| November 13, 2006 | Monday | Shawwal 20, 1427 |
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Suicide attack in Dargai
Kargil operation
Beachfront development
Dengue fever
Taking a clear stand
Free and fair elections
Ban on Shoaib
Our 9/11 compulsion
Organ Transplantation Bill
Readers are requested to restrict their comments to a maximum of 400 words. We reserve the right to edit letters for reasons of clarity and space. Letters, including those by e-mail, should carry the complete postal address of the sender. The views expressed in these columns do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.—Editor
THIS has reference to Qudssia Akhlaque’s story ‘Foreign policy-makers face dilemma of multi-culturalism’ (Nov 9). If we were to accept the writer’s premise that a person’s allegiance is determined by the ancestry of his parents, what is wrong with fundamentalist white Americans protesting against the appointment of ‘coloured’ people to sensitive positions in America?
Ms Akhlaque is playing with dangerous ideas of endorsing racism and discrimination based on religion. This can backfire badly on Pakistanis in America because as ‘everyone’ knows, Muslims swear allegiance to Allah before anyone else. So does that automatically mean Americans can say that Muslims are untrustworthy in military or law enforcement roles because it requires them to swear allegiance to the nation before anything else?
By protesting about American citizens of Indian origin, Pakistan is playing right into the hands of bigots.
BK VASAN
Chicago, USA
QUDSSIA Akhlaque’s article was a timely and appropriate analysis of an impending problem for Pakistan. Experience teaches us that foreign expatriates tend to be more extremist than those left behind in what the Americans call “the old country.”
Thus Greek-Americans tend to be strongly anti-Turkish, Armenian-Americans are strongly anti-Azeri, Baltic-Americans are strongly anti-Russian and so on. Indeed, India found this out with the Sikh diaspora in the US. The only exception to this rule seems to be Pakistan, whose nationals routinely spit on the nation that nurtured them.
Though Pakistan can do little in terms of Indian migration abroad, it can firmly assert its own interests regarding foreign missions to Pakistan. Accrediting diplomats is the function of the host, not the despatching country. And looking after our own interests is the function of the Pakistan foreign office, not foreign government agencies.
The US recently engaged in a diplomatic spat with Canada because it insisted on treating Canadians born in suspect countries as nationals of those countries, regardless of their Canadian passports. American interests, not Canadian sensibilities, trumped the decision-making process. Take a page from their book.
In my personal experience, “westerners” of Indian origin, however gracious as individuals, invariably harbour such intense Pakistan-hatred as to preclude any prospect of objectivity, even for the sake of their new homeland. Pakistanis should categorically deny them entry as “western diplomats”, and encourage those already present to leave.
SAEED G. AWAN
Chicago, USA
THURSDAY’S suicide attack on the armed forces brought home the dangerous nature of the elements that are being given protection by tribal leaders in FATA. It also proves that if anybody in those areas could support or give protection to such elements, they are extremely dangerous for the security of the country.
Pakistan has faced a lot of trouble because of FATA. The tribal areas are heavily armed; they are swarming with extremists, a big den where criminals can hide and are unsafe to visit. People in the area give protection to terrorists and everything about them is dangerous and bad for Pakistan. I don’t think such an archaic, backward-minded, lawless area exists anywhere in the world.
People of FATA should decide whether they want to form their own province of or join the NWFP. Either way, we should not tolerate their lawless status anymore. The Pakistani army and the government demilitarise all of those areas and enforce Pakistani law on them. We need to get rid of this menace once and for all before we get engulfed by a further escalation of terrorism inside of our own country.
SAAD W. ANSARI
Austin, USA
THE violence observed in the last 10 days has been shocking even by the recent standards of turbulence in Pakistan. Such a high number of the dead exemplifies the anarchy faced by the Muslim ummah in general. Unfortunately no silver lining is visible.
It is important to consider some precursors to these sad developments. Lt-Gen. David Richards, commander of the NATO-led international forces in Afghanistan, had expressed dissatisfaction over the presence and movements of Al-Qaeda operatives within Pakistan. Reportedly, the allegations were backed up by strong evidence including the satellite images of the objectionable installations. His thoughts changed dramatically after his meeting with the Pakistani authorities last month. He mentioned complete satisfaction with the efforts on this side of the border and the harmony of views between the respective authorities.
However, the conflicting reports over the Bajaur massacre allow for speculations over the reasons behind a sudden change of heart. Could it be that Pakistan succumbed to the pressure and allowed for US military intervention? As the locals argue, was Pakistani involvement in the incident only meant to create a smoke-screen?
We are already mocked around the world for acting up to foreign directives and threats. However, with such developments the confidence and self-respect of an average Pakistani takes a further blow. Militancy in Pakistan is definitely a serious concern but ‘rooting it out’ suggests a one-dimensional and crude thinking. If such elements have sympathisers within the population, then there is a need for pacifying measures because ideologies cannot be changed by force.
Studying and researching Islamic philosophy should be promoted with incentives to alleviate the dichotomy prevalent in our society where religion is necessary for the hereafter and passing the courses of Islamiat but does not earn even a half decent job or standing in society. If Islam is a code of life, how many nights have we spent meditating over it? If the fundamentals of our religion are irreproachable, why is fundamentalism a curse? Or is it a misnomer?
