| July 9, 2005 | Saturday | Jumadi-us-Sani 1, 1426 |
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Lahore airport
Helping Africa
Local body elections
Islamization of economy
Sports in Pakistan
Noise pollution in Karachi
US-India pact
Savings uncertainty
Fuel price hike
Examination fees
Air University
SROs, budget
THE often proclaimed good governance can at best be described as garrulous. The deteriorating law and order situation caused by target killings, bomb blasts and rocket attacks on the press, pylons, pipelines and the CM’s residence are cold facts that give little credence to the government’s claim that all is well from Kharadar to Khyber.
Even worse, selfish profiteers continue to squeeze a majority of the population and laugh at their agonies caused by the price hike of essentials, while political gangs continue to damage the nation. Worst of all, those with Islamic labels disdainfully ignore all kinds of heinous crimes being committed every other day in some parts of the country — crimes that are profane to Islam, like men with clout ordering gang-rape of innocent poor women, karo kari and Sanwara, girls being wedded to the Holy Quran thus desecrating the Holy Book.
However, the saddest part is the delay in or denial of justice to the victim in which the president and the prime minister have both failed so far despite their active involvement. The only hope now lies with the apex court to deliver justice to the poor yet brave Mukhtaran Mai, the icon of oppressed women in Pakistan and around the world (including Imrana of India), notwithstanding that the culprits would have been beheaded within 40 days had this crime been committed in Saudi Arabia.
On the economic front, there is nothing to cheer about as the rupee continues to be ripped and Al-Kanooz refuses to buy the KESC even at one-third the price of a “paan” per share.
With regard to the offshore image, the less said the better in the light of refusals by Singapore and Wellington to host oversized entourages of the president and the prime minister besides bad publicity abroad caused by preventing Mai from travelling to the US. It is time that the men cramming the corridors of powers avoided further embarrassment and accepted the fact that Mai commands greater honour (though dishonoured in her own country) and status than many.
I earnestly appeal to the president and the prime minister to perform official Umrahs with small contingents comprising academicians and humanists like Abdus Sattar Edhi and only one official coordinator to seek blessings for good governance. Alternatively, speak the truth, however bitter and remain on straight path, without being a financial burden to the public.
M. M. RAB
Karachi
MR Saqib Anwar’s experience (July 5) at Islamabad airport is no different to what travellers have to face at other international airports on arrival in Pakistan.
I always have a similar experience on arrival at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport. All one can see on entering the passport area is chaos and disarray. Free-for-all prevails with anyone and everyone getting in and out of various queues as they wish. The situation is made worse by women passengers who using the ‘ladies first’ philosophy think it is their right to move directly to the front of every queue.
The design of the area also contributes to the chaos. There are several counters but only half of them are accessible on entering the hall. Access to the rest can only be had after moving forward through the hall. Being a NICOP holder and having read about the special counter reserved for processing of NICOP holders’ passports, I smugly make a beeline for the counter that has a NICOP board on it only to be surprised that everyone else has the same idea. The officers on duty do not appear to be aware that they are only supposed to handle NICOP holders at that counter and scoff at the suggestion that they should confirm availability of NICOP before processing passengers.
The situation can greatly improve if our airports adopt and enforce the system that is used at most airports around the world. All arriving passengers on entering the arrival hall move in a single queue till they reach the front of the queue and then approach the passport counter that become available. Passport personnel stand at the front of the queue to ensure that no more than one person or a family moves towards a passport counter at a time. By the use of this arrangement, the crowd seen at passport counters at Islamabad, Lahore and other airports will be avoided. However, ‘enforcement’ is key to the success of this scheme because unless passengers move to passport counters one at a time, it will not work.
The arrival hall is indeed the first impression that one gets about the country.
It is, therefore, essential for the Civil Aviation Authority to take charge of the madness that prevails currently and implement actions to improve the situation at international airports in Pakistan.
TARIQ RAZA
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
YOUR editorial, “Helping Africa” (Dawn, July 4) is a timely input for highlighting the cause of the teeming humanity living in abject poverty and suffering from all sorts of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and Aids.
In the US a lot is being said in the press about UK Prime Minister Tony Blair pressing and persuading US President George W. Bush to increase aid allocation for Africa and it was reported that Bush has agreed to oblige his old buddy by increasing aid for Africa from $160 million to $3.2 billion out of the millennium plan kitty of $5 billion, which is chicken feed for countries loaded with a debt of $300 billion. Blair persuaded to get the aid budget increased to $25 billion and further double it to $50 billion per year from 2015 which Bush didn’t agree to.
Shouldn’t it have been other way round? Bush pushing his poodle Blair to mobilize more aid for Africa and poor countries of other continents so that the spate of anti-American sentiments across the world due to its pre-emptive wars and other unilateral initiatives could be mitigated.
