| 31 March 2004 | Wednesday | 09 Safar 1425 |
Law and order situation
An appraisal of Kashmir policy
Unhygienic wrappers
Afforestation vs dams
Israel: breeding or curbing terrorism?
Calling off Wana operation
PIA cabin crew
Injustice to Tendulkar
SAF Games
Unattended complaints
Cashing in on sportsmanship
Traffic police performance
Hollywood movies
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There seems to be much euphoria in certain quarters of Pakistan regarding major non-Nato ally status recently promised to Pakistan by the United States. First of all, the announcement by Secretary of State Colin Powell in a press conference that America is bestowing this "honour" on Pakistan reeks of an imperious attitude.
Did the US just decide to confer this status on Pakistan, or were there negotiations between the two countries regarding this matter? There is no hint of such negotiations from Mr Powell or anyone in the Pakistan government.
In the absence of any detailed comments from the government of Pakistan, one is sceptical of this arrangement. What are the consequences of such an "honour"? What does this imply? What are Pakistan's obligations under this status? What is the reciprocity arrangement between the two countries? What kind of bases and other facilities will Pakistan have to provide to the United States? How much control will the US have over Pakistan airspace, if any? How will Pakistan fare under this status in case of aggression against it?
Above all, what are the obligations of the US to Pakistan? Can it be trusted? The past American record in this regard is a sorry one. I don't see any reason that it will be any different in the future. Even if we get a few F-16s in the bargain, is it worthwhile in the long run?
Until September 10, 2001, Pakistan was a pariah state and General Musharraf was practically a persona non grata. Remember President Clinton's visit to Pakistan? After the tragic events of 9/11, Pakistan overnight became the most important US ally in the region because it suited American interest very well.
President Musharraf became a "good friend of mine" in President Bush's words. This only shows that non-Nato ally or not, Pakistan is good for America as long as it serves its interests. Pakistan should learn from history and not get its hopes too high.
The US is rightly looking after its national interests. So should Pakistan. What President Musharraf is doing to combat terrorism is laudable. It should have been done long before 9/11 and "the call" from Mr Powell. It is in Pakistan's own national interest. If it also serves American interests, so be it.
The Pakistani nation deserves an explanation from America regarding the benefits to Pakistan from this non-Nato ally status and its obligations under it. An assurance that this status does not subvert Pakistan's sovereignty will help many minds rest in peace.
AZIZ BARI
Herndon, Virginia, USA
Law and order situation
In spite of claims made to the contrary, the law and order situation in the country remains far from satisfactory. Various committees/ commissions have been set up by the government from time to time to suggest ways and means for improvement, and to make the police more responsive to public needs.
Various measures have been taken by the present government and those in the past to make the police force more efficient. Yet the position remains unchanged.
Some time ago, it was very heartening to read in a section of the press, about a seminar in the National Police Academy on human rights, at which SP Ehsan Sadiq and SSP Zulfiqar Cheema had the courage to tell the federal interior minister that human rights are only held high in those countries where there is rule of law, and that, unfortunately, it does not exist in our country, because the government of the day treats the police as its own tool to harass and weaken the opposition.
The SSP urged the interior minister to set up a firm precedent so that when he is no longer in power and his adversaries in government ask the police to arrest him, the police do not carry out the order and refer to the law book for guidance.
Unfortunately the interior minister is reported to have said: "It's too idealistic." Perhaps, many of those who are in opposition today also think this suggestion is too idealistic.
Yet, there is no other way in which the police or for that matter any other organization dealing with law and order can be made honest. For the last half a century no government in Pakistan has restrained itself from the temptation of using the police, and even judicial officers, to perpetuate itself in power.
Suggestions such as those given by the SSP have always been brushed aside as being "idealistic, naive and simplistic." Instead, suggestions regarding reorganization of the police set-up, increase in the pay of police officers, and giving police more tools to counter crime have been accepted from time to time, but have proved to be of no use. The most recent example is that of the new Police Order which has only increased the problems of victims of crime.
S. M. A. ASHRAF
Karachi
An appraisal of Kashmir policy
From start, our Kashmir policy has proved very expensive. We have pursued a wrong track. The invasion by tribesmen in 1947 resulted in the accession of Jammu and Kashmir by the Maharaja of Kashmir to India.
The subsequent clashes moved the issue to the United Nations. Our moral support to those who have been waging an armed struggle for recognition of their right to live according to their own wish has alienated us and distorted our image in the world.
At home, we have paid a heavy price - defence became our top priority, resulting in allocation of huge resources. Social sectors were neglected. From the beginning, therefore, our domestic policy has been a prisoner of our aggressive Kashmir policy.
This led to political anarchy, regionalism, ethnic politics, religious militancy, economic disparities among the different regions, separation of East Pakistan, and shaky confidence of smaller nationalities in the federation. In short, the nation-building process was hampered.
It is good to note that the present leadership has somehow realized the futility of this policy. Both Pakistan and India have hinted at settling the Kashmir problem.
