Need for intellectual capital

Your cartoon (Economic & Business Review, February 23), with the article "Why is Pakistan still crawling? China galloping, India shining", is a timely commentary on the dilemma Pakistan faces today: how to compete in today's knowledge-based economy?

One of the most important factors for Pakistan's economic backwardness is the lack of importance given to education. During the past 30 years, due to ad hoc education policies, nationalization of educational institutions, political interference in educational institutions and neglect of seats of higher, learning the country's "intellectual capital" has depreciated.

Pakistan has also been slow to acknowledge that the swift pace of technological changes has transformed the global economy into a knowledge-based economy, in which organizations are no longer valued on the basis of their physical assets but rather on the knowledge-base of their employees.

Rapid technological growth puts new demands on educators. The global market place seeks manpower with an uptodate technical knowledge base. The pace of technological change also imposes new challenges for faculty development and technical currency of academic programmes. Faculty professional development activities and technical currency play an important role in promoting student learning and success.

It is interesting to note that Mr Bill Gates often calls President Musharraf, but his organization continues to invest billions in China and India on major ventures. Why? Because China and India have enhanced their intellectual capital.

During the past three decades, China's project "21-1" and India's IITs have played a pivotal role in developing their intellectual capital. Under project "21-1", the Chinese government is working to bring the entire university system, especially the engineering education, up to the western standards. Their target is to have 100 schools on par with the western universities by the end of the 21st century. The IITs have emerged as centres of excellence at the international level.

In Pakistan there are no equivalents of the project "21-1" or that of IITs. For developing countries like Pakistan, manpower is a key resource, but developing and increasing "intellectual capital is the prerequisite for combating poverty, expanding the industrial base and promoting trade.

Recognizing the need for change, and then changing, is very challenging and requires visionary leadership to formulate goal-oriented short- and long-term policies, competent educators to implement policies, and allocation of adequate financial resources that will ensure success of these policies.

Unless war-like efforts are made to revive the higher education system, in order to develop and replenish the vanishing intellectual capital, Pakistan surely will miss its share of the "Asian Renaissance" taking place to its east and south.

PROFESSOR AHMED S. KHAN

Addison, Illinois USA

Empowering the people

General Musharraf claims that one of the achievements of his rule is the introduction of the system of district governments. Some politicians think that the system will last as long as he is at the helm of the government. However, the general has been able to take a right decision by taking U-turns in our foreign policy towards Afghanistan and India, as well as on the domestic front by banning a few politico-religious parties that were openly defying the rule of law and indulging in sectarian killings.

Much is, however, still required to overcome the menace of sectarianism encouraged by previous governments. If General Musharraf really likes to make Pakistan a modern and progressive country, he must take steps to empower the people economically, particularly the middle class which is educated and hard-working, having an undiluted commitment to the country.

Unfortunately, the present politicians are selfish, belonging to the inept elite class that has been ruling since the inception of Pakistan. General Musharraf should increase the pace of privatization of all state-owned enterprises by encouraging the general public to purchase their shares. Recently, the Sui Southern Gas Company's offer to the general public was 10 times oversubscribed, though its shares of Rs10 each were offered at Rs28 per share.

Without the people's participation and ownership in commercial, industrial and trading activities, prosperity cannot be achieved. The government should concentrate on its basic responsibilities of providing quality education, health and transportation facilities to the general public instead of involving itself in business activities, which breed corruption. Who stops him from undertaking reforms for the benefit of ordinary Pakistanis? Is the welfare of the citizens not in the supreme national interest? Only those nations have achieved a respectable position whose public is empowered in running the affairs of the government and the state.

As long as our leadership believe that they are the rulers because of divine blessings and are not accountable to the people, Pakistan will be never able to lead even the other Muslim countries, let alone civilized societies. General Musharraf is capable of meeting the challenge of empowering the people during the next five years.

ENGR. S. T. HUSSAIN

Lahore

Muslims and science

Muslims were considered the most progressive nation till the 14th/15th century as regards different areas of knowledge such as sciences, medicine, philosophy and mathematics. During their prime period, they made several breakthroughs that are still remembered. Such progress was the result of united efforts and pursuit of a policy based on logic and merit.

But the decline started as a result of deviation from this liberal policy to a religion-oriented conservative approach that continues to this day. In an insecure situation after 9/11, it is compelling for the Muslim countries (there are 57 of them) to come up with a solution so that serious efforts could be made collectively for their security and to regain their lost status. We have to work and work to make up the time lost in wraglings.

My approach, briefly speaking, is based on facts of logic that would help to understand God in a more practical way through His creations and the basis of these creations.

