| 12 April 2005 | Tuesday | 02 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426 |
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Quality PhDs
Just open a school
SSGC golden jubilee
Moves against women
Governor’s promise
Credit card charges
Boating Basin lake
Bad banking
PTCL online
‘Spread of bigotry’
Loudspeakers
Remembering those gone
“LIMITING the damage” is an expression very popular with Americans and was probably coined by them in the first place. By constant practice, they are now quite adept in the exercise of it. The latest example is the report produced by a commission appointed by President Bush which concludes that US intelligence (and not the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld triumvirate with Wolfowitz, the chief executor of the attack on Iraq) was “dead wrong on Iraq” in claiming and persistently maintaining that Iraq was in possession of huge stockpiles of chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction.
Saddam was repeatedly labelled a liar in denying the existence of WMDs in Iraq. The report leaves the triumvirate (though not their faithful ally from across the Atlantic, Prime Minister Blair) in the happy position of eating their cake and having it too. The commission’s report absolves them of any wilful wrongdoing and actually projects them as victims of misinformation.
The hard fact, on the other hand, is that right after occupying Iraq, President Bush set about bringing in the spoils in a manner indicative of detailed pre-planning. The otherwise bungling Bremer, who was appointed governor of the conquered territory and later blamed for much of what went wrong after the “conquest,” proved to be very efficient in this one respect. With what the hapless Iraqis must view as indecent haste, Bremer forced the orphaned and chaperonless Iraq into a number of long-term contracts with American firms, which ensured that Iraq’s considerable wealth, present and potential, would be siphoned off to American firms.
Was the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Wolfowitz combine “dead right” in not waiting till Iraqi’s own government was in office? Was it “dead right” in bartering away Iraqi oil to American oil firms (with some of which Vice-President Cheney’s long and reportedly shady association is no secret) without calling worldwide tenders? Was it “dead right” in making sure that the agreements were couched in words that would make it extremely difficult for the Iraqi government, once it assumed some control, to rescind them or to alter their terms?
Not a bit abashed or chastened by the exposure of its misdeeds, America is on the warpath again, making ominous claims about wrongdoing by Iran and North Korea and declaring its intentions of teaching them a lesson. As expected, the commission denies that intelligence personnel had been subjected to political pressure to show certain results. It admits, however, that “it is hard to deny that intelligence analysts worked in an environment that did not discourage scepticism about the conventional wisdom.”
What a roundabout way of admitting what is common knowledge across the world. The question is whose “conventional wisdom” was at work to influence intelligence personnel if not that of the US triumvirate and Prime Minister Blair in the UK? That intelligence personnel both in the US and in the UK were pressured into coming up with “evidence” of the presence of WMD in Iraq can hardly be denied in fairness. A commission on the subject appointed by the United Nations would have come out with more truthful conclusions. But then who would have wanted to risk that? Certainly not the US under Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Wolfowitz.
WAJID NAEEMUDDIN
Karachi
WHILE endorsing Mr Omar R. Qureshi’s write-up on “Education in doldrums” (March 23), I would like to dwell on the production of quality PhDs. A researcher at the international level has a dissertation index and dissertation abstract available right from 1850 to date for reference in order to avoid duplication in research. In Pakistan there is no such compendium available and hence there is every likelihood of duplication in research, particularly in the humanities.
The HEC will do well to require a candidate doing research to submit a copy of his dissertation/thesis to the HEC Library, and the HEC can compile a dissertation index and dissertation abstract on the pattern of Abbor Michigan, USA, in order to facilitate scholars in Pakistan to avoid duplication. Moreover, the HEC ought to acquire the dissertation index and dissertation abstract from Michigan from 1850 to date for its library for the benefit of scholars in Pakistan.
Besides this, an introduction to research methods is a subject which is not taught to all candidates engaged in research leading to MPhil and PhD as is the practice in foreign universities. As a result, research work in Pakistan, particularly in the humanities, is more inclined to describe and narrate rather than critically and creatively analyze the topic of research. There is an effort on the part of the scholar to increase pages and make his thesis/dissertation as voluminous as it can be.
The HEC should see to it that a scholar doing research work clears a course on research methodology before he ventures to write his dissertation.
Some universities have taken on a foreign expert on the panel of three examiners, but on the basis of positive opinion from two local scholars, the candidate is declared successful even though he earns a negative opinion from the foreign expert or examiner. The HEC has to find a solution to this problem at its level.
PROF (DR) K. M. LARIK
Karachi
WHO says the literacy rate in Pakistan is low? Seeing the huge number of schools everywhere, it is not easy for me to believe this. In every nook and corner you will find a “grammar high” school.
How to open a school? The procedure is simple. A person who himself has never seen a book can easily open one. You only need to have a building. Area doesn’t matter. It can be 80 yards or 800 yards, it’s up to you.
