| February 7, 2006 | Tuesday | Muharram 8, 1427 |
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Punjab Assembly building
Iran, Pakistan & the OIC
Energy efficiency
Train accidents
HEC and its ‘alert’ notices
Cartoon controversy
‘Karachi’s options’
Town spraying
Police conduct
I REFER to your editorial “Environmental degradation” (Jan 30) in which you deplore the failure of the government and the public to take serious responsibility to check this seriously out of control problem in our country.
There is a ministry of environment, a Pakistan Environment Protection Council, EPIs in all provinces and countless NGOs.
They have the means, the manpower and official support, but what they do not have is a sense of outrage.
They will be concerned in theory about the destruction of our forests or the polluting of our cities, but will show no anger when thousands of old trees are thoughtlessly hacked down to widen more roads bringing in yet more traffic, congestion and pollution. Better planning and vision would have saved hundreds of these trees.
The former Punjab ombudsman had ordered that the 149 trees within the grounds of Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore, must be protected and that when the hotel was privatized, they must be registered as to number and species in the presence of the new owner, the forest secretary and the environmental protection agencies. Three years on, the ombudsman’s order has not as yet been implemented by these agencies.
The recent proposal to build two five-star hotels in the historical Mayo Gardens is the latest outrage in the historical city of Lahore.
Mayo Gardens is one of the oldest, most beautiful gardens, a wildlife sanctuary of considerable rarity, where annually migratory birds, such as the Siberian cranes, come to rest before undertaking the final leg of their journey.
Any commercial development in or near these gardens will seriously upset the ecological balance established over the past century.
In any other country of the world there would be an uproar at the very idea of the loss of such a garden.
In her letter to your newspaper, entitled “PR land: in violation of rules?” (Jan 22), Suraiya Hafeez has raised doubts as to the legality of the use of this area for commercial purposes. This point should be investigated most immediately.
KATHERINE ABBASI
Chairperson, Friends of Trees
Society, Karachi
REFERRING to the construction of a new building for the Punjab Assembly, a bewildered Ayaz Amir asks the rhetorical but germane question (‘Cricket and the state of the nation’, Feb 2) “Why do we do these things?” This would be equally appropriate to a host of other incomprehensible acts including Shahid Afridi’s scuffing of the pitch in the face of the most modern technology, or Nawaz Sharif’s advertisement in the WSJ for investment in the Pakistan Bonds “with no question asked” despite a battery of financial advisers at his side, or our loquacious president’s dismissal of rape victims as in reality seeking visas and monetary benefits. We could go on about the hysterical non-issue of the Lahore Marathon or the traffic chaos because of ‘VIP movement’, in fact we could go on forever.
Are we as the Scorpion who beseeched the Frog to ferry him across the waters to which the Frog replied “But you will sting me”? The Scorpion protested that if he did, he himself would drown. Seeing the logic in this the Frog obliged, only to feel the sting midstream. “But why?” he asked the drowning Scorpion. Came the reply “It’s because I am a scorpion, it’s may nature.”
On the other hand social scientists may point out that unlike humans, who have a prior understanding of concepts, national institutions are not endowed nor created with genetic facilities of organization, self-preservation or promotion. Whether it is the administration or the judiciary or the legislature, this can only be achieved by effective systems and competent management. Where these institutions are dominated by unqualified beneficiaries of administrative largesse, by the landed aristocracy, by political mafiosi or by an element for whom preservation of the status quo is the priority, the development and maturity of institutions can never be achieved. After all to whom should the appointee be first loyal, his benefactor or the institution?
No until the backbone of the institutions comprises literate and trained cadres, coming out of a systematic and pervasive educational system, will we be able to resist asking on a daily basis “Why do we do these things?”
KHURSHID HADI
Karachi
THE train of events set in motion by the West’s determination to ensure Iran’s nuclear “compliance” will inevitably and inexorably lead to heightened tensions and prolonged instability in the region.
Economic sanctions, possible air-strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, its retaliation, the likelihood of the closure of the Straits of Hormuz and conflicting pressures on Iran’s neighbours could seriously disrupt political and economic life and cause oil prices to go through the ceiling. Authoritarianism, of which there is no shortage in the Muslim world, will gain further strength. This all seems a heavy price for the region to pay for the West’s geo-strategic objective of ensuring Israel’s unquestionable military dominance.
Iran is a major regional power and a potential global power. Historically, it has made an impressive contribution to world civilization. It is inhabited by a proud and dignified people. It is the fourth largest oil producer. When its leaders proclaim that they will not allow themselves to be bullied, those possessing knowledge of contemporary history had better listen and take them seriously. It should not be mistaken for rhetoric or brinkmanship, but as the collective assertion of a people who will not compromise on equality and respect.