It is time we allowed and supported the democratic forces in Kashmir and asked them to come forward and take up the cause of Kashmir. I know there is a very vocal minority in this country which does not believe in negotiations and peaceful settlements of political differences with our neighbouring country.
This minority should remember that an economically strong, democratic and united Pakistan will have more weightage in asking the world community to listen to the voice of the people of Kashmir.
There is urgent need for redefining our national objectives. We should utilize our resources, including human capital, for economic and social development and not for weaponization of the country.
The arsenals and state of war with one of our neighbouring countries will not take us anywhere. What we require is a better future for our children and faith of all nationalities in the working of the federation.
ANIS ALAM SAEED
Karachi
Unhygienic wrappers
Mr M. Azhar Sheikh wrote a very amusing letter "Unhygienic wrappers" (March 25). His concern regarding the unhygienic wrappers for edible items such as burgers (bun kebabs), bread (tandoori roti) and betel-leaf (paan) struck me as being quite ironic.
The gentleman, in my opinion, is either oblivious to the conditions these delicacies are prepared in, or perhaps has never seen them being made, which I sincerely doubt.
These "desi" burgers are prepared in the most classy ambience of buzzing mosquitoes, filth, fumes emitted by cars, while using unwashed vegetables and the special oil used to fry the burgers has an aroma which is out of this world.
The bread is itself baked in a similar ambience, but, when the "baker" uses the same unwashed hands with which he was scratching his sweaty armpits, it adds a special touch. And, what can one say about our famous (read infamous) paan, in which every other ingredient is adulterated?
Mr Sheikh also brings our attention to the fact that the old newspapers and directory pages being used for the purpose are not printed with food-grade ink and is not acid or chemical free.
The relevant authorities have been prompted to take some action in this regard, but, when they themselves can afford only this, why should they stop people from using this paper? And they appreciate retailers' efforts in multi-tasking and utilizing the paper to the fullest extent.
AFSHAN SHABBIR LAKDAWALLA
Karachi
Afforestation vs dams
Our country is facing two important issues: one, effective water management for agriculture, two, construction of huge reservoirs to replace the depleted storage, and utilize excess water that currently flows into the sea. The latter task will cost us huge amounts entailing large foreign debts. Years have been lost in political bickering over this issue which has stalled such projects on one pretext or another.
So far no suggestion has been made for massive afforestation across the length and breadth of the country to ensure better and guaranteed rainfall. A 10-year campaign, preceded by a professional feasibility study, would serve the purpose well and on a more permanent basis, as well as at half the cost of one large dam.
This eco-friendly project would open vast opportunities for employment and forest-related industrial development. From a net importer of wood and wood products, we could turn into an exporter of these items in 10 to 15 years. We would also be better off with an alternative fuel, and with self-sufficiency in deficient agricultural products like tea and cooking oils.
A high priority extensive feasibility study covering the whole landmass of the country is an urgent necessity.
SHAHIN AHMED
Karachi
Israel: breeding or curbing terrorism?
The killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is a spindle around which more September 11s could be born. We live in an ever-changing and smaller world where we as international citizens have the responsibility to promote moderation and reject radicalism more than ever before.
We also have the responsibility to speak out against injustice and violence wherever they may occur, regardless of race or religion, and we have the imperative to reject collective blame against whatever group is the target.
Positive images can create miraculously good feelings in the hearts of people, but negative images can cause volcanic eruptions among those same people. We must speak out against violence and injustice wherever it occurs: in Israel, in Palestine, in India, in Africa, in Serbia or in Kosovo.
But we must never place collective blame upon Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Christian Orthodox, Roman Catholics or others when acts of violence are carried out by a person or persons of these groups.
The world must get out the business of serially producing terrorists: We should not ignore or belittle people's legitimate grievances because we perceive them to be "the enemy".
A little more objectivity will go a long way toward a more peaceful world. And we need to listen. We have learned the hard way that one of the major routes to the September 11 tragedy was our deafness and blindness to injustice among people or nations with which we are not "tight".
Some feel that Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was a terrorist. In his people's eyes he was a national icon, a spiritual leader. Even a terrorist could have been arrested, charged and put on trial which is the tradition of democratic nations. It was wrong to have killed him in the way he was killed and it was utterly blind not to think of the consequences for the world.
The world in this time of wars actually has a unique opportunity to create a more civilized order of things because there is so much change going on. We must listen to one another, put blame and bigotry aside and face one another as equals.
And we should not programme ourselves into thinking that one religion or philosophy in particular has a monopoly on forgiveness. Forgiveness is also equally a highly revered value in Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, among others. And forgiveness is the key to our future. Let's make this world our primary destination.
PAUL A. PETERS
New York City, USA
Calling off Wana operation
I had been following the Waziristan operation until a couple a days back when, to my utter surprise, it was abruptly called off. The decision seems premature. The operation never looked a sensible venture in the first place, but once it was started, the government should have continued it until all militants and outlaws had been either captured or chased out of the country. The armed forces should have enforced complete law and order in the tribal belt.
