| November 29, 2006 | Wednesday | Ziqa'ad 7, 1427 |
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The state of democracy
EOBI pensioners
Half-hearted efforts
Hope for the future
Indians were always pro-American
MMA resignations
Karachi’s image
Pathetic pitch
Mango republic?
Learning by example
Another ‘official visit’
Cancer treatment
‘Long tails’
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
THE BJP leader and former Indian foreign minister, Mr Jaswant Singh, made some assertions while speaking at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in the US (Dawn, Nov 3.)
First, that India will have to live with the fact that the US will continue to rely on Pakistan as a key ally in the war against terror. Not content with this apparent display of jealousy, he pretended that India was somehow being victimised as a consequence, by saying that the US has no other option and “therefore India would have to continue to pay a price.”
Second, that Washington must not act as an “external equaliser in South Asia but should leave the region alone.
Third, that “the US often loses interest and Pakistan on its own begins to flounder and when it flounders, there are difficulties for India.”
Finally, “One of the failures of India’s diplomacy has been its inability to manage its relations with all its neighbours,” he said, and “if I don’t admit it, then I am denying the existing reality.”
The first contention appears to reflect India’s unhappiness that soon after 9/11 the US had refused to avail New Delhi’s lightning fast offer of helping Washington in its plans to invade Afghanistan. Also, that accepting India’s, rather than Pakistan’s collaboration would have strengthened the former’s position and influence, at the cost of the latter.
The second point aims at keeping the US from involving itself in the affairs of the region, which would enable India to freely exercise its hegemony that it simply loves to do.
The third assertion regarding Pakistan’s ‘floundering’ has more to do with India’s behaviour towards this country than any other reason.
This, in reality, is the major cause of most of Pakistan’s problems. A couple of years ago the British Medical Journal (BMJ) had published a report stating that the people of India, Pakistan and other South Asian countries are in a dramatically poor health, both physically and mentally. It had made a special mention of Pakistan and said that about 34 per cent of the interviewees (and presumably, all Pakistanis) suffered from depressive disorders and anxiety, which was apparently the highest in the region.
The BMJ report considered the root cause of all this South Asian trouble to be socio-political instability, economic uncertainty, violence, regional conflicts and dislocation for the past three decades. One would add that in case of Pakistan the problems aren’t restricted to just these factors. At independence, nearly one million Muslims were massacred and nine million made refugees, whereas the corresponding figure for the Hindus was only a fraction of this.
This was followed by several wars; dismemberment of the country by India in 1971; the frightful Soviet invasion of Afghanistan when Pakistan had seemed the next target; arrival of four million Afghan refugees along with the ensuing gun and drug culture and the severe social and economic problems that caused enormous mental stress.
The single biggest stressor has been India’s constant bullying because we are only one-seventh in size and its unwillingness to accept the partition. The large defence spending necessitated by the Indian attitude and behaviour, including its nuclear status since 1974, compelled us to divert scarce resources away from health, education, poverty eradication and social welfare. Not only Pakistan but every neighbour of India has had grievances against it, which gets reflected in Mr Singh’s final remark.
As the largest country in the region, India owes it to its own poor people — who are themselves suffering, as is obvious from the BMJ report — and to its neighbours to treat everyone fairly and compassionately so that their lives can get better. To begin with, New Delhi must grant the rights of the Kashmiris and the northeastern states’ residents, the Dalits, Muslims and other minorities, which will eliminate all of the self-created militancy in India, for which it conveniently keeps blaming Pakistan.
M.Y. KHAN
Karachi
“THE Economist Intelligence Unit”, which is a division of the magazine The Economist, has published a report about the state of democracy in various countries of the world.
A ranking list has been compiled in which evaluation was based upon comprehensive criteria comprising 60 detailed indicators grouped together in five broad categories, namely, electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture and civil liberties. The list is divided into four categories comprising: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes.
Listed under authoritarian regimes, along with countries like Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Afghanistan, China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan happily leads the list, narrowly missing the upper list of hybrid regimes.
North Korea is at the bottom of the list as the country under most authoritarian rule. Out of a total of 167 countries surveyed, Pakistan is ranked 113. For comparison, India is ranked 35 and is under the category of flawed democracies.
Scandinavian countries lead the list of full democracies, while the US is at number 17. Pakistan’s performance can be judged from the marks given for the above stated five areas: electoral process and pluralism 43.3 per cent, functioning of government 5.36 per cent, political participation 5.60 per cent, political culture 43.8 per cent, civil liberties 50.0 per cent. The overall score is 39.20 per cent. The very low score in functioning of government is the main reason for heavy slidedown in rating.
The Corruption Index recently issued by Transparency International and another list of failed states, compiled by the “US Foreign Policy magazine”, show the deplorable position of Pakistan. Notwithstanding the evaluation criteria and authenticity of these ranking lists, we know their methodology which is sufficiently given in the reports.