Much of the funds which are wasted in warfare, if channelized for poverty alleviation and helping the suffering humanity, could go a long way in transforming the world scenario and minimizing if not eliminating fanaticism, prejudices and obscurantism which trigger violence and extremism.
Let’s hope G8 in its meeting finds some major breakthrough.
M. SALEEM CHAUDHRY
amento, USA
WITH the announcement of the schedule for local body polls, all local government institutions stand dissolved and until the new elected bodies assume office, the district administrations will be run by caretaker administrators who will be appointed by chief secretaries of each province. They will not be allowed to start new projects or carry out transfers and postings of officials.
The use of every kind of fair and foul means to influence the result of the elections is a common tactics employed by our ruling elite, and bureaucracy has been used as a tool in this context. Since caretakers are public servants under respective provincial governments, commanding them is not a difficult task. How then is it possible for them to remain impartial to conduct free, fair and credible elections? Already a campaign has been started by provincial chief ministers to get their favourite candidates elected, which would surely help them get re-elected in parliamentary polls.
The appointment of caretakers is an undemocratic move and must be withdrawn. Instead of civil servants, district session judges should be the executive authority for the transitional period and election process must be supervised by them.
The election commission should fully authorize them to set a code of conduct for the nazims, naib nazims and councillors — this is the only way to hold free, fair and transparent elections in a society where judiciary is considered as a reliable option against all others.
TAHIR MEHMOOD MALIK
Multan
THE new budget has attracted much criticism from people from all walks of life. The current wave of inflation has totally transformed economic discussions from “providing relief to the people” to “not putting an extra burden on the masses”.
The debate on Islamization of the economy is restricted to making the economy “riba-free”. This is a result of total ignorance of the economic system presented by Islam which guides us in every aspect of the economy from intellectual property rights to agricultural reforms, company structures, welfare centres, industrial laws and the like.
One would like to explain the economic effect of just one Islamic rule if it is implemented in Pakistan. According to Islamic law, no one can keep a piece of land (agricultural) if it is kept barren for more than three years. If one fails to do so the land is taken away from him and is given to someone who can put the land to effective use. In Pakistan, 40 per cent of the cultivable land remains barren. If this rule is applied, the following results will be achieved:
End of unemployment as the state would distribute the extra land amongst the masses.
Decline of inflation.
Extra commodities can be sold to earn foreign exchange.
Foreign exchange spent on importing eatables will be saved.
Economy will stabilize.
Extra commodities can be distributed amongst the poor countries to gain political support.
MOEZ MOBEEN
Islamabad
THIS has reference to Mr Khurshid Anwer’s letter ‘Sports in Pakistan’ (July 2). The correspondent seems concerned that Pakistani girls/ women cannot wear shorts and international tournaments do not allow long pants. Let us get the basics right. Muslim girls/ women are not allowed by their religion to wear shorts. This has nothing to do with Pakistan.
Talking about earning respect and honour for their country, I am sure Pakistani women have been able to achieve a good deal in the fields of science and technology, chemistry and medicine, etc. Women doctors, engineers and scientists are a source of honour for the country without having to conform to a particular dress code.
SHAIKH WAQAR AHMAD
Karachi
THIS refers to high levels of noise pollution in Karachi, findings of which were revealed at a PMA seminar on June 22. Pollution levels ranging between 90 and 120 decibels were recorded at different places of the city. It must be noted that 120 decibels is the noise level of jet planes. Auto-rickshaws are the main culprits, besides other heavy vehicles.
Noise affects the whole body, raises blood pressure, transforms blood chemistry and impairs hearing. It is a public health hazard. It also causes insomnia and infertility.
In Pakistan, the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for motor vehicle noise was promulgated through a notification in 1993 and has defined the permissible limit of noise which is 85 decibels at a distance of 7.5 metres by any type of vehicle. A study made by urban resource centre stated that “noise emission through a motor vehicle engine should not exceed 114 decibels so as to maintain tolerable distance of 7.5 metres. The noise emissions from auto-rickshaws appeared to be in the range of 93-104 decibels. The noisiest one emitted 75 decibels at 7.5 metres radius which is within the allowable limit as per NEQS. This illustrates the ineffectiveness of the existing law. Moreover, the NEQS does not mention about the permissible noise levels near the sensitive areas like hospitals, places of worships, schools, libraries, courts, etc.
Following the practice prevalent in Quetta and Lahore, it is suggested to strictly ask auto-rickshaw owners in Karachi to install silencers. Permissible noise limits should be defined according to residential areas mentioned above. To avoid the noise generated from the traffic congestion, a traffic management plan should be executed and a few more flyovers should be planned for the city.
Transport business from areas like Saddar and Lea Market should be relocated. It may be recalled that in 2004 Dr Allah Bux Brohi of the Lyari General Hospital had claimed noise levels at 190 decibels in the Lea Market and its surrounding areas. Heavy traffic, including trailers, trucks and port logistics-carrying vehicles are also a major contributor of noise pollution. Construction work of the Northern Bypass has to be expedited to meet the situation.
