With love, from India

Having just returned as a member of the Indian Saarc law delegation to Pakistan, I am amused when people here ask me if we were subject to any hostility or antagonism in our neighbouring state. The questioners find it impossible to believe in the truth of my response.

The truth is that having widely travelled out of my country and having played host to many a foreign guest, I have yet to come across people like our Pakistani friends whose warm conviviality and kind hospitality can be matched only by the love and friendship of which they are a delightful quintessence.

It was 5.30pm on Thursday (Feb 19) when 40 members of the Indian Saarc law delegation - only three amongst them being Muslims - boarded a PIA flight from Delhi to Lahore and were specially welcomed by the captain just before being airborne.

In less than an hour, we were walking into the splendid international arrival terminal of the Allama Iqbal International Airport. The elegance of the airport made me remember a Persian ode of the great poet after whom the airport has been named. Iqbal says:

Tu shab aafreedi, chiraagh aafreedam

Khayabaan-o-gulzaar-o-baagh aafreedam

(Thou madest the night, I the lamp to light it

Thou madest clay, I moulded it into a goblet

Wild wastes, mountains and jungles were made by Thee

Orchards, flower lands and gardens were laid by me)

We had to take a connecting fight out of Lahore to Karachi in four hours. These four hours were spent at the airport chatting with locals who had identified the commonality of our cultural baggage.

At about 10pm, we were airborne for Karachi and landed in Karachi at 11.45 sharp. A more bravura airport and a warmer reception. It was well past midnight when we left Karachi airport for the hotel where the delegation was to stay and where the conference was to be inaugurated the next evening.

At that late hour, the numbers in which our hosts were present to receive us and the sincere warmth with which they welcomed us would have made even the frailest traveller instantly recover from the most gruelling jetlag.

We were in Karachi for five days and for most of us, these five days, were amongst the most incredible ones ever. From private lunches and exclusive dinners to roadside eating and bay watching at Clifton, cutting across all classes and categories of people, we found ourselves being received by only one sentiment - love.

The moment your "Indian" identity is disclosed, you find oodles of people rushing up to you, wishing to talk to you, offering local assistance and wanting to load you with gifts.

While the onyx seller in Sadar sells you a thousand-rupee vase for Rs500 because you are an Indian brother (Hindustani bhai), the local PCO-wallah refuses to charge you for phone calls made back home as you are his guest (mehmaan) and your host driving you around Karachi - whom you have met for the first time - does not let you pay even for the most expensive designer wear purchased from the most upmarket mall.

We were stupefied at this unanticipated reception. We found it even harder to shun our unfounded notions about the status of women in Pakistan and admit that Pakistan does not discriminate against its women any more than we do.

We were also dazed at being told by our friends in the profession that Pakistan subscribes to the same principles of rule of law and equality before law, as we do. To carry home written evidence of this understanding, we queued up at the law books stall at the hotel which ran short of copies of the Constitution of Pakistan just as soon as some of us realized that one existed.

The 10th Saarc Law Conference was inaugurated by Pakistan Chief Justice Nazim Husain Siddiqui on the evening of Friday (Feb 20) amidst a galaxy of jurists, judges, academicians and lawyers from all over South Asia and concluded two days later in the afternoon of Sunday (Feb 22) with the addresses of the chief justices of all Saarc member states.

While an impressive "Karachi Declaration" was signed by the Saarc chief justices, the conference delegates came out with a list of proposals after having discussed threadbare technical and legal issues concerning the region.

I do not know how far the chief justices' declaration or the delegates' proposals will take us in establishing a legal entente cordiale between the two countries. But like most of my Saarc law colleagues, I do know that the personal bonds of attachment and friendship that we have created in our neighbourhood in these five days will only be augmented in the times to come.

SYED SAID MAHMOOD

Advocate, Supreme Court of India, and doctoral scholar, Amity Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, New Delhi

Israeli extremists

I read a brief write-up "Meet the new extremists" by Matt Rees in last week's The Time about young Israeli extremists who are committed to defy at all cost Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's move to clear Gaza of illegal Jewish settlements as part of the reconciliation proposition. These extremists label Sharon and his colleagues as "erev rav", an old term of fanatics who blame those who have joined enemies and need to be exterminated.

I thought these young men were overzealous and a bunch of extremists as a similar breed of people is found in all other religions such as Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. But I was shocked to read the news report "Israeli minister welcomes Arafat's death" (Dawn, Nov 12).

It said Israeli Justice Minister Tommy Lapid had welcomed the death of the Palestinian leader, telling the military radio that it was good that "the world is rid of him.

The sun is shining in the Middle East and around the world as Arafat was not only the leader of terrorism against Israel but also the founding father of the terrorism that is running rampant around the world right now, including that of Al Qaeda".

On the occasion of such a happening as the death of the founder of a new country in turmoil, if the justice minister (what kind of justice he might be dispensing) of a neighbouring country involved delivers such an extremist statement in an emotionally charged atmosphere, what role can he hope to play, if at all, in reining in extremist elements among the masses, particularly young fanatics in his own country?