We cannot trust our “all is well” bureaucracy to review and appraise these reports. But the reports appear to be commendable; at least from comparison in cases of other countries, they are quite realistic.
Independent professionals need to be employed for appraisal and realistic assessment of these reports for enlightening public about the true pictures.
M. SAEED
Islamabad
THIS has reference to Mr Ghulam Rabbani’s letter ‘EOBI pensioners’ (Nov 22). It has been stated that pensioners are facing problems in getting pension from the National Bank of Pakistan.
They have to stand in long queues in scorching heat. At the middle of the day it is told that funds have exhausted.
In this regard it is clarified that the bank was changed consequent upon notice of discontinuation by the UBL.
The NBP was selected on the basis of competitive bidding and due to their largest network. It is further clarified that sufficient funds were provided to the NBP before Oct 1 for disbursement of pension.
Due to some administrative problems the NBP could not transfer the funds equitably to all its authorised branches which resulted in problems to pensioners. We are aware of the problems and working in close coordination with the NBP to ameliorate the grievances.
The solution include increasing the number of NBP branches for pension disbursement in addition to opening of accounts of pensioners in the NBP for this purpose. These are teething problems on shifting from one bank to another. We are doing our best to improve the situation and hope that it would ease out in coming months.
MUHAMMAD HANIF
DDG (B&C), EOBI
Islamabad
THE report with a photograph captioned ‘Half-hearted effort’ (Nov 24) reflects an exact state of affairs prevailing in Bath Island. This once-a-very- peaceful posh locality has been bracing since the last heavy rains all sorts of miseries, earlier on account of blockage of sewerage and rain drains by the influential people and now at the hands of those who after reclaiming the drains have left the work halfway leaving entire garbage and filth on the roadsides for creating stench and breeding mosquitoes and other insects.
The entire strip right behind the HBL branch to the Aga Khan Jamat Khana now depicts a sorry picture of the area and its hapless residents. So much so that the Aga Khan Park, which was recently re-energised after years of neglect at a great cost and the only recreational facility for the locals, has been destroyed by the heavy bulldozers and cranes employed for cleaning operation.
The mounds of entire rubbish pulled out from the drain have been left as it is in the park for the last many months, with no visible sign of its removal. Even the heavy salvaging machines which were parked inside the recreational area are no more there, clearly suggesting that the operation has been abandoned.
I request the authorities to look into the matter personally and take appropriate measures at the earliest so that people living in the area can be saved from mental and physical torture.
ALTAMASH M. KURESHI
Karachi
THIS has reference to Capt Hassan Jaffery’s letter (Nov 25). The prescription mentioned by Capt Jaffery for bringing improvement in PIA’s performance is no doubt an ideal textbook formula for good management of a corporation if implemented in letter and in spirit.
However, an improvement process can only start once the deterioration stops. The fact is that PIA is rapidly going downhill in its performance of flight punctuality, aircraft maintenance, ground and cabin service and financial management. Hope for any improvement can only be substantiated if the deterioration is stopped.
Justifying losses due to high fuel price is not a valid excuse because PIA has increased its fare significantly since the oil price hike.
Moreover, the fuel price is applicable across the board to all the airlines, some of which do not have the advantage of heavy local passenger and special operations such as Haj flights.
From a passenger’s point of view PIA is suffering from a simple case of mismanagement and its passengers are bearing the brunt. Passenger satisfaction should be number one priority of any airline.
S. M. SALEEM
Karachi
THIS is with reference to the column ‘Is someone holding India hostage?’ by Javed Naqvi (Nov 27). His suspicion that the CIA is holding India hostage sounds a little far-fetched because the CIA does not need to work that hard in India. Indians — Indian people that is, not the government — were always pro-America, even in the worst days of the Cold War.
I confess that I am not privy to the ‘secret documents’ or ‘well-informed’ sources that Mr Naqvi undoubtedly must have in order to come up with his conspiracy theories.
My personal experience is that we are seeing more and more American influences in India today not because Indians are letting it happen, but because America has woken up to the truth that India is very similar to the US in its lifestyle, politics and thinking.
I personally know people who went to Moscow to study, during the golden age of Indo-Soviet friendship, and were utterly disillusioned by what they saw there such as the terrifying presence of the secret police and empty shelves in the food stores.
I remember being told by a returning intellectual that if there was a rumour in Moscow that some store had ‘Signal’ toothpaste for sale (made in India), people would mob that place. In those days, when they had no access to Europe, the Russians loved to come to Bombay and buy consumer products.
As for the movies, we all know how they loved Hindi movies with their colour, glamour as well as songs and dance.
The Soviet arrangement was purely one of convenience thrust upon an unwilling nation by the socialists. It did not take much for Indians to figure out that the American way of life was a far more enjoyable one and one that was very close to their own lifestyle.
What puzzled us more than anything else was why America was not aware of this truth. I guess there were not enough of us in the US at that time to educate the Americans about this, and that appears to have changed now.
