| February 15, 2006 | Wednesday | Muharram 16, 1427 |
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Mode of dress
KPT fountain
Private aviation jobs
Irsa’s powers
Lahore match
Sugar shenanigans
Traffic police
Car parking
Senseless violence
Kalabagh dam
Saudi aid
THIS is with reference to a letter by Badia Raza (Feb. 13) regarding the Higher Education Commission’s ‘parents alert notices’.
This is to clarify that the HEC is not carrying out any ranking process but has alerted the public about a federal cabinet decision taken in February 2002 to withdraw charters of those institutions that do not meet certain minimum eligibility criteria by February 2007.
Charters are granted by the respective provincial governments and not by the commission. The HEC has been working to close down substandard institutions — and not to create new substandard institutions, as has been alleged. This is evident from its campaign of advertisements in national newspapers which have alerted the public about many universities and degree-awarding institutions whose charters will be withdrawn if they do not meet the minimum benchmarks laid down by the cabinet.
The federal cabinet discussed the issue of mushrooming of sub-standard, low quality universities and degree-awarding institutions in the private sector in detail and decided to give them a five-year grace period for meeting the academic and physical requirements. This grace period expires on February 26, 2007. The matter was reconsidered by the chancellors’ committee on May 11, 2004, which was chaired by the president of Pakistan and attended by the prime minister, the four governors in their capacity as chancellors of provincial universities, the president of AJK and others.
The committee unanimously agreed not to give any relaxation to any public and private sector university or degree-awarding institution beyond the expiry date. The HEC published a full-page ad to alert the public of the situation in this regard.
The commission is, therefore, utilizing all possible resources under law to enhance the quality of education and to shut down below standard institutions, which are causing great damage to higher education in Pakistan.
DR RASHID MATEEN
Higher Education Commission, Islamabad
THE rector of Imperial College of Business Studies, Lahore, has come out (Feb 7) with criticism of the HEC’s alert notices with regard to institutions of higher learning. The rector needs to realize that these notices have been of great help to parents. The fact is that Dr Abbas Syed’s letter clearly appears to be that of an aggrieved party. Talking of checks and monitoring he points out that the chancellor/patron can order closure of an institution of higher learning that does not conform to the required standards. The fact, however, is that no chancellor/patron has so far in the private and public sectors been able to maintain quality. Only a very limited number of universities have properly qualified faculty.
There is little doubt that mediocre institutions are thriving in both the private and public sectors, more so in the former. I had the misfortune to serve in both public and private sector institutions. In universities sponsored by the armed forces it is not uncommon for sons and daughters of top-level officers to be favoured out of the way. At the same time, private sector universities ensure that there are no failures so that students come to them and get their degrees without deserving them. Similarly admissions are granted regardless of a student’s performance in the examination preceding the level to which he or she seeks admission. All this is done to make money.
Dr Syed has also pointed out that the defunct UGC and now its successor, i.e., the HEC, is represented on the governing body of all institutions of higher learning whether public or private. He, however, challenges the HEC assertion with regard to “mushrooming of substandard universities granted charters by provincial governments”.
He has not perhaps gone through the list of so-called affiliated institutions of two private sector universities granted charters by the Azad Kashmir government and three granted charters by the NWFP government. The problem is that charters are granted before the HEC nominee becomes a member of the governing body and in some cases charters have been granted to institutions that do not conform to requirements.
In one instance a university in the private sector, where I served briefly, has a clause in its charter appointing a gentleman as chancellor for life. This gentleman is himself a matriculate but appoints the vice-chancellor and on terms and conditions he considers proper. This university and a couple of others affiliate institutions for degrees in subjects in which they have no departments, faculty, or facilities. Yet this is how it is.
Two universities chartered by the Azad Kashmir government have a thinner presence at the headquarters and a greater presence in the federal capital. A university that was supposed to be based in Bannu has almost no presence there and offers admission to PhD programmes without having faculty with doctorates and requisite experience. The Punjab government has perhaps adhered to required standards in most cases while granting charters. However, while teaching at one of the constituent units of a university chartered in Punjab, I was prevented from going outside the one book prescribed for the course.
The best judges of both the public and private sector degree-awarding institutions are those who have had the good or bad fortune of studying there. I have interacted with innumerable students of “substandard” universities/institutions referred to by the Higher Education Commission and in 90 per cent of the cases they are in full agreement with the HEC’s policy with regard to standards.
Dr Abbas Syed may be chancellor of the best institution in the country but all that he has to do is to prove it. There is a great deal of logic in what he says of public sector institutions. Many of them should perhaps be closed down even before any institution of higher learning in the private sector.
JAHANZEB KHAN
Via email
OVER the centuries, Muslims have been wearing different types of attire depending on climate or culture. Recently, this issue has been unnecessarily politicized, particularly by Muslims living in Europe. Firstly hijab and more recently the ‘jilbab’ have been claimed as Islamic dresses for women.
