| 11 February 2005 | Friday | 01 Muharram 1426 |
PPP-MMA cooperation
Denial of rights
Crumbs for cellphone customers
Remembering C. A. Rauf
New face of colonialism
'A tale of two elections'
Sindhi writers
University reforms
Increasing fuel prices
Shifting of US consulate
'Banking challenges'
Basant deaths
A non-issue?
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I have lived in the US for the last 40 years and can comment on a particular American trait that the people of Pakistan need to understand. When Americans do not want to comply with a request or give you something you need, they apply a dilatory tactic popularly called "sandbagging".
That is, no matter how many times you ask them to fulfil your need, they always have an excuse for not complying. It is equivalent to a married man telling his mistress that he will marry her in the future, when he has no intention of ever doing so. This tactic is being applied in the case of the F-16s, which Pakistan has requested.
The sincerity of the US government is evident from the composition of the defence consultative delegation. Mr Douglas Feith is a neocon and the strongest supporter of Israel in the US government, and an architect of the war in Iraq. His neocon credo is based around the Likudnik philosophy of secularizing and subjugating Islamic nations into a subservient role to Israel.
Therefore, Pakistan needs to realistically appraise its posture and not live under any illusion that F-16s, or any other cutting-edge (other than superannuated naval aircraft or low-tech helicopters) defence technology, will ever be delivered to Pakistan, especially when pro-Indian neocons are in the corridors of power in the United States.
M. JAMIL DURRANI
Via email
(II)
Whilst denying Pakistan a handful of F-16 jets sorely needed for national defence, the Americans have no qualms about exhibiting their even more advanced F-15E jets in Bangalore, India, to solicit business and about hoping to sell to that country some 126 new fighter jets.
The number of foreign nations and companies peddling their deadly wares in Bangalore is truly worrisome for Pakistan. The Indians are able to choose and pick the best equipment for their armed forces whilst Pakistan is given paltry hand-me-downs and that too at great cost.
Is this how a major non-Nato ally like Pakistan ought to be treated? What cost has Pakistan paid for supporting the Americans in the 'war on terror'? Is it worth continuing along the present line where Pakistan gets ignored time and again for being a loyal ally?
SUBA
Malaysia
PPP-MMA cooperation
Some writers are questioning the PPP approach towards the MMA plan to launch a movement. These gentlemen should take into account the ground reality before making such comments.
Those who believe that the PPP in particular, or the people of Pakistan in general, will overnight forget what the MMA did over the 17th Amendment are making a mistake.
Pakistan's constitutional problems today are directly related to the MMA breaking ranks and indemnifying the 17th Amendment.
At the end of the day the MMA has to dispel the impression that it is the King's opposition. For the time being there is a perception that running the Frontier government, sharing the Balochistan government, being appointed leader of the opposition and fearful of being disqualified by the Musharraf regime on the basis of madressah degrees, the MMA lacks the stomach and the will to confront the generals.
There is an impression that the MMA only takes to the streets to help the Musharraf regime argue with the international community that military dictatorship is preferable to a clerical dictatorship. If the MMA is sincere in its opposition to the Musharraf regime, it should resign from the Balochistan government as a first step. That would create more of a crisis for the Musharraf regime than the MMA rallies. And let us not forget that the MMA rallies are permitted whereas a reception for Senator Zardari was broken up.
The crisis in the country today is caused by the reality that the people are excluded from decision-making. There are some people in the country who are more powerful than all other institutions. This is unacceptable to the common people who are facing rampant crime ranging from murder, kidnapping to rape and are facing unemployment and inflation.
JAMEEL SOOMRO
Karachi
Denial of rights
Every February 5 our nation stops dead to read the Kashmiris their rights. From the president down to every wannabe leader, we pledge to fight for the Kashmiris' rights to live as a free people according to their wishes.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but do we, citizens of a country whose internal and external rulers have consistently denied us our own rights, have any logical right left to ask for the rights of the Kashmiris? I feel and sympathize for them. I am even willing to go into our national posture of shock and grief for their plight. But why would I want them to have the Quaid's "you are free.." rights which I who ostensibly am 'free' do not have?
As a nation we have reached a level of hypocrisy where we are unable or unwilling to recognize our own harsh realities but are quick to criticize and find flaws in others.
The time will come soon to celebrate Pakistan Day. Perhaps between now and then we could spend some time in introspection about the message we are giving to Kashmir and a not-so-amused world. Instead of the pomp and circumstance of our military's message, if we can miraculously restore the rights left by the Quaid, we may be able to send a more plausible and worthwhile invitation to the Kashimris to seek our freedoms.
DR MERVYN HOSEIN
Karachi
Crumbs for cellphone customers
This refers to the news item (Dawn, Feb 2) in which the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was reported to be contemplating action against a provider company for the poor quality of their service.
