| 29 February 2004 | Sunday | 08 Muharram 1425 |
Murder of minor girls
Abuse of drug
President and the press
More than just the fuel
'Vetting police reforms'
Inclusion of Afridi
Kashmir dispute
Traffic blues
Housing society's working
Import of cars
To send a letter to the Editor
Click here
This is apropos of the article "In favour of a four-year honours degree" (February 22) by Mr Kamal Siddiqi.
The proposal by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to extend bachelor degree programmes at various public-sector universities from three years to four years is worthy of appreciation.
In today's world of increasing mobility of students, scholars and labour in general, non- recognition of degrees constitutes a major hurdle to individuals in their careers and a nation as a whole. To find identical systems of education in various countries is very difficult. Thus, equivalence in the quality and scope of an education is considered an important alternative.
For equivalence to be established, there must be a reasonable measure of similarity and commonality between the two systems of education. Equivalence and recognition then entitle a degree holder to all rights enjoyed by those who have successfully completed their degrees locally.
In principle, recognition and equivalence can only be granted if a foreign applicant's studies correspond in duration or scope to the studies in local institutions of education. In Pakistan, with the increase in the number of degree-awarding institutions both in the private and public sectors and the diversity of their teaching programmes, comparability and the method of recognition of degrees have become extremely complicated.
The university system currently in place in the country is a system with a mix of degree programme durations, i.e. the three-year programmes adopted by the public-sector universities and the four-year (internationally practised) course duration mostly practised by the private sector universities.
The decision by the HEC to have in place a four-year bachelor degree programme will give the higher education system conformity and facilitate the accreditation process internationally. The upgradation will go a long way in raising the standard of higher education in the country and in bring it at par with the rest of the world.
The launch of the Virtual University in 2002 is a historical milestone for Pakistan in the field of higher education. Offering four-year BS programmes in various disciplines (the first university in the public sector to adopt a four-year duration), the university delivers education with a modern approach.
One hopes that fundamental changes are made in the educational system and attention is paid to the issue of the accredited status of all degree-awarding institutions. The course contents and examination standards, i.e. the written syllabi and education standards, should be considered as important criteria. Aspects like campus, courses, teaching/learning processes and credential/awards systems that enable and support the core issue of the delivery of effective education must be thoroughly examined.
ASAD ARIF KHAN
Karachi
Murder of minor girls
The brutal murder of two minor girls in Karachi has shocked the whole nation. The government has acted promptly by taking action against police officials suspected to be involved in this incident.
Such crimes are not confined to underdeveloped countries but occur even in developed countries. What can be done to deter potential criminals is to punish the culprits. Unfortunately, in Pakistan policemen even refuse to register an FIR, and the government only takes action against erring policemen when it is pressured by civil society.
The majority of crimes against women go unreported. Our clerics try to spread a perception that crimes like rapes are confined to the West and our society is free from such evils. They are much more concerned with burning down billboards projecting female models rather than in protesting against the atrocities committed against women, which include dishonouring of women. They do not even bother to discuss women's issues and anyone who does so is labelled as a product of the West.
We need to change the attitude of people. Many private channels have started healthy discussions on issues which previously were considered as sacrosanct. This is a welcome change and it is hoped that some day PTV will muster enough courage to discuss issues which it has been neglecting since its inception. Civil society needs to play a proactive role by urging the government to enact laws to safeguard the interest of the people.
ANIL KHAN LUNI
Karachi
(2)
The brutal murder of two minor girls in Karachi's Gadap Town allegedly by policemen is a matter on which the whole nation and specially the government of Sindh should hang their heads in shame.
The manner in which our bureaucracy, both civil and military, and feudal politicians have been running the affairs of the country for the last 56 years has resulted in a situation that no life, honour and property is safe. Moreover, the role of politicians, the press and NGOs in such cases adds insult to injury.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) which controls the reins of power in Sindh has failed to deliver anything for the cause it has advocated since long. Among other key portfolios at the federal and provincial levels, the MQM also holds the home ministry of Sindh. I fail to understand as to which authority the MQM wishes to register its protest.
NAUFIL SHAHRUKH
Karachi
Abuse of drug
According to reports published on January 29 and 31 in Dawn, the decline in the vulture population of Pakistan and India is caused by diclofenac residue in the livestock carcasses on which the vultures feed.
This finding is really alarming not only because diclofenac has caused an ecological disaster by pushing three species of vultures to the brink of extinction, but also because of the entry of diclofenac into the human food chain through meat, as diclofenac is stated to be a widely used veterinary medicine in Pakistan and India.
Besides, diclofenac is not an exclusive veterinary medicine. It is also a commonly used human medicine and is available in the forms of diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium under various brand names.
