| 17 March 2004 | Wednesday | 25 Muharram 1425 |
Ranikot fossil woods' study
Karachi one-dayer
Mineral water bottles' reuse
Lahore-Multan rail service
Modern prison system for Punjab
Clause 17 of nikahnama
Gujarat's wounds
Plain talk
Fighting diabetes
Verifying powers
Sargodha Road
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Pakistan is a young nation but should this be an excuse for not recording the events, for the benefit of our future generations, that happened in this short history?
During the last few years the country has been at a crossroads where it must define an approach that could ensure coexistence with the other forces at play in our region, maintaining our sovereignty. Proliferation of nuclear technology by one of our leading scientists has come under the spotlight.
There are lots of theories circling around. My take on this event is that anyone who is the custodian of a scientific knowledge that is strategically important is responsible for securing it under any kind of pressure, even when the life of the holder is at stake. More so when the custodian is enjoying a hero-like status in a nation.
In our country, information about important events is shrouded in secrecy in the name of national security. There are many such events like the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, the Tashkent Pact, the Shimla conference between India and Pakistan, circumstances leading up to the wars with India, separation of our eastern part, acquisition of nuclear capability, imposition of martial laws and the Kargil operation.
These events have been allowed to go unrecorded by the people who were directly involved and influencing them. Most of the time we hear about the intricacies of these events from people who were on the periphery like journalists and bureaucrats.
It is the prime responsibility of decision-makers to inform the nation of the motives of their decisions. For instance, in western nations important historical documents are made public after 30 years.
One of the most common reasons put forward by our leaders for not disclosing the facts about an important event is that it is for the greater good of the people or that revelation of that information could result in public unrest. The real reason could be saving their own skin, but if we take this at its face value, it can imply that the masses are not mature enough or enlightened enough to handle the truth.
I believe that it is the responsibility of a leader to speak the truth about the events that happened during his rule. He has to record history by stating the facts and keeping his own personal bias and opinion separated.
He has to let the masses decide the validity and goodness of his decisions. If he does not have the courage to do so in his lifetime, he can do what Maulana Abul Kalam Azad did. He can record history and entrust it to someone to reveal at a later date.
If we start educating the masses about our history, we will not need national accountability bureaus and corruption courts to punish bad leaders. The masses can do it better by exercising their right to vote and banishing them from the echelons of power. But maybe, for that reason, our leaders do not want to keep the people informed.
ABDUL QUAYYUM KHAN KUNDI
Houston, Texas, USA
Ranikot fossil woods' study
A talk show was broadcast on PTV on March 2 in which a person from the archaeology department indicated the presence of fossil woods in the Ranikot Fort area. In his opinion, no scientific work has been done on the fossil woods.
Unfortunately, this statement shows his lack of awareness because much scientific work has been done and published in scientific journals of national and international repute. The details of the scientific work and published research work are as under:
In 1974 a survey of the Ranikot Fort area was undertaken by the University of Sindh, and a project to study the plant fossils was made and financed by the University Grant Commission. A large number of fossil woods were collected from the Ranikot Fort area.
Later, from this locality a number of collections was made mainly from the recent stream gravel fills. The trunk stem wood pieces found there may have been re-worked and brought from elsewhere. The rocks involved are late tertiary and early quarternary deposits.
The 16 research papers on the fossil woods of the Ranikot Fort area have been published in research journals of international repute.
Recently, a study on the medicinal plants of this area has been carried out by the Department of Botany, University of Sindh. Besides, a full area study report (thesis) was written by the students of MSc final year, 1997, of the Department of Geography as a part of their syllabus "Land use survey".
The thesis is based on facts and observations made during on-the-spot visits and contains full account about the physiography of Ranikot - locational and geological, climatic condition of the region, natural vegetation and their use plus possible agriculture, population pattern, mineral wealth and water resources and fisheries.
This is to keep the record straight.
DR HIDAYATULLAH ABRO,
Professor & Chairman, Department of Botany, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh
Karachi one-dayer
One thing which everyone noticed during the Karachi cricket one-day international was the conversation between Imran Khan, Sidu Navjot and an Indian commentator on the TenSports TV channel. Before the toss, the great Khan was asked whether he would bat first or bowl first.
He ardently said he would definitely bat first because in Karachi the sea breeze becomes stronger in the evening and it becomes rather difficult for batsmen to play as the ball tends to swing.
Secondly, bowling first means that the players are getting their muscles drained out. Basically, these two reasons would always lead him to bat first on the National Stadium Karachi's pitch.
Pakistan won the toss and, astonishingly, our captain, Inzamamul Haq, decided to bowl first. Sidu Navjot and the Indian commentator surprisingly looked at Imran Khan as their was a contradiction in the statements of the players belonging to the same country.
It was indeed pretty embarrassing for Imran Khan and the rest of the people watching the match at home on their television sets. It is of course evident that the Pakistani cricket team must have got instructions from their past champions. Therefore, in future sensible decisions should be taken by the captain in order to avoid defeats. Although the score set by the Indians was arduous to achieve, we were indeed close but not close enough to win.