It is on record that this company was previously also reprimanded for allowing a credit of Rs50 to its subscribers whereas it had collected huge bills after charging their consumers for dropped calls. It was absolutely no compensation compared to what the subscribers actually paid in monthly billing to the company.
It was expected that with the growing number of cellular companies there would be a healthy competition, and the service would improve. In foreign countries cellular phone companies allow credits to their customers whenever a company realizes that they are at fault. But here all the companies have joined hands in the 'caller-pays-bill system' where the mother of them all, the PTCL, takes the biggest piece of the cake and leaves little slices for the cellular companies. And all that we customers get are crumbs.
BADAR JATOI
Karachi
Remembering C. A. Rauf
This refers to the letter "Remembering C. A. Rauf" by Mr Javed Jabbar published in Dawn (Jan 28).
I am proud of my association with Mr Rauf. My association with him dates back to early 1973 when, fresh out of the university, I had applied for a copywriter's job at his advertising agency. He succeeded in convincing me during the interview that I was not cut out to be a copywriter and offered me a position as a trainee account executive instead.
He let out a big laugh when I informed him sheepishly that the secret of my getting through in maths in my academic days lay entirely in the abilities of the guy sitting next to me in the examination hall. It was only after a few days at the agency that I got to know what an 'account' (meaning client, in advertising lingo) executive actually did.
Working at his agency was not only a great learning experience but also a lesson in how to navigate one's way without compromising on ethics and transparency. Come what may, Mr Rauf would refuse to budge when cutting corners or taking various kinds of financial or procedural liberties that would have greatly benefited the agency.
There is a couplet of Ghalib which he used to often repeat and would urge me to interpret its meaning in the current context:
Sab kahan, kuch lala-o-gul mein numaya ho gaieen
Khaak mein kya soortein hongi jo pinhaan ho gaieen
The impact of these lines hit me with full force as I sat discussing the late Mr Rauf's life with a friend. Strange - and so appropriate - that I should be repeating these words on his passing away. But, then, what could be a better tribute?
SYED JAWAID IQBAL
Karachi
New face of colonialism
The news item (Dawn, January 27) on the research presented at the 20th annual general meeting and conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) was an interesting read. The restrictive trade policies adopted by western nations - the self-proclaimed advocates of free trade and globalization - have forced more than a third of the world's population to live in abject poverty.
The West's double standards have stifled the economies of the developing countries, which are now subservient to the whims of their western moneylenders.
Developing countries, which came out of the clutches of colonial domination less than a century ago, now find themselves, once again, under the control of their former masters who are as imperialistic as ever. Globalization has only been successful in legitimizing the monopolistic power enjoyed by western firms in Third World markets. It is not surprising then that its benefits have continued to elude the vast majority of the human race and given rise to a new face of colonialism.
AYESHA ARIF BAWANY
Karach
'A tale of two elections'
This is in response to Mr Irfan Husain's article "A tale of two elections" (Feb 5). He is dismayed by the fact the Muslim world is not dancing with joy at the so-called success of the recently held Iraqi elections.
First of all, many western observers, including some in the United States, have their doubts about the legitimacy of the ballot. The only candidates that were able to campaign, namely, Allawi and his men, were those who were provided with security by US troops. I do not see how Mr Husain can claim that the elections held under the direct supervision of an occupying power can be termed legitimate.
The humiliation of the Muslim world is palpable and completely understandable. A western army occupied a Muslim country, replaced its leadership, destroyed what little infrastructure was left, allowed the destruction of priceless archives, relics and irreplaceable reminders of our once grand history to take place unchecked, held "free and fair" elections unmonitored by any autonomous body and now has the gall to throw that at our faces and tell us how this is such a great thing for the Middle East and the rest of the Muslim world.
Spare us the moralizing drivel, Mr Bush. These dictatorships that he now pretends to want to reform are only there because his country propped them up for so long. I doubt very much that Muslims will look at the American imperialist adventure in Iraq and pine for freedom from tyranny.
Can anybody name one true democracy that the US has fostered in the Third World? On the contrary, there is a long list of despotic regimes that have been foisted upon nations or kept in power to serve America's purposes, such as the Samozas and then the Contras of Nicaragua, Pinochet in Chile, the military coup in Brazil, the royal families of Jordan and Saudi Arabia, Suharto in Indonesia and Zia in Pakistan. I don't think we should expect lessons on the finer points of democratic governance from the Americans.
Mr Husain claims that Hamid Karzai "enjoys widespread legitimacy and support". If this is so, why does he require round-the-clock US army escorts everywhere he goes?
The Bush administration is foolish and arrogant to assume that holding free elections in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq will result in the establishment of flourishing democracies. These are countries that don't even have functioning judiciaries. Change is always a slow process and something that must come from within.
The only long-term effect this sort of imperialism will have on the Muslim world is the strengthening of the religious right and the marginalizing of moderate/secular elements in our countries. Iran and Pakistan are perfect examples, and I fear Iraq will also become one. Don't delude yourself, Mr Irfan Husain, this is probably exactly what the imperialists want to achieve.
