| January 28, 2007 | Sunday | Muharram 08, 1428 |
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Suicides in Rawalpindi
In no position to throw stones
US legislation on Pakistan
A sailor’s patriotism
Plea to governor
Lahore-Kasur Road
Quota in cricket
Quota in cricket
Risky game of speed
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
DR Tariq Rahman’s article ‘Who should head a university?’ (Dec 5), followed by a letter (Dec 17) on the above caption, makes interesting reading. It is tragic that this issue has not been the subject of discussion on the part of academics though acts of none of the public institutes have the provision defining the qualification and duties of a vice-chancellor, not even the Act of the oldest University of Punjab established in 1882.
Neither has this position attracted the attention of intelligentsia at all tiers of educational setup. Maybe professors feel more comfortable and secure under a non-academic vice-chancellor from outside the university as a brother professor from within the university, with his strong likes and dislikes, might harm those who hail from an opposing group of teachers within the institution.
Experience has shown that injustice infrequent during the tenure of a non-academic vice-chancellor. There is no denying the fact that professors have a prior claim to the coveted position of a vice-chancellor as in the army the post of the chief goes to an army man, the chief justice is from the judiciary and so on.
The professors have themselves to blame if the top position goes to an outsider. They have internal rifts, lack administrative ability and rules of business as they spend most of their time in classrooms, labs, libraries, etc. It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of the time of a vice-chancellor is spent in handling administrative affairs. A vice-chancellor because of lack of time cannot engage himself in lecturers, personal or faculty research. This gives an excuse to the non-academics to lay a claim on the vice-chancellor’s post irrespective of the fact whether they ever worked or even studied at a seat of higher learning. What is the Higher Education Commission up to? A mushroom growth of professors has recently emerged. The excellence in academics has occupied a secondary importance. People have risen from grade 19 to 20 or even 21 without much efforts. Gone are the days when a university professor was looked up for his distilled wisdom and was given a place of respect in society. Such being the position and a large number of professors available around, the position of a vice-chancellor should be filled discreetly and given the job to the professor only if he really deserves it as per qualifications. In brief, the eligibility of appointment as vice-chancellor should be restricted to the following:
a. A professor, who has put in not less than seven years of service as such and holds a PhD degree in a major subject taught at the university, should not be less than 50 years and has served in a responsible administrative post.
b. A lieutenant-general who has put in not less than 25 years commissioned service.
c. A bureaucrat in Grade 21 who is not less than 50 years of age.
The appointing authority should carefully sift the names of candidates and ensure that the selected man excels, apart from his qualifications/experience, in common sense, personality, patience and a sense of justice -– the attributes of the head of a seat of higher learning.
M. ARSHAD CHAUDHRY
Faisalabad
IT WAS very painful to read the report from Rawalpindi, ‘Poverty drove 52 to suicide last year’, by Mr lnamullah Khattak (Jan 18). One of the stories was about Mohammad Riaz, the 50-year-old father of five who hanged himself on June 14 because he could not pay the rent of his house to its pestering owner.
Another one revealed how Mohammad Saleem, aged 45, poisoned himself because he couldn’t meet the school expenses of his children.
After reading the tragic tales, I didn’t know whether to cry more at the misfortune of these 52 (and numerous other) Pakistanis or at the apathy of those enjoying themselves at national expense in Islamabad and London. Incidentally, a photograph right above this heart-breaking news showed a scene from an opera being performed at a European ambassador’s residence for the entertainment of a ‘select audience’.
Did anyone from the president and prime minister down to their 100 or so ministers and advisers, the Punjab chief minister and his aides, any of our political leaders or members of that ‘select audience’ take the trouble of driving down in their luxury cars to the homes of any of these poor people to commiserate with their families?
Some of them may do that to get political mileage after reading this letter, but it would not be the same as a heartfelt and spontaneous visit. Still, it would be better to undertake the trip as it may make the bereaved happy to get an important person’s ear.
According to the district police officer quoted in the report, poverty was the main reason behind the suicides. A research should be conducted to see how many people had taken their lives in 1999, when the present government assumed power. Those, in whose backyard these lives ended, should fully facilitate it because, as Aristotle had warned, “Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.” Nevertheless, one would like to thank Mr Khattak for highlighting the plight of our poor compatriots.
