| September 8, 2005 | Thursday | Sha’aban 3, 1426 |
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Unmanned level crossings
Petroleum prices
Sonia Naz case
PPP election performance
Western secularism
‘Battle of the ballot’
Tennis affairs
School burden
Pensioner’s plea
Varsity affairs
NBP retirees
WHILE justifying Pakistan’s high-level contact with Israel, President Musharraf said that Kashmir and Palestine were the two main causes of extremism and terrorism in the world. “The Kashmir issue is affecting Pakistan, while the entire world is being affected by the Palestine conflict”, he said (Sept 2).
His statement is regrettable on two accounts. First, instead of denouncing India and Israel for their state terrorism against the Muslims, causing tremendous suffering and leading to legitimate struggles for freedom, it appears as if he is putting the stamp of terrorism on the victims.
Second, when some Pakistanis talked of helping the Afghans or the Chechens, they were advised to think of “Pakistan first”. Now, the president is putting the Palestine problem ahead of the Kashmir one, although Kashmir is like the jugular vein of the country.
The expanding war in the Caucasus is affecting not only Russia and greatly worrying most Muslims but it is also bothering the West which wishes to lay oil pipelines through the region. Chechnya and the adjacent Muslim republics are thus of much importance to the world.
It must be realized that Israel has paid no heed to the counsels of the US, Russia and the European Union about settling the Palestine issue. How can our leaders be so presumptive as to believe that it would listen to them?
The government has cited Israel’s pullout from Gaza as a justification for its overtures but three former ambassadors have, in recent articles, exposed the underlying truth. As one of them explained, the withdrawal is a trade-off to legitimize settlements in the West Bank and to raise barriers and walls. The Gaza strip was a demographic and security burden on Israel and Sharon is now turning it into a large prison.
Another surprising point is that it is being claimed that the Palestinian president had given his blessings for the move by Pakistan but their deputy prime minister had a different thing to say. “We are worried about this (contact) because it’s not a good time to start relations with Israel”, he said. The gentleman further stated that he thought Mr Mahmoud Abbas was of the same opinion. Apart from the deputy PM, Hamas has also criticized the meeting.
Furthering Washington’s policies about the Middle East won’t benefit the Arabs or Pakistan, at least in the long run. The folly of invading Iraq is apparent from a song of the Vietnam era quoted by the former American senator Gary Hart: “Waist deep in the Big Muddy and the big fool said to push on ....” He has further written: “We are less secure today than before this war began (Aug 27)”. Due to US pressure, Waziristan is being pushed towards becoming another Afghanistan. Recognizing Israel will cause more militancy in Pakistan.
M. MUSLIM
Karachi
THIS is about the Kasuri-Shalom meeting in Istanbul and the subsequent controversy in your letters columns.
Pakistan must be guided by its national interests. Things would be a lot easy for Pakistan in the US Congress and the western media if Islamabad were to grant recognition to Israel.
Arab analysts now criticizing Islamabad for opening a line to Tel Aviv should ask themselves whether Israel had ever cared about Pakistan or the suffering of the Kashmiri people.
In the Indo-Pakistan conflict, the Arabs have mostly stayed neutral. Some Arab countries — especially during the great Nasserite wave in the sixties — were positively on India’s side and regarded Pakistan an enemy. Iraq has always been hostile to Pakistan; so were Egyptian intellectuals and journalists led by Hasnain Haykal.
What justification do we have for not recognizing Israel when three Arab countries, including the most important one, Egypt, have full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state?
Turkey is being ruled by an Islamic party. But the Turks are always guided by their country’s interests, so are Arabs. Have Arabs ever supported Turkey on Cyprus? On the other hand, Arab sympathies are often with the Greek Cypriots. If the Arabs feel unhappy about any Turkish actions, Turkey couldn’t care less.
Israel often defies America. For instance, under American law certain categories of weapons cannot be re-exported. But Israel gives the latest technology to China (and secretly to India) ignoring American protests. Pakistan too can benefit from Israeli technology.
RIZWAN YASSIN,
Karachi
THE Pakistan Railways network has 5,025 level-crossings, 3,750 of which are unmanned. Only 1,275 are equipped with proper gates. The total cost of building 3,750 new gates and providing salaries of the maintenance staff is likely to be heavy. The railways may, therefore, consider some alternative to minimize the expenditure involved.
It is believed that Rs1,000 million per annum is required to construct gates and deploy gatekeepers round-the-clock at unmanned level-crossings on the railway system. This amount can be recovered by introducing a toll tax collection system on the pattern of the highways department.
A survey can also be carried out by its civil engineering department to establish how many unmanned level-crossings can be provided with underground passage for vehicles. Construction of underground passage will solve the problem of accidents and eliminate recurring maintenance costs. The construction programme of underground road passages may be spread over a number of years to reduce annual expenditure.