HASAN SHAKOOR
Carousel Circle Hershey, PA., USA
Sindhi writers
Kindly refer to the letter by Mr Aftab Soomro (Feb 8) regarding the Qaumi Adabi seminar and award distribution ceremony held by the Pakistan Academy of Letters on Feb at the National Library Auditorium, Islamabad, lamenting the omission of Sindhi writers from the awards.
The fact is that the awards were distributed only among writers who live in Islamabad. Awards among writers from Sindh will be distributed in a ceremony to be held in Karachi on March 19.
KHALID HUSSAIN SAYED
Director, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad
University reforms
This refers to the letter by Mr. Wamiq B. Hamid (Feb 9) about university reforms. I fully agree with the views expressed by the writer that whatever facilities are being provided by the Higher Education Commission for doing research are indispensable and not "glitzy" as described by Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy (Dawn, Jan 3-4).
During research work in Japan and Europe in the 70s and 80s, the first step was to carry out a survey of literature and tremendous literature in terms of research journals was available there. In Pakistan, literature on a chosen subject is hardly available. I do not know what has been done in the past and being done now on the topic that I have been working on.
The facilities being provided to university researchers in Pakistan are getting better and I hope that in the near future literature in all fields will be made available by the HEC.
ALI MURTAZA DHAREJA
Jamshoro
Increasing fuel prices
This is with reference to the news item "Scientists say lobsters feel no pain" (Feb 9) which says that scientists have come to the conclusion that invertebrates do not feel pain because they have basic nervous systems and small brains.
It appears leaders of our country think of the common man as a lobster that will feel no pain from the ever-increasing prices of petrol and electricity, which push up the prices of each and every commodity. The reason for such an indifferent attitude is that almost all the facilities provided to the leaders are fee of cost. Were they to pay for the petrol used in official cars, they would think twice before increasing its price.
It is about time they were made to pay for the facilities extended to them so that there can be an element of truth when they say that they can feel the pain suffered by ordinary people.
ANIL KHAN LUNI
Karachi
Shifting of US consulate
In your editorial "Shifting of US consulate" (Feb 10), you have aptly advocated the development of a "diplomatic enclave" in Karachi where all foreign diplomatic missions, including the US consulate, can be relocated. This will provide much relief to the citizens of Karachi.
There is also need for relocating the Expo Centre from the Civic Centre. This will save hundreds of thousands of citizens from the great inconvenience that they now have to go through whenever there is some exhibition going on.
Both the "diplomatic enclave" and the Expo Centre can be either near the Arabian Sea Club in the south of Karachi or near Somiani in the north of the city.
COL (retd) KHAN M.W.
Karachi
'Banking challenges'
This refers to your Feb 8 report "NBP indifferent to banking challenges".
It would be recalled that NBP earned its rating as number one bank in Pakistan on the basis of extending exceptional banking services to the general public even in remote areas.
At the same time, NBP has been fully adaptive to the present-day banking challenges, thereby maintaining its distinctive edge over its competitors in diversified banking areas.
As far as ATMs are concerned, the NBP's network of on-line branches has increased to more than 100. The bank is connected with ATMs of all banks, including its own 35 installed across the country. Breakdowns in communication systems that are beyond the NBP's control sometimes lead to malfunctioning of ATMs. The installation of more ATMs, including 10 in Lahore, is under process.
The position regarding the complaint of some employees about the delay in crediting the salary accounts in our Wapda House Branch, Lahore, was due to the public holiday on Saturday, Feb 5. Salary was credited on the next working day, on Feb 7.
MUHAMMAD IQBAL
NBP, Regional Operations Chief, Lahore
Basant deaths
It was very sad to read in newspapers about the death of nine innocent people on a single day during the Basant celebrations in Lahore. I am neither against this festival nor the spending of money on its celebration, as it not only helps people to relax but also leads to circulation of money which is a good thing for our economy.
But people should respect the lives, property and freedom of other people. There should be a complete ban no aerial firing and use of metal wires as well as a check on speeding on the road. It's time people started acting responsibly.
In this regard I think our police can play a major role and they should be very strict in the enforcement of laws.
SYED SHABBIR HAIDER
Springfield, IL., USA
A non-issue?
This is with reference to Mr H. Maker's letter "Reforming our universities" (Feb 8) in which he starts off quoting extensively from the Global Competitiveness Report for 2004-05 issued by the Swiss-based World Economic Forum and compares Pakistan with India in various fields of socio-economic development.
Then, Mr Maker says that "our leaders and politicians still bicker over non-issues and what clothes the president should wear". If he is referring to the uniform issue, he cannot brush it aside as a non-issue. Particularly, the correspondent's comparison of Pakistan with India should highlight the fact that we have suffered four military interventions against India's none.
NAZIM F. HAJI
Karachi
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