We believe in one God. We also believe that God has created this universe. Since the working details and structures of all His creations, for instance the sun, the moon, galaxies and living organisms like plants and animals are based on natural laws, one cannot deny the fact that sciences make the basis of God's creations. With this approach, the Muslims could understand God better and could get closer to Him through sciences directly involved in all his creations. Although parallells between the Quran and sciences have often been drawn, it is perhaps the first time that sciences have been interpreted as the basis of God's creations. The following are some of the healthy effects of this approach:

- It will positively add to our efforts in the fight against extremism and sectarian violence, and inculcate tolerance.

- It will indirectly improve the world's security concerns, and money spent on it could be diverted for the removal of poverty.

- It will also provide a logic for the Muslim countries that if they want to survive honourably they have to devote themselves seriously to the development of science and technology, including defence technology.

DR S. IFTIKHAR AHMED

Karachi

Passport renewal

The interior ministry is pursuing policies which are creating unnecessary hardships for common citizens and making them disenchanted with the government. The blind support this ministry is giving to the National Database Registration Authority (Nadra), despite public protests, is a case in point.

My daughter, who is living abroad, came to visit us. Her Pakistan passport has since expired. She cannot leave the country unless her passport is renewed or she gets a new passport. Her child, a few months' old, is to be added on to her passport. Yet when I approached the passport officer, he informed me that the interior ministry had issued firm orders that no passport was to be issued/renewed and no entry for the child was to be made without the production of the new computerized national identity card.

I had applied for the computerized card for my family on January 21, 2004. I have been informed by Nadra that the new cards will hopefully be available earliest by the end of March (nine weeks). There could be a delay if verification from Islamabad is not received. Nadra authorities tell me that they can do nothing in the matter.

My son-in-law is in the US and has to leave for his new job in Germany. My daughter has to immediately reach her home in the US, with her newborn baby, to relieve her husband so that he can join his job.

When the original scheme of the national identity card was launched, the top brass in the interior ministry said that if the applicant produced a post office receipt, it would be considered a valid card.

It is requested that the head of state and the head of government should ensure that a common Pakistani is left in peace and sensible people are selected to implement government policies at the highest levels.

SYED SAMIULLAH

Islamabad

Primary teachers' training

Primary education is the main pillar of any system of formal education. But for decades its standard has been steadily deteriorating in Pakistan. There are many reasons for this propensity. Perhaps one of the most important reasons is the poor quality of teacher training programmes, both before or after service.

The basic requirement for a primary teacher in Pakistan is to have a matriculation or intermediate certificate plus nine months' teacher training. As against this, the minimum requirement in advanced countries is 12-year schooling, with a four-year degree course in education.

I would like to suggest that the government should train a teacher before he/she joins a classroom life, and the main objective of the training must be to equip the teacher with new pedagogical approaches and modern techniques, so that a teacher is able to grasp the psyche of his/her students and also provide them with chances to learn and explore new ideas.

ANIL FARAZ

Turbat

Who is killing Iraqis?

Two letters (one from Anil Khan Luni and the other from Farid Panjwani) appeared in Dawn of March 8, under the above headline. Both these letters suggest that the US government was behind the carnage in Baghdad and Karbala on March 4. This suggestion is completely devoid of logic.

The first letter states that "the US population does not care about the death of Iraqi policemen or civilians" and that "Americans only show concern if there is an increase in the killing of American soldiers".

To make accusations against the US government is one thing but to accuse the American people of insensitivity towards the loss of innocent lives contravenes all norms of fairness. Let alone human life, even if an animal loses its life or just faces discomfort or pain, the people feel hurt. Respect for life is entrenched in America's psyche. In America, one can end up in jail for treating one's pet in a cruel way.

The American public has been judging the success of Operation Iraqi Freedom by how quickly and properly America can exit from Iraq. Therefore, the last thing the American government wants is to continue to occupy Iraq. Thus, the answer to the question "who is the beneficiary of these killings?" is self-evident. The reality points clearly towards the enemies of America and freedom. Therefore, Mr Panjwani's argument that "anyone wanting to end the occupation will do well to help stabilize Iraq as the US is already on a timetable for withdrawal" clearly contradicts the gist of his letter. By the way, why would the US put itself on a "timetable" if it were not interested in "withdrawal"?

No one needs to "create animosities between the Shias and the Sunnis". However, the Iraqi followers of these sects have generally been civilized towards each other and this wise behaviour has been a thorn in the side of Al Qaeda. This is the reason that this terrorist cult has been trying to foment sectarian tensions in Iraq.

America is a genuine democracy. Accountability and a free press are two of the pillars on which it stands. Professional reporters with potent sources and resources constantly hound the US administration.

