| 01 May 2004 | Saturday | 10 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425 |
Troops for Iraq
Entry test for medical colleges
Income tax laws
Hidden assets
Cricket: finding a scapegoat
Mega city renewal programme
Pensioners' case
Traffic snarls
Emergency OT at JPMC
Choked sewers
Nadra's reply
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The Washington Post's Bob Kaiser is reported to have finally documented what has long been reported in encrypted diplomatic emails from foreign embassies to dozens of foreign governments: Washington's "Likudniks" - Ariel Sharon's powerful backers in the Bush administration - have been in charge of the US policy in the Middle East since President Bush was sworn in. The strategic objectives of the US and Israel in the Middle East have gradually merged into a now cohesive "Bush-Sharon Doctrine".
Ariel Sharon seems to have convinced President Bush that the war on 'Palestinian terrorism' was identical to the global war on terror. To pursue his policy on the war on terror, President Bush unilaterally attacked Iraq.
Emboldened by this adventure, Ariel Sharon, regardless of the much-heralded roadmap, has boasted that his planned unilateral disengagement from the Gaza Strip is not a reward but a punishment for the Palestinians.
They would be denied control of air space, territorial water and the borders. Moreover, a discussion for the Palestinian state would be delayed for years. Contrarily, President Bush has been on record as having expected that a Palestinian state will come into being in 2005.
The Bush-Sharon doctrine has finally culminated in the abandonment of the Oslo accords painfully worked out since 1993. Ariel Sharon maintains that "Israel has no obligations if the PLO does not fulfil its obligations" and "there are no partners in peace" - a reference to the Palestinian Authority.
Recently, when Sharon visited Washington, President Bush backed out from the decades of American policy when he said that Israel could keep 'some' of Arab lands in occupied Palestinian territory. He also said 'no' to return of Palestinian refugees to Israel.
The roots of the overall strategy can be traced to a paper published in 1996 by the Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies, an Israeli think-tank. The document was titled "A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm".
The paper says: "Our claim to the land (of the West Bank) - to which we have clung for 2,000 years - is legitimate and noble. Only the unconditional acceptance by Arabs of our rights, especially in their territorial dimension, is a solid basis for the future."
How about the children and grandchildren of Palestinian refugees, who are now second class citizens in Lebanon, Syria and the Gulf states (nations which refuse to grant them citizenship or equal rights) and who cling to the illusion that defeating the Israelis will restore their dignity? Thus, the Bush-Sharon policy has given them a final blow: no return to their ancestral homeland.
PROFESSOR (DR) P. NASIR
Gujrat
Troops for Iraq
It was shocking to read our foreign minister's statement that Pakistan may send troops to Iraq if the UN so desires. The potency or impotency of the UN can be judged by the record of US vetoes in favour of Israel. US and UK forces have taken the whole of Iraq by force and are now treating the Iraqis as hostage in their own land, and the whole world is keeping silent.
If any sovereign country is attacked and captured, it is the duty of its nationals to fight and take back their country from the invaders, whoever they are. This is happening in Iraq. It is, however, gratifying that Spain and some other countries have agreed to withdraw their forces from Iraq. Hopefully, Italy and Japan will follow.
Those who have been to Iraq (like Spaniards, Poles, Japanese and Koreans) know that the Iraqi people have the best moral character in the world. I was in Karbala on Ashura (March 2) when 80 to 90 people were killed there and another 75 to 80 in Kazmain (Baghdad).
I heard light blasts in a span of 20 minutes from 10.05am to 10.25am. Two of the blasts were only 50 metres from our hotel. The systematic blasts showed that nobody except the US or Israel could do it. There were millions of worshippers on the roads. The main procession stood shocked for 15/20 minutes but after that everybody was ready to die. There was no panic or crying.
The US wants to control Iraq's oil wealth. Pakistanis should know that after Afghanistan and Iraq, it will be Pakistan's turn. So Pakistan should stop supporting wrong US and UK policies.
I am sure if the US and UK are left alone, they will realize their blunders and withdraw from Iraq, instead of killing defenceless Iraqis. It is indeed shocking that hundreds have been killed in Fallujah and Najaf but all Muslim nations are silent.
What is most important is to ask the Iraqi people what system of government they want, what type of elections they want and which countries' help they would accept. Enforcing an imported democracy in Iraq, like the one in Afghanistan, is bound to fail and unnecessary bloodshed will continue.
T.J. DEWJI
Karachi
Entry test for medical colleges
It has been reported that the Punjab health department plans to abolish the entry test for admission to medical colleges, and the chief minister is to be briefed about this. The reason cited is that the system of examinations has become foolproof and transparent and, therefore, another test is unnecessary.
This is not a functional approach. We are a developing nation. Our methodology of conducting examination cannot be foolproof. All our examinations can't be fair. Let us admit the reality that all examinations are not a true test of ability.
Recently, there was an entry test for Army Medical College at the Education Centre on Lawrence Road. The students were ready to go into the examination hall when I put the question to some of them whether the entry test should continue or be abolished.
