| 17 August 2004 | Tuesday | 30 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425 |
Fixing Sukkur Barrage
War on terror
Citizenship laws
Airport blues
Case against polygamy
Planetarium under threat
Desalination & power project
Protective gear
Children's channel
Environmental pollution
Beware of fraud
Loan policies
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In his article 'Pakistan & Indian Muslims' (August 14)) Mr Kuldip Nayar has spoken in the tone of a representative of the Indian government rather than of an independent journalist.
He writes: "The Pakistan rulers should not have at least sabotaged the efforts to establish a secular polity in India. It guaranteed the future of Muslims. Pakistan had, in fact, an obligation that the beleaguered Indian Muslims would not be harassed by its action."
This is an allegation without evidence. How could Pakistan sabotage the establishment of a secular polity in India is beyond comprehension. He has also questioned the demand for a time-frame for a composite dialogue between the two countries and is also uneasy that Pakistan brings in the Kashmir issue, directly or indirectly, at every forum.
He asserts that President Musharraf has stated that he would wait for a reasonable time to see some concrete outcome on Kashmir to emerge but continues to hold the gun. Mr Nayar further asserts that the Kashmir issue, which has eluded a solution for 50 years, cannot have a time-table.
Pakistan has talked of a time-frame because of over half a century of experience of India's delaying tactics. The Shimla agreement does talk of a solution of the Kashmir dispute through negotiations.
Did India take any concrete steps towards resolution of the dispute during the last over 32 years? If no time-frame is set, then the issue can drag on for another half a century as our foreign minister said a few days back. Therefore, the demand for having a time-frame seems inescapable.
Mr Nayar has also hinted that Pakistan's policy has been that of treating India as an enemy and trying to disintegrate it. This is also an allegation without evidence. How can a small country disintegrate a giant like India? It was, however, India's policy to disintegrate Pakistan and it did so in 1971.
GHULAM MUHAMMAD
Karachi
Fixing Sukkur Barrage
Recently I came across the report of the committee on the damage to the Sukkur Barrage. It stated that the barrage was safe, the hole could be easily filled up but stressed the need for the removal of an island formed upstream.
This incident reminds me of the work done by Mr Gokle, the founder and the first principal of the NED Engineering College (now university) in Karachi. The story needs to be retold.
Immediately after independence, there were alarming daily news items that the Sukkur Barrage, then the only barrage on the Indus, was about to collapse. A special executive engineer with staff was appointed. He was a scrupulously honest man and very capable as he had stood first in BE exam with first class. He was therefore directly recruited in Class I service of the Sindh PWD.
When Mr Gokle read the news item about the Sukkur Barrage in Pune, he came to Karachi and then went on to Sukkur. He advised the not very experienced engineer how to remedy the defect. He then returned to Karachi. Being a theosophist, his first address was in their hall.
Then a notice appeared on the NED College's notice board that ex-principal Mr Gokle would address senior students in the class-room of the first year students. Here he told the students that he came because, before joining NED, he was the engineer involved with the construction of the Sukkur Barrage and he was in charge of the construction of its piers where the defect had first appeared. He therefore felt responsible for it and also could gauge the probable cause.
The piers of the barrage are not of RCC but stone masonry. Their outer course is constructed in beautifully finished masonry. The inside is filled with rubble concrete (with large stones). This mass filling had developed perforations in due course of time, forming vents for the passage of water.
Consequently, the pressure of water pushed it through the vents and water poured out through the external layers above the water level of the river. This piping action had been the cause of all the worry.
Mr Gokle assured us that the barrage was safe. It only needed pumping in a lean cement mixture under pressure and all would be well with the barrage. We must hope it only needs such a simple treatment this time also.
H.A. HAJI
Karachi
War on terror
With reference to Mr Anil Khan Luni's letter 'War on terror' (August 13), I would like to add that it is not only 'poverty, illiteracy and indoctrination of minds by religious figures' that lead to terrorism, but in the post-9/11 world, political motives have a large hand in promoting these activities.
There has been a definite increase in terrorist activities since 9/11 and it cannot be said that there has been a proportionate increase in poverty or illiteracy or preaching by religious figures to explain this trend.
However, the manner in which such incidents have been used to further the imperialist designs of the US suggests that there is another sponsor for terrorism. We have seen recently that the US is not loath to stage attacks on diplomats in order to meet its ends, and there is evidence of similar policies having been followed by previous US governments.
To say that poverty and unemployment, etc., are the culprits is to draw attention away from a much more potent instigator. It is imperative that we understand how this system works so that we can confront it, instead of blaming only our own shortcomings (illiteracy, unemployment) and presenting ourselves as the guilty party in order to accept and justify its domination.
It is worthy of note that while the US was preparing for war on Iraq, there was little or no concern about Iran's nuclear programme or for the troubled regions of Sudan. Now suddenly these are key issues being addressed under the vague banner of 'war on terror'.
One can easily predict that once the US is through with Iran and Sudan, we will suddenly witness an increase in 'terrorist activities' within our own country, and while we blame our own rogue elements, we will provide the much needed justification for corrective action.