The worst fall-out from the coming upheaval would be on Iran’s neighbours, virtually all of whom are Muslim countries and member-states of the OIC. Logically, these should be the most pro-active in working towards a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the dispute. Regrettably, there is no evidence of this. The crisis will cause turmoil on our borders (as if Afghanistan was not enough), scuttle the multi-billion dollar gas pipeline project and divert international attention from political disputes like Kashmir.
These factors should prompt Pakistan to take the lead in urging a hopefully rejuvenated OIC to at last show its mettle. Iran can help by striking the right balance between principles and pragmatism.
IQBAL AHMAD KHAN
Lahore
THIS refers to Mr Ainul Abedin’s letters “Cogeneration is the answer” and “Gas management policy” (Dec 30 and Jan 11) in which he has highlighted some typical issues relating to the waste of energy resources, particularly in the industrial sector, on account of unplanned or inefficient methods of power generation and use of fuels in industrial processes.
He has also discussed several energy conservation measures and energy-efficient systems that may be adopted to conserve this vital resource.
The SSGC is fully aware of the prevailing situation which has been caused by an unplanned growth of small private power generation by industry. We appreciate the views of Mr Abedin and agree with the general direction of the arguments and suggestions presented by him.
However, we would like to highlight the following in the light of the current policy and practices in the gas sector.
First, in compliance with ECG policy, SSGC does not approve of any new gas connection to a bulk industrial user who does not opt for cogeneration or a combined cycle power plant for his industry.
Old customers, who are not currently using efficient technologies, are being asked by the company to change to modern technology that conserves energy, saves cost and ensures greater production efficiency.
For further education of current and potential customers of natural gas, whether industrial or commercial, the SSGC is promoting integrated energy systems, HVAC, cogeneration and combined cycle power plants. Our experts offer free advice to customers and help them identify options that are available in the market today.
We are also about to launch a media campaign to create greater awareness about how natural gas and other fuel sources can be used in a more efficient and environment-friendly manner.
NAEEM-UR-AKHOOND
General Manager (Engineering Services) SSGC,
Karachi
A FEW days ago a Lahore-bound train from Rawalpindi derailed near the Domeli railway station and a similar derailment took place on Saturday of the Lahore bound Karakoram Express near Samasatta. The two accidents have similarities — loose fish plates/bolts found at the site and both trains having coaches imported from China.
The causes of these two accidents are still under investigation and could be either human error or sabotage. Perhaps, a third possibility, that of equipment defect, also needs to be considered. In both the accidents passengers have said that they heard a very loud and unusual sound just before the derailment. Why are only trains with Chinese coaches being affected? This needs to be investigated.
LT-COL (r) JAVED AHMAD
Karachi
THE HEC has been placing “Parents alert” advertisements in national newspapers, giving a list of those universities which do not meet the federal cabinet’s criteria. This is being done to make parents aware of the fact that charters of a large number of universities will be withdrawn in February 2007.
These universities/institutes have been established in accordance with provincial laws (education being on the concurrent legislative list).
The provincial criteria were developed in consultation with the UGC which is no longer in existence. The competent authority for provincial institutions is the respective provincial governments. For federally chartered/established institutions, it is the federal government.
According to a news agency report in your newspaper, private universities, however, are putting pressure on chancellors — provincial governors — to somehow not implement the decision made by the president and the prime minister, so that they can continue to “function without any checks”.
‘Function without checks’? If the HEC had read the provincial ordinances of these institutions then this statement would not have been made. The ordinances clearly provide for checks and monitoring, and following due process, the chancellor/patron (provincial governor) of an institution can even order its closure.
The report also says that steps taken by the HEC to ensure quality need to be fully supported by provincial governments to avoid “perpetuation of mediocre institutions”. It’s a good thing that the HEC does not have an evaluative quality assurance framework, because if it had applied this objectively to all universities, then many in the public sector would be among the first to be shut down. The HEC appears to be equating the physical size of a university to quality — and if this were true than many of our public universities should have been among the best in the world.
Then there is the sentence in the report: “The mushrooming of substandard universities granted charters by provincial governments has done much damage to higher education.”
The fact is that almost all universities, public or private, are provincially chartered. Is the reporter then implying that education be placed on the federal list?
Your report also says the following: “In most cases, charters have been granted by the provinces without mandatory inspection and approval of the HEC”.
Which law makes the grant of charter by a provincial government subject to mandatory inspection and approval of the HEC? The fact is that the HEC chairman or his nominee sits on the board of governors of each provincially chartered institution.
As for the claim that “many private universities continue to operate in small rented buildings without any properly-qualified faculty and that students are “made to pay huge fees without getting proper education”, it should be remembered that all beginnings are small. Many public universities also started out from small, rented buildings. Some have certain departments/centres still functioning in rented buildings. As for the fee issue, again the HEC has not done its homework. The cost of the so-called self-financed programmes at public universities may be higher than similar ones at private universities, despite the fact that in the former the cost of infrastructure is provided by the government and there are many other subsidies as well. So who is ripping off whom?