Almost all students having above 75 per cent marks in the FSc (medical) supported the entry test. Asked why, they replied that the entry test is reliable and there's no chance of leakage of questions or answers.
They explained that students who do not obtain good marks in the FSc can try their luck in the entry test. So before deciding anything the students may be asked whether this methodology provides them with relief or not.
Currently, the country lacks professional medical doctors in proportion to the population. We are short of doctors in backward areas. In all FSc examinations mostly those students get through who have studied in good urban institutions.
But those who come from backward areas cannot think of becoming doctors because they have not studied at good schools. If we could attract students from the backward areas, who are hard working and intelligent, we shall overcome the shortage of doctors in backward areas and create equal opportunities of learning, service and administration to all.
The entry test should not be banned and an opportunity to the underdeveloped areas should be provided as part of the principle of justice and fair play.
PROF (DR) M.A. SOOFI
Lahore
Income tax laws
Dr Ikramul Haq's line of reasoning at the pre-budget seminar, published in Dawn on April 27, was fair and factual enough. No doubt, the steps being taken by the income tax authorities are pulverizing the assessees on record. Those already filing the returns honestly are the only ones being victimized. However, it occurred to me that it probably slipped the tax specialist's mind to give his opinion on the vital issue of money laundering.
Vague government policies about restraining this phenomenon are still not comprehensible. While extensive measures have been promised to prevent people from having their black wealth and earnings washed and turned white, new avenues are being provided for the same.
Apparently, Section 111(4) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, as per the clarification made by the Central Board of Revenue, through circular letter C. No. 4(32) TP 1/90-pt dated September 21, quoted below, provides total freedom from any inquiry to those having their wealth being remitted to them in the form of foreign exchange through proper banking channels:
"No probe will be made in the case of recipient of any amount of foreign exchange remitted by a person from outside Pakistan through normal banking channels that is enchashed in Pakistani rupees from a scheduled bank and a certificate to this effect is obtained."
Today most foreign exchange dealers, holding various foreign currency accounts, provide the same facility charging at the rate varying between one and two per cent. If one has such an option, who would prefer to pay higher taxes instead of a nominal commission?
Therefore, the experts sitting in the CBR are requested through these columns to address the issue in the forthcoming budget.
FARAZ AHMED QURESHI
Karachi
Hidden assets
The Election Commission (EC) of Pakistan is reported to have served notices on 124 parliamentarians who concealed information about their assets and liabilities in the yearly declaration forms they submitted to the EC.
Forty-five members of the National Assembly, three senators, 47 members of the Punjab Assembly, eight of the Sindh Assembly, 10 of the North-West Frontier Province Assembly and 11 members of the Balochistan Assembly reportedly concealed their plots and houses, bank accounts, details of agricultural property and the worth of jewellery, cars, furniture and other valuable items.
Out of the 48 MNAs and senators, 25 belong to the ruling coalition and 23 belong to the opposition. The fact that they reportedly concealed information about their assets shouldn't surprise anyone. What is encouraging, though, is the EC taking notice of this irregularity. But its memory needs a bit of jolting.
Some legislators were said to have got past the EC with fake degree certificates. By some misfortune, at least three legislators have now been proved to have got in unfairly and been unfrocked.
To undo a much bigger wrong, the EC would need to send another letter to all MNAs and MPAs, asking them to re-submit their original degrees for re-checking.
ISA DAUDPOTA
Islamabad
Cricket: finding a scapegoat
I am an Indian and have been quite astonished at the way attempts are being made to find a scapegoat for Pakistan's defeat. Everyone seems obsessed with Shoaib Akhtar and is holding him responsible on the ground that he faked his injury.
Even before the medical commission has given its findings, he has been apparently held guilty. I wonder whether the medical commission has been sent up merely to come up with a finding which would support the common perception that Shoaib Akhtar had faked his injury during the Rawalpindi Test and thereby helped India win the match.
If that was not enough, a gentleman has even filed a case in the court against Shoaib Akhtar and claimed damages for letting the country down. It is indeed amazing. All this sounds bizarre and I wonder whether it will serve any purpose or help cricket in Pakistan at all.
Shoaib Akhtar played in all the five one-day internationals and the three Test matches. Even assuming that he faked his injury in the last Test, what about the other matches he played against India? Was he able to win those matches for Pakistan? It was Shabbir Ahmed who won one of the ODIs for Pakistan while Umar Gul won them the second Test match against India simply because they moved the ball and created problems for the Indian batsmen.
It must not be forgotten that it was Shoaib Akhtar who won Pakistan the series against New Zealand and South Africa. Pakistan's young bowlers, including Sami, did not bowl badly except for the first couple of ODIs.
The fact is that at present India has a very strong and solid batting line-up, and its batsmen are not bothered by pace. Further, they score quickly which puts the bowlers on the backfoot straightaway. Even in Australia, Bret Lee tried bowling quick and got pasted all over the place.