Meanwhile, our government which is currently in denial and confidentially claims success against terrorists will soon wring its hands and others will get a free hand.
ZAIN MANKANI
Karachi
Citizenship laws
The letter by MNA Kunwar Khalid Yunus (August 8) about double standards in citizenship laws hit the nail on many proverbial heads. He rightly mentions the bureaucratic dilemma and heart- rending stories emanating from this state of affairs.
The irony is that when Western countries make efforts in the same direction, like further restricting immigration laws and treating would-be migrants with callousness, there is a huge hue and cry from everyone.
And when the same is done by the Pakistan government or other Muslim countries, there is silence, except for legislators like Kunwar Younus and M.P. Bhandara. It is undeniable that some Western countries have recently made it routine to harass and intimidate visitors with non-white skin hues. But at the same time, they have been held to account by the press, civic leaders, and politicians.
Having been around the world a bit, however, let me assure you that few countries treat South Asian Muslims worse than the "brotherly" kingdoms in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Where is the outrage when Pakistanis are beheaded with show trials in Saudi Arabia? Where is the indignation when Malaysia requires Bangladeshis and Pakistanis to carry identity papers on them all the time? Were the United Kingdom or the United States to act in a similar manner, there would be a barrage of condemnation with choice words like "racism", "xenophobia", and "police state".
The sad message is that as long as the perpetrators and victims are both Muslim, we simply do not care to protest.
ESAM SOHAIL
USA
Airport blues
Granted that our airports are in a state of high alert due to threats from certain elements, this does not mean that all chaos should be let loose on those who visit this facility.
I am a regular visitor to the airport and I see the chaotic manner in which the Airport Security Force handles traffic into the airport complex. The sepoys deputed for this job have no idea of how to make people follow lines and there is chaos leading up to the gates of the parking area with a free for all amongst drivers as to who will get in first. The ASF guards, naturally, ensure that those they know (like taxi drivers and those driving rent-a-cars) are let through on a priority basis.
Most ASF guards are rude to airport visitors and it seems that despite several decades in operation, the Force still cannot instil a sense of public dealing for their guards, who invariably do interact with thousands of people on a given day.
I also wonder why there are so few gates into the airport parking area, which results in long lines. Why cant there be more opened during peak hours of traffic?
Finally, under what policy does the ASF close the lanes nearer to the airport building (the pick and drop lanes) to general public despite the fact that it is us who are paying the Rs15 parking fee and not the military and government vehicles who enjoy this facility? What guarantee does the ASF have that these vehicles (which are not checked) are not infiltrated by terrorists. This faulted security plan is bound to create incidents. If a lane is closed to the general public, it should be closed to all traffic.
S. AZIZ NAKHUDA
Karachi
Case against polygamy
This is in support of Qazi Faez's article (Dawn, August 6) on the above topic. It is our duty to understand the purpose and meaning of the verses of the Holy Quran. A careful study of the Quranic verses 1-4 of Sura Nisa will reveal that monogamy is the basic principle commanded by God (refer 4:3, fawahida = then only one).
As an exception, when men gave their lives in fighting wars, they left behind orphans and the widows. In this respect, God said: "And give the orphans their wealth, and don't devour their wealth, by adding it to yours. This indeed is a great crime" (4:2).
This verse demands that the orphans need a father and the widows need husbands, to look after them financially and look after their affairs, so that no one can do injustice to them.
Then God commands that they should marry the orphans' mothers, the widows (yataaman nisa in 4:127), to look after the affairs of the orphans. In 4:3, God said: "And if you fear that you won't be able to do justice in the matter of the orphans (left by their dead fathers) (yataama= those who are left alone by the death of their fathers or husbands), then marry from the women whom you find good for you (taaba = to be good, pleasing) in twos, threes, and fours; but if you fear that you won't be able to deal justly, then single or from the captives given in your possession to look after (aimaano kum = your right hands, your oaths) (i.e., You took an oath to look after them).
That will be nearer (to righteousness (i.e. Better for you you to remain righteous) that you don't deviate (from the right course of action)". Thus we find that one can marry a widow or a divorcee (yataaman nisa = women who have lost their husbands) in 4:127 as a second wife, so that justice can be done to them or their children.
Two conditions - one that justice be done to the orphans, two that equal treatment with justice be done to the wives - should be fulfilled before deciding to marry a second wife. This fact supports the interpretation.
Then God said in 4:127 that they should give women what is written for them (your duty towards them) when you want to marry them (4:127). He also said: " And it will not be within your powers to treat your wives with equal fairness and justice" (4:129).
If we study and analyze second marriages, we will find that the above two conditions, particularly doing justice to orphans, are never fulfilled. Hence one should marry only one wife as a principle, but can marry a widow or a divorcee if justice can be done to the orphans.
PROF. LIAQUAT SAMMA
Hyderabad
Planetarium under threat
Pakistan is labelled a Third World country because of several reasons. One of which is our inauspicious track record when it comes to human development. In the latest report of the UNDP, we came in at 142 out of 177 countries on the human development index. However, we seem to have a knack for tripping and falling into the hole instead of getting out of it.