Our role in the so-called war on terror also needs a review along the same theme as depicted by “sab say pehlay Pakistan”. How much more bloodshed can we afford?
DR RAJA M. A. AZAD
Ireland
IN A recent TV programme, Gen Mirza Aslam Beg said that Gen Musharraf had told him then that Nawaz Sharif wanted him to take some action to produce an international interest in Kashmir. It is not clear whether this request was made before or after the meeting with the then Indian premier A.B. Vajpayee. If Kargil really revived Kashmir, Mr Sharif should get the “credit”.
During the Kargil operation, Pakistan’s foreign minister went to India and Gen Musharraf went to China. Both tried to revive talks on Kashmir but they were told to vacate Kargil first. No other influential country supported Pakistan.
When they didn’t get any support, Mr Sharif requested President Clinton’s help. In his autobiography My Life, Clinton writes: “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan called and asked if he could come to Washington on July 4 to discuss the dangerous standoff with India that had begun several weeks earlier when Pakistani forces under the command of General Pervez Musharraf crossed the Line of Control... Sharif was concerned that the situation Pakistan had created was getting out of control, and he hoped to use my good offices not only to resolve the crisis but to help mediate with the Indians on the question of Kasmir itself...
“I told Sharif that he was always welcome to in Washington, even on July 4, but if he wanted me to spend America’s Independence Day with him, he had to come to the United States knowing two things: first, he had to agree to withdraw his troops back across the Line of Control; and, second, I would not agree to intervene in the Kashmir dispute, especially under circumstances that appeared to reward Pakistan’s wrongful incursion.”
What would have happened if Mr Sharif had accepted the advice of his commander and not gone to Washington? Much more needs to be discussed about this aspect.
Pakistan’s only success in the Kargil operation was the surprise occupation of the empty hilltops in the winter. The rest was a humiliating experience. It is not important for the nation whether the general was wholly or partially responsible or how much Mr Sharif knew. These are mere distractions to suppress the reality of a failed action: both militarily and politically.
SHAFAAT RASOOL
Karachi
RECENTLY many a letter has appeared in these columns regarding the DHA’s proposed beach development programme. People contend that once the beach is developed, the common person will be denied all access to the seaside. This is entirely wrong. It seems those who are making a noise have not studied the beach development programme. Before taking a stand, a person should study all dimensions of an issue. Otherwise he/she can be accused of distorting the truth or spreading a prejudiced view.
At one time I also assumed that the DHA was wrong but when I deliberated on their projects in detail, I realised I was being injudicious. It became clear that the beach’s development plan will benefit the common man as much as it will benefit anyone else.
The intent should not be to sway public opinion against ground realities. In the 14 km beachfront development plans, commercial plazas have only been allowed on extreme remote ends while the nucleus consists of boardwalks, amphi-theatres which are open to the public, and unregulated beach accesses interspersed with state of the art facilities.
The DHA maintains that the rules and principles of environmental protection, coastal conservation and town planning — according to stringent national and international standards — are in-built components of the water front developments. However, nothing seems to satisfy those who are set out to oppose something unduly.
UMAIR ALI
Karachi
THE rains came but the blessing turned into grief for the people of Karachi and all because the city government had failed its people. Despite tall claims that the city was all ready to welcome the rains and all emergencies had been taken care of, it was apparent that these claims were hollow.
Then as a further gift to the citizens, the city government first failed to clear and clean the waterlogging and then began to open the watercourses and nullahs, thereby releasing millions upon millions of mosquitoes. I am sure a beautiful excuse will be doled out but this is not going to drive the dengue mosquitoes away. Thank you CDGK for this and a lot more by way of dug-up roads, defective undergrounds and overhead bridges.
MAHER ALAVI
Karachi
THIS refers to Dr Ali Akabar Dhakan's letter 'Concern over harassment'(Oct 21). The writer has shied away from refuting or justifying the harassment of professors in Sindh University, Jamshoro. Being an old student, Dr Dhakan should have clear opinion on the debate currently going on in these columns.
However, I agree with the writer's logic that Sindh University is a premier institution of higher education. But the fact that in the recent HEC ranking the university has performed poorly is just an eye-opener.
Why has Sindh University performed poorly? There is a need for some soul-searching to find out what went wrong with our premier institution of higher education losing the sheen of academic excellence once it enjoyed. Usually in the past, nationalist politics was blamed, but this is no more the case now. Then who is to be blamed?
To me, the problem lies in the fact that the administrative set-up is more bureaucratised and less accountable to democratic forces of civil society. The bureaucratised set-up by its very nature is either arrogant or intolerant of any criticism and tends to rule by creating fear, subordination and alienation.
While embracing the outdated 'unionisation model' of the 1960s as a mode of governance, the particular group of teachers/officers/employees is patronised, corrupted, accommodated on various administrative and academic positions, offered extra perks and privileges, facilitated to win syndicate, senate and unions elections. On the contrary, critics are subjected to victimisation, harassment, terror, dubbed as fanatics and finally marginalised, if possible shunted out for good.