I reproduce here a description of the hijab I saw advertised: “We sell hijabs and accessories for the modest yet modern sister with style. Only the latest and most stylish of hijabs, bandanas, head bands and pins in exclusive colours, unique designs and fabrics.... Long, square, tasselled, sequined, plain, hand and machine embroidered....”
Are we looking at modest dress here? It is a common sight to see Muslim girls wearing hijab and tight jeans or longish skirts at the same time. A Muslim girl Shabina Begum has been fighting a court battle with her school in the UK. The school allows shalwar kameez plus optional hijab but Shabina says that this dress is un-Islamic. She wants to wear a ‘jilbab’ which is a one-piece long gown, commonly worn in the Middle East.
If modesty is the motive, I would like to point out that a jilbab’ may well be revealing when the wearer has to climb steps to board a bus. Suitably tailored shalwar kameez with a head scarf/hijab will be more appropriate.
I would like to appeal to our sisters to avoid the path of confrontation and look at this matter dispassionately. Millions of Muslim women from across the world are allowed to perform the Haj. Why can’t we accept the same level of diversity when we are in Europe?
KHALID A.
London
THE KPT is an authority which is vital for the economy of Pakistan. Most economists, national and international, tell us that our holistic economic scenario is far from robust. We who can afford to read this daily paper know the reality of poverty in our country. The basics for the poor are still +ACI-roti, kapra aur makaan+ACI-. Let us add to this +ACI-water+ACI- and forget education, health and entertainment for the majority.
In this context, all readers appreciate fully the negative press the KPT fountain continues to receive. Khadija Karamali said it in a letter (Feb 2). It is most distressing to even think of fountains, which stop working any way within a year or so, when water issues are connected with the economy of Pakistan. Concerned citizens have written about many aspects concerning this KPT gift — cost, maintenance, environment, pollution, and cost/benefit ratio included.
My assumption is that the KPT had funds which were to be dedicated to public welfare. Their vision was the fountain as the only option. Other options could have been considered. I am suggesting some below:
— The KPT must have a dispensary +ADs- this could have been upgraded. The same applies to existing hospitals and schools, if any.
— Some appropriate sports facilities, for both sexes, could have been improved or established.
— Talented students and sports persons given stipends and/or prizes.
— Other forms of entertainment or activities could have been considered — perhaps a rest and reading room for senior citizens.
— Maybe a small museum regarding ports, shipping, KPT history, and marine wildlife.
GULZAR BANO
Lahore
I WANT to draw attention to a new trend that Pakistan’s private aviation sector has started. Not one of the companies is interested in hiring male cabin staff; all vacancies are only for females, whether in commercial airlines or the new executive jet service companies that have come up recently. Initially Shaheen Air used to take on males but even they have stopped doing so.
Did it ever occur to the airlines that many young men may be eager to take up positions with them, and that many of them would genuinely like to be flying and serving?
The advantage of having male staff on board cannot be denied when crew are confronted with emergencies where physical force may be needed, such as dealing with unruly passengers, or medical cases of certain types as well as accidents.
This is not meant to demean female crew who are doing an exceptional job, nor is it my intention to rob them of job opportunities. But I do feel at least one male crew on board each flight could be to the advantage of all. The airlines can also be very selective in hiring them and only employ a handful who meet their requirements.
This way many educated and well-built men from the country’s rural areas may also get an opportunity to find respectable jobs. Airlines could groom them further just as the hotel industry does. It would also be good if the age requirement for such jobs for men would be raised to 35 from 25.
A CONCERNED CITIZEN
Karachi
A CONTROVERSY has been raised over the powers and duties of Irsa in the letter by Mr Fateh Ullah Khan, ex-chairman of Irsa (Jan 15). In this context, the clarification by Mr Shafqat Masood, chairman of Irsa (Jan 19), rightly quotes the relevant sections of the Irsa Act regarding the functions and duties of the authority.
It is quite clear and no ambiguity exists in this regard.
The contention of Mr Fateh Ullah Khan, claiming appraisal of any water sector development project and its acceptance or rejection by Irsa, does not fall within the purview of the authority.
The powers and duties of Irsa have been clearly laid down in the Irsa Act, duly approved by the legislature, i.e., the National Assembly. The consideration and approval of all water sector development projects is carried out under a defined procedure of the government of Pakistan wherein the final approving authority is Ecnec.
MUHAMMAD SHAFIQ CHAUDHRY
Lahore
THE poor captaincy by Inzamamul Haq towards the end of the third one-day match at Lahore has forced me to write this. The last and decisive turning-point in the game was when Inzamam called Naveedul Hassan to bowl his last two overs and he conceded sufficient runs with ease to ensure that India smoothly sailed to victory. After that there was nothing left for other Pakistani players to fight for. Naveed’s over finally handed over the match irreversibly to the Indian batsmen who gained complete control thereafter.