The latest escapade in question is the dangling status of the PIA Planetarium located at Gulshan-i-Iqbal in Karachi, which is under the threat of being demolished.
The PIA Planetarium has existed for nearly two decades and is one of the few monuments that allow us a small claim to being a nation with some interest in advanced subjects such as space and astronomy.
Irrespective of who owns the land, it will be a shame that the city's only planetarium might be dismantled and done away with, to give way to another commercial complex in this jungle of concrete and iron.
The federal government allocates billions of rupees every year in its annual budget for development projects and the preservation of a planetarium definitely qualifies as a development project in our national, scientific and educational interests.
Either the existing structure should be protected from getting demolished in the greater national interest of education and research, or someone with some vision should step forward and take the initiative of having the planetarium shifted to a new location in the city.
M. USAMAH SIDDIQI
Karachi
Desalination & power project
This is with reference to a news-item (Dawn, August 9) regarding power projects and electricity shortage in Karachi. Mention has been made if the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) desalination and power project. Some inaccuracies need to be corrected. The project details are clarified as follows:
The project envisages a three MGD desalination of water with 94 MW power component to ensure provision of water at affordable rates, whereas the tariff of electricity offered to the KESC is the lowest in the country. The project is being taken on a joint-venture basis, has been processed with due diligence and has all approvals as per requirements of the KESC, PPIB and Nepra.
This joint venture desalination-cum-power project in context of power tariff, desalinated water charges and capital cost has found acceptability by all agencies concerned, eg Clifton Cantonment Board, KESC, SSGC and PPIB. Additionally, the power and desalination components have been entrusted to M/s Siemens and Alfa Laval, respectively, which are contemporary leaders in these technologies.
The project will be completed in 22 months, alleviating water shortage in the DHA and partially mitigating power shortage problem in Karachi.
Lt. Col (retd) S. RAFAT NAQVI, PRO
DHA, Karachi
Protective gear
Passing through the streets of Karachi, one would notice a policeman or Ranger sepoy standing in a mobile van with his gun in a loaded position. It is noticed that the policemen or Rangers sometimes have a problem keeping their eyes open to the dust and smoke.
I would like to request the authorities concerned to at least provide these men with goggles so as to protect their eyes from the dust.
ALI HABIB
Karachi
Children's channel
While a lot is being said about the content of movies for adults on cable, one should also be as vigilant about what our children are watching on TV. An American channel for children, Nickelodean, has gained much popularity amongst children who watch it for its popular TV serials for kids.
However, I was shocked to see a number of images shown on this channel recently. In one, a child picks his nose for the camera for about two minutes. In another shot, a sibling slaps his brother for the benefit of the camera. Such bad behaviour need not be promoted.
In another programme, a small boy was shown opening the gate of the house to a stranger. Such actions should be discouraged and not glorified on TV.
AZIZ MIRZA
Hyderabad
Environmental pollution
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Ordinance of 1997 was promulgated February 11, 1997, to provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the environment, for the prevention and control of pollution and promotion of sustainable development, and connected matters.
To achieve the objects of the ordinance, the Sindh government had also established an EPA, headed by a director-general, which has a number of senior officers like a director, deputy director, assistant director, etc. The EPA has well equipped laboratories with latest pollution monitoring equipment, all paid for by the government.
Reports of pollution and degradation of the environment by the presence of industries in the old city areas of Rangiwara, Usmanabad, Singo Lane, Nawabad and prevalence of skin and respiratory diseases among the residents of these areas as a result of pollution is highly shocking (Dawn, August 9) and require immediate action from the authorities to save the lives of innocent citizens.
I appreciate the prompt action taken by the adviser to the chief minister on environment, Mr Noman Saigal, to tackle the problem of pollution caused by factories operating in the old city areas and hope that action according to rules shall be taken for the rehabilitation, improvement and conservation of a pollution free atmosphere in these areas, and the Environmental Protection Ordinance 1997 shall be implemented in letter and in spirit throughout Sindh.
DR S. HASAN RASHID
Karachi
Beware of fraud
A gang is working in Lahore that calls up small businessmen from Karachi and invites them to Lahore with a promise of profits and additional business. When these hapless people visit Lahore, they are kidnapped and made to pay ransom or asked to sign legal documents that give their captors money or share in the business.
Everyone is warned that such people are operating for some months now. If anyone calls with a very rosy business proposition, people need to be careful and check the antecedents of those calling before going off and being captured.
WASIM ABBAS
Karachi
Loan policies
This is with reference to a letter regarding loan policies. It is true that the amount one has to pay back is exorbitant but then anywhere in the world the same policy applies.
Normally, the first couple of years entail repaying the bulk of the loan. It is normally quite late in the term that your actual capital repayment is more than your interest payments. Often, if you are paying off early you have to pay a penalty. It is quite a standard way of retiring a loan, no matter which country you are in.
People should be thankful that at least they aren't in a country like the UK where repaying a mortgage is a financial burden.
FAUZIA PATEL
London
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