Being a strong NSAID (non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug), it has a number of possible side effects in humans, including mild to severe gastointestinal problems, intestinal bleeding and perforation, depression, anxiety, psychotic reactions, skin eruptions such as exfoliative dermatitis and acute toxic epidermolysis, oedema, acute renal failure, hepatitis, haemolytic anaemia, systematic anaphyletic reactions, palpitation, hypertension and congestive heart failure.
Concomitant use of diclofenac with other NSAIDs, antibiotics and certain other kinds of medicine may aggravate the side effects. For these reasons, diclofenac is strictly a prescription medicine for human use. In principle, it should be used only under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.
Unfortunately in our country, all types of medicines are available over-the-counter, including diclofenac preparations. And in certain cases, manufacturers even do not mention the detailed side effects in the leaflet available with the medication. As the practice of self-medication is quite rampant here, people continue to suffer from mild to severe side effects of different medicines, without ever knowing that their malady is due to their self-medication habit. At times, even doctors do not keep in mind the side effects and drug interactions in case of concomitant use of different types of medicines while prescribing to their patients.
PROFESSOR (DR) SURAYYA KHATOON
Department of Botany, University of Karachi
President and the press
President Pervez Musharraf, while announcing a pardon for Dr A. Q. Khan a few weeks back, criticized the local media for indulging in emotionalism and sensationalism and thereby damaging the national interest.
As a regular reader of the vernacular press, one has been reading such material day in and day out on all national issues. The common reader has been a silent spectator to the shattering of national unity through fabricated news and stories against weaker and smaller sections of society.
Pakistan's interest has been damaged a number of times. It was damaged when people were divided on the basis of beliefs; when national decisions were taken without taking the nation into confidence; when power was claimed by those who were supposed to guard the people enjoying the power; when national unity was allowed to break by continued patronage and gradual empowerment of extremists and fundamentalists; when the real problems of poverty, illiteracy, etc., have been allowed to linger on.
Never before did any head of state come forward to tell the press to keep Pakistan first. Why today? Is it just a one-time expression of boiled-up feelings, or the beginning of a serious move to make the press be realistic and nation-friendly, not only where the nuclear issue is concerned but also in guarding humanitarian values at large and in particular to educate the people of Pakistan in ways of good behaviour, tolerance, love and fraternity?
JAMIL AHMAD BUTT
Karachi
More than just the fuel
Generally, in Pakistan, we confuse science with technology. Technology develops incrementally and deals with two environments, the physical and the economic, and success depends on altering the physical environment to produce products/services which rest on a knowledge of physical laws. However, their worth depends on their utility in economic terms. The economic side includes behavioural factors, an understanding of markets, personnel relations, capitalization, cash flows, returns to stakeholders, the politics of technology acquisition, maintenance and obsolescence of processes.
We did produce enough fissile material to explode the bomb(s) but generally we tend to ignore that there is much more to it than just the fuel. Look at a motorcar and the several technologies needed to produce it - the engine, the tyres, the dashboard, the headlights, the upholstery, the paints, the battery, the electronics, the wiring, etc. After assembly the car can only be made to run when the fuel tank is filled up with petrol/diesel.
Over the years we have never bothered about the proper way of implementing programmes as it involves teamwork.
MASOOD HASAN
Lahore
'Vetting police reforms'
Your editorial "Vetting police reforms" (February 17), while very rightly emphasizing the need for such reforms, seems to have succumbed to the extremist views expressed in the article "Nazims can't fill DMs' role" (February 15).
No reforms can be introduced if we continue to stick to the old act of 1861 which has long been overtaken by the passage of time and the vast changes that have occurred in our socio- political landscape. Old colonial policing practices have already given the police force a very bad name. This must change. And change cannot be brought about by clinging to the past.
Although I have in these columns advocated the police commissionerate system, I cannot find myself in agreement with the suggestion that the Police Order 2002 is unworkable or that it detracts from the public interest.
It must and should be given a chance to demonstrate that the concept of public safety commissions is well conceived, that the division of police working into separate investigation and enforcement wings is indeed a workable and better proposition, and that the reforms envisaged bring about practicable and effective checks on excesses for which our police are still infamous.
From Mr Afzal Mobin's letter of February 21, it is evident that he has not studied the Police Order 2002 which specifically aims at checking police excesses - a task for which representatives from the public have been made members of the proposed public safety commissions. Also, a nazim is a publicly-elected functionary, sensitive and more responsive to the public and more acceptable than any government functionary like the old district magistrate.
It is the old order that has encouraged corruption in all its forms. It must change and yield place to the new. Public representatives must replace government servants wherever the public interest so demands.