Private parties in different divisions of the Pakistan Railways may also construct road passages under the unmanned level-crossings or provide level-crossing gates and deploy gate- keepers and introduce a system of tax collection on the rates agreed to by the Pakistan Railways for a specified period of item so that the cost of construction plus a reasonable profit is realized by the contractor.
Landlords may be officially informed about the number of unmanned level-crossings and the danger posed by them so that they may realize the importance of providing gates and manning the unmanned crossing in their areas. Road humps may be constructed on either side of every unmanned level-crossing. On busy unmanned crossings, drivers should be advised to stop and then move slowly. The aim of the Pakistan Railways should be that not a single person loses his life at any unmanned level-crossing on the entire PR network. The railways minister and its chairman should set up a separate section to undertake the job on a priority basis.
M.A. QURESHI
Lahore
THE surge in oil prices in the international market has affected every citizen of this country, barring the rulers, irrespective of class and status. If this trend continues, more difficult times are ahead.
On this very sensitive issue, it is time that the government should make the pricing mechanism transparent so that the citizens at large do not feel cheated. The government needs to inform its people what taxes are being charged and for that matter the complete pricing mechanism in order to avoid undue hue and cry each time oil prices are pushed up.
The manner in which the oil advisory committee works and takes a decision is not credible. Today international prices are quoted at around $70 per barrel. Certainly supplies at these prices have still not arrived. A barrel of oil consists of approximately 159 litres. We are also reminded time and again that Pakistan is given a preferred price by our Arab friends. Hence it should be made known to all what is the refining/conversion cost, taxes and other charges.
Similarly, the government should make it public each time they buy fresh stocks the price at which the oil is bought. This will at least put to rest the apprehension of the people.
If duty-free import of cement and other commodities can be allowed, why not oil? Why should there be such heavy taxation on a commodity used by rich and poor alike? Why are the recommendations of the Senate subcommittee on oil prices being ignored? We know the government needs money to run its affairs but if money could be saved on the defence budget and the unending foreign tours of dignitaries, respite can be given to the people. The business community at large could also be taken into confidence to find ways to bridge the gap.
If there is honesty of purpose, there are a hundred ways of finding a solution. If not, the people will keep suffering.
BASIT ALAVI
Karachi
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to condemn the violence that was allegedly inflicted on Ms Sonia Naz and urge the government to take action against the perpetrators of the crime. I would also like to commend Ms Naz’s courage in using the media as a forum to voice the injustice inflicted on her.
The widespread violence inflicted on women, in particular rape, depicts a degeneration of our society. The inability of the government to take quick action against the perpetrators of such crimes suggests a flaw in our political and legal institutions. It is often that a woman who is raped is stigmatized in our society and the burden of proof is placed on the shoulders of the victim. I would like to question our menfolk as to whether we as women and citizens of a democratic country do not have a right to live without fear, voice our opinions and fight for justice as citizens of Pakistan.
Certainly Ms Naz breached security and entered parliament without permission, but does that not suggest loopholes in security while parliament is in session? I do not entirely blame Ms Naz for entering the parliament building because of the absence of a forum where women can advocate their rights.
It ought to be a priority for the government to provide Ms Naz with justice. This case, if aggressively pursued, can set a precedent not only in the law books but also for menfolk who no longer may feel they can get away easily by inflicting violence on women.
RAHBEL RAHMAN
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the news item “PPP acts against breach of party discipline” (Dawn, Sept 1). The home union council of the Bhutto family (Bahman) in Ratodero district was won by the Awam Dost despite the regime shifting the polling station to the katcha areas under Mr Mumtaz Bhutto’s control.
Moreover, despite rigging, the party won the majority in the constituency of Ms Benazir Bhutto, including Ratodero, Naudero, Sujawal circle and Mirokhan tehsils. Begum Nusrat Bhutto’s constituency of Larkana tehsil was also won with an even bigger majority. Ms Bhutto has thanked the people for fighting to secure the area despite the rigging that took place, making the elections a farce. She also greeted all those who won on the Awam Dost panel throughout Pakistan.
There are about 580 UCs in Sindh. Of these, 400 belong to the interior. Of these 400, the regime had papers rejected in a quarter of the seats amounting to 111 UCs. In other words, the regime took a lead of 25 per cent. After the elections, the regime changed a further 10 per cent through recounts.
Despite this lead of 35 per cent, the PPP has still emerged with 30 to 40 per cent of the seats in many of the district.
JAMEEL SOOMRO
Media Cell, Bilawal House,
Karachi
With reference to the ongoing debate in these columns on whether Pakistan is secular or an Islamic state, it is clear that contemporary Pakistani intellectuals need to rise and define the future vision of Pakistan, with reference to but independent of what the Quaid said or wrote in 1947-48.
The reason for independent thinking is that times have radically changed since the Quaid lived. I think it would not be wrong to say that given the monumental task of negotiating with the British and the Hindus, the Quaid did not have sufficient time to devote to the building of a concrete vision for the new state of Pakistan. Hence this burden must be taken up by our intelligentsia today.
