| December 1, 2005 | Thursday | Shawwal 28, 1426 |
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Beyond the boundaries
Earthquake rescue & relief
Road repair racket
Judicial complex
Punjab ombudsman
Senior citizens and NSS
Unfinished LDA project
Twisted logic
GSP and quakes
Al Jazeera
EACH year several hundred, mainly junior, doctors from Pakistan aspire to complete their postgraduate medical education training in the UK. This trend has recently seen its peak, especially over the past five years and now the number has started to decline. There are several reasons why fewer doctors now seem to be keen on coming to the UK.
One major factor contributing to this decline has been the limited availability of posts, approved by the UK medical educationists for postgraduate training. This has caused much anxiety and despair amongst the doctors of overseas origin, majority of whom come from the subcontinent.
A major factor that would impact on the number of foreign doctors coming to the UK in the future is the change to postgraduate medical education system that is currently being introduced in the UK.
As part of the overhaul of the training system, implementation of modernizing medical careers (http://www.mmc.nhs.uk) and “foundation programmes” has taken place since August this year. This would enable UK medical graduates to enter a comprehensive two-year rotation-based training programme, comprising foundation year 1 and foundation year 2 (commonly called FY1 and FY2) as opposed to the previous rotation-based posts that lasted six months each.
These new programmes would have clear implications in terms of eligibility for overseas doctors, since these programmes have clearly been designed bearing in mind the doctors coming through the UK medical schools and with only a “limited” number of additional FY2 posts being created to accommodate overseas doctors.
Doctors from overseas will not be eligible to apply for FY1 posts and may find that many FY2 posts will have already been allocated to UK graduates, when they first enter the programmes upon exiting their medical schools.
Doctors who come to the UK originate from various countries and amongst those the subcontinent is one of the main source. A vast majority of doctors reaching the British Isles come from India and the next largest group from Pakistan, with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka contributing fewer doctors.
In comparison with other overseas doctors, according to rough estimates, a disproportionately large number of doctors from Pakistan do not end up finding suitable employment within a reasonable period of time. The major reason for this in my experience is the fact that several Pakistani doctors do not gain sufficient post-graduate experience prior to coming to the UK as is seen commonly amongst other overseas doctors, especially those coming from India.
Bearing in mind the above, the doctors who are contemplating the idea of coming to the UK for pursuing post-graduate medical training are urged to seriously review their individual circumstances prior to embarking on this endeavour. A recent article in the British Medical Journal ‘‘Career Focus’’ (Oct 29) might be of interest. This can be found at the following website: http://careerfocus.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/331/7523/187-a
The doctors are, therefore, advised to (1) have a clear short-term and Long-term plan for their careers, which they should adhere to, in order to avoid any setbacks and severe disappointment, (2) review their financial situation and also consider personal or family commitments whilst planning their endeavour and (3) ensure that they achieve eligibility to re-join post-graduate training in Pakistan, for example, by clearing MCPS or FCPS Part 1 examinations before they embark on a journey to the UK.
In the unfortunate event that doctors fail to achieve their objective of getting trained in the UK, this would not only provide them with an opportunity to complete post-graduation in Pakistan but, above all, this would give them something positive to look forward to once they decide to go back home.
DR SHAAZ MAHBOOB
London, UK
THIS is with reference to “Beyond the boundaries” (Nov 22) by Kuldip Nayar. I do not understand how should Muslims react when people belonging to other religions exonerate themselves by blaming only Muslims for everything that goes wrong in the world.
I read the article by Mr Nayar and was disappointed to sense the same tone and attitude he adopted by calling Muslims “fundamentalists”. There is no fundamentalism in Islam and quoting what he said, “terrorists cannot be freedom-fighters”, I would like to rectify it by putting it the other way round that freedom-fighters cannot be terrorists.
It is the right of every human being to fight for his just cause. After 9/11 the panorama of the world changed and non-Muslims got the opportunity to distort the image of Islam by harping upon the same tune that all Muslims fighting for freedom are terrorists and fundamentalists.
Every action has its reaction and no one should expect love in return for a slap. In India Sikhs are also victim of Hindu extremism but why does the world not highlight that issue? Why should only Muslims be the ones to face the music everywhere even though they are the victim themselves, not the attackers?
Mr Nayar complains that President Musharraf is “not doing enough” but what does he has to say about Manmohan Singh and George Bush? Are they doing enough to help heal the wounds of Muslims? Mr Bush has done nothing valuable to stop the brutal treatment of detainees in Guantanamo Bay and the Abu Ghraib prison. If the world, especially the sole superpower, changes its attitude towards Muslims and gives them their rights, there would be no room for complaint.
SANA
Lahore
THIS has reference to Ayaz Amir’s column “Scarcely believable” (Nov 4). I feel very sceptical about his hypothetical analysis of the precipitated situation and its aftermath of the earthquake hit regions and the steps taken by the government, the Army and the PAF in respect of relief and rescue missions for the victims. Out of 3.5 million affected people almost 2.5 million live in the hill ranges which are not connected by roads, only by tracks accessible by men and mules. For such a natural calamity or a catastrophe no organization in the world is equipped, trained and ready to start the rescue and relief work unless the area lies in the zone geographically where people and their government are always ready mentally and materially to face the challenges.