I am a retired man of very limited means and all l can do is to make a will. After I die -– which may be tomorrow -– my organs be sold to some rich persons needing transplants and the money be donated to those most in need amongst the dependants of the ones who bade goodbye to this cruel world.
Our leaders and senior officials are urged to cut down on their expenditure and celebrations and spend the saved amount to keep the poor from killing themselves. In this land of the pure, some people’s money flows on wine and on shopping sprees here or in Paris and London, while there also are those who don’t have any to pay their rent, feed their families, buy medicines or educate their children. It’s so sad.
HEARTBROKEN
Karachi
GIRDHAR Gopal’s views on Pakistan and Pakistani society are very typical of RSS and BJP-supporting Indians in the US (letter, Jan 26). Mr Gopal has stated the oft-repeated lies about Pakistan systematically eradicating its minorities. He failed to present any proof or facts to bolster his claims.
If memory serves correctly, there have been no major pogroms or mass murders of Hindus, Sikhs and Christians in Pakistan after its birth. But one can recall as recently as last week when there were Hindu mobs in Indian city of Banglore attacking Muslims and their properties.
Before that the whole world witnessed the BJP’s India ‘Shining’ in Gujarat, where even the state government joined in the holocaust of 25,000 Muslims.
Voter lists were used to mark the Muslim homes and businesses that were targeted by the Hindu supremacists. And what to speak of Bombay riots.
And I personally know several Sikh friends who were victims of anti-Sikh pogroms of 1984. We are not talking of something that happened generations ago, but everyday life of Indian Muslims today.
To this day, I remember vividly the pictures I received via email of the Gujarat riots where charred bodies of children and pregnant women with their foetus cut out strewn in front of their homes.
How much will India hide? The fact that Indian Muslims have been relegated to a status below the Dalits is an open secret in India. The recent white paper report presented to the Indian parliament states clearly how Muslims are openly discriminated against.
They have been systematically rooted out of the education system, government jobs, professional careers and the defence forces.
Many Pakistanis with relatives in India can bear witness to the fact that most of their relatives live in destitute poverty in India, while their kith and kin prosper in Pakistan.
The fact is that majority of Hindus in Pakistan in 1947 lived in what is now Bangladesh. So when Pakistan lost its eastern wing, so did it lose most of its Hindu population. Out of the 10 per cent of Pakistan that was Hindu at the time of partition, nine per cent lived in Bangladesh. This basic fact is conveniently overlooked by most Pakistan bashers.
So as much as others would like to portray Pakistan as a place where no one but Muslims can live, the fact remains that Pakistanis have coexisted peacefully as brothers and sisters when it comes to Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians.
Yes, we have a lot of problems in Pakistan when it comes to social justice, but burning children and pregnant women isn’t one of them.
ALI QAZI
California, USA
THIS is with reference to your news headline ‘US legislation seeks ban on assistance to Pakistan’ (Jan 25). The US has a long-term plan in mind to accomplish the goal of building a moderate Pakistan.
One of the critical issues in the bill and which needs immediate action is “promoting democracy and the rule of law, particularly at the national level.”
Can one imagine that the members of the House of Representatives of US Congress are so naive as to believe that by supporting the continuation in power of a coterie of the armed men who abrogated and subverted the democratically-framed Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan by use of force, and a learned brotherhood of honourable gentlemen who abetted such treasonous acts of that coterie by legitimising those treasonous acts of the armed coterie the United States of America can really promote democracy or rule of law (as these terms are understood and practised in the US)?
Perhaps these US legislators do not know that these armed men had ousted a democratically-elected government of Pakistan by sheer force although they had solemnly sworn that they would “uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which embodies the will of the people of Pakistan,” and that they would “not engage in any political activity whatsoever”.
Meanwhile, the honourable members of the learned brotherhood had, in their turn, taken a solemn oath that they would “discharge their duties and perform their functions honestly and faithfully in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the law,” and further that they would, “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” and further that they would “do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection and ill will.”
