| July 26, 2003 | Saturday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 25, 1424 |
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Purge needed in NAB
Tribute to a martyr
Rules of the rulers
A Pakistani’s ordeal in US
Contempt of court
Sending troops to Iraq
Child health facilities
SSGC and SC decisions
A bus ride in Tehran
Karachi
CHARITY begins at home, but for a regular Pakistani applicant whose visa application has just been rejected, for no logically sound reason and who still doesn’t know what hit him, charity does start the moment he steps out of the lush green, landscape extended embassy.
As for the American officer who rejects the visa, the reader must now decide if charity even sounds a familiar word for him. With no offence intended whatsoever and bearing true feelings at heart, what would definitely puzzle a neutral entity here is the question: who, in the first place, is breeding antagonism and stirring fire of jingoism?
The American way of life and its branches have always been appreciated and adapted by the average Pakistani. This definitely doesn’t account for the minority report of blazing anti-American sentiments, but in the larger mirror of things, the government and the people of Pakistan have always opted for a peace process supported by the Americans. The American economy, in a very modest way, has been strengthened by the contribution of the migrants, no matter how meagre it may be.
So, what do we receive in return? We are recipients of mud hauled in our paths, finger-printing at each US airport, out of line stepping to let the world know that we are the zillionth descendants of some terrorist who planned to plant a bomb in an American neighbourhood, while all were gone to the cinema for watching a blockbuster hit, starring Katherine Hepburn, dating back to the 1920s. If this, in any way portrays, proactiveness or preventiveness on the American’s part, do pardon my saying so but from where an innocent bystander would view it, it would just disparage someone’s credibility and conscience. Minority clashes are present in every society, and who can know it better than the Americans the difference between mercenary and prudent motive? Defensiveness can be cloaked under proactive security measures but never under antagonism.
The 9/11 incident was an appalling one and let’s not forget that many Muslim lives were also lost in this barbarian act, but then why is an innocent Muslim made to pay for a crime he didn’t commit? Why are Pakistanis made to stand in silent solitude and bear rejected American visas, just because it is a figment of someone’s imagination that Muslims should be accounted for each dismaying incident that occurs in a non- Muslim environment?
The US embassy in Islamabad has been very unreasonable in dealing with the visa handling procedures and even the ritual travellers and tourists have been accounted for under the umbrella of terrorism and not been granted their regular visa, post the 9/11 incidents. The debate open to discussion is that with these American attitudes on hand, who is creating disparity and proliferating feelings of enmity and unfairness? What would it take for the Americans to show a little rationale, to exhibit, sanity, not nervousness, to channel out more branches of extended friendships and associations rather than breeding enemies?
It is an earnest effort on the part of an average innocent Pakistani, that the American officials need to undergo a reform, where they can think straight in terms of rationale and justness? An embassy should follow rules of documented standards and benchmarks, soliciting a set path where visas should be issued on the basis of the documents presented, not the skin colour and religion of the prospective visa applicant.
ABDUL SALAM DADABHOY
Karachi
THE National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the high-powered accountability body in governmental structure of Pakistan, was created in 1999 by the then chief executive by seizing power from previous government. In his first speech to the nation, he clearly stated that Pakistan only needed accountability to survive.
In the initial period the NAB took firm action against some culprits and recovered millions of rupees in a few months without any discrimination or favour. The first few cases of the NAB were no doubt fine and the people hoped that other culprits would be dealt with in the same manner. But all of a sudden, all actions and programmes of the NAB became weaker and weaker.
From 1999 to 2003, three lieutenant-generals have been inducted in the NAB. It has been awarded extraordinary powers to investigate and interrogate the cases of corrupt elements throughout Pakistan. Its organisational structure is right. It has one central office and five regional offices in the provinces and Azad Kashmir.
The staff of the NAB is drawn from the civilian and military set-ups. The civilian side comprises the personnel of the FIA and the anti-corruption department. The NAB had only one option at the time of its birth to induct the elements of the FIA and anti-corruption in its rank to run its business. From here the downfall of the NAB started.
The elements of the FIA and anti-corruption very cleverly started making loopholes in the structure of the NAB, allegedly by taking bribes from the corrupt people. In the initial stages, they ask the corrupt practitioners to hide or camouflage their assets. Hundreds of cases of corrupt elements have been safeguarded by the elements of the FIA and anti-corruption personnel in the NAB.
The intelligence structure of the NAB has been paralyzed by these elements. The army personnel of the NAB are in a state of confusion. What is happening and who is creating such mischiefs?
The need of the hour is to get rid of shady elements and enrol honest people in the NAB. The president, the prime minister and the NAB chairman should take serious notice of this problem. Otherwise, the image of the NAB will be distorted for ever.
NAZIM ALI HOTHI
Karachi
THIS is with reference to a news-item (July 13) titled “Squadron Leader killed in air crash”.