Finally, it must be remembered that the Police Order 2002 has yet to be put into actual practice. The public safety commissions are still only on the drawing-board. Thus, to condemn the police order at this stage without even giving it the trial it deserves will be unfair both to the public and the police force itself.
S. ASIF MAJEED
PSP (retd), Karachi
Inclusion of Afridi
At last, Shahid Afridi has been recalled after a long gap to the camp of 22 probables at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium for an important one-day series against India.
It was a very good move. Although there are six more openers in the camp, it is crystal clear that he will be in the final squad with Yasir Hameed and the left-handed Imran Farhat.
The swash-buckling batsman has a great record against India. In the 36 one-day internationals that he has played against them, he has scored 891 runs at a fair average of 26. However, his strike rate of 105 off 100 balls is just mind-blowing. He made five fifties and a single century against the Indian team. His speedy hundred (109) in the series decided a match in Toronto in September 1998 and a match-mining performance in the Chennai Test are still fresh.
There has been some inconsistency about Afridi's selection and utility. It seems he is judged by some special criterion. He has to come off whenever he plays, while some leniency is shown to others. He is a victim of high expectations.
One more point, the traditional slow tracks of Asia suit Afridi, so don't put him in the lower order or at number five or six. It does not justify his talent. He has produced all his best performances as an opener. Let him open the innings either with Yasir Hameed or Imran Farhat.
SHEIKH ABID RASHEED
Lahore
Kashmir dispute
I strongly feel there is so much common between Pakistan and India that it will be in the best interest of Pakistan to declare itself a secular state. This for certain will only enhance the image of Pakistan globally.
I make the following suggestions to solve the Kashmir issue:
1. There should be an open border between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.
2. Joint tourism boards should be set up by the two countries, and 40 per cent of the revenue to be generated should be given to the Kashmiris. The rest can be equally shared by India and Pakistan.
3. All estranged Kashmiri Pundits should be allowed to return to the valley.
5. After five or six years a plebiscite should be held under UN supervision, and the Kashmiris should be given the option to decide their future.
6. Pakistan and India should both set up joint space and research centres to improve science and technology in the region.
PRASANNA S.
Via email
Traffic blues
Coming home from school there was a traffic jam on Karachi's Meeran Mohamad Shah Road right outside the Nadra office. The cause? A driver had parked his car in the middle of the road so that cars coming head-on could not pass each other.
The location of the Nadra office itself is a hindrance to traffic. The government should realize that the area is residential and the office causes annoyance to the people living nearby or to those who have to use the road. It should consider another location or at least make a proper car park there.
Also, opposite the office, a VIP resides with government security guards posted outside his house and preventing any parking outside his boundary wall, which is another cause for road blockage.
Will the relevant authorities ensure public safety and convenience by improving traffic management and parking situation in the city?
GULRUKH DIWAN
Karachi
Housing society's working
This is to bring to the notice of all members of the Atchison College Staff Co-operative Housing Society, Lahore, the mismanagement going on in the project.
My wife bought a residential plot in the society in 1982. Then in 1986/87 I paid Rs50,000 for booking a plot each for myself and my daughter in Phase II (Jauhar Town area) of the society.
While we do not know what happened to Phase II, ownership of the residential plot allotted to my wife is under threat from a land mafia. Since the early 1990s we never have had peace of mind with regard to our dealings with the society. All communications from the society one way or the other have had a suspicious tinge, and visits to the site, as well as to the society office, did not help us at all.
I request all the members of the society to be vigilant and ensure that their hard-earned investment in the project is safe and the administration of the society is held accountable for making good any loss to the members or provide alternative plots acceptable to them.
I also draw the attention of the registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab, towards this problem for necessary action.
AFFECTED
Karachi
Import of cars
For the first time it seems that the government has taken a decision in the larger interest of the people by allowing the import of reconditioned cars and a reduction in duties on imports. But your editorial and a host of columns do not seem to favour the decisions taken by the cabinet, though the manufacturers' mafia has been selling low-quality Pakistan-assembled cars at more than twice the prices of similar cars in the international market.
Import of reconditioned cars is one perfect way to replace the existing fleet of 15/20-year-old cars plying by the thousands on the roads. Car manufacturers have now been in the business for over 20 years, yet they want nothing but huge protection to continue their profit-making spree. This protection extends from 100-300 per cent, giving them a blanket opportunity to sell their cars at double and three times the prices. How many Pakistanis can buy a new car? Very few if banks stop loaning.
Let us hope the committee now formed by the cabinet will not fall under the influence of manufacturers and take decisions in the interest of the people.
To compete in the free market economy Pakistan must (a) open its market to competition, (b) do away with deletion programmes, (c) abolish the engineering development board, (d) allow new manufacturers to enter the market, (e) and do away with the mafia.
HASSAN AKBER KAZMI
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.