Mr Amir being an ex army officer should be knowing that for any such operation it takes planning to deploy the ranks with proper briefing and suitable equipment which is a minimum of 72 hours. As I observe Pak Army men, the PAF and guest helicopter crew have done a commendable job in the rescue and relief work by ceaselessly flying in the mountainous ranges where unpredictable weather changes so quickly.
The suggestion to deploy all the army posted personnel on rescue work from their primary mission is never advisable in view of the fact that the potential enemy always avails the opportunity to encroach upon and occupy, Siachen is the glaring example. With regard to the signing of SAAB early warning aircraft contract in mid Oct, let me explain from my own experience that if the deal is not signed on the due date mutually agreed upon, the seller usually invokes the penalty clause of escalation which is normally ten per cent raising the cost by $100 million. With regard to the F-16 deal it may be pointed out that it has already been shelved.
The purchase of 50 helicopters as suggested would take a minimum of six months to sign the contract formalities and 24 months to manufacture because transport helicopters or other types are not available ex-shelf. For mules, let me mention here that during the Afghan/Russian war the US had to procure mules from Brazil and airlift them for carrying heavy guns on hilly grounds for the mujahideen.
It is easy to find faults and criticize the rescue & relief operation being conducted by the defence personnel rather than highlight their spirit and recommend plausible measures to further improve the service.
AIR CDRE (retd) IQTEDAR ALI KHAN
Karachi
ARE the Karachi city government authorities aware of the misery they have created for millions — literally millions — of people by digging up roads and then forgetting about them? Two of Karachi’s arteries — M. A. Jinnah Extension and Abul Hasan Ispahani Road — were dug up five months ago. They still remain dug up. Since hundreds of thousands of cars, buses and minibuses are made to take detours — and this has been going on since June-July — one can calculate the number of people put to misery daily or cumulatively for all these months.
Why dig up if you have no intention of repairing a road? The amazing thing is that the two roads mentioned above were in reasonably good condition and were in no need of fresh tops. Apparently, contractors dig up a portion to make sure that the contract does not go to anyone else, and then forget about it. If they behave this, why cannot the city government officials take stock of the situation?
Abul Hasan Ispahani Road was dug up toward the end of June, starting from the University Road end. The job is still not finished. Last Sunday they ripped off the top from Noman View onwards and created utter traffic chaos. Now traffic runs the way a driver wants.
Half way on this track, half way on that track, with vehicles coming face to face on one track while the other remains unusable. The danger to pedestrians is immense, because they are never sure which way to look, for a bus or car may hit them from any of the four sides.
As for M. A. Jinnah Extension, their two ends — one at Jail Chowrangi and the other at the Mausoleum square — were dug up in July, but no repair work was undertaken between the two ends.
Now one track remains unusable — it has been that way for five months — while the other track has been both mauled and opened to traffic. The result is utter traffic chaos besides an immense cloud of dust hanging.
Will the Governor or someone having a human heart in his breast see these roads for himself and ask his boys why and how?
RIZWAN YASSIN
Karachi
THE assurance of the acting governor that courts of all the districts would remain at a single place (Dawn, Nov 25) is appreciable.
The need of judicial complex was focused at the council meeting of the Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific Professions (PASSP) held on June 16, 2003. The association is working to draw attention of the authorities concerned to the proposals, viz, (1) judicial complex to be located in central jail and adjoining government land; (2) the complex should have portions for judiciary, bar council, judges’ accommodation and police escort, etc.; (3) the complex should include multi-storeyed building having separate sections for under-trial, sentenced prisoners, visitors and senior citizen prisoners accommodated on the ground floor and (4) to improve the condition of prisoners, a sum of Rs3,000 per month should be given to each prisoner for food and clothing.
It is hoped due attention would be paid to the above proposals.
RIAZUL HASAN KHAN
Vice-president, PASSP
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Punjab Ombudsman Abdul Rashid Khan’s inauguration of the new website of the Mohtasib Secretariat (Dawn, Oct 26). According to him, the main objective of the ombudsman’s office is to redress the citizens’ complaints against provincial government agencies with prompt procedure and without delay by completing the investigation in maximum six months.
But in my case (complaint 5555/8/2004-POP/C-II-415/2004) almost a year was taken for investigation and about another three months to finalize the findings. That clearly negates the claim of the the mohtasib of taking a maximum six months for investigating. The behaviour and attitude of the investigating officer remained partial throughout the whole process of investigation.
The defendant was welcomed to sit in the cool office of the presiding officer while the complainant was denied the same facility and was made to sit outside in the muggy and oppressive weather waiting for his turn.
After finalizing the investigation spreading well over eight joint hearings, the findings conveyed to me are mind-boggling. I reproduce the same:
“Prima facie, the claim and points raised by the complainant seem to be correct. But as the XEN/DCO has decided the case in favour M.D. Tahir on 22-07-2004, hence the complainant has no other alternative but to file a review petition with the same XEN against his mala fide decision or seek any other legal remedy available to him. Meanwhile, the complaint is filed”.