I could see a glimpse of this in a BBC broadcast in which it was reported that an Israeli youth said that "while Palestinians are mourning, we are celebrating". Tomorrow if Sharon dies and the Palestinian leadership and the public make similar announcements, can there be a conciliatory or peaceful environment?

M. SALEEM CHAUDHRY

Karachi

'Jirga injustice'

This has a reference to the article "Jirga injustice" (Nov 7) by Mr Ardeshir Cowasjee who writes about many injustices. One of them was the heinous crime of Mukhtaran Bibi's gang-rape by four jirga authorized persons in Meerwala Jatoi two years ago.

The writer has called her an extraordinary person, and rightly so. The unfortunate but innocent Mukhtaran Bibi was chosen as the recipient of punishment for someone else's crime. The details were published during the trial of rapists who were sentenced to death by the court.

She and her family were actually considering living a low-profile and quiet life so that time may heal her wounds and everybody could forget the injustice, but for some journalists who blew the whistle.

She is no doubt illiterate, downtrodden, helpless, slave to a jirga-clamped village life, as all others of her class are, but she is obviously far-sighted and intelligent.

She has realized that her class cannot be uplifted or elevated or at least helped unless it is educated. Illiteracy and ignorance are the root causes of all the crimes and injustices which are rampant in this otherwise beautiful country.

I congratulate her for braving the odds and opening two schools from the funds granted to her by the president. It is a matter of satisfaction and, of appreciation too, that money is coming in from all over the world to compensate her for the oppression she had to go through. I expect she would use this money for furthering the cause of education by opening two colleges like the schools she is running.

This project may require more money. I suggest that the Punjab government should provide some land and some money to help build these institutions. As a goodwill gesture the federal as well as the rest of the three provincial governments should also donate generously. Our philanthropists can also contribute.

REHANA NAQVI

Karachi

Job, not jobs

This refers to the letter (Nov 12) by Lt-Gen (retd) S.M.H. Bokhari who has pleaded on usual grounds to let Gen Musharraf do his job. I agree that the general should be allowed to do his job, but not jobs. He should be dined out immediately from the army and continue as president if he has the makings for it.

Gen Bokhari can rest assured that Gen Musharraf would not sit at the same table with his opponents as it is against the military mindset. Gen Ayub Khan sat at a roundtable with the opposition only when it was already too late for the country. No comment on Yahya Khan (that through), but the whirlwind being reaped by Gen Musharraf was once the wind sown by Gen Ziaul Haq.

Gen Musharraf fragmenting the national political parties by buying or bullying and this bodes ill for the country. A military mind just cannot comprehend that the unity of a country depends on its political leaders, not generals.

Politics is not a bit like the army. Centrality of power by Ayub Khan drove East Pakistan away and now unity of command has already started having its negative impact on the remaining federating units. Instead of the politicians leaving the general alone, the general should leave politics alone.

ASLAM MINHAS

Karachi

Careless driving

A few weeks ago I read a series of letters in your paper regarding careless driving, especially in the morning when parents drop their children at school. I am a mother and drop my children at school every morning and know the ordeal all too well. My route is the Rawalpindi-Islamabad highway.

Highways are usually considered relatively hassle-free, but unfortunately that is not true in this case. In addition to rash driving, unnecessary honking and flashing headlights, what drives me mad are the staring eyes of motorists.

The worst drivers are those in vehicles bearing armed forces registration plates. Most of them are en route to dropping the progeny of their sahibs at school. They do not observe any traffic rules and endanger other people's lives. Their "can-get-away-with-anything" attitude emanates from the official number plates their cars bear. Every morning one can witness vehicles with armed forces' number plates being driven recklessly.

Why cannot the armed forces use a car-pool system or rent buses to drop children at school, thus leaving some space on roads?

AISHA AMIR

Rawalpindi

Arafat: a symbol of freedom

On April 2, 2002, Yasser Arafat was offered permanent exile by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from his isolated life within the boundaries of his headquarters in Ramallah, but he said he would rather die than leave the West Bank.

The Palestinian leader could have opted for a luxurious and peaceful life. He could have got a piece of land in the name of freedom from Israel to record his name in history as the founder of a Palestinian state. But he never compromised on the blood of countless Palestinians martyred in the freedom struggle.

On Nov 11, this great freedom fighter left this world, giving a message to his followers and human rights activities around the world that in the struggle for freedom and peace, a lifetime is not enough for the cause. Yasser Arafat will live forever by dying without compromising on principles.

Another great leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, former South African president Nelson Mandela, said: "He [Arafat] was not only concerned with the liberation of the Arab people but of all the oppressed people throughout the world, Arabs and non-Arabs. To lose a man of that stature and thinking is a great blow to all those who are fighting against oppression."