NAZNIN AHMED
Karachi
(2)
We could have won the Karachi one-day international, had captain Inzamamul Haq and coach Javed Miandad sent Shoaib Akhtar instead of Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan who wasted fives balls in scoring only three runs.
Shoaib Akhtar is known as a slogger and has scored boundaries and sixes in the past. He could have easily hit a couple of boundaries and the match would have been won with a couple of balls to spare.
RAZA ALI DOSSA
Karachi
Mineral water bottles' reuse
Mr Fawad Inam's letter on the reuse of mineral water bottles (March 14) should wake up officials in the ministry of health and all those concerned with public health.
That these bottles contain carcinogenic material called DEHA (diethylhydroxylamine) is a known fact. The issue is how to stop their reuse and who is going to take the initiative.
We talk about awareness campaigns for the poor, illiterate masses and usually end up arranging an event in a five-star hotel with all hype and media coverage, with the objective of enhancing the image of a few.
I suggest the following actions should be taken to stop the reuse of mineral water bottles. First of all, mineral water manufacturers should get registration and approval from ministry of health.
Second, all manufactures should mention on their labels both in English and Urdu that "reuse of this bottle can be hazardous; it contains carcinogenic material".
Third, a media campaign should be launched to inform the general public of this possible danger and also advise the masses to destroy the empty bottles, so that others, especially poor people who collect such things for use, are saved.
I also suggest that a government agency should check all cheap plastic utensils available in market. How can the consumer know that the plastic (polyethylene) used is of food grade and safe? Please take immediate action in this regard.
We are exposing our people to so many hazards. Some big manufacturer of mineral water can also take a lead in this regard as a socially responsible company.
DR HASAN THARANI
Karachi
Lahore-Multan rail service
Train travel between Lahore and Multan and vice versa is extremely important for industrialists and traders. For a long time, two express trains on the Lahore-Multan route were available in the morning. Likewise, there were two trains available in the evening from Multan to Lahore. Now it seems that this route has been abandoned by the Pakistan Railways for the benefit of private road transporters.
If you observe luxury air conditioned coaches on the Multan Highway, you will find a bus every two minutes travelling in either direction. All these passengers, or most of them, can come back to train travel as, for an overwhelming majority, it represents the preferred mode of travel in view of its comfort and safety. But for this the railway authorities have to focus on this route, and in this context the following suggestions are put forward:
I. A second track between Khanewal and Raiwind should be laid with the same efficiency and speed as it is being laid from Lodhran to Khanewal.
II. The Shalimar Express, both Up and Down, should be re-routed through Multan. III. The Faisal Express operating between Lahore and Faisalabad should be a non-stop train and its route should be extended to Multan. It may leave at 6am from Lahore and commence its return journey from Multan at 4pm.
IV. The Shah Rukn-i-Alam train should be scheduled for 6pm and declared as an express train between Multan and Karachi.
V. Musa Pak Railcar may operate at its usual timings.
KHALID MEHMOOD
Lahore
Modern prison system for Punjab
This is with reference to your editorial on prison reforms (March 11). You have correctly said that to ease the situation, the criminal justice system, among other things, has to be made more efficient. As regards the prisons in Punjab, the government has initiated steps to improve the problem of overcrowding and prisoners' welfare in areas such as health, hygiene, diet and education.
Two barracks each for 60 prisoners and 32 death cells are being constructed in the 30 jails of the province. Additional bathrooms and toilet facilities are being provided in 23 jails. New jails will be built in the 17 district headquarters, and district jails in Toba Tek Singh and Vehari are expected to be ready by June.
A number of women's jails, juvenile jails and Borstal institutes are also in the pipeline. All these projects will cost over Rs1 billion. The chief minister has taken personal interest in the improvement of the living conditions of the prisoners and approved a new menu for the diet which includes chicken, beef, vegetables, eggs and lintels. This menu will cost about Rs400 million a year to provide food to about 50,000 prisoners in Punjab.
X-ray plants are being provided in 16 jails and pathology labs are being installed at all the jails for initial medical tests of prisoners, and availability of doctors at each jail is being ensured. Programmes for religious and general education of prisoners have also been launched with the help of NGOs and philanthropists. Over Rs6 million has been deposited
by the donors themselves to procure release of over 500 prisoners.
Prisons are primarily meant for convicted persons, whereas the undertrial prisoners are supposed to be kept separately in detention centres. To achieve this goal, a plan has been made to establish judicial lock-ups at all the 119 sub divisional headquarters in the province.
At present, there are only 26 judicial lock-ups. Once the judicial lock-ups are established, a number of problems such as the cost of prisoners' transportation will be solved.
The district and sessions judges regularly visit jails of their jurisdiction to review the cases of prisoners involved in petty offences and the deserving are usually released on personal bail bond. The judicial officers also inspect jails and listen to any complaints against the jail staff.
