| July 16, 2006 | Sunday | Jumadi-ul-Sani 19, 1427 |
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Kasuri’s reaction on Mumbai blasts
Kalat’s accession to Pakistan
Overcoming power crisis
An imminent danger
Why reform the government?
Kidney inquiry
Collective punishment
Restoration of commuted pension
Appeal to SECP
IN 1998 Pakistan was forced to go overtly nuclear by conducting its own tests to counter the unbearable tension caused to the citizens by India’s five atomic explosions and frenzied sabre-rattling.
At the time, Japan, along with the US and other western countries, had subjected Pakistan to enormous pressure and aid cut-off, as well as other sanctions, instead of trying to understand our predicament and sympathising with us. As luck would have it, North Korea fired its first long-range missile that flew over Japan within 1998, resulting in a tremendous amount of anxiety in Tokyo.
Similarly, Pyongyang’s subsequent development of nuclear weapons and the recent firing of missiles appear to have badly shaken our Japanese friends and make them rethink their disavowal of acquiring offensive military capability and strategic weapons. They should now pay greater heed to Pakistan’s experiences vis-a- vis both India and China.
The lessons to be learnt are: (a) the need for having an appropriate defence capability according to the security environment of a country and, (2) China’s trustworthiness as a friend. Instead of being pushed into resurrecting its militaristic past, becoming chauvinistic or forming an even closer alliance with the US that is unpalatable to its neighbours and non-conducive to peace, Japan should try a paradigm shift.
This can be done by reconciling with China and South Korea, which could then lead to a rapprochement with North Korea as well. Islamabad can play a vital role in helping to build bridges between its good friends Beijing and Tokyo. The hawkish stance of the Bush administration has misfired in Iraq and elsewhere in the Islamic world and won’t help in East Asia either. The sooner all concerned understand this, the better it will be for global peace.
In an interesting report, “China looks past Koizumi for better ties with Japan,” Linda Sieg has quoted a Chinese academic, Prof. Shi Yinhong, in support of her conclusion that optimism about the future of Sino-Japanese relations must be guarded at best. “We cannot be enemies, we cannot be lovers. We should be good neighbours with a fence between us,” he says (Dawn, July 10).
However, as an optimist, this correspondent’s advice is to pay more attention to the many similarities between the culture, literature and art of the two Asian giants. Their written languages, too, look very similar to the outsiders and there was a time when Chinese used to be the court language of Japan.
Pakistan and China have had very different political and economic systems, alliances and languages but, what to talk of a fence, even the Himalayas couldn’t keep them apart. If there is a will, a way can always be found.
A WELL-WISHER
Karachi
THIS is with reference to Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri’s Washington statement, dated July 12. If Mumbai’s gruesome serial blasts offered any opportunity, it was to express one’s utter sense of horror and disgust over the dastardly acts of a handful of blood-thirsty maniacs, condole with the bereaved families, pray for the quick recovery of the wounded and the return of the disabled to normal life. It was hardly either proper or prudent to have viewed the tragic episode as a cause or consequence of the prevailing extremism and use it as a ploy to settle old scores.
The president of Pakistan was the first amongst world leaders to denounce the bombings as ‘this despicable act of terrorism’ and offer his condolences. His timely message to the Indian president and the prime minister was given due prominence by the world media. And that was how it ought to have been.
Foreign Minister Kasuri, then on an official visit to Washington, saw and reacted to the gory affair differently. The ‘Mumbai incident, however tragic it may be, and it is undoubtedly very tragic’ he said, underlined the need for the two countries to work together to ‘control the environment’. That, to his mind, could be done ‘only’ if they resolved their disputes.
He went on to advise the two countries to take ‘advantage of this improved atmosphere and resolve outstanding disputes, particularly the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.’
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement made a piece of commendable moderation and maturity, although expert and public level reaction in New Delhi had been quite vehement and even potentially aggressive.
One noted Indian analyst C. Raja Mohan while talking to one of our private TV channels would not mince words about the ineptness of Mr Kasuri’s statement, its adverse impact on the on-going peace process and the progress of the composite dialogue. He felt sceptical about the third round of the composite dialogue at the level of the two foreign secretaries being held at all on schedule early in the third week of July. Besides provoking the Indian media, Mr Kasuri’s statement also brought forth a statement from India’s home secretary, V.K. Duggal. While reassuring that the peace process would continue, he urged Pakistan to cooperate with India against the ‘scourge of cross-border terrorism’ and take ‘urgent’ steps to dismantle the terrorist ‘infrastructure’ in Pakistan.
Time for Mr Kasuri to weigh the pros and cons of his seemingly off-the-cuff utterances and their impact on regional peace.
BRIG (r) A.R.SIDDIQI
Karachi
AN article in Dawn (July 13) about Balochistan has this to say about Kalat: "On Aug 15, 1947, the Khan of Kalat declared independence. Pakistan did not accept Kalat’s position and after almost nine months of negotiations, on April 1, 1948, forcibly annexed Kalat". This is factually incorrect.