Has the HEC done a department-wise comparison of “properly qualified” faculty at public and private universities? If it had, it surely would not have made a sweeping and irresponsible statement like this. Does the HEC have a framework to evaluate what is “proper education?”
The fact is that the HEC has no clue on how to move forward on quality assurance in higher education. It bemoans lack of international standards but is itself unwilling to follow international norms and practices. The leading universities in Pakistan are private or autonomous, free of state control.
DR AZMAT ABBAS SYED
Rector, Imperial College of Business Studies,
Lahore
IN the context of the ongoing cartoon controversy, one finds the threats of killings and bombing harmful to the image of Islam. Why threaten them with bullets and bombs when you can hit them where it hurts most, the wallet? I like the way taken by most of the Middle East by boycotting Danish products.
The Danish prime minister wasn’t willing to talk on this issue until Danish-Swedish dairy giant Arla Foods said its sales in the Middle East had plummeted to zero as a result of the row.
The French-based Carrefour grocery chain pulled Danish products from its shelves in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar in response to a boycott the company said was costing it $2.4 million a day, about eight per cent of its global revenue. Arla Foods has annual sales of $480 million in the Middle East. If this boycott can last for a few weeks let alone months or year I bet the European voice will change.
I just can’t understand where was that very freedom when Prince Harry decided to go to a fancy dress party dressed as a Nazi officer? Where was freedom of speech when Iranian President Ahmadinejad suggested moving Israel to Europe? Or the artwork in Sweden in January 2004 by artist Dror Feiler which showed a pool of blood and a white boat whose sail was made of suicide bomber Hanadi Jaradat’s picture — this artwork was vandalized by the Israeli ambassador Zvi Mazel.
YOUSAF MALIK
Sargodha
TO expect the West, be it governments, media, or its citizens, to be sensitive and balanced in their approach to Islam and Muslim, is futile. Capitalism has thoroughly brainwashed them and they are unlikely to see beyond their commercial noses. The French may feel threatened by women wearing (not shedding) an extra piece of cloth. The Iranian president can be censured and ridiculed for suggesting that Jews did not belong in the Middle East. But anyone ridiculing or insulting Islam/Muslims, particularly our Holy Prophet (PBUH), immediately becomes a cause celebre for the western champions of so-called free speech.
Nevertheless, it is important to let the West know whenever it oversteps a line. How is that to be done will vary and cannot be controlled across the globe. Muslims have as much right to have lunatic/extremist fringes as anyone else. Within those extreme fringes, the opinions and behaviours will vary a great deal. If someone mobilizes people to boycott products from a certain country, for whatever reason, what is wrong with that? The US does that all the time.
NADIR ABBAS
Islamabad
THE Danish editor concerned has said he was sorry Muslims were angry; he would not have printed those cartoons had he known the extent of Muslim anger. However, even this semblance of an apology is a lie. For the question is how are these cartoons being republished by other papers in Europe? Are there no copyright laws in Europe?
Obviously their continued reprinting is possible only if the original offending newspaper granted them explicit or tacit permission.
Europe needs to be cured of its arrogance and Islamophobia. And the current campaign against its unlimited right to offend Muslims must not fail.
KHALID BAIG
Garden Grove, CA, US
THIS refers to the editorial “Karachi’s options” (Feb 3). It has been very rightly pointed out that to contain the widening gap between demand and supply, the existing water supply to the city must be utilized properly.
I worked on the K-II project for nine years from 1991 to 2000. When this phase was designed and built very expensive water treatment equipment was imported from the UK by a private contractor. After a couple of years the lack of maintenance began to show and the water treatment process began to suffer. For instance, chlorine, essential to purifying water, was not used.
I have just cited one example of lack of maintenance. There are numerous other projects which are lying neglected. The need is to concentrate on maintaining what has been built so that it has a long shelf life.
This is not to criticize new projects like K-III but to highlight the importance of making things last.
ANAS A KHAN
Edmonton, AB, Canada
AROUND two weeks ago, there was a news item in your paper stating that Gulshan Town, Karachi, had been sprayed with insect-repellent spray, and this was quoting the town nazim. I am a resident of Block 17 in Gulshan Town and my experience suggests that the population of various insects has actually increased over the last two weeks.
Moreover, many residents I have talked to do not recall seeing any spraying of the area. Let’s hope that this was not just a statement for public consumption.
MOHAMMED HASAN
Karachi
I WOULD like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned to an ugly incident which occurred last Friday. There was a poor “thelay-wallah” selling fruit outside Mubarak Masjid in Seaview, Karachi. A policeman was on duty and approached the vendor.
He first told the vendor — a boy — to get lost and then without saying much kicked him in front of everyone.
The police authorities should find out who was on duty at the mosque during Friday prayers on that day and take appropriate action. No wonder people hate these so-called servants of the nation.
A PAKISTANI
Karachi
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