Squadron Leader Shahab Nawaz was flying a French-made Mirage-Fighter airplane. Without going into the gory details of the unfortunate incident, I only dare to ask, till when will the precious lives of talented officers be lost during these routine operational flights?
Such incidents have become so common now yet a single death can be a life-long pain for many families. Especially someone like Sqn-Ldr Shahab Nawaz. He was the best in his squadron and as his close friend, I would say he was one of the finest people I knew. I console myself by thinking that maybe this was what Allah had in mind; the perfect end for a fine person. The mere statement about setting up a committee to investigate the causes of such incidents would not serve any useful purpose.
Files, committees, research teams and reports will not be able to compensate the love of a son, the affection of that friend the one I have lost in this accident. On inquiry with the officials, the answer is, “It’s confidential”. Well if it’s confidential, then at least announce it among your men to avoid such faults in the future, because it’s utterly impossible to compensate what is lost in such accidents, not only a person, but one who cared for everybody around him.
However, very few lucky people get the ultimate gift of martyrdom. For me, at least, Shahab Nawaz is a martyr yet the media never referred to him as one. He had made many friends because of his sweet nature. His valuable life was lost while performing his duty and that, for me, is the finest definition of a martyr.
ALI AHMED
Toronto, Canada
THE government leaders say that they want to resume talks with the opposition. They also say that the opposition is an important organ of parliament. If they really mean what they say, then they will have to prove it. How can we believe it when the opposition is not even allowed to speak in the house during the assembly session?
How can people trust them when they do not let our institutions work independently, honestly and properly? If Mr Jamali really means what he says, then first of all he should stand up against the undemocratic actions of the regime.
The rulers say they believe in democratic values despite the fact that they have been torturing political leaders, workers and parliamentarians. Every time, during the assembly session, when we bring some real issues and speak against government’s undemocratic steps, we are threatened and have to face many new cases. If I am vocal and bold enough to give them a tough time during the session, I will have to go through a terrible time. I am saying this because it has happened to me.
Our legislative and judicial institutions have been tampered with. They have been moulded to either suit certain personalities or the military. The balance between the armed forces and the civil authority has been disturbed. The problem is not that the assemblies are not being able to function owing to the bad behaviour of its members. The problem is with the inception of the assembly. Half truth is whole lie. Justice delayed is justice denied. Since day one the assemblies have been facing horse-trading. Threats and bribes have been used in the process of selection, and not election.
Gen Musharraf may call Pakistan a democratic society but our history and Pakistan’s political institutions expose the vulnerability of any democratic arrangement.
Mr Jamali and Gen Musharraf should know that Pakistan cannot be a democratic society unless the rules of the game are observed. We want the rule of law, not the rule of the rulers.
SASSUI PALIJO
MPA, Thatta
THROUGH this letter I would like to apprise the government leaders and American ambassador Ms Nancy Powell of my ordeal in the United States for the last eight years.
I am a Pakistani citizen hailing from Karachi and Balochistan. I became a victim of state-sponsored human experimentation, behaviour control, and torture as practised by the US intelligence agencies. Routinely, the agencies pick up foreign nationals and subject them to cruel, inhuman, and barbaric torture to achieve experimental results for their arsenal of human behaviour control. These terror, torture, and inhuman tactics cross all boundaries.
The tactics and methods include psychological torture, electronic and physical surveillance of your home, manufacturing false motions, creating an unbearable living and working environment, engaging in barbaric conduct, engaging you in a social circle of federal agents to cause psychological and mental trauma, electronic form of torture, and using hypnosis to control a human being and deny him the right to recovery and/or to seek a recourse against the treatment that he has endured.
I am appealing to the authorities, leaders of political parties, members of the parliament, and my fellow Pakistanis to condemn the gruesome violations of human dignity, as sponsored by the United States government, and help me and my family recover our most fundamental human rights.
Since I was made a human experiment by the US agencies without my consent, I am offering myself to any Pakistani institution that wishes to study the impact of human behaviour control/modification using electronic torture and hypnosis.
MUHAMMAD ALI BALOCH
Ashburn, VA USA
PRESIDENT Gen Pervez Musharraf has promulgated an ordinance relating to contempt of court. The lawyers at large have shown resentment over it.
Yet as to the civil contempt it would be welcomed as its stipulations clearly states that wilful flouting or disregard of an order, judgment or decree of a court shall amount to contempt. Also, an undertaking given to and recorded by a court and which is flouted or disregarded shall be regarded as contempt of court.
It is postulated that any person who connives with the contemner shall also face punishment as determined by the court.
SAIFUDDIN E. CONTRACTOR
Karachi
SENDING a peace-keeping force to Iraq is a delicate issue. The decision seems to be inappropriate for Pakistan in the presence of the occupation force in Iraq. The general is well aware that Iraq was invaded by the US and British forces without the consent of the UN.
Under the circumstances if Pakistan sends a peace-keeping force to Iraq, it will be an occupation force and not a peace-keeping force. A peace-keeping force can only be considered under the UN umbrella, with full powers vested in the UN authority. If Pakistan sends troops in the name of peace-keeping force under the existence of occupation forces, all peace-loving countries and in particular the Muslim countries will hate Pakistan.