A number of terrorist attacks have taken place in recent days, which are generally attributed to intelligence failures, such as assassination attempts on President General Musharraf.
Not only here, intelligence failures have occurred worldwide, as in case of the recent Madrid bombings. The war on Iraq is also described by a large section of people as an "intelligence failure".
The Pakistan Army should have prepared an intelligence-guided plan, besides having contingency plans. I felt really sorry on learning that our eight soldiers had been killed by militants in Waziristan. While the culprits are still free, the operation has been called off. Why?
ANSA A. KHAN
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
PIA cabin crew
Recently, there has been a very unrealistic division of PIA cabin crew into categories called A and B. This categorization appears to extend more benefits to those placed in group 'A'. While making this division, the annual confidential report and job experience have not been considered at all.
The 'A' list of prime crew shows that though many of these individuals have been receiving negative reports and remarks from senior pursers, they have been tasked with operating long flights as 'prime crew'. If it is so, the board should own this unrealistic approach and justify its decision.
Most of those in list 'A' are never doing any early-morning or multi-sector domestic flights and rather appear to have a special interest in working on the London sector. This can be checked with the records available with the department concerned. If they are still allowed to stick to one route and roster, it will spoil relations between the two groups.
We urge the top management to critically look into the matter and, if necessary, prepare a list according to merits of each individual.
A GROUP OF SUFFERERS
Karachi
Injustice to Tendulkar
It was really shocking that India's standing cricket captain Rahul Dravid deprived Sachin Tendulkar of what would have been his fourth double century on the second day of the first Test match in Multan on Monday. He was playing at 194 when the Indian captain declared the innings.
Had a few more balls been played by Indian batsmen, it would certainly not have affected prospects of the match.
MADHU AGRAWAL
Delhi, India
SAF Games
The opening ceremony of the SAF Games in Islamabad on Monday was a good show. Millions must have watched it on television across the world. However, what was missing was a Pakistani flag or something that could have identified the show with Pakistan for a distant viewer.
Will the organizers remove this drawback when the ceremony is repeated at the end of the games?
JAMEEL RIZWAN
Karachi
Unattended complaints
Inefficiency at the PTCL is increasing perhaps in proportion to the demand to privatize it, which is being resisted by vested interests. This is evident from the complaints that appeared in these columns on March 21, to which I also add my unattended complaint as regards my phone No.4927381, which has been out of order for one month, thanks to the divisional engineer, Pak Capital Exchange, who was annoyed with my daily complaints to him.
I want the relevant authorities to take appropriate action in this regard.
ABDUL SAEED KHAN GHORI
Karachi
Cashing in on sportsmanship
It is heartening to see passions being brought out in Pakistanis by the current cricket series against India. It is evident from letters in the press that people do have the capacity and capability to care. The hospitality and welcome extended to the Indian fans goes to prove that Pakistanis are alive and kicking.
However, these passions need to be channelled into something more constructive, like advancement in education and/or development and improvement of the social fabric by eliminating corruption and nepotism. The sportsmanship and sense of fair play can be extended to almost every walk of life, with great results.
The need of the hour is for the politicians, ulema and leaders of Pakistan to stop bickering among themselves and to focus on development of the youth by providing them with hope for a bright future. Allama Iqbal has expressed the same sentiments in the following verse:
Nahin hay na umeed Iqbal apni kisht-i-veeran say
Zara num ho to yeh matti bari zarkhaiz hai saqi
BABAR SULEMAN
Plainfield, IN., USA
Traffic police performance
I travel through Karachi's Quaidabad daily on my way to work. I see traffic policemen standing at the Quaidabad traffic intersection, with their motorcycles parked in the middle of the main roads leading to Steel Town, Malir and Landhi. The policemen do nothing to control the traffic, except for whistling after about every 15 minutes, or talking to the bus drivers who are blocking the traffic.
Trucks, buses, mini-buses, coasters, donkey-carts, cars and motorcycles criss-cross at will. Uncontrolled parking at the intersection and roadside vendors narrow down the roads further, and thereby obstruct the traffic flow.
Traffic rules, road sense and common courtesy mean nothing. The question is: how can one allow this place to be related to our great Quaid-i-Azam whose stand on discipline is well-known even to schoolchildren?
S. NAYYAR IQBAL RAZA
Karachi
Hollywood movies
It hurts Pakistanis' feelings all over the world to know that they are being persecuted for a crime they have never committed. In fact, Pakistanis are doing everything they possibly can to help the world community to win the so-called war on terror.
But when Pakistan is called a terrorist country in Hollywood movies, it actually does not help in any way. If anything, people who believe in upholding the law might actually be put off.
Someone should convey our sentiments to the people in Hollywood. And the American government should also intervene, because calling their allies criminals behind their back does not help.
MRS AHMAD
Dubai
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