Mr Naqvi may have his CIA sources, but I have my life and ‘Signal’ toothpaste stories in Moscow that tell me that we were always pro-American.
B.K. VASAN
Chicago, USA
MERCIFULLY the sitting government has not succumbed to the MMA threat and amended the Hudood laws, providing some relief to the womenfolk of Pakistan. It would have been more befitting to scrap the entire caboodle because other than the mullah’s loud opinion, the Hudood laws had no semblance of any basis to Islam.
Public opinion at large and the MMA constituency in particular must hold the lot to keeping their word about resigning from the government. If they don’t, then they are proven hypocrites who were misusing the fair name of Islam to feather their own nests and gain political power.
Their obsession with sex and women clearly shows the true bend of the majority of our mullah class. As a logical conclusion, the president should now do away with the mischief of blasphemy laws and unnecessary religiosity which has become a hallmark of officialdom. We may yet achieve enlightened moderation and be counted amongst the civilised population of this planet.
JAVED KHAN TARIN
Haripur Hazara
IT is sad to note that Karachi, which is both the birthplace and final resting-place of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, is left out of the schedule of the various heads of state visiting our country.
Yes, there may be some security concerns but that certainly does not mean that we should stop trying.
It is, after all, the responsibility of the government to ensure law and order at all times in all parts of the country, and the city and its residents are absolutely not at fault.
I appeal to the governor of Sindh, the chief minister and the Karachi city nazim to make all possible efforts to uplift the image of Karachi and make it a role model for the entire country.
NAVEED AHMED
Kowloon, Hong Kong
THE wicket at the National Stadium, Karachi, is pathetic to say the least. The curator responsible for producing such a dead and dull wicket should be taken to task by the PCB. The wicket is not suited to international cricket. Even when fast bowlers were bending their backs on the first day of play, the ball was barely even reaching stump height. That is absolutely disgraceful.
The PCB also needs to respond to reports in the media that the grass on the pitch was taken off at the directions of Inzamamul Haq.
If that is the case, then action should be taken against both the curator and Inzamamul Haq for robbing the fans of a quality Test match by producing a pitch that is not worthy of the name.
FAISAL AKHTER
Karachi
IF a ‘banana republic’, as President Musharraf said in a recent TV interview, is a country whose ruler or head of government is overthrown while on a visit abroad and the writ of whose government does not extend to the whole country, what is a country whose head of state or government is always overthrown through extra constitutional means or divine intervention and the writ of whose government is invisible -– a ‘mango republic’?
S. KHALID HUSAIN
Karachi
THE president of the Peoples’ Republic of China’s recent visit to Pakistan was important in many ways. Besides marking the 55th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, many MoU’s were signed. The visit helped strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries. We are proud to be a good friend and neighbour who has made many contributions to health, education, infrastructure development, energy and other fields in Pakistan.
The marvellous progress made so far by our Chinese friends is due to their individual and collective contribution toward national progress. They are very time-conscious and industrious. They do not totally rely on government. Being the largest populated country of the world, it is almost impossible for the government to concentrate on each individual. Every Chinese citizen is committed to contributing towards their nation’s progress. We should follow their example.
SHUJAAT ALI
Gilgit
ACCORDING to press reports, a 14-member delegation of MNAs has arrived in New York to witness the UN General Assembly session despite the fact that the session has ended. Their stay, therefore, will solve no purpose except that they will be busy sightseeing, shopping or attending parties.
Millions of rupees are expected to be spent on the wasteful ‘official visit’ of MNAs. Can a poor nation like Pakistan afford such a visit? Obviously the answer is no. Perhaps the visit is aimed at making the MNAs happy. So who cares for the poor nation?
It is ironic that the prime minster of Pakistan, who himself comes from a corporate sector and always speaks high about good governance, allows such luxurious trips. The PM or MNAs will never use their personal deep pocket to foot the bill. Who will then foot the bill? It’s you and me, the poor taxpayers of this country.
S. ASAD HUSSAIN
Islamabad
PERHAPS it was not in the knowledge of Mr Khalid Chaudhry (letter, Nov 24) that Mrs Pauling died of cancer. Dr Pauling refused the appropriate cancer therapy and instead kept on treating her with high doses of vitamin C.
The role of high doses of vitamin C in the treatment of cancer has not been established in any of the scientific studies. Such unsubstantiated claims can mislead patients suffering from cancer and deny them appropriate treatment.
PROF NIZAM UL HASAN
Karachi
APROPOS of Mr Ardeshir Cowasjee’s column ‘Long tails’ (Nov 12), he correctly stated clamping of emergency legislation within hours of the proclamation of the 1973 Constitution. However, the fact of Wali Khan and company being in jail is not correct.
The public memory is not so short. Besides, it is a matter of record that Wali Khan and company and his party, the erstwhile NAP, were proceeded against in the year 1975 after following the process of law, in whatever form it existed.
It is high time Mr Cowasjee came out of his Bhutto phobia and let bygones be bygones.
ALI M. SIDDIQI
Karachi
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