RASHID ASHRAF
Karachi
THE US and India have entered into a defence pact. Prior to this, an American anti-missile system had also been sold to India. This has nullified Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence against India. If Pakistan does not cover up its deterrence position by other means, it will remain vulnerable to Indian aggression.
Pakistan will also lose its bargaining position in the matter of disputes with that country, particularly over Kashmir. After acquiring the Patriot missile system and now having become a partner with the US in defence matters it will be a very foolish leadership in India which will pay attention to Pakistan’s pleas for resolving disputes between them.
So far the US has been issuing statements appreciating and supporting the peace process between Pakistan and India. We were suspicious about the sincerity of these statements and our suspicious have now been proved right. The US would never like to see Pakistan and India resolving their disputes which would result in Pakistan slipping out of the US orbit.
MOHAMMAD RAJ
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the Islamic Investment Bank case that took place recently. I would like to bring to the notice of the authorities concerned the fact that the action taken against the accused has also caused much distress to the investors and ‘Mahana Munafa’ certificate holders.
As a widow, my only source of income was the profit I was getting monthly from this investment. Now my principal amount invested seems to be in jeopardy. I am left wondering if this institution shall be giving me my monthly profit and if I shall ever be able to retrieve my principal amount.
I have met various employees of this institution but none of my queries have been answered.
MRS ZEBA SIDDIQI
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the letter by Mr S. M. Kazim Naqvi (July 4). We feel it necessary to clarify that the prices as announced by the Oil Companies’ Advisory Committee (OCAC) are for 29 ex-depots/ locations across Pakistan.
The difference between the ex-depot sale price and the price at petrol pumps is the cost of transportation to the petrol pumps, which is added to the cost of the petrol or diesel and is to be borne by consumers.
The prices announced by the OCAC for petrol and diesel are as per government-approved formula and are reflective of the change in prices of oil in the international market. For the benefit of all readers and consumers it is once again clarified that the prices for crude in the international market have increased by 19 per cent since April when the government last froze the prices.
At present, crude is trading at US$55 in the Arab-Gulf market. Diesel during the fortnight (June 15-June 30) touched an all-time high of US$67.30, 17 per cent higher than when the government last froze the prices in April. Despite the increase, which has been passed on to the consumer, oil marketing companies continue to bear Rs5.05 per litre in diesel and Rs5.52 per litre in kerosene, which would be claimed from the government in due course.
It is important to clarify that petroleum products such as crude, diesel and furnace oil imported by the refineries or oil marketing companies are done at international rates as quoted in Platts for the Arab-Gulf region and Pakistan does not get any preferential rates.
ABID SAEED IBRAHIM
Secretary-general, Oil Companies’ Advisory Committee
Karachi
STUDENTS of the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, have been facing a great ordeal for the last so many years at the time of submission of examination fees required for the semester. Long queues of hundreds of students waiting for their turn to submit their fee challans for each semester are a regular feature. All because there is just one single bank being operated by the administration, resulting in quarrels among aggressive students wanting to submit their fee challans first.
This problem could be only resolved if the university administration took a step forward to provide students with facilities for submission of fee challans then and there at their concerned departments, the way examination forms are submitted.
I humbly request the university administration concerned to effectively handle this inconvenience and make a suitable provision to benefit students.
AGGRIEVED STUDENTS
Hyderabad
AN advertisement by the Air University, PAF Complex, Islamabad, appeared in Dawn (June 19) inviting applications for admission to the session starting in the autumn this year. The centres at which the prospectus is available are Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi. There is no mention either of Karachi or Quetta although the PAF has large establishments in these two cities.
There is a hue and cry when small provinces complain of all facilities and power being concentrated in Islamabad and Lahore to the neglect of the small provinces. This ad is an example of such neglect. The PAF should explain why Karachi and Quetta have been left out.
The government should take serious note of the concentration of all facilities and decision-making departments in Islamabad. The US is a very large country but each federating state has full autonomy as well as federal liaison offices for immediate advice to the citizens of each area.
F.H. ANSARI
Karachi
THERE is urgent need to clarify confusion created as a result of the issuance of SRO No. 621 on June 17. It contains a list of items on which zero-rated sales tax will be charged with retrospective effect from June 6. But the SRO also has deleted several items (included in superseded SRO No. 536(1)/2005 dated June 6) on which sales tax was exempted from June 6 until supersession of this SRO on June 17.
How is an importer supposed now to charge/collect sales tax on such items as were subject to zero per cent sales tax from June 6 to June 18 as per SRO 536, specially when such items have been lawfully released by customs and sold by importers without sales tax (as allowed in SRO 536) before the issuance of SRO 621?
SIDDIQ KAPADIA
Karachi
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