On Aug 15, 1947, the Khan of Kalat, Ahmad Yar Khan, issued a firman declaring the independence of his state. However, the Khan’s decision was highly unpopular with the Baloch people, those of Kharan, Mekran and Lasbela, because the Kalat ruler wanted to annex these khanates.
A subcontinent had been partitioned, and the decision to effect this momentous transformation — the lapse of paramountcy, the dreams of 400 million people for independence had come true, and two independent states were come into being. The men who had taken these decisions were giants — Jinnah, Gandhi and Nehru among them. This historic decision could not be sabotaged by rajas, nawabs and khans who had nothing more dear to hearts than their own petty thrones which they had surrendered to the British long ago.
The Indian Independence Act, 1947, had not specifically asked any of the over 300 princely states to join Pakistan or India, but it had recommended that the rulers should take into account their states’ geographical location and their demographic character before exercising their right to accede to either of the two dominions
Kalat had a 99 per cent Muslim majority, and it was situated in the heart of Pakistan, and here was a feudal khan who wanted to upset the entire partition scheme and go against history. The ground from under him gave way when the rulers of Kharan, Mekran and Lasbela announced on March 17, 1948, their states’ accession to Pakistan.
On March 26, 1948, the Pakistan government informed the Khan of Kalat that it was sending troops to Jiwani, Turbat and Pasni (none of them in Kalat) to protect vital installations. The Khan then wrote to Quaid-i-Azam Jinnah: "(I) confirm to you clearly that I agree to accession to Pakistan. But at the same time I hope you will consider all claims and rights of Kalat which I have frequently presented to you. I am trusting in your good intentions and sense of fairness to preserve the ancient state of Kalat in the same way as you have brought Pakistan into existence".
The next day the Khan of Kalat and the Quaid signed an Instrument of Accession. The text of the instrument of accession can be seen on the Internet and is on display in Mohatta Palace, Karachi.
RIZWAN YASSIN
Karachi
THIS refers to the letter on the above subject (July 11). Since many people would like to see genuine solution to the power crisis (not similar to what was witnessed after 1994 Energy Policy), a number of queries have arisen.
If gas turbine inlet conditioning is really a ‘wonder’ technology, why have not we seen more of these?
It is unfortunate that gas turbine (GT) manufacturers would like to see more gas turbines sold; rather than encourage most optimum operation. Hundreds of GT inlet conditioning installations all over the world have been the result of utility/owners taking the right economic decision. There is no reason why this technology will not be technically or economically viable in Pakistan. Only some one in authority has to ask for this solution — 500-600 MW extra power in peak summer at about $200 per kW and seven to 10 per cent less fuel consumption. Where will you get this bargain?
Is this technology new or too advanced? GT inlet conditioning is simple with no involved hi-fi technology. The SNGPL has been successfully using this technology in their small cogeneration power plant at their head office building in Lahore for last 17 years. At present, many industrial gas turbine-based power plants in the country have this technology, allowing them to run at peak capacity even at very high (+40 degrees C) ambient temperatures.
There is really no technical reason not to install this technology in our combined cycle power stations at Kot Addu and Guddu (not Kotri as erroneously mentioned in the earlier letter). Such installations would be ready before next summer if handled professionally and would really help in the peak load periods, starting around April every year.
Regarding power consumption, we need to stop the dangerous trend of very high increase in commercial and domestic sectors — all basically because of our wasteful airconditioning. The increase in industrial power consumption is actually reducing which should wake up a lot of economists who continue to be hopeful of increased industrial activity due to higher power consumption in the country.
AINUL ABEDIN
Karachi
DURING a recent visit to Karachi I witnessed a dangerous practice going on at Clifton beach. Hundreds of people, including children, bathe in the water even when the sea is getting rough. If a strong wave swept some child or even an adult away, there isn’t a safety net provided to stop them from going into the deep sea.
In other countries three layers of safety nets are generally provided for the safety of the public. The lack of safety nets has caused many accidents at various beaches in Karachi and precious lives have been lost. Will the authorities concerned take necessary action in this regard and provide safety nets at all the beaches of Karachi?
AIR CDRE (r) AZFAR A. KHAN
Rawalpindi
READING ‘Why reform the government” (Dr I. Hussain, July 9), we get a clear picture of the National Commission for Government Reform’s approach. The four stated elements: macro, structural, poverty alleviation and good governance: are basic to its approach. Because of years of neglect leading to skewed asset distribution amongst Pakistanis, Dr Husain avers it will take time to move through this, the transitional phase leading ultimately to benefits being transferred from the very fortunate to the less fortunate, at that time the trickledown phase will occur, when several unpredictables will have to be faced in view of the weak institutional bases we have at the micro level. This is why our micros, tactics, implementation and retailing do not measure up to what is decided at the top level.
