| 25 December 2004 | Saturday | 12 Ziqa'ad 1425 |
'Unwanted cowboy bravado'
'New cold war'
Cricket and senators
Dealing with smog
Greening Pakistan
Unused land
Forex reserves
At home and abroad
Military rule & democracy
Atheist forces?
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Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said the (proposed) US sale of F-16s to Pakistan will affect the peace process with India and can also "impact on the goodwill" between New Delhi and Washington (Dawn, Dec 13).
He has further said: "The argument put forward by the United States that the weapons are being given to contain terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and the Taliban does not stand. Nobody uses F-16 planes and other sophisticated weapons.... to fight terrorists."
The minister would know very well that Israel has been using F-16s against militants in Palestine while America has deployed them against insurgents in Iraq. The Orion P3C is a reconnaissance aircraft and can be used to track the movement of terrorists and drug smugglers along Pakistan's borders and coastline.
On the other hand, India itself is feverishly buying all kinds of most advanced weapons worth several billion dollars, including Russian and French warplanes, Israeli Awacs and unmanned spy planes, Russian nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, French submarines, etc.
As if that weren't enough, it is also trying to purchase the latest Patriot anti-missile defence system, radars, F-16s and much else from the US. This has upset the Russians and they have expressed anger at the US-India arms talks (Dawn, Dec 1).
Even if the F-16s were not to be used against terrorists, Pakistan has every right to acquire them to defend itself against the more advanced SU 30s and Mirage 2000s that the Indian Air Force has in large numbers. Nevertheless, this clearly shows India's double standards.
The defence minister's statement is simply a continuation of India's attempts to keep Pakistan from having an adequate defence, and for this New Delhi is not hesitating to blackmail Washington by warning it that the sale of F-16s to Pakistan will affect Pakistan-India ties.
Instead of getting scared, the US should wise up to this old Indian game and ensure that Pakistan's modest needs are met. It must also ask India to earnestly carry forward the peace process, which it has up to now done only reluctantly.
In a recent interview, President Musharraf complained that India was not even willing to talk and that "nothing will come out of these meetings" (Dawn, Nov 30).
KHALID CHAUDHRY
Karachi
(II)
The headline of a news item (Dawn, Dec 16) says: "UK move on Mirpur consul irks India". The appointment by the British foreign office of an honorary consul in Mirpur which India calls a place in "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir" has stung New Delhi.
India was also stung by the US decision to supply sophisticated arms to Pakistan, particularly F-16s, a sore point with India. The US has its own interest in strengthening Pakistan which is a key ally in the war on global terrorism.
Earlier, jealousy bit India when its offer of help to fight international terrorism was turned down by America which sought Pakistan's assistance as it was a frontline state with Afghanistan.
India was also irked by the categorical announcement by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao that relations with India could not grow at the cost of Pakistan's friendship.
It is beyond some people's comprehension in India that friendship and cooperation with Pakistan is too costly and dear to China to be shelved or given up for India or for any other country.
It was Pakistan that bridged the diplomatic gap between the US and China, as a result of which China was able to get its rightful place in the UN Security Council in 1971.
There are two more developments that may dismay India again. The recently passed 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act will bind Washington to engage Pakistan in a long-term economic and political partnership to ensure a promising, stable and secure future for Pakistan and help it resolve its disputes with its neighbours, combat extremists and become a participatory democracy.
India may raise eyebrows on "disputes with neighbours", meaning disputes with India, particularly the Kashmir dispute. The second is the call by Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro stressing the need for broadening the terms of reference of Saarc by including political disputes in order to achieve a sense of security and all-round cooperation.
India has opposed the broadening of the Saarc scope, saying that it is not the platform to solve bilateral disputes. Mr Soomro seems to be asking the question: why not?
S. M. KAZIM NAQVI
Karachi
'Unwanted cowboy bravado'
General John P. Abizaid Commander, US Central Command
Dear General,
Greetings from an ex-soldier of Pakistan. A few observations, albeit with respect that is due to a senior general officer. These observations are comments on your reported statements at Doha, Qatar, at the field HQ of Centom.
