| July 17, 2005 | Sunday | Jumadi-us-Sani 9, 1426 |
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London blasts
Patients’ rights
Fight against terror
Dangerous driving
UK team’s refusal to play in Karachi
US consulate shifting
Official trips
Telephone complaints
Education in Sindh
Hasba Bill
Election provided sufficient votes from the largely uneducated masses, lured by booming rhetoric alliance in the name of Islam, for the MMA. Perhaps the alliance should remember that its political ascendancy has been via a democratic exercise.
MR Irfan Hussain in his column “Masterly inaction as policy” (July 2) contends that Pakistan should support, or at least stop opposing, India’s bid to become a permanent member of the Security Council because it is no match for India. The thrust of his arguments is on the strength of India’s economy, as also “its nuclear status and its conventional military power certainly put it ahead of Japan, Brazil and Germany as a contender...” He has failed to note its nearly zero financial contribution to the UN, compared to billions of dollars spent by Germany and Japan.
These two leading candidates would have been far ahead of India militarily but for the restrictions imposed on them after WW II. Brazil had displayed its wisdom by opting to forgo its nuclear weapons programme many years ago. Thus, Mr Husain’s argument is a no-brainer.
Every country acts according to its perceived interests. Why is China opposing Japan’s candidature fiercely? Italy is against Germany’s bid and Argentine is wary of Brazil. Pakistan, as a leading and founding member of the “Coffee Club”, has not acted in isolation or foolishly, but very wisely. Even China and the US are opposing the expansion of the UNSC, especially the grant of veto powers to the G-4, which vindicates our stand.
The foremost measure of a candidate’s suitability is its own adherence to UNSC resolutions, its human rights record and treatment of its minorities and neighbours. India fails on all counts. It didn’t comply with the UN resolutions on Kashmir or the many “solemn pledges” of Mr Nehru about holding a plebiscite.
Its human rights record is terrible. Some of its topmost leaders have been involved in the massacre of the Muslims and other anti-minority acts. The situation in Kashmir needs no elaboration.
And, look at how they had occupied Kashmir, Junagadh, Manavadar, Goa, Sikkim and Siachen. They fought a war with China in 1962, for initiating which Bertrand Russell and some other independent western observers had held India responsible. They dismembered Pakistan in 1971.
Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka have had bitter experiences of their own. The Indians are also diverting river waters from Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have asked for World Bank and international mediation, respectively. There have been long marches and protests in Bangladesh this year against the longstanding Farraka Barrage issue and the proposed River Linking Project of India. Is that how one treats other human beings, much less one’s neighbours?
Also, it is regrettable that Germany and Japan, with their excellent human rights records, have joined hands with India in the hope of strengthening their position. However, they will only raise their stature amongst the countries of the OIC, South Asia and the Third World and improve their chances by dissociating themselves from India.
S. QADRI
Karachi
Dawn’s editorial ‘Blair’s belated wisdom’ (July 12) was excellent. I fully endorse your advice to Mr Bush and Mr Blair that the underlying causes of terrorism need to be tackled to stop terrorism in the West.
The US and the UK have no reason to continue spreading death and destruction in Iraq and to let their wicked protege in the heart of the simmering Middle East go unpunished. Have Mr Bush and Mr Blair ever sympathized with the hapless victims of Israel’s tyranny and Hitlerian oppression of the Muslim Arabs?
When the rulers of the West refuse to give a timetable for withdrawing their demons of death from Iraq, the anger of the oppressed against their torturers from the West is understandable. But I condemn the acts of terrorism to which London was subjected on July 7 and my heartfelt sympathies go to the victims of this tragedy. I appeal to the Muslim residents of London to launch a London rehabilitation and rebuilding fund in order to provide relief and succour to the sufferers and promote inter-faith amity and concord.
QUTUBUDDIN AZIZ
Karachi
SUSPECTING Pakistanis for the London blasts is yet another case of discrimination towards this unreasonably over-accused nation. Officials in the UK have started pointing a finger towards Pakistani and Arab communities without any evidence as if they were already waiting for something like this to happen to accuse them of involvement. This also shows that they probably adopted only one line of action, ignoring many other possibilities.
Whatever the case is and whoever is actually responsible, such premature accusations are definitely discriminatory and unfair.
The authorities in the UK must consider a few things in this connection. First, there is no reliable clue in this case to implicate anybody, especially a whole community that has been loyal to Britain. Second, Pakistanis have been themselves victims of terrorism. The total number of terrorist incidents as well as casualties in Pakistan is more than those in the UK or the US. Lastly, such inconsiderate accusations will lead to racial intolerance and riots.
The West should start acting solicitously towards smaller nations and smaller communities inside their countries.
IMRAN HOTIANA
Lahore
THE commitment and dedication of our life-savers need to be examined and re-examined. The common man, who is the sufferer, should wake up to demand investigations.
Just as there are societies for consumer rights, so there should be a society for patients’ rights.
