| 22 February 2005 | Tuesday | 12 Muharram 1426 |
Piety at public expense
Fresh recruitment
'Are polls really necessary?'
PMDC's accountability
Relief for calamity-hit people
Local car assemblers
Price hike
Bus service
Academic session
Preventing avalanches
Jack Straw's Britain
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Although the need for fundamental structural and qualitative changes in the UN body is inevitable, the task of equitably and democratically reforming the international representative of nations seems tough.
Former UN under secretary Sir Brain Urgu hart once argued: "The world problems cannot be answered best by a pax Americana. No one nation, or even a partnership of the two or three powerful nations, is going to be able to assume the role of world arbiter or policeman, even if we suppose the other nations are going to accept it, which they are more likely to do.
We are entering a period of great responsibility, characterized by longstanding international rivalries and resentments, intense ethnic and religious turmoil..."
Some experts suggest that, in the face of today's world problems, a massive updating of the UN charter is essential to enable it to bring about world success and prosperity in the current century, as long as the restructuring of the UN security council asserts to uphold the principles and tenets laid down by the international law and morality, and strives to maintain an international order wherein the lesser/poor nations are not oppressed in any way. And presently, Pakistan's foreign office holds the same conviction for revamping the UN.
Whereas, the 'UN reforms panel' constituted by UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, has recommended expansion of the UNSC from 15-24 members - either by adding six new permanent members, without veto powers, or by creating a new category of four-year renewal seats, which would be regionally distributed - 'a defacto-model of the UNSC reforms package' can never be ascertained without entertaining answers to the following queries:
1. Whether the question of the veto is intrinsically linked to the issue of the expansion of the Security Council? 2. What should be the future scope of application of the veto in an enlarged Security Council? 3. Whether it is desirable for the existing veto power to be curtailed as part of any comprehensive reform package which might obtain general agreement, or independently of such a package? 4. To what extent, if any, the right of veto should be given to any additional permanent members?
In response to these questions, one should see an urgent need for reforming the way the veto power is used. History has endorsed the fact that the mere threat to use the veto has actually led to the Council being left out of important decision-making processes.
Any credible reform of the Security Council must, therefore, address the question of the veto. Yet debating the veto issue, the UNSC has to be guided by the annex to resolution 267 (III) of April 14, 1949, regarding which matters should be deemed procedural, and that they (the permanent members) should be required to offer a formal explanation.
According to researcher Richard Gott: "As to the perceived role of the UN in the new world order, it is the wealthy North that dominates the Security Council and pays to run the organization... Like in the past, they are equally determined in the new era to limit the role of the UN General Assembly where the countries of the Third World have a built-in majority".
Surely, any change in the present configuration and status of the 'UNSC P-5' without resolving the dispute over the use of veto would further enhance the rifts between the wealthy North and the poor South.
Inclusion of either Japan or Germany as a permanent member would automatically enhance the dominance of the G8 countries over the 'UNSC' - a supranational directorate of the powerful nations in the UN.
While expansion in the UNSC based on 'non-permanent status' has become prudential, a great deal of objective caution and careful evaluation are required in expanding the number of participants to the UN Security Council; or for that matter, to give a permanent/semi-permanent seat to any nation.
S. Q. AFZAL RIZVI
Karachi
Piety at public expense
The editorial "Piety at public expense" (Feb 11) was bold and timely, and one hopes it invokes corrective measures from the government. In a country where increase in fuel prices by even a single rupee is passed on to the public, and a mother commits suicide because she cannot bear the expenses of her children's education, such misuse of public funds is unpardonable, to say the least.
This was the last thing we were expecting from the government. It saddens one to know that such joyrides at state expense - and also purchase of expensive luxury cars under the cover of "entitlement" - continue unabated even now. Squandering public exchequer will also have a negative impact on overseas Pakistanis who are sending their hard-earned money to our country.
In fact, our religion does not permit performing religious duties at state expense. Chaudhry Shujaat's stance of trying to explain his position is appreciable. It has also been observed that our rulers have all the spare time to perform Haj and Umra only when they are in power.
Such practices are going on for the last many decades but it hurts more when carried out in presence of people like Gen Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz, who claim to be reformers.
President Musharraf should order investigation into the matter. In foreign countries, ministers have been known to resign over such scandals. Ours can at least have enough self-respect to refund the amount of Rs43 million to the state coffer.
Efforts should also be made to arrange for refund of all such money squandered on foreign luxury trips, and in future public money should be spent very carefully and only where it really needs to be spent.
K. MURAD BEY
Karachi
Fresh recruitment
The recent government decision to fill vacant posts through departmental committees has crushed the hopes of many diligent candidates who are looking for an opportunity to get jobs via federal and provincial commissions.