Pakistan has a good bowling attack, but lacked good swing bowlers in its Test line-up apart from the second Test. Good accurate swing bowling any day could create problems for batsmen. This could be seen the way Umar Gul bowled.
Just as good bowling can win you matches, poor or inadequate batting can make you lose the game. That was what happened to Pakistan.
S.RAMAKRISHNAN
Kolkata, India
Mega city renewal programme
The world financial institution's plan to provide $800 million to rehabilitate the infrastructure of four main cities of the country (April 27) is laudable. All the four cities earmarked are provincial capitals, but either lack basic infrastructure or the existing one is fast decaying due to shortage of funds, on the one hand, and the apathy of civic authorities, on the other.
In a metropolis like Karachi even indispensable amenities such as potable water, electricity and health cover are not available to a very large segment of the population.
However, still more horrible is the condition of Hyderabad, with a population of two million plus. It used to be one of the cleanest cities in the country, renowned for its evening breeze, its excellent planning and literary ambience.
Its sanitation system has collapsed and gutters overflow in even posh localities. The source of water supplied to the city is stagnant where herds of buffaloes can be seen taking a bath as reported many times with no action from the quarters concerned.
The supply of electricity, especially in the summer days, is frequently interrupted and at times is not restored for hours. Every passing day is adding to the woes of the people.
May I appeal to the authorities to come to the rescue of Hyderabad, and persuade the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to take notice of the pathetic conditions of this desolate but most deserving city and include it in the 'mega city renewal programme'?
ALTAMASH MANZOOR
H. KURESHI Karachi
Pensioners' case
Reference your editorial "Pensioners' case" (April 25). It is very true that even our men in the three armed forces - who are required to lay down their lives anytime for our beloved country - on retirement receive a meagre pension. Some of them are undergoing great hardship. Nobody is bothered about the plight of these patriotic honest, souls.
As a first step to provide them with some relief, it is necessary to give them accommodation. For this a suitable residential colony should be built on a large amenity plot - a part of which could be sold, with the permission of the government, to collect funds for the building.
The financial problems could be solved by allotting a petrol pump and nursery next to the building. The officers could pay a certain amount every month but the bulk of the expenditure could be met from the money-generating funds.
The service station and nursery, etc, could be supervized by the officers and their wives to meet expenses. The managing body elected by them could look after the financial affairs.
SENIOR RETIRED OFFICERS
Karachi
Traffic snarls
The Gizri bazaar area in Karachi witnesses traffic snarls due to wrong parking on a daily basis. However, it appears the traffic police lack the will to do anything about it. They are often present in the area, happily watching the pandemonium all around.
The nameless road linking Gizri to Zamzama too is victim of this negligence. It is a nice, wide dual carriageway, but one side has completely been taken over by parked trucks/ dumpers/vendors/cricket matches/ encroachments and so on. This side of the road has never been open to traffic.
Why don't the DHA authorities wake up and do something about this area before it degenerates into a complete slum?
LAILA KHAN
Karachi
Emergency OT at JPMC
This IS with reference to the news report (April 22) regarding the inauguration of an emergency operation theatre at the JPMC. Dr Hassan Aziz, the coordinator, highlighted the need for public and private partnership.
He said if the budget was distributed among the total population, it would provide only a single tablet of any low-cost pain killer. He felt that philanthropists should support health projects.
I am surprised at his conclusion. He should have the courage to say that the time has come to cut down the cost on defence and other non-productive areas like the establishment and increase the health budget. One should impress upon the government and public representatives the need to increase allocations for health and education.
The professor's observation relieves the government of its prime responsibility. This is dangerous. From every quarter it must be emphasized that we are already committed to providing health for all by 2000. Philanthropists are not angels in this country or abroad.
DR A.K. SOOFI
Karachi
Choked sewers
I would like to draw the attention of the Orangi Town and UC nazims to the overflow of sewage in several streets of Ali Nagar, Rustam Zaman Chowk, Sector No. 11 of Orangi Town, Karachi. Most sewerage lines in this area are either broken or choked.
Although the stagnant sewage is drained out into gutters of an adjacent area under a collective fund set up by residents or by sanitary workers after many complaints have been registered, this is not a permanent solution of the problem.
The relevant authorities are requested to order repair or replacement of the defective sewerage lines.
SHAMIM AHMAD
Karachi
Nadra's reply
This refers to the letter published in your esteemed newspaper under the headline "Waiting for CNIC" dated April 25 by Mr Muhammad Arif. Nadra would like to take this opportunity to clear the problem mentioned in the letter.
The reason for the rejection of the application was the lengthy address that was provided by the applicant. Mr Arif met the Nadra director-general in his office who personally looked into the matter.
The director-general assured prompt printing and delivery of a CNIC to the applicant. The form was reloaded after the necessary amendments in the address of the applicant and subsequently the card was printed.
The card has been lying at the provincial headquarters of Nadra, Karachi, since April 22, and despite many contacts that Nadra has made with the writer and his family, it remains unclaimed.
MALIK SHAHNAWAZ KHAR
Director, Media, Nadra, Islamabad
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