Rules and regulations should be put in place to ensure that those whose attitude costs human lives and degrades the medical profession are made accountable for their malpractice. This is in the interest of all concerned. The Medical and Dental Council should take the lead in this direction.
We suggest that the unqualified doctors should not be allowed to handle cases which are way beyond their grasp or expertise; all degrees presented by medical practitioners, particularly foreign ones, should be checked by the PMDC; confirmation be sought from the university before these applicants are allowed to practise. In the US every state has its own procedure for issuing licences to practise.
In Pakistan perhaps we should have a standard nationwide legal procedure which should be followed meticulously by the province where doctors/surgeons should apply for permission to practise. With modern technology this should not be a difficult procedure.
In certain cases where children are orphaned when a parent dies due to negligence, punitive action should be taken and fines imposed. Dire circumstances require dire remedies and if we are to improve our healthcare facilities, we better gird up our loins to fight the quacks and the money spinners to prevent deliberate acts of negligence from recurring.
We hope the PMDC will also take into consideration a proposal being put forth here that a document should also be signed by the hospital authorities/the surgeon concerned that he will abide by his sacred Hippocratic oath and not treat a human life as insignificant.
MRS JAMILA SALEH MOHAMMAD
Karachi
THE government’s short- and long-term policies and operations against terrorism may be to the satisfaction of one section of the people but not all. The fact remains that the rest of the world thinks that somewhere somebody is busy putting a monkey wrench in the drive to purge the country of terrorism in all its manifestations.
In the backdrop of world happenings, a linkage between terrorists operating in the country and those operating internationally cannot be ruled out. The first week of July brought to the fore two deadly acts of international terrorism — one was bungled and the other tragically successful. One was close to our border and the other happened far away.
Just imagine if the bombing at Ayodhya had been successful, the aftermath could have been monstrous, compared to the communal violence in the subcontinent’s history, with Indo-Pakistan CBMs back to square one. It could have been far worse than the Ahmadabad carnage.
Such an act could not be planned and executed by a few ready-to-die radicals. It must come through masterminds who are the architects. Let us accept the fact that Muslims do not live in Pakistan alone; India has more of them. We should also think of them because they are not aliens.
The architects and masterminds, irrespective of their nationality, have no sympathy for the Indian Muslims, or else they would not have planned the Ayodhya attack.
Coming to the second act of terrorism, it may be said the British have now got their part of 9/11. It appears that political events and decisions similar to the ones forced by the US after 9/11 will re-visit our region.
The British have a better understanding of our region than their American partners. We should also keep in mind that a a million-strong community of Pakistanis lives in the UK.
We may be asked shortly, in a different form, whether we are with them or not in tracing and hounding out the masterminds behind the terrorists.
It is time we thought seriously of things. Our cooperation against terrorism has remained like a half-filled or half-empty glass of water. Americans have so far spent billions of dollars in search of a few big names but without success.
Now the British will be coming up with financial, technological, strategic support and expertise. The bottom line is that let us get serious about who are the architects and masterminds behind the terrorists. It is now or never.
KUNWAR KHALID YUNUS
Karachi
In mid-January 2004, a very serious accident had taken place on Defence Road opposite Sector P commercial and residential area of the DHA, Lahore, resulting in uprooting of two electric poles and suspension of vehicular traffic for many hours.
Residents wrote to the DHA for help and they constructed two speed-breakers on this one-km strip between the PSO petrol pump and the Bhatta Chowk. At present, the authorities have put up a few signboards, banning the use of pressure horns and overtaking on this dangerous strip, but no one monitors the traffic violations.
Consequently, dangerous overtaking and speeding by heavy vehicles has made life miserable and full of hazards for the few law-abiding motorists and pedestrians that there are. On behalf of my fellow residents living on both sides of this dangerous road, which leads to the airport, I request the authorities concerned to ban heavy vehicular traffic from plying on this road.
PROF NAZAR M MALIK
Lahore
THIS refers to Mr Talha bin Hamid’s letter ‘London bomb blasts’ (July 11) in which the correspondent says: “This refers to the English team’s refusal to play in Karachi. London is now far less safe than Karachi.”
I agree with Mr Hamid that London is now far less safe than Karachi and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that all Karachiites are with me on this point.
Yet again Karachi is being isolated as an international cricket centre despite the government’s assurance on security matters. We are dismayed at England’s hasty decision to ignore Karachi as a venue for one of the Tests.
Pakistanis condemn the London bombings and offer condolences to the families of the victims. But London is a case in point. No one can guarantee the safety of people anywhere in the world these days. Does it mean that London is unsafe to stage the 2012 Olympics?
In spite of the bomb blasts that rocked the British capital, the second one-day match of a three game series of the NatWest Challenge between England and Australia went ahead as scheduled at Lord’s in northwest London.
The PCB should never compromise on principles if Pakistan’s interests are hurt. There was no justification in offering England to play two ODIs in Karachi instead of a Test without contesting the judgment of the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The city nazim’s prediction that bloodshed may welcome Karachi during the forthcoming local body elections may have influenced England’s decision to curtail their stay here but what is more mind-boggling is that the city mayor’s statements were published at a time when the ECB officials were visiting the city.