Where has gone the transparency of the mohtasib? Violation of rule and regulations of the XEN concerned was clearly established during the joint hearings which was confirmed by the investigation officer through various observations on almost all the hearing dates.
But the findings are altogether different and strange. The complaint was lodged on 31-07-04 against the one-sided decision/order of the XEN, dated 22-07-2004, and surprisingly I am being directed to seek justice from the same XEN who has denied my due right by violating all the rules and regulations under the pressure of anti-corruption department which he himself acknowledged during a
joint hearing before the said investigation officer. I can only pray for the success of the mohtasib.
PROF(retd) MUHAMMAD BAKHSH CHAUDHRY
Sargodha
THIS refers to Mr Qutubuddin Aziz’s letter “Senior citizens and NSS” (Nov 17). The pension scheme and Behbood scheme were introduced as a great favour to the senior citizens in order to compensate for the drastic reduction in the profit of national savings schemes. It was, however, taxable and the tax deducted at source. After July 1, 2004 savings centres stopped deducting tax, saying that the scheme has become non-taxable.
The savings centres also started displaying a notice: ‘‘PSC/PBA 10 years scheme, max limit Rs300,000, 11.4 per cent profit per annum, no tax, no zakat.”
While filing the tax return for the year 2005 we learnt that all the profit through these schemes is fully taxable and information from savings centres is incorrect and baseless.
One can imagine the condition of a senior citizen who is made to pay full tax at the end of the year for the income that he was given to understand as tax-free. It shows lack of coordination between savings centres and the CBR.
I suggest that if this income can’t be exempted from tax, then at least the old system be reintroduced, i.e., the tax be deducted at source and the individual having no other income be exempted from filing tax return.
M. AHMAD
Karachi
WE are allottees of the Lyari Development Authority’s ‘Beach Avenue’ project. We would like the authorities concerned to take note of the inordinate delay in the completion of the project which was planned for 2001 and is now expected to be completed later this year.
The booking of the project started in March 1998 with the claim that it would be completed in three years. At the time of booking a payment schedule was also put in place, which was considered to be binding on the parties. Now, the authorities have started making extra demands in violation of the schedule.
The project comprises six blocks with a total of 471 apartments. The authority has failed to follow the construction plan, and due to its own inefficiency and administrative issues, the work has remained suspended for over two years. The contractor attributes the delay to non-payment of dues from the allottees.
The authority, as per the schedule of payment, was to collect Rs 20,000 (4,000 per month in instalments) at every stage, but it has issued challans for Rs 10,000 per month to the allottees. The allottees fear that the authority has failed to sell the apartments and the project will never be completed for want of funds. Will the authorities concerned please look into this and expedite the completion of Beach Avenue?
ALLOTEES
Karachi
MR Vipul Thakore writing from London (Nov 26) advises Pakistan on many things: some one would not dispute with. However, while writing about India in his letter, he states: “There is corruption in India, but it is at a lower level.”
What about the Bofors scandal, some years back? And lately the UN inquiry committee’s allegation against India’s external affairs minister, Natwar Singh, and 133 Indian companies giving kickbacks to the UN and Iraqi officials while doing business with the UN’s oil-for-food programme?
Quoting India’s success in the IT field, he says: “India is willing to assist Pakistan in its economic and social development provided (and here comes the old story) Pakistan gives up its confrontation with, and cross-border terrorism into (Indian-held) Kashmir and elsewhere.”
Lastly, the threat that “India is fast becoming a global economic and hence political and military power. It is, therefore, in Pakistan’s interest to cooperate with India.”
SURAIYA HAFEEZ
Lahore
I SHARE the views expressed by Mr Inam Khwaja in his letter (Nov 20) on the above subject.
It is incredible to know that the charter of the Geological Survey of Pakistan does not include the study of earthquakes. Whose responsibility 1s it then? Whenever an earthquake occurs anywhere in the world, we learn about it from the US Geological Survey and not the weather bureau.
It seems the GSP has abdicated even its moral responsibility of informing, educating end creating awareness about the lurking danger under our feet.
Unfortunately, the GSP’s attitude has left an open field for self-styled pseudo experts and “prophets” of earthquake prediction, specially the director-general of the meteorological department to further misguide and confuse the shocked and bewildered nation.
The prime minister should remove this anomaly and place the responsibility of the study and recording of earthquakes to where it logically belongs – geo-scientists and GSP. Let the Met department “predict” weather and related above-surface phenomena for which it is eminently trained.
SALMAN NOOR
Karachi
GEORGE Bush and his cronies may deny that they intended to bomb Al Jazeera, but most people are convinced that this is just what had been intended. In fact, it is difficult to decide whether Bush or Al Qaeda is the greater evil. Future generations may well conclude that Bush and Blair caused more damage to humanity than the terrorists.
SHAKIR LAKHANI
Kaachi
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