Gross inequalities have been witnessed in recruitment through provincial service commission because of the involvement of ministries, public officials and pressure groups. But it was acceptable to some extent because one still had 50 per cent chances of being recruited. Now, the decision of recruiting up to BPS-16 through departmental committees has left no doubt about the intentions of the government to make its ministers happy by giving them a free hand to recruit their own people.
Nepotism is rampant at all levels, and such a decision would reflect badly on the credibility and sincerity of the government. The government's previous decision to recruit via service commissions was considerably acceptable to all. Steps for making the recruitment process transparent should be taken.
SOHAIL AHMED PATHAN
Hyderabad
(II)
I am a student of MBA (final). Along with MBA I am also preparing for civil services and other provincial commissions examinations. According to a recent development, the government has decided to carry out recruitment up to BPS-16 through its departmental committees. The news has made many a prospective job seeker quite despondent.
Considering the kind of system prevailing in our country, anyone with a mere paper degree can easily get a job exercising 'backdoor influence' and other unfair means. On the other hand, real talent has to face disappointment and unemployment.
A CONCERNED STUDENT
Via email
'Are polls really necessary?'
This refers to Mr Anwar Mooraj's article, "Are polls really necessary?" (Feb 14). I agree with him that elections, per se, will not accomplish anything. However, I do not agree that the past elections have not put new faces in the assemblies. All the MMA members, all those women legislators, and a brand new prime minister are the products of elections.
What Pakistan needs is fair elections. One of the major faults of our character is that we cannot be fair when are in a position to exercise authority. On the other hand, we are extremely good at following dotted lines. Therefore, we must look for an authority that will bind us to carry out fair elections.
The US, China, India, the UK, Russia and Japan are all ruled out for various reasons. Switzerland is also out because it welcomes ill-gotten moneys. France would be okay if the US and the UK did not take umbrage. That leaves the UNO and Germany. The UNO is tied up all over. We can, therefore, request Germany to come and supervise our next two or three elections.
I believe they will not charge us anything because of the prestige it will carry for them. More than any other country in this world, Pakistan badly needs democracy. Let us make a serious effort to bring it about.
SHAFAAT RASOOL
Karachi
PMDC's accountability
This refers to Professor Nirmal Das's letter "PMDC's Accountability" (Feb 8) in response to the news item "Secretary suggests changes in PMDC Act" (Dawn, Jan 31). The learned professor is misinformed. The practice of the PMDC of both inspecting and granting provisional recognition to medical colleges has no basis in the ordinance of the council.
The previous and present secretary and office-bearers of the PMDC, with the support of the federal ministry of health, have committed gross violations of the PMDC Ordinance.
Serious defects in the membership of the council exist. Institutions that do not have a seat on the council under the ordinance have members sitting on the council for years. Individuals who do not fulfil the criteria of membership are in the council because of their influence in the ministry.
The PMDC undertakes multiple inspections of private institutions that do not have representation on the council and charges exorbitant fees, while allowing all kinds of irregularities, to persist in public sector institutions that are not required to pay fees for inspection and have influential members sitting on the council.
The PMDC, at present, functions like a correctional institution with the inmates running the establishment. It is about time that someone took serious note of the irregularities and unethical practices in the supreme body, which has the responsibility under its ordinance to regulate the medical and dental professions and to ensure ethical professional practices in the country.
The federal health secretary's decision to amend the PMDC Ordinance is rational but amendments will probably take a long time to pass and become effective.
In the meantime, he must address the violations of the existing PMDC Ordinance and remove the violators from the council to end the power play and profiteering in this professional body.
DR ALI JAN
Lahore
Relief for calamity-hit people
Heavy snowfall has blocked almost all routes leading to the areas that we visit as popular vacation spots. And the deep valleys that painted a picturesque landscape are now engulfed in dense fog.
Landslides, avalanches and broken glaciers have consumed numerous life and property, bringing untold miseries. The centre reacted by extending help to the local people of the region. One was very much impressed to know that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited Manshera.
After all, who would dare make it to the region endangered by thick fog, and that too in a helicopter in such severe weather conditions? Our prime minister made an exceptional gesture by visiting the region, meeting the local people, addressing them, and then announcing a relief-package.
It is good to note that the government is doing its task and the United Nations, too, has released a cheque; but would that be enough? Only a meagre amount reaches the devastated people after all the 'check-ups and recounting'.
So the best option is only available with the people themselves, who otherwise seem to have become passive. Had they been moved, there would have been mega-concerts or 'dedications', but there's absolutely nothing fashionable being aired on the electronic media.
Or maybe it is too early to anticipate anything of that sort, because the people of Pakistan were so far busy celebrating Basant and Valentine's Day, and too tied up to think about such issues. After all, it is a question of projecting "a softer image of Pakistan".
So now that these events are over, it s the turn of the occasional tourists to show their hospitality. Like last year, many asked us to sympathize with the tsunami-struck families by not celebrating the New Year 'that fancily'.
Still, glamour and glitter prevailed. But, once over, the world knew that the cruelty of the tides has not turned us into agnostics, and that we are not a "soul-less people" even while times have changed.