Just think of the name of your son, nephew or any other close relative and add the phrase grammar high to this and paint the name on the building. Offer “free admission”, start with the lowest fee possible and your business will flourish beyond your expectations.
After some days you will be surprised to see a number of students seeking admission to your school. Following this, you have to think about the teaching staff. If you are having an extended family, then you don’t need to have anybody from outside. In case not, you can easily approach “fresh matriculates” and “inter pass” who are waiting for their results.
This will be a temporary staff and it will always remain temporary. The last thing is what curriculum you will select for the school. This is also not a difficult task. Each bookshop will provide a full list on the condition that you will refer your students to buy books from that bookshop.
Increase the fees after every exam. We can say that this has become a “profitable business”. No one is concerned with the quality of education being provided, the only satisfaction for the parents is that at least their children are going to school.
There is no proper registration criterion for such schools. One may exist but there is no implementation.
AATIKA NOOR
Karachi
I AM surprised that in the 12-page advertisement supplement on the achievements of Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd (April 2), there is not a single word of tribute to the people who were responsible for the discovery of the gasfields and then developing them against considerable odds. The contractors for the pipeline was a Lebanese-owned company, Mothercat. We must also not forget the consultant, Mr Snodgrass, and the then head of Burmah Oil, Michael Condon, who discovered the site.
The vision behind the development of the gasfields was of the late Mr Ghulam Faruque, the founder chairman of PIDC and known as the father of industrialization of Pakistan. They are all now forgotten and credit is taken by one and sundry.
I had the privilege, on several occasions, of accompanying these illustrious gentlemen as an onlooker to Sibi in the BOC aircraft when the gas finds were located. On Sundays I was very often summoned by Michael Condon to accompany him on snipe shoots. At the time I was a “chhokra” starting life in a multinational firm but I vividly recollect that the workers on site lived in most difficult conditions in the barren landscape and unbearable heat.
They are the people, both expatriates and Pakistanis, who deserve all tribute for the part they played in starting the economy of Pakistan.
Incidentally, the first domestic gas connection by Karachi Gas, if memory serves me correctly, was to the President’s House with Maj-Gen lskander Mirza in residence and the second to Hordley House, where the PIDC chairman Ghulam Faruque resided.
AHMAD FARUQUE
Karachi
THE incident at the Gujranwala marathon is only the start of the complete segregation of women in our society, which is the object of the MMA. This opposition is not against women athletes but against all of us and this has happened and will continue to happen because you and me are not standing up and are taking all this nonsense by remaining silent.
Our government criticizes the MMA for harming Pakistan’s image internationally — this is rubbish. The government should first worry about the weak, indecisive and cowardly image it presents of itself before the women of this country. How do we feel, have they ever wondered? They treat us badly.
The religious column in the passport took four months to resolve in favour of the MMA.
Now will come our right to be educated. Soon we will read that coeducation schools, colleges and universities will not admit women. Then our right to travel and move freely
will be taken away. Also, our right to vote, as is being practised in Fata areas. And many other rights we enjoy as women which the MMA considers un-Islamic will be done away with. What more needs to be done before we awake up? We must stand up and be counted.
AMBER ALIBHAI
Karachi
I did my MBBS from the Dow Medical College. At the convocation held at the Karachi University campus on October 11, 2003, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad announced the award of four gold medals to me with a cash of Rs10,000 for each gold because I was among the toppers.
Now, I regret to say, one and a half years have passed since the announcement but I have not been given the gold medals and the cash. My father is dead, and I am dependent upon my mother’s meagre pension. My younger brothers are still at college.
Such announcements unless backed by action cause disappointment and frustration among students. Not only that, people’s trust and confidence in the promises by high government functionaries is shaken.
Similarly, a chemical company announced the award of an umra ticket to the toppers. Subsequently, telephone calls to the company concerned evoked no response.
Will Dr Ishratul Ibad look into the matter and take urgent action to honour his promise and also make the chemical company fulfil its promise?
A STUDENT
Karachi
THE sales representative of a credit card company had approached me several times at one point for me to buy their credit card. He also said that there was no annual fee on the card. So imagine my surprise when I was charged an annual fee of Rs2,000 in the very first bill. When I argued with the bank about this charge, they said the sales representative might have been mistaken.
So, owing to his mistake, I ended up paying Rs2,000 extra.
I have cleared my account with the credit card bank, but I got a visit from some men who said they had been hired by the bank to make recoveries. I again complained to the bank and they have said that they will take action.
It is sad to see that banks in Pakistan provide one of the poorest services in the country and still make fabulous profits.
I am told that the State Bank, which is the regulator of the industry, is to appoint an ombudsman to deal with issues that relate to public complaints. I hope the ombudsman has the required background in judicial service as well as of the banking sector.