It is worrisome is that despite availability of plenty of computing ability to not only work out the remaining overs in a game but also to calculate the economic impact of every bowler, Inzamam could not work out efficiency for his bowlers and he “over-trusted” Naveedul Hassan when both Abdul Razak and Yasir Arafat had sufficient overs between them.
It is not intended to point fingers at Inzamam or Naveed. Both are Pakistan’s star players and have won many matches for Pakistan. Yet, one can always learn from one’s mistakes and I hope Inzamam will learn from his mistake and will be more active in the field, physically as well as mentally. We are behind Inzamam and our team, and hope Rana Naveed regains his lost form and comes back very strongly and decisively in the remaining matches of the series.
SOHAIL NAWAZ AWAN
Jeddah
INZAMAM has won many matches for Pakistan as a batsman but never a single game due to his captaincy. If we are to be serious contenders for the World Cup, it is time to let Younis Khan lead the side. Inzamam almost always gets things wrong where some analytical thinking is required.
He may be able to inspire himself to batting greatness but does little to motivate his team members other than ask them to huddle as if they are playing American rules football. Inzamam may have brought discipline to the team but discipline without aggression and innovation is not a winning formula.
Pakistan can only win if they bowl other sides out. We have never produced outstanding batting nor fielding teams — dropping Sami and Kaneria is mind-boggling. And whoever gave the order for the flat pitches during the Test series takes the responsibility for Shoaib Akhtar’s latest injury — similar to what Imran Khan suffered bowling his heart out on pitches prepared by selectors afraid of losing or batting captains protecting their track records.
MOHAMMED BALUCH
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
THE manner in which sugar prices have been allowed to stay high for so long gives credence to reports that some members of the federal cabinet and key members of the Punjab government may be involved in what amounts to a conspiracy. After all there is a direct conflict of interest when key ministers responsible for controlling the crisis have a direct financial stake in prolonging it, since they happen to own sugar mills.
There are reports that those who benefited from this could have made as much as Rs6-7 billion over a four-week period.
President Musharraf is a man who is known to be very straightforward. He must therefore take stern action against those ruling party leaders who have no conscience or principles of their own. People holding high public office cannot be seen to be so nakedly abusing their official position like these sugar barons have done. It is time the president cleansed his team of racketeers who will never let pass an opportunity to make a quick buck.
SHAHZAD KHALIL
Sialkot
IT is common to see transporters and the public abusing traffic constables, the so-called servants of the nation. I believe that they deserve it all.
Traffic constables daily annoy the public and transporters, threatening them with “chalaans” and collecting bribes. They are hardly ever seen performing the duty they are meant for. A few days ago there was a huge traffic jam at Chungi No. 22, a chowk near CMH, Rawalpindi, and it lasted for more than 50 minutes. It was between 3pm and 4pm, but no policeman was present there to regulate the traffic flow, while normally there are at least three policemen on duty there.
Are the traffic police meant only to collect bribes from transporters on a monthly basis?
A SUFFERER
Rawalpindi
THE Clifton Cantonment Board, Karachi, has given a contract to a firm to collect parking fees. The contractor is charging Rs10 per car irrespective of the time the car remains in the parking area.
Moreover, one sees no notice displaying the parking rates.
NAYARUL HAQ
Karachi
THIS is in response to two news items, both published on Feb 13. The first read: “Participants in a rally jointly taken out here on Sunday by religious parties and traders’ bodies turned violent and damaged four cinema houses, besides pillaging two petrol pumps.” The second read: “Religious parties representing different schools of thought attacked the office of a cellphone company.”
Throughout the country there have been many protest rallies against the blasphemous cartoons. The protest rallies have done a lot of damage to personal property, shops, offices, etc. IWhat kind of a picture of Islam are we showing to the world by such senseless violence?
My question to these people involved in protest rallies is, why are you not respecting the religious freedom of the minorities in Pakistan? In Sangla Hill religious parties desecrated holy Bibles, statues and altars. They damaged a church and two others were set to fire. Schools and hostels were also set on fire. The Christian community throughout the country as well as in Sangla Hill preferred to carry out a peaceful protest against the incident.
QAISAR FAROOQ
Sialkot
THE Kalabagh dam can boost the economy and improve water supply to the parched farm fields of Sindh and Punjab. This dam is like a water tank. If water is available in the reservoir, it can be supplied to these provinces. Nowadays water is not available. You can give the extra water of Punjab to Sindh or the other provinces. Supporting this dam is to favour Pakistan, the people of Sindh and its farmers, not the landlord. The political people are raising this issue for their survival.
M. SAEED AKHTAR ABBASI
Sahiwal
PAKISTANIS should be grateful to the Saudi king who has declined to continue doling out the $2 billion largesse requested by the president and the prime minister.
Somewhere we have to stand up and tell the world that we are capable of living within our means. We cannot remain the proverbial “miskeen” forever.
SYED SAULAT SHERE
Virginia, USA
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