Going by the present-day trend, all one has to do is to call for some carousal, collect funds and give it to those whose lives have turned hell. In other words, there seems no harm in entertaining oneself to soothe others. But then, the provincial government of Durrani and his legislators want dance and music banned in their region, and very recently have submitted a bill in this regard.
Honestly speaking, who would then rock-'n'-roll for them? And even if people in other regions (where such a ban has not been sought) do so, would they accept funds gathered from the sale of tickets for a musical gathering?
So, while the mullah needs to change his course inventively, the artiste needs to awaken his or her sensitivity. Especially film stars, who must realize that these are the areas where their industry frequently camps.
One hopes that they go ahead collecting all the funds required to help with relief work in these regions, and that the mullah refrains from labelling such money as "haram". Because it is all for a good cause, and would help save lives of people who wait in futility for the relief-packages to be released.
MUHAMMAD ISMAIL KHAN
Islamabad
Local car assemblers
I had booked a car with a leading local car assembling company of Pakistan in Nov 2004, making full payment in advance. Under the prevailing government policy, the local car assembling companies are bound to deliver cars booked against 100pc advance payment, within a waiting period of 60 days. Accordingly, the car should have been delivered to me before the end of January. The company, however, has so far been unable to deliver me the car.
Now the company has informed me that it has increased the price by almost Rs40,000 w.e.f. Feb 1. I have been told by the company that I will have to pay the differential due to this price hike, before taking delivery of my car some time in February, which, as per government policy, should have been delivered to me in January at the old price.
May I ask the high-ups of the company why should I be penalized for the incapacity of the company to deliver me the booked car within the stipulated period of 60 days?
The worthy minister of industries and production must take notice of this high-handedness and issue them instructions to deliver the cars at the old price to all such customers who had booked their cars and made full payment to the company more than 60 days before this recent price hike.
M. A. MALIK
Lahore
Price hike
The attention of the provincial and city governments is drawn towards the affairs of the Diary Farm Association of Karachi, which intends to further increase the price of milk by Rs3.
They have decided to increase the rate of milk per litre from the present Rs25 to Rs28, w.e.f. March 1. Six months ago, the price of milk was already increased by Rs3, i.e. from Rs22 to Rs25.
Cattle-pens outside Karachi are selling milk at Rs12, and those within Karachi at Rs16. Therefore, there is no reason why milk being sold at Rs25 should now cost Rs28 per litre.
The price of sugar is also being increased by Rs65 per 50kg sack, in spite of the government having announced that sugar is being imported in large quantity. The people of Karachi cannot afford such recurring increases in prices.
ABU BAKER K. M.
Karachi
Bus service
This refers to "Bus service across LoC" (Feb 14). It was well written, though it contained a phrase "raging insurgency", which in my opinion is absolutely wrong since Kashmiris are fighting for their self-determination and labelling it as "insurgency" means undermining their true and hard struggle.
AJAZ KHAN
Srinagar, Kashmir
Academic session
According to a recent decision of the Sindh education minister, the commencement of the academic session in Sindh has been extended by four months. Now examinations will be held in May and classes will start in August. The only reason offered in support of this decision is that the academic session will go on uninterrupted.
The honourable minister may think it wise, but this is detrimental to the future of students in Sindh who are already lagging behind, not only in the standard of education but also in age-class compatibility.
An 11-year-old student of Sindh is in class five while a student of the same age in other provinces is in class six, and going to be promoted to the next class in March. The decision of the Sindh government will not only widen the age-class gap but also provide an opportunity to private schools to exploit students.
The authorities are requested to have second thoughts. Instead of extending the academic year the ministry should have pondered over more serious issues like teachers' training, quality of education, modernization of syllabi, checking student drop-out rate, etc. A stipend scheme for students, especially girls, could also be initiated.
SYED MASHKOOR ALI
Hyderabad
Preventing avalanches
The destruction of roads due to avalanches in the mountainous regions of Pakistan as a result of heavy snow is a matter of great concern. Our country cannot afford such colossal losses every time we have a heavy snowfall.
It is high time we realized that this is all due to our own fault because we do not allow trees to grow on mountain slopes. No one is there to stop the uncontrolled felling of trees which otherwise strengthen mountain slopes.
If only our forest department and the government had acted strictly in this regard and imposed heavy fines and jails on those people who carry out unauthorized cutting of trees, we would have averted the heavy loss of lives, property and the undue paralysis of communication system in the northern parts of Pakistan.
MAJ (retd) M. ANWAR ALAM
Karachi
Jack Straw's Britain
If Israel is the last nation to be disarmed in Straw's world scenario, where on his list is Britain, the occupier of part of Ireland, Gibraltar, et al? Indeed, based on its history, Straw's Britain was the most prolific serial occupier in the history of the world.
BURT KEIMACH
Lincs, UK
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