First, Sir, it may not be quite in order to thump your chest or get foisted on your own petard as the world's foremost military power - not exactly an un challenge able statement, considering the recent happenings in Iraq.
Obviously, these sentiments, whether personal or those of your commander-in-chief, directed as a broadside against Iran, may come in for a lot of criticism and testing by not only Iran, but also some other regional 'upstart' - state, community or group - may also take affront at this fresh display of unwanted 'cowboy' bravado.
Granada was obviously conquered by your forces; and Mr Noriego, cooling his heels in a Miami jail, was plucked from his home courtesy the 'daring' action of a company of assorted 'seals' and 'grunts'.
Second, railing against "Muslim extremism" is a definite no-brainer. "Extremism" does not sport a religion, nor does stupidity, cruelty or terrorist activities. These do not belong to any ethnic or religious creed, faith or dispensation.
Coming from someone whose country has the dubious honour of world beating-extremists (the neo-cons who seem to be right on top today. There was also a silly general in the US army who spouted mindless inanities against Muslims and Islam - he should have been sequestered by the army HQ but your secretary of defence chose to call on him and shower praises on his command and fighting capabilities!), it would seem that you should resort to more soul-searching.
Or, is it that Hiroshima/ Nagasaki, Mai Lai, Guadalcanal, Abu Ghraith, Guantanamo (and, by association, Shattilla, Hebron, Ghaza, Ramallah et al), do not hurt your sensitivities or upset your worldview of "extremism"? Is the "Ugly American" label (by an ex-CIA agent, no less!) all but obliterated from your memory, Sir?
Third, and perhaps most pertinent, please get a handle on what or who exactly is/are 'Al Qaeda'. Methinks that a number of solid Christian-Jewish entities/individuals are causing more organized mayhem and pro-terrorist activities around the world, many in countries that have targeted hapless Muslim communities.
BRIG (retd) MATEEN M. MOHAJIR
Karachi
'New cold war'
Some concern is being expressed in the print media about a new cold war shaping up in Asia and US efforts to team up an alliance to counter any possible threat. This is essentially an American perception based on its world view.
The sentiment expressed is that given the track record of its ruling elite, Pakistan will happily sign up with America. Pakistan should however identify the 'enemy' against whom this alliance is shaping up and only then take the decision to join it or not.
After the disintegration of the USSR, Washington is concerned about the growing power of China and the nuclear capability of North Korea. Both these countries have friendly ties with Pakistan. China's friendship has stood the test of time and is sacred to us. Even the mere thought of our joining any alliance against it must be avoided.
In the US view, India, with a population base of over one billion people, a dynamic economy and a strong army, can effectively resist China's natural urge to look beyond its geographical boundaries.
India has in the past branded China its enemy and may perhaps be willing to join the alliance to extract more benefits from the US. There is, therefore, a reason, though unlikely, for India to join it, but none whatsoever for Pakistan.
Washington has a long-term, multifaceted strategic relationship with New Delhi and wishes to install it as a 'regional pole of power'. America's fondness for Pakistan is usually seasonal and withers with its diminishing national interests. We must, therefore, be wise not to fall into the trap of losing our valued and trusted friends.
Any inducement howsoever attractive to join the alliance must be resisted. Our geo strategic compulsions demand that we maintain strong ties with our trusted regional friends.
LT-GEN (retd) S.M.H. BOKHARI
Rawalpindi
Cricket and senators
The Senate's standing committee on sports has unleashed a barrage of criticism against high officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ever since our cricket team has lost a home series to India.
For the committee members, it was not a loss in sports; it was a war which should have been won by Pakistan at any cost. That is why they have been unable to swallow the defeat and every now and then summon the PCB chairman to explain the reasons behind the defeat.
