teaching of Islamic values based on modern ethics.
I am confident that the NACS have people with ideas to promote this noble cause for the sake of our beloved Pakistan.
ALIM KHAN
Karachi
I WISH to bring to the notice of the respected Christian community, with whom I have had the privilege of studying for seven years (St Mary’s HS Bombay 1932-39), the development of the FTC/Gora Qabristan flyover.
With this project of the Korangi Road-Sharea Faisal flyover now in progress, this intersection will assume an important landmark, but the long bordering wall of the Christian cemetery from the CSD to the crossing is likely to remain as a desolate and barren stretch of land, as it is as present (with a few exceptions of tree stumps).
I would, therefore, request the elders of the community to plant at least 50 saplings along this wall to give it the environment-friendly look which we so often read about in the newspapers.
This would be a great service to the beautification plan of the city.
LT-COL (R) MARUF SAYED
Karachi
THROUGH your newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the city nazim and the Gujranwala DCO to an important issue relating to the Jinnah Library Trust Plaza.
The Jinnah Library is a rare educational asset. Now the most painful setback has been the denial of the facility for the lending of books for a specific period. In such a situation it is well nigh impossible to make the best use of the reading material available in the library.
The readers now must sit in the library to read the books. This constitutes a serious constraint for those who do not have spare time to spend in the library.
The library authorities complain about the misuse of the lending facility. In order to ensure the safe return of the books, the existing rules may be amended. The security fee may be increased and there may be strict checking to get back the borrowed books intact. Any mishandling of the books may also be penalized accordingly.
I would request the authorities to restore the borrowing facility. Apart from this, the bracket fans fitted with the walls are not providing sufficient cooling. Three fans are out of order with the result that it is much too difficult to sit there during the summer. It would be appreciated if an airconditioner plant is installed in the library.
MUHAMMAD SAEED
Gujranwala
THIS refers to a news item appearing in Dawn on June 25.
IT is revealing that a rape was committed on Oct 17, 2002, reportedly by a policeman and now the woman has been implicated in a blasphemy case to conceal the crime. It has taken almost nine months to grant bail to the poor woman.
On top of that, the medical examination report of the victim has been misplaced. Just imagine the plight of the poor woman who does not have access to courts owing to money constraints.
MANNAN
Karachi
THE prime minister has said if the US decides to attack Iran, his government will seek public opinion as to how he should deal with the situation (June 26).
If this happens, Pakistan would be confronted with many worrisome problems, almost on a daily basis, which few of us can comprehend. Even a basic change in our foreign policy cannot be ruled out. Such a situation should be avoided at all costs.
Under the circumstances, the president should use his good offices to persuade the US not to attack Iran.
The lasting friendship and alliances are reliable when both sides listen to each other and compromise.
Z. A. KAZMI
Karachi
THE Indian prime minister’s visit to China and an exchange of words of goodwill between the two premiers and their determination to cooperate will open new vistas of development in the Sino-Indian relations.
Also, viewed in the context of steps taken by India and Pakistan to normalize relations and a resolve to solve all disputes through negotiations, the situation will lead to socio-economic stability in the region.
Further, seen against the backdrop of our president and foreign minister visiting Moscow and the Russian foreign minister visiting Pakistan and their expression in words of cooperation between the two countries in many disciplines, there is a possibility that a bloc comprising three nuclear powers — 50 per cent of the world population — with a technical know-how in electronics, science and technology, industry, information technology — which they can then share among themselves — is formed. Gradually, this bloc could be turned into a very powerful economic grouping, compared to the European Union or the US.
I only hope India will see the light and give up its unyielding attitude, hold talks and settle all matters, including the Kashmir issue, with Pakistan to bail out the toiling masses in the region.
PROF (DR) ASLAM PIRACHA
Karachi
THE small investors who depended on the banks to deal with their savings under the National Savings Schemes are in a state of quandary. The banks have stopped this facility and they do not know when they would be allowed to resume it.
The government has already reduced the rates of profit on various savings instruments. The National Savings centres are operating as usual at reduced rates, but the banks have been prohibited to do so.
Will someone in authority explain why a sense of uncertainty and insecurity is being created?
TAJWAR FATIMA
Karachi
IN our parliament, combined opposition strength is sizable. They are eminently suited to debate government policies and actions. But they are not doing their job for which people sent them to parliament. They have failed to select a leader of the opposition.
The opposition members continue to boycott the assembly proceedings but still draw their salary, TA, DA and other perks.
Karachi
MR Anwar Syed, writing under the headline “Speaking without thinking” (June 29) has opined on the no-confidence motion against the speaker of the National Assembly, Chaudhry Amir Hussain that “... The higher courts, not the Speaker, are the proper agencies for making that (Constitutional) determination. It was wrong of him to have wandered beyond his own area of authority and competence”.
This view is erroneous. The Speaker has an unfettered authority to decide a constitutional issue raised on a point of order or a privilege motion in the house. The decision of the Speaker can be challenged by a substantive motion but not by acts or verbal hoodlumism, gherao, procedural abuse and no-confidence motion.
In support of this view, I quote from the authoritative ‘Practice and procedure of parliament’ (page 65, 3rd edition) by Kaul and Shakdher:
“It is the right of the Speaker to interpret the Constitution and rules, so far as matters in or relating to the house are concerned, and no one, including the government, can enter into any argument or controversy with the Speaker over such interpretation. His rulings constitute precedents by which subsequent Speakers, members and officers are guided. Such precedents are collected and, in course of time, formulated as rules of procedures or followed as conventions. The Speaker’s rulings, as already stated, cannot be questioned except on a substantive motion. A member who protests against the ruling of the Speaker commits contempt of the house and the Speaker. The Speaker’s decision is equally binding whether given in the house or on a departmental file. He is not bound to give reasons for his decisions. Members cannot criticize directly or indirectly, inside or outside the House, any ruling given, opinion expressed or statement made by the Speaker”.
The parliamentary course for the opposition was to have brought a substantive motion in appropriate terms repelling the decision of the Speaker, if they so desired. The opposition in the National Assembly has diminished parliament by bringing a no-confidence motion. We shout to high heavens for parliamentary rule (during the usual hiatus of military rule) but, when it arrives, it is a picnic for some and an arena for demagoguery and empty histrionics for others.
M. P. BHANDARA
MNA, Rawalpindi
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