ISRAR SAEED
Islamabad
I FAIL to understand why the Saddar town administration ignores the unkempt ‘lake’ at the Boating Basin in Clifton, Karachi. The swamp has been there the past few years. The patience of the residents living next to it is commendable.
Urgent steps must be taken to purify the water and prevent the area from being used as a dump. It is a pity that the administration overlooks the benefits this lake can give to its nearby residents. Cleaning the area might attract the attention of various investors for further modifications such as its conversion into a leisure park.
HINA FATEMA
Karachi
Gulshan-i-Hadeed is one of the better localities of Karachi. But there is only one bank in the whole area and people are suffering a great deal due to mismanagement and poor coordination.
Opening a bank account at the branch is more difficult than passing a degree examination. Whether people come to deposit cash or draw a cheque, they stand in long queues to wait for their turn. And because of limited seats available, only five to 10 people can sit. There is lack of individual attention because the probability of losing a customer is nil since this is the only bank in the area, which is far from the city.
FAROOQ BALOCH
Karachi
I WAS happy to see that there is an online facility to
fill the form for a new telephone connection on www.ptcl.com.pk. After providing all the necessary details I submitted the form online and in response I received an email from info@ptdntc.com saying: “ Your form reference code is 22ESOF500232458. Thank you for submitting the form for a new telephone connection. We will contact you in 48 hours.”
It has been more than three weeks now and I am still waiting. Should a department like PTCL make offers on its website that it does not intend to respect?
WASIF ASLAM
Hyderabad
THIS has reference to the article “Spread of bigotry” by Mr Omar R. Quraishi. In his speech at the Aligarh Muslim University on Feb 5, 1939, the Quaid-i-Azam said: “What the League has done is to set you free from the reactionary elements of Muslims and to create the opinion that those who play their selfish game are traitors. It has certainly led you from that undesirable element of maulvis and maulanas. I am not speaking of maulvis as a whole class. There are some of them who are as patriotic and sincere as any other, but there is a section of them which is undersirable. Having freed ourselves from the clutches of the British government, the Congress, the reactionaries and so-called maulvis, I appeal to the youth to emancipate our women.”
The great philosopher Kant said about 200 years ago: “This is not the religion of God, not the religion of Christ, this is the religion of Priest.” This applies more to us today. The nation’s intellectuals should not only write but organize seminars, involving all sections of the people, to make our thinking more rational and progressive.
PROF SULAIMAN A. KHAN
Karachi
I LIVE in North Karachi 5C/4. The area where I live is noted for its exceptional noise level, thanks to a religious school
situated in the area.
The school loudspeaker works overtime to announce information and ideas. This goes on for almost the entire day. Shouldn’t the ban on loudspeakers apply in this case?
FARHAN AHMED
Karachi
IT is said that a society is known by how they bury their dead. I would add that it is better known by how it remembers them.
There are segments in our society who condemn the western world. But it can be recalled that when the Pakistani CEO of a multinational company with its roots in the West passed away having served some years in the organization, the global conglomerate placed a memorial in newspapers across the country acknowledging his services. This was followed by several paid-for messages by companies large and small remembering the debt these businesses owed him for his professional conduct towards them.
Mr Omar Kureishi served Pakistan cricket for 50 years. Where were the indebted voices from individuals and institutions he touched and groomed beyond the couple of days of his passing? Where is the gathering to remember his deeds? How many, personally or professionally, bought for him space to give him the public acknowledgement, gratitude and tribute he deserved for posterity?
I know that PTV immediately produced a programme in recognition of his role as cricket commentator and his overall brilliance in cricket journalism. But there was nothing from the Pakistan Cricket Board in newspapers or other media.
The former PCB chairman, Tauqir Zia, had recognized Mr Omar Kureishi’s services a few years back and had the media box at the Qadhafi Stadium named after him and arranged a testimonial dinner in his honour. But, amazingly, there has been no separate and special message placed publicly by the present PCB administration, which so often sought his advice and support.
Sad that none from the PCB or individuals he was close to could dispense with a few thousand rupees to place in memory of this wonderful benefactor of cricket and cricketers.
If his published memoirs and commentary archives are compiled, you will see that he recalled all the finer aspects of almost all past cricketers and cricket board officials, coaches, umpires and even ground staff. For those who did not meet his expectations of a good cricketer or official he had words only of encouragement or at most constructive criticism.
For a man who was in a way the barometer of Pakistani cricket and adviser, benefactor and guru to many of the modern cricket lot and who remained manager on two tours in the 1970s, it was mortifying that his death was also ignored by the Pakistan cricket team currently in India.
Cricketers and cricket management run down the fans when they get angry after a poor showing by the team, complaining they have short memories and do not remember their achievements.
But do the cricketers in turn remember their benefactors when they are no more?
SHOAIB ALAVI
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