If a reporter ever discovered that the American government was linked with the tragedy in Baghdad and Karbala, he/she would try to beat his/her fellow reporters to the headlines. The American government is not so stupid as to commit such a blunder. The consequences of such an illogical action should be clear, except, of course, to those prejudiced individuals who align the US media with the US government. By the way, what is wrong with the US media's use of the "phrases like the Sunni triangle" while referring to an area inhabited by Sunnis?

Finally, there is something in Mr Luni's letter with which I fully agree and I quote it: "It is hoped that Iraqi people will realize that an attempt is being made to create hatred between the Shia and Sunni communities."

I also hope that Iraqis realize the source of these attempts. This will help Iraq become the burial ground of the Al Qaeda cult.

SIDDIQUE MALIK

Louisville, KY., USA

'The Passion' controversy

This is with reference to Mr Masood Haider's article "'The Passion' controversy threatens Gibson's career"(March 4).

I fail to understand the reason for such an uproar in Hollywood and throughout the United States. Is it because "many prominent Jewish figures and secularists" in Hollywood and the US think that the movie is anti-Semitic or because someone bravely stood up and made a movie free from scandal and faithful to Christian belief?

The second view is that the movie is too violent. It is a well-known and historical fact that the Romans were known for their brutality. Look at their role in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Instead, I find it ironic because Hollywood is continually promoting and producing movies based on violence such as Gladiator, Kill Bill, to name a few.

A box office record has clearly proved that the movie has been a great success against all expectations.

Many Jews have watched the movie and found that there was nothing anti-Semitic about it. Actor, producer and director Mel Gibson has reiterated this time and again in various talk shows and to the press. I wonder what the fuss is all about.

TYRONE MASCARENHAS

Karachi

Law and order in tribal areas

For some time the tribal areas have been in the news and make one wonder what makes them above the law and a safe haven for criminals, smugglers and terrorists. Understandably, it's the vested interests who raise a hue and cry against any attempt to enforce law and order there.

It's time we eliminated these dens of criminals and enforce law and order there, too.

M. AFZAAL KHAN

Rawalpindi

Misplaced priority

Mr Shakeel Akhtar's comments ("Misplacd priority", March 12) and concerns should wake up our hibernating bureaucrats, who only need to look at their palatial houses and the luxury cars they get to ride as their ego booster. Islamabad does not need another monument.

SHAMIM SHAIKH

St.Louis, USA

Billboards

With reference to the ongoing debate on the billboards in Karachi, I request the city nazim to let us the total amount that is collected every year through the sale of billboards. Also, kindly tell us what this money is spent on.

MASOOD IQBAL

Karachi

Mineral water bottles' reuse

Many are unaware of the poisoning caused by reuse of plastic bottles. Some of you may be in the habit of using and reusing your disposable mineral water bottles, keeping them in your car or at work. It is not a good idea. A 12-year-old girl has died in Dubai after a long usage (16 months) of a mineral water bottle, as she used to carry the same fancy (painted by herself) bottle to her school daily.

The plastic (called polyethylene terephthalate or PET) used in these bottles contains a potentially carcinogenic element (something called diethylhydroxylamine or DEHA). The bottles are safe for one-time use only; if you must keep them longer, it should be for no more than a few days, or for a week at the very most. You must keep them away from heat as well. Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down and the carcinogens (cancer-causing chemical agents) can leak into the water that you are drinking.

It is better to invest in water bottles that are really meant for multiple uses. This is not something we should be scrimping on.

FAWAD INAM

Via email

Professional poverty

This is with reference to your editorial "Fighting terrorism" (March 7) in which you have applauded professional potentialities of US intelligence agencies in tracking down terrorists, and also dilated on the ineffectiveness of Pakistani intelligence agencies to rein in terrorism.

I agree with your statement: "The truth is that in nine out of ten cases, success in intelligence cases comes from humint - human intelligence."

Certainly, human intelligence is an excellent technique to lighten the screws around terrorists and pre-empt attacks in advance. Unfortunately, our intelligence agencies lag behind in this weaponry - human intelligence.

NAZIR ARIJO

Karachi

Cricket and diplomacy

"Of course, it is the public opinion in both countries which has to lead the politicians to pragmatic and acceptable solutions," Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee said while addressing a seminar in New Delhi (March 13).

Didn't President Musharraf say the same at his breakfast news conference at Agra in August 2001? Didn't president Zia follow the well-covered "cricket diplomacy" in 1987?

It appears India is prepared to speak the same language but has always been a couple of steps behind.

RAFI AHMED

Karachi