The fatal dangers inherent in secularism have been exposed, and the showcase of this disaster is the modern “western” civilization, a great part of which lives in western Europe and the United States.
There exists today a profound crisis within modern “western” civilization in all domains, especially social and economic. Alienation, unhappiness, crime, suicide, use of drugs and many other social ills threaten the very fabric of modern society. There is today a danger of disarray and total disorder in modern society despite the political power and economic wealth which it possesses.
The roots of this crisis can be traced back to the development of “secularism” as a school of thought (about five centuries ago) that was itself rooted in the rebellion of “reason” against both the “intellect” and religious “revelation” as the guiding force for societies. A complete misreading of the orientation and intents of the theocratic or near-theocratic mediaeval and pre-mediaeval civilizations by modern scholars has led to ignorance when it comes to appreciating the significance of a society that “lives and feeds” on religious revelation.
The only such society surviving today is that of Islam, but which is now surrounded on all sides by the corrosive forces of secularism, modernism and post-modernism. These are essentially anti-religious forces that are deeply inter-twined with each other and lead only toward anarchy and ultimate barbarity.
At this particular juncture of human history, it is critical for Pakistani intellectuals and serious students to study the ideas and history of modern thought from the Islamic point of view, in order to have a deeper understanding of western civilization and of western secular thought.
KAMRAN HASAN MEER
Karachi
MR Ardeshir Cowasjee’s remark (“Battle of the ballot”, Aug 21) that “General Pervez Musharraf had ‘ordered’ that the MQM be given control of Karachi and that his Q-party prevail in Sindh and, of course, in the ruling province” has not been substantiated by him. Dawn readers would be grateful for any proof.
At least in the case of Karachi, his observation is not only grossly misleading but reeks of an anti-MQM bias. How could Mr Cowasjee forget that the MQM has always swept the polls in Karachi whenever it has contested elections?
Mr Cowasjee’s statement quoted above would mean that if Gen Musharraf had not given orders for the MQM to fain control over Karachi, the latter would have been defeated. Supposing that were possible, what then? How would he reconcile himself with the Jamaat, which he calls obscurantist, having control over Karachi?
SYED FAIQ JILANI
Karachi
THE disastrous performance of the Pakistan tennis team in the recent ITF junior championships comes as no surprise. Instead of doing development work, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has spent millions of rupees on converting player dormitories into luxurious suites.
The PTF is relying on two players (which it inherited and has played no role in grooming) to help it win Davis Cup matches. Nationally-ranked players are being trained with solid hard rubber balls that are harmful for their game. They are being made to walk two miles before being given a meal and are being forced to practise for long hours. No wonder the juniors have done so badly.
The government should take notice of this shocking state of affairs and order an inquiry into the goings-on at the PTF complex. Until that is done, parents will hesitate to send their children there.
NAVID IQBAL
Islamabad
STUDENTS of the so-called elite schools carry heavy bags forced on them by their institutions.
Parents are helpless because the education department has not taken any step to mitigate the suffering of the students. I am also astonished at the indifference of NGOs in this regard.
The government should intervene to help reduce the burden of schoolbags.
DR SHAHID TUFAIL SHEIKH
Lahore
THIS is to bring to the notice of the authorities concerned the plight of pensioners vis-a-vis the increase announced during the budget speech on June 6. An increase of 15 per cent was given to salaried persons and 10 per cent to pensioners. The salaried persons do have their problems, but pensioners have bigger problems.
The pensioners are, generally speaking, older persons who gave whatever they could during the prime of their life to the government and are now trying to make ends meet on a much smaller income. Old age also means increase in illnesses. The rising cost of medicines and doctors’ fees are increasing the monthly medical bill. There are other financial responsibilities like marriages of children, especially daughters. All these requirements demand greater expenses.
The salaried people have their pay and allowances to meet their financial requirements. A 15 per cent raise in their salaries is perhaps justified. But a 10 per cent raise in pension is wholly unjustified. Pensioners certainly deserve a greater increase.
ZIA UR RAHMAN NAGI
Karachi
EVER since their inception, the role of the senate and the syndicate in Sindh’s two newly-formed medical universities has remained controversial. The vice-chancellors of the two universities are active in constructing new buildings in and outside the existing premises, often without regard for building rules and regulations. It has also been learnt that in one case the decision of a vice-chancellor was accorded back-dated approval by the syndicate.
It seems that the syndicates at these two universities are working like rubber-stamps. It is time members of the senate and syndicate of the universities realized their responsibilities and acted according to what is required of them for the benefit of students, doctors and patients.
DR HABIBUR RAHMAN SOOMRO
Karachi
THE government has allowed an increase of 15 per cent in pension to federal government pensioners over the last two years. In the past, whenever federal government pensioners were given any increase, the NBP also provided a similar increase to its retired employees. It has not allowed any such raise since 2003.
Will the finance minister take up the matter with the bank authorities?
JALALUDDIN SHAD
Sialkot
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