Perhaps they are not alive to the fact that after all it was a game and our team did not present the victory to their rivals on a silver plate. The final results indicate that it was a closely contested series and Pakistan lost the Test and the one-day series with a thin margin of 2-1 and 3-2, respectively.
Even before the start of the series, our cricket greats of the past had pronounced that India was a better side and would beat Pakistan. Their prediction came true. But it was not a one-sided affair and India was made to run for their money.
After attending numerous meetings with the senators, the PCB chairman has now made an important observation. He says that Pakistan has declined not in the game of cricket alone, but we have also come down the ladder in the fields of squash and hockey. But the Senate's standing committee on sports did not feel obliged to call upon the chiefs of the two sports and seek their explanation for losing one tournament after the other.
Why? Is it because the heads of squash and hockey are "men in uniform" and the senators cannot muster enough courage to question them? Whatever the case may be, the senators should either adopt an even-handed policy or stop creating an unnecessary fuss only about cricket.
RAFAT MAHMOOD ANSARI
Islamabad
Dealing with smog
It is a general misconception that the mist that engulfs central Punjab every winter and claims many lives on roads is winter fog. In fact, it is smog which is a form of air pollution caused by a mixture of fog and smoke.
I would like to mention a study conducted by Suparco (the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) in Karachi (1998-2003) that traced excessive high concentrations of pollutants, including sulphate (from 49.8 to 141.1 micro grams per cubic meter).
The study showed that pollutant sources in Lahore were located several hundred kilometres to the south (India) and one of the major causes of the air pollution was the combustion of large sulphur-laden coal in India. Suparco's finding was confirmed by the Indian Ocean Experiments in August 2001.
The impact of this smog is deleterious as it causes damage to human health, soil and wetlands, buildings, crop yields, etc. Smog is a combination of various gases with water vapour and dust.
A large part of gases that constitute smog is produced when fuels are burnt. Due to the burning of coal for heating in winter, the emission of sulphur dioxide in urban areas is much greater in winter.
Smoke particles trapped in the fog give it a yellow/black colour and this smog often settles over cities for many days. Plumes of the stack fall usually at several hundred kilometres from the source, and in many cases the boundaries change (acid rain fell in Canada while the culprit was the US).
Now the question is, what should we do? Should we ask our neighbour to lessen the use of coal, increase consumption of electricity and gas, use cleaner coal which has a lower sulphur content, use tall chimney stacks at power stations, relocate power stations to rural areas, etc., or should we take this matter to the International Court of Justice, like India did in case of the Left Bank Out fall Drain at least?
There is another solution: pray for heavy rainfalls. But by adopting a few precautions, we can at least avert the negative impact of smog on health. The best way to deal with smog is to avoid it as much as possible. Don't run along heavy traffic roads because this makes you breathe deeply.
Smoking in such so-called "romantic" weather is always welcomed mostly by our youths. But remember, don't smoke cigarettes. Smoking exposes your lungs to some of the toxins found in smog. Moreover, it makes your lungs more sensitive to smog's deleterious effect.
If you cannot avoid smog entirely, you may protect yourself by taking nutrients that provide a measure of internal pollution protection. Vitamin E, found in wheat germ, vegetables and nuts, is well-known both for its ability to enhance the immune system and as an antioxidant.
Vitamin C is another well-known antioxidant. During smog, asthma patients become more vulnerable. Vitamin C helps maintain healthy lung function in persons with asthma, say researchers at the Harvard Medical School.
They have found that people who get at least 200 milligrams of Vitamin C (about three oranges) a day do best on tests that measure their lungs' capacity to expand and draw in oxygen.
Moreover, a combination of Vitamin C and E helps keep lung tissues healthy. So, dwellers of central Punjab are lucky enough (even poor people) as they can get abundantly available oranges at a low price.
RASHID ASHRAF
Karachi
Greening Pakistan
The serenely fluttering national flag brings much joy to Pakistanis both at home and abroad. The parcham is sabz but the country is badly in need of greenery and green belts. While the corridors of power in Islamabad are green, the vibrant city of Karachi is nothing but a jungle of concrete, iron and steel.