How are we to put this right, as this has been neglected for far too long. If any structural change is required, this is where we should begin. Obviously the measures taken should be in sync with our temperament to contain corruption and encourage transparency leading to proactive or preventive attitudes. I believe this will be the only way to counter the expected logjam of unpredictables arising with reforms and present admin structures which are both in a flux right now (transient phase).
This is going to call for a lot of admino-political courage. We must get our inspiration from the success of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He ensured — later through the Caliphs — that accountability of the public servant resided within the executive as it does in several countries with the Napoleonic dispensation and no one complains of the lack of human rights on this count.
The long rule of the Mughals was primarily through their method of governance. Jehangir’s first act was to install the chain of justice in which he gave judgment neither as chief justice nor as auditor-general but as the chief executive officer. Article 216 of our Interim Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of 1972 lays the basis for this, the Islamic way of dealing with accountability of the public servant. We need to reclaim our heritage. It jives with our temperament.
This leads to prevention rather than being involved in the English long-drawn-out judicial due process which gets us nowhere because technology is creating new situations every other day. While laws/ordinances/rules/bye-laws are required, they do not deal with the realities of the administrative processes at the lowest levels. To define a process is not an easy task. It is made up of sub-systems and procedures which require design/installation/modifications and continued maintenance for which budget appropriations must be made for this intangible asset.
If we move in this direction we are dealing with a common thread of all administrative endeavour, i.e., information which makes it possible to arrive at decisions whose quality improves if information at the time of decision-making is good enough.
This process induces self-regulation or homoeostasis in administrative systems. This is what we want because it will ensure even a bad policy can be faithfully implemented (not possible right now) which paves the way for improvement because it generates transparency and that is what we are looking for. In fact, we are not reforming the government but are reforming our mind-set. This must be understood, otherwise we are barking up the wrong tree.
MASOOD HASAN
Lahore
A well-attended meeting of the Karachi Bioethics Group (KBG) on July 10 expressed concern over recent news in the media reporting the ‘theft’ of a kidney from a patient during surgery by a doctor in a private hospital in Karachi.
It is commendable that the patient has lodged a report with the police, and support and solidarity should be extended for his courageous act. The KBG expects that due process of justice will take place, and that investigation of this case will be conducted in a transparent fashion to verify the facts.
First, verification of the professional certificates/degrees of the doctor concerned, questioning of all healthcare staff involved in the case should be undertaken, including anaesthetists, nurses, operating theatre technicians, pathologists and radiologists. Contact should be made with all patients operated on over the last year by the doctor concerned for investigation and ensuring that they have not been harmed in any manner.
Questioning of relevant hospital authorities should be done regarding their professional and moral responsibilities towards their patients.
The KBG appeals that investigations of the case should take place by a group of professionals and citizens who possess appropriate competencies and moral standing in our society.
The KBG appeals to the ministry of health, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, Pakistan Medical Association, the Pakistan Nursing Council, and other relevant professional bodies to take note of this act and monitor the progress of the investigation of this case. The credibility of all healthcare professions is at stake if this is not done.
In addition, the KGB would ask the citizens of Pakistan to pursue this case and ensure that the process of justice takes place.
MEMBERS
Karachi Bioethics Group
SINCE the last fortnight Israel is imposing collective punishment on the people of Gaza. It has destroyed government buildings, bridges, airports and the main power plant unit.
At present Israel is busy on the Lebanon front. It has targeted bridges, etc., and destroyed Beirut airport, which is the main artery for tourists, besides blockading the sea.
The United Nations and the world silently watch this state terrorism which violates the UN charter on all counts. It seems that the reins of the UN are with the United States. As such, the UN has become a spineless creature which fears to condemn the US or its allies on matters as grave as the current ones in Lebanon and Gaza.
RAFI ADAMJEE
Karachi
ON retirement at the age of 60, government servants are allowed to draw commuted pension that is half of the amount of full pension. Previously, full pension was restored after 10 years, that is to say, on attaining the age of 70. Then, the period for restoration of full pension was extended to 13, then 15 years: the pensioner reaching 75 years. Now, how many government servants hope to survive till 75 after their retirement from service? This is not only a matter of immense hardship but also illogical. Perhaps it is presumed that either there is no galloping inflation in the country or the longevity of pensioners has gone up considerably in ideal environment they live in during the fag-end of their life.
It is reliably learnt that the Supreme Court had taken benevolent view in the matter some time back in favour of the pensioners who have completed 10 years of retirement. The implementation of the decision is said to be held up due to some objections which, it is hoped, will be removed as soon as possible, so that pensioners now entitled to full pension may have a sigh of relief.
MOHAMMAD ALEEM SHAIKH
Karachi
I WAS lucky to get easily the allotted PPL shares through my National Bank of Pakistan branch. But now I am required to follow some very complex procedure to sell the shares.
I appeal to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan to specify a simpler procedure for sale of the shares, maybe through the same bank branch which sold the shares. I am confident that the SECP will be kind enough to help solve the genuine problem of thousands of shareholders, including illiterate and those living in remote areas, and earn their profound gratitude.
SHAKEEL AKHTAR
Rawalpindi
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