Although it is difficult to keep the convicted and undertrial prisoners completely segregated due to overcrowding, utmost efforts are made to ensure that the hardened criminals are kept separately. Similarly every district/central jail has separate areas for juvenile prisoners. Women prisoners are also kept separately and are looked after by the female staff.
To improve the security environment, a rapid reaction squad has been established in every jail. Ten important jails have been equipped with X-ray scanners. Walk-through-gates and metal detectors have been procured for all the jails, and for the first time a modern CCTV system is in the process of installation to monitor the activities in all district and central jails of Punjab.
In view of the importance of training, a well- staffed training institute is being established to cater to the training needs. It may be satisfying to note that the administration is alive to the issue and is taking measures to remove the difficulties and organize a modem and well-managed prison system.
INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF PRISONS
Punjab, Lahore
Clause 17 of nikahnama
Recently, I happened to scan through the official nikahnama, in vogue since promulgation of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1960. It was surprising to read clause 17, an English version of which reads as under:
"Has the husband delegated the right of divorce to the wife; if so, under what condition." I consulted a lawyer friend who informed me that under this clause the right given to a bride is the same as given to the groom.
Thus, a woman can now divorce her husband and obtain a decree from a reconciliation court in 90 days. On the contrary, if this right has not been obtained by the bride, of course through her parents, at the time of nikah,, she can get khula from the family judge, which normally takes months or even years as the husband avoids court attendance to prolong proceedings to harass the wife and make her life miserable.
I request that clause 17 of the nikahnama, covered under the holy Quran and Sunnah and allowed by the law of the land, should be publicized enough so that the parents of the brides obtain this right for them at the time of nikah.
HAFEEZ AKHTAR
Lahore
Gujarat's wounds
The letter by Mr Ajay Kamalakaran from Russia on "Healing Gujarat's wounds" made an interesting reading. I am a Gujarati, living in the coastal town of Jamnagar. Hindus and Muslims coexist peacefully in Gujarat. Secularism thrives in every part of India and there are always minor aberrations. During Muharram, Eid celebrations and Ramazan, my Hindu friends join us for the celebrations and we join them during Diwali and Holi.
We Gujaratis have endless patience, abundant love and unlimited patriotism. This is why Gujarat's growth rate amongst the Indian states is the highest. The Godra carnage is a setback, but is only one of its kind. Each such incident is a learning point. What is painful is that anti-social elements try to create a Godra carnage at every available opportunity.
ZAHEER ABBAS CHAUDHARY
Jamnagar, Gujarat
Plain talk
It was pleasure to see President Musharraf talk so openly and realistically in a satellite interview in the India Today conclave on March 13. The way the president answered questions was very impressive, as all issues were discussed with logic and reason.
If such issues are discussed so practically, there will no longer be any misunderstandings and conflicts between India and Pakistan. This will also turn the hope for peace into a reality.
M. AYUB
Karachi
Fighting diabetes
The surge in diabetes has many serious economic and health consequences for our country. Already there are over eight million diabetic patients and 95 per cent of them are suffering from the deadly Type II diabetes.
Adults, children and old people alike are suffering from it as lifestyles are changing and people are becoming obese and physically inactive. People now remain glued to computers and TV screens and eat snacks and fast food.
The spicy and fat enriched diets are also one of the many reasons that lead to weight gain and consequently to diabetes infliction.
The people should be the guardians of their own health and never let the disease creep into their bodies and nestle there. This could be possible only if the government drops the look-the-other-way approach to this malady and utilizes all media outlets for awareness raising programmes.
And the involvement of the community, especially public opinion-makers, is most essential in eradicating this scourge from Pakistan and thus giving us a healthy work force.
RAZIM KHAN
Peshawar
Verifying powers
This refers to a suggestion made in these columns by Mr Ghulam Ahmad ("Verifying powers", March 10).
In the US, every attorney, real estate broker, certified public accountant, a couple of officers of every branch of banks and many other respectable citizens are granted licences to notarize any/all documents. The licences are issued by each state and are renewable after every two years.
The maximum fee they can charge is $2-3, but most of them do it free of charge for their clients. A similar system in Pakistan will not only ease unnecessary burden currently experienced by the gazetted officers but also reduce the misery of a common citizen to find a way to get his documents verified.
If this system is adopted in Pakistan, it will also break an old legacy left by the British colonial system.
ZAKI MALIK
Dallas, Texas, USA
Sargodha Road
I want to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the pathetic condition of the road that connects Sargodha to Mianwali. Due to its narrowness, the road is insufficient for the heavy traffic passing on this road. Especially during the winter season, traffic remains jammed because of sugarcane-carrying tractor trolleys.
Travelling by this road has become dangerous. The authorities are uged to take notice of the miserable condition of the road and ensure that it is widened enough to be safe.
SHAGUFTA
Sargodha
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