Greenery brings health, serenity and prosperity. Planting trees is mandated by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). This year's Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai was recognized for her vision. She said: "Today, we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system."
While our president has found peace with the concept of "enlightened moderation", for that carries favour with the powers that be, perhaps he would recognize the critical need for ensuring the health and general well-being of our masses through the simple measure of planting trees and making Pakistan truly green and healthy.
Mr President, while our forefathers may have thought of making the flag green to reflect our Islamic belief, it is time we made Pakistan green in more senses of the word than one.
NADEEM ZAFAR
Memphis, USA
Unused land
Over the last few years a number of flyovers and overhead bridges have been built in Karachi. Though the number of such projects is far short of the needs of the metropolitan city, the initiative should be appreciated in view of the rapidly increasing population and traffic.
It is unfortunate that the space under overhead bridges and flyovers has been encroached upon by the land mafia or drug addicts, turned into garbage dumps or is lying useless. For making such areas worthwhile, I suggest the following:
1. After ensuring the safety of overhead bridges, the space under them should be converted into parking lots and bus terminuses.
2. Land could also be utilized as green belts or nurseries.
3. With proper planning, weekly bazaars may be held there.
4. The government and NGOs can build lodges or lofts for the homeless.
The Karachi nazim and his city government should take steps to further beautify the city and make life easy for its people.
DR HINA FAHEEM
Karachi
Forex reserves
On April 19 you published my letter on the above subject. I received acknowledgement of this publication from the State Bank vide their letter of April 27. The letter acknowledged that the bank was in general agreement with the thrust of my argument regarding management of the country's foreign exchange reserves.
More than seven months have passed since then and all major currencies of the world, including the euro, yen, the Swiss franc and pound sterling, have gone up against the US dollar in the region of 12 per cent to 20 per cent.
The nation would be very keen to know what percentage of our reserves we are holding in currencies other than the dollar. We need to have an absolute minimum of 30 per cent of our reserves in other currencies, including gold. With reserves in excess of $12 billion, are we holding $3.6 billion in non-dollar denominated currencies/gold?
SHIRAZ SCHEDINA
Karachi
At home and abroad
Dec 31 is approaching fast and the opposition's protest over the uniform issue is gaining momentum. The opposition's cries are becoming louder by the day while those supporting the government are justifying their act of passing the dual-office bill through the Senate and National Assembly, thereby allowing the general to wear two hats simultaneously. The Senate chairman signed the bill during the president's rather long tour of the Americas and Europe.
The president's wardrobe was impressive. The dichotomy is that while he prefers wearing the army uniform at home, abroad he attires himself in civilian outfits. To use his own words, by retaining his uniform he will firstly be better placed to have continuity in his policies and, secondly, it will be easier for him to take decisions of vital national importance.
I have nothing against the general keeping his army post but to see him abroad projecting himself as an elected civilian head of the state is hard to swallow.
WG-CDR (retd) ARIF MAJEED
Karachi
Military rule & democracy
In his letter "Military rule and democracy" (Dec 16), Mr Liaquat Merchant says that "it is better to have bad democracy than no democracy at all" and "as for the members of parliament, their calibre and performance will improve with each new election".
I don't agree. Bad democracy as an outcome of bad intentions only creates contempt and hatred for democracy and also defames it as is happening in Pakistan today.
Without an independent election commission, we can only expect the election of unworthy and dishonest people to our assemblies and will end up in a worse democracy. By just performing the rituals of democracy (elections), we cannot expect any improvement in our political and democratic environment.
NAZIM F. HAJI
Karachi
Atheist forces?
Pakistan Muslim League President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said his party meeting held on Dec 20 condemned extremism, terrorism and atheist forces. One would like to know where in the country or anywhere else in the world these "atheist forces" are.
MUSHTAQ AHMED MEMON
Karachi
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