Such an agenda should not be brought in Parliament for discussion. The people hope that the president will not take any hasty decision in this regard.
K. MADANI
Karachi
ACCORDING to news in the press, as a consequence of the resumption of the bus service between Lahore and Delhi, Baby Noor Fatima was able to undergo successfully corrective heart surgery at Banglore, India, and another child is on the way for the same.
We should acknowledge the kindness of the Indian charity and expertise of Dr Sharma who made this happen. It is a sad reflection upon our expertise in surgical field that could not progress, as well as that of nuclear science, as compared to India. Even for bone marrow transplant, a number of children used to go to Madras before the relations with India got sour.
The Child Aid Association has been striving for the last couple of years to start bone marrow transplant facilities at the National Institute of Child Health, but our efforts have been handicapped by lack of funds and dependable paramedical staff.
It will cost not more than the cost of three Mercedes Benz cars to start the BMT service for poor children in a public sector hospital. Their parents neither have enough money
to pay for the treatment in a private institution nor go to India. The only option they have is to see their children die.
We shall be grateful for help in our efforts from any quarter.
PROF NIZAMUL HASAN
Karachi
WITH reference to the news- item headlined “Sacked SSGC men threaten self-immolation” (July 21), the SSGC clarifies that it is trying fully to comply with the decisions of the Supreme Court. Recently, the SSGC has absorbed 484 management trainees and trainee engineers, and sent them to their respective places of posting.
The Sui Southern Gas Company further clarifies that on announcement of the judgment on May 2, 2003, by the Supreme Court, the federal government has filed a review petition before the Supreme Court.
The SSGC, therefore, is not in a position to take any action till the final judgment of the court, and considers the threat of self-immolation by the litigants inappropriate as the matter is sub judice.
The SSGC will not be responsible for any damage to life or property due to unlawful action of the litigants.
S. NASRIN HUSSAIN
Chief Engineer,
External Relations,
Sui Southern Gas Co. Ltd.,
DURING my assignment abroad I met an Iranian gentleman who worked with me for a couple of years. We became good friends and he invited me to visit Iran with my wife.
We reached Tehran on a sunny morning in May. We stayed in Iran for a fortnight and visited various cities. My friend drove us in and outside Tehran in his car but towards the end of our trip, we thought it would be a good idea to try out public transport system of the city. We had to reconfirm our air tickets and went to the downtown area where the office of the airline was located. After completing our job, I requested my friend to drop us a point from where we could find a bus to his house.
Iran makes its own buses, which were neat and clean and well maintained. We saw no vehicle which was emitting smoke or otherwise did not look roadworthy. The traffic was always heavy and the owners of private cars did some time indulge in rash driving. They also liked to use the horn of their vehicles with abandon but public transport was very orderly. There was no overtaking and the bus drivers appeared to be courteous, efficient and well-trained. It was, therefore, no surprise that we did not see any accident happening on the city roads or the highways during our entire stay.
We bought two tickets for our bus trip from a small cabin- like office. The buses were coming and going in a regular flow. When our bus arrived, my friend told the driver that we were new to the city and he should take care to drop us at a particular stop. There was a fixed charge for any single journey within the city and the tickets were sold at the bus stops only. The passengers bought their tickets when they began their journey as there were no conductors on the buses and there was no sale of tickets on board. The only man on our bus was the driver who took care of everything else to make the journey safe and punctual. He stopped only at the regular stops and did not pick or drop any passenger on the way. This made bus travel a smooth and risk-free affair. There was no rush at the bus stops, nor were the buses overcrowded. It was obvious that the route plan for various parts of the city had been carefully prepared and an adequate number of buses had been deployed on each route.
There was no separate entrance in the bus for the ladies, nor was there a separate section of the bus earmarked for them. They came and sat wherever they liked. I saw men and women sharing the same bench although they were apparently not related to each other as they were boarding the bus at different stops and also getting down alone when their destinations came. There was not even the slightest hint of anybody showing disrespect to the women and there was no question of their facing any harassment for travelling alone and going about their business without a male escort.
When our bus reached the stop where we had to get down, the driver was good enough to give us a signal and then wait long enough to enable us to alight without being pushed and pulled by incoming or outgoing passengers. The passengers who had to get down at each stop were allowed to do so first making the passage clear for those who had to come aboard.
As we walked to the nearby house of my friend, I could not help recalling the hazard of bus travel back home. One has to wait for hours at the bus stops and the passengers have to jostle to find a seat reaching home with torn clothes and bruised dignity.
Our newspapers carry sad stories of terrible loss of lives on our roads every day because of sheer negligence of the drivers, and the victims are usually women and small children. A little extra care, some discipline and better awareness of the rights of others can make life of commuters much easier and respectable and bus travel need not be such a frustrating experience as it is today.
S. S. HAMID
Karachi
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