Briefly, 'unionisation model' has produced massive corruption and indiscipline, especially in the universities where administration is more bureaucratised and less accountable, surrounded by weak civil society. This is virtually leading to the gradual destruction of educational institutions in the interior of Sindh.
Many academics and civil society organisations believe that the frequent appointments/extensions of retired persons as vice chancellors in some of the universities of Sindh and nonchalance on the part of the HEC and the Governor's House are conceived as a deliberate attempt to destroy the educational institutions so that students form interior Sindh cannot compete with their urban counterparts in the knowledgebased job sector.
The words of Cambridge historian, Dr Ayesha Jalal, may sound true when she says: ‘‘The purpose of this whole exercise on the part of Pakistani establishment has been to create such conditions as may lead to the falling standards of education, which will ultimately make Sindhis inefficient to compete with other ethnic groups of Pakistan".
Some empirical studies show that huge knowledge gap exists between the students being produced by educational institutions of interior Sindh and urban parts of Pakistan. This is largely reinforcing the theory of Dr Jalal.
This phenomenon is working to produce alienation in the youth and breeding in them a sense of hopelessness, etc.
The educational divide is more dangerous than any other divide and will further exacerbate the economic and social segregation between rural and urban parts of Pakistan.
I have been frequently criticising the policy of corruption, mismanagement and favouritism being pursued in some of the public sector universities. But it is unfortunate that Dr Dhakan calls my criticism an 'exaggeration and mere cliché'.
Universities should be centres of criticism as put by Prof. M. Hutchins, who as the president of Chicago University not only defended the students and faculty against the McCarthyism of that era but supported their right to criticism. Without criticism I do not see any difference between university education and seminary education: it is the criticism that distinguishes universities from seminaries.
Briefly, there is no doubt that the public sector universities, including Sindh University, Jamshoro, have potential to grow as viable institutions of higher education provided corresponding measures are taken. These are containment of political interference, debureaucratisation, end to corruption-based relationship between faculty and administration, reinforcement of accountability, and an environment that must guarantee the 'academic freedom' that undoubtedly underpins the foundation of strong educational system and viable and vibrant growth of institutions of higher education.
MANZOOR ALI ISRAN
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh
THE US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan with the backing of their Congress and Senate. We then saw in the 2004 elections how their people re-elected the war mongers in the White House. Two years later, however, the Americans showed that they are still a free nation ruled by the will of the people.
The American people realised that broken promises, corruption and lies are the only deliverances of their government. The most powerful person on the face of the earth, having enjoyed such might and power, is now reeling through the shocks emanating from the will of his nation through free and fair mid-term elections. It showed us how free and fair elections can change people’s fate.
How lucky are those nations where elections are free and fair. But sadly this cannot happen here. No matter how hard we try, we won’t be able to change our flawed system unless we have free and fair elections. Will that ever happen here?
ASIM H AKHUND
Karachi
I SUPPORT the tribunal’s decision to ban Shoaib Akhter for two years. Akhter has been a troublemaker since day one and has always thought of himself being bigger than the game. He suffers from indiscipline and is disruptive and I believe he took those drugs knowingly in the belief that even if he was caught, he would be able to raise a hue and cry and get away with it.
The PCB for once has shown some resolve and is taking the best action in banning Akhter for two years. The PCB should make sure the ban is not reduced and Akhter never plays for Pakistan again. We have always found new fast bowlers, and will no doubt be able to find another fast bowler for Pakistan quite soon.
In the meantime, win or lose we should support the young bowlers on the team. We should finally close the chapter on Shoaib Akhter for good.
AMBREEN ZUBERI
Islamabad
"BACKING US was compulsion, no choice", so said our foreign minister (Nov 4).
Let us make the compulsion history: "Out of 44 military operations launched by Pakistan in the tribal belt of South Waziristan, based on US intelligence reports, only three were correct" (Dawn, Dec 17, 04).
Z.A.KAZMI
Karachi
IT is indeed really shocking to learn that the Organ Transplantation Bill is lying unattended in the parliament for a pretty long span of 15 years to no avail when all Muslim countries, as well as many others, have already passed the necessary legislation to approve organ donation after death and transplantation to the needy.
In the absence of the bill, thousands of needy patients have died and many more would leave this world if the bill is not passed urgently.
I cannot understand any valid reason for such lethargy in this very crucial matter of life and death, specially for the country's citizens when it costs absolutely nothing to the government, and the bill can be passed in no time with the cooperation of all concerned for such a noble humanitarian cause.
On the other hand, bills pertaining to their own personal benefits are unanimously passed speedily. They should remember that today it is someone else but tomorrow it could be, God forbid, one of them or their dear family members. When they are fortunate to have the power, they should not miss this golden opportunity to do some good deed and give a new life to thousands of people.
I hope the president, the prime minister, as well as all members of parliament, will take up this vital matter and pass the bill in question much before the year is out, as the bill, in fact, needs topmost priority.
PERVEEN D. RABADI,
Karachi
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