During England’s tour in 1987, the situation in Karachi was uncertain because of violence and yet the tourists played a Test without being harmed.
Last year in March, although the Pakistan team lost the opening encounter in Karachi against India, Karachiites demonstrated unprecedented discipline and hospitality and proved security concerns wrong as the one-dayer remained trouble-free.
Talking to the voice of America, Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, the then chief of the Indian cricket board, said: “I’m not a security expert but I have never witnessed such an orderly and disciplined crowd around the world.”
The Indian media hailed the exemplary behaviour of fans in Karachi with the Indian Express story headlined: “If this is day one, if this is cricket, just bring it on.”
This is evidence enough to prove that Karachi has been deprived of its due right to stage a Test match. If Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can play Tests here in the aftermath of 9/11, why can’t the others? We, the people of Karachi, appeal to the ECB to review its decision of not playing a Test in Karachi.
NAIMA ASLAM KHAN
Karachi
THE shifting of the US consulate in Karachi from Abdullah Haroon Road to a new site on the Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road is once again in the news (Dawn, July 14). The US consulate also intends to retain its old building even after shifting to the proposed new site. Thus, as before, security will continue to plague the public even after its shifting.
It has, however, not yet been made clear from any quarter whether the PCCC and its laboratories like the PICRT and PSI and its adjacent Wool Test House will be affected. Reports suggest that the new location on M.T. Khan Road will also require the PCCC and its laboratories to shift to make room for the consulate. Here it may be recalled that the foundation stone of PCCC’s PICRT was laid by the late Khwaja Nazimuddin, governor-general of Pakistan, on July 26, 1951, and it was formally inaugurated by Chaudhry Mohammad Ali, prime minister of Pakistan, on March 22, 1956.
It will be most unfortunate if the PCCC and its laboratories are shifted without giving due regard to its founding scientists and technologists, who made them for the future generation of the scientists. It is our moral duty to protect these buildings.
The US consulate is most welcome to relocate for security reasons. But the proposed site is also not very safe because of its surroundings. If road checks are provided to ensure security, it will clash with the interests of the public and the freedom of the people of the area.
M. SHAFIQUE AHMED M
Karachi
OVER Rs13m spent on ministry officials’ trips, says a news item (Dawn, June 25). Taxpayers’ money is spent by the ministers and their officials like water. They do not feel embarrassed for their spendthrift habits.
Our country is a heavenly blessed ship. Those who can embark upon it do not lag behind in enjoying the bounties because successive captains and their crew members themselves consider the biggest stakeholders to enjoy life without fear of accountability.
GHEEWALA A.G.M.
Karachi
FOR last two months my telephone (021-5015849) line has not been working properly, but bills have been received and paid regularly. Complaints have been made but in vain.
MUFTI MUHAMMAD ISHTIAQ
Karachi
MY telephone No. 4134460 has been out of order for the last two months. My request to the PTCL to remove the fault has fallen on deaf ears so far.
ABDUL AZIZ
Karachi
THE Federal Public Service Commission has not only announced (Dawn, July 2) the list of successful candidates but also the names of top position holders of CSS-204. Candidates from Sindh or Balochistan find rare mention in the list.
The small provinces keep on complaining about domination by Punjab. The list provides the answer. One reason perhaps is the quota system but the major one is the decline of education at least in the case of Sindh. There was a time when students from Karachi dominated all competitive examinations and debating events on an all-Pakistan basis.
I urge the political leaders in the small provinces to pay their undivided attention to education, in general, and academic excellence, in particular. All policymakers should make a point of visiting educational institutions and inspiring students to aim higher. If they do not wake up now, they must not complain of being unrepresented in the policymaking and administrative set-up of the central government.
Sindh has considerable talent which is being wasted due to (a) ethnic, (b) sectarian (c) and political quarrels. Due to ethnic quarrels the local citizens have lost all share in trade, transport and labour market. And what are we quarrelling about? Mainly a share in government jobs (benefits without work) and about who came when in Sindh at a time when migration and globalization are the hallmark of this era.
F.H. ANSARI
Karachi
Pakistan came into being as a democratic, secular state, as advocated by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, which shall remain our commitment. Any attempt to the contrary will be strongly and comprehensively defeated. No individual or authority has any right to enforce religion on an individual or group — all enjoy democratic human rights to practise religion according to their faith and rituals. Ramming religion down the throat of dissenting citizens and entails an obligation on the higher authorities to effectively intercede.
The Constitution provides that any law repugnant to Islam will not be passed. What needs to be added is: “Religious tenets, percepts or declamations will not be legislated by federal or provincial governments — religion is not the business of the state.” Every individual enjoys full rights to pursue religion as deemed acceptable.
We have not heard from the prime minister on the subject, which falls squarely in his lap.
MUHAMMAD A.B.
Karachi
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