On Nov 13, 1974, delivering an historic speech at the United Nations General Assembly's annual session, Arafat said: "Our revolution has not been motivated by racial or religious factors. It's target was never the Jew, as a person, but racist Zionism and undisguised aggression.

In this sense, ours is also a revolution for the Jew, as a human being, as well. We are struggling, so that Jews, Christians and Muslims may live in equality, enjoying the same rights and assuming the same duties, free from racial or religious discrimination.

We do distinguish between Judaism and Zionism. While we maintain our opposition to the colonialist Zionist movement, we respect the Jewish faith. Today, almost one century after the rise of the Zionist movement, we wish to warn of its increasing danger to the Jews of the world, to our Arab people and to world peace and security."

The Palestinian leader tried every possible means for ensuring peace and freedom for his people. On Dec 12, 1988, he accepted Israel's right to exist and renounced terrorism.

Yet he never received matching offers from Israel about a Palestinian state. A major breakthrough happened in September 1993 when he signed accords with Israel in Oslo on Palestinian autonomy and got control of most of the Gaza Strip, which was 27 per cent of the West Bank.

In July 1994, he returned from exile after 26 years to Palestine and established the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. The same year, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Again in January, 1997, Arafat signed an accord with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on an Israeli pullout from 80 per cent of West Bank city of Hebron.

Today, Yasser Arafat is not in this world but his fight for freedom will be remembered by many generations.

SYED ATIQ UL HASSAN

Sydney, Australia

Initiative on Kashmir

In his article "Bold initiative on Kashmir" (Nov 1), Mr Anwar Kamal has very rightly said that the president's Oct 25 statement offering innovative proposal for settlement of this simmering wound is a bold move.

The reaction of the opposition within the country against it is also not unexpected, keeping in view its relations with the government. Their antagonism is not for the idea itself but against the person who has taken such a daring initiative.

The proposals and suggestions propounded by the author, being a former ambassador are rational and should lead to a debate. Obviously, any new suggestion, howsoever sensible and admirable it may be, will not find acceptance right away. But it is for the intelligentsia, academicians, politicians and the media to come forward and do some brainstorming on the proposal.

ALTAMASH MANZOOR H. KURESHI

Karachi

Stolen mobile phones

The move to block stolen phones is a step in the right direction. It will reduce thefts. The IMEI number can be accessed by keying in *#06#. A record should be kept of the phone make and model, fascia details like colour, phone number, serial, IMEI number and pin number. If the phone is stolen, an FIR should be registered giving the above and the matter reported to the network provider.

Do not use or display the phone in crowded areas, making it and yourself a target. Use the pin code and do not leave the phone unattended. If an attempt is made to snatch the phone, do not resist.

An insurance scheme may be offered to all buyers of new phones so that they are not tempted to put up a fight and lose their lives in the process.

NAHEED IQBAL

Karachi

Suicides

This is with reference to the news item "Monetary problems key cause of suicides" (Nov 10). The root cause of suicides is the alarming increase in the population. If there are more people, there will be more problems, including monetary problems. Unfortunately, the government shows little concern over the issue.

Not only is there need to provide people with jobs; there is greater need for population control.

KHWAJA IMRAN

Karachi

Allama Iqbal's family

On the eve of the 127th birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on Nov 9, newspapers published special articles on his life, and various organizations held seminars to highlight the achievements of this great thinker, philosopher and poet.

Some newspapers splashed old photos and family photos showing his father Sheikh Noor Mohammad, mother Imam Bi, son Justice Dr Javed Iqbal and daughter Munira Begum. In Lahore, Iqbal's grandson Munib Iqbal was invited to an Iqbal Day function at Al Hamra in which many dignitaries participated and spoke on the life of Dr Allama Iqbal.

I went through all the details and found that two things were conspicuously missing: there was no photo or mention of Iqbal's wife or wives and his first son Aftab Iqbal. Aftab Iqbal was also a lawyer and died unsung some time back in Karachi.

MUHAMMAD AZHAR KHWAJA

Lahore

New currency notes

The government decision to introduce 20-rupee notes may perhaps find favour with the common man, but the idea of having 5,000-rupee notes is not welcome. At present most commercial bank branches fail to change Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes on the plea that the State Bank of Pakistan has not supplied them currency notes of smaller denominations. Shopkeepers also find it hard to entertain large denomination notes.

So, the public is going to face immense difficulties in their daily transactions of buying-and-selling if a Rs5,000 note is added. Similarly, the redesigning of Rs50 and Rs1,000 notes also appears uncalled for as the present ones are adequate. There are many better things that can be addressed by the government.

M. SHAFIQUE AHMED

Karachi

Bush and Iraq

The timely warning issued by Mr Kofi Annan and your editorial note in its support (Nov 7) adequately highlight the positive outcome of restraint and the negative effects of the military offensive in Iraq. But how President Bush with a tunnel vision can be made to scan the situation from all angles is the real problem in Iraq.

RASHID QAISRANI

Lahore