S.A.K RAHMANI
Lahore
INDUCTION of a reconnaissance anti-submarine and anti-surface aircraft into the Pakistan Navy (PN) is certainly a welcome sign for all and sundry as per the news item: ‘Navy gets first P-3C Orion’ (Jan 19), but coupled with a naval dignitary’s statement about the “growing threat scenario”, viz., “uncertainties of the present regional maritime environment posed complex challenges of terrorism, arms smuggling, proliferation of WMD . . . .” appeared to be a bit scary.
A fighting navy is a unique force as compared to its sister services wielding power on the land and in the airspace over it; whereas it has to operate predominantly in the international medium, i.e., high seas, coming across very often ‘friend’ and ‘foe’ during war and peace.
Hence the role, size and shape of the PN has to be well-defined in order to cope with an eventuality with the utmost clarity and alacrity. When the country was recovering from its birth pangs, the PN took pride in acquiring its only capital ship (cruiser PNS Babur) with great difficulty for the fledgling flotilla; thus it was possible to have an upper edge over its adversary in 1965.
Enemy carrier INS Vikrant was, therefore, kept holed up in the harbour. It would thus suffice it to say that the ‘sea command’ role for a viable navy is a necessary precursor to a sea ‘denial’ posture and not vice versa.
First C-in-C of PN Admiral H.M.S. Choudhri tried vehemently to sell the ‘sea command’ naval policy to the country’s first chief martial law administrator, but the response was so enigmatically loathsome to the distinguished sailor (Admiral Choudhri) that he chose to seek a graceful retirement forthwith.
However, Gen Ayub neither cared to acquire an iota of ‘naval wisdom’ nor felt the need of the essential and bare-minimum maritime requirements of the two widely distant wings of Pakistan. On the contrary, his myopic dictum of “the defence of east lies in the defence of west” alienated our East Pakistani brethren.
Later on, the process of alienation was ferociously furthered by various inside and outside stakeholders, especially the Americans. For further details please see my letter ‘Nixon’s deeds” (Jan 12).
History proved that the country having more viable and ‘sea command’ naval assets could ‘successfully’ intervene to make the Eastern Wing secede from Pakistan easily. Apprehensions are that the present generation born after 1971 may come to terms with the truncated Pakistan easily if they are not methodically and truthfully indoctrinated; on the other hand, the older people, especially the sailors, would not even think of halving their patriotism, which they owe emotionally to the united Pakistan.
It is, therefore, earnestly hoped that the present government would do its utmost for the earliest acquisition of the viable and matching (with the strategic nuclear deterrent posture, as well as the modern and the totally federal-controlled exclusive economic zone inclusive of offshore islands, beaches, sea frontiers, ports, harbours and related infrastructures) conventional naval force system to keep in check the hegemonistic designs of all maritime stakeholders.
Last but not the least NRB should be on guard to write and devise the necessary methodology and not give in to the provincial whims and fancies.
MOHAMMAD AHMAD
Karachi
THE president, as well as the prime minister, has repeatedly announced that action is under way for providing prompt justice at the doorsteps of people.
The chief justice of Pakistan has also expressed similar views. These pronouncements have obviously been in pursuance of the doctrine of ‘justice delayed is justice denied’.
Murder of my younger brother, Justice (r) Nizam, and his son took place on June 10, 1996. The police after proper investigations arrested the culprits involved in this double murder. Confessional statements of the culprits under Sec-164 were also recorded before a magistrate.
A culprit offered to become the ‘approver’. The then IG Police visited me and got legal documents signed by me, as elder brother, for making the said person approver.
It is indeed most disappointing that this double murder case has been lingering on in session courts for the last 10 years or so but the government has not taken any action for expeditious finalisation of this case.
I wrote a letter about this case to the Sindh governor, Dr Ishratul Ibad, on Dec 1, 2005 followed by a reminder on Jan 14, 2006.
In my letter, besides highlighting important points of the case, I had made specific suggestion that the Sindh government may make application to the SHC for ordering day-to-day hearings for immediate disposal of the case, maximum in six months.
It is regretted that despite lapse of over one year, there has been no response from the governor nor has he, it seems, taken any action.
This may amount to obstruction of justice. There is also lack of courtesy of acknowledging letters. The governor should clarify his position.
NOOR AHMED
Karachi
THE other day I happened to travel from Lahore to Kasur and was shocked to see the pace of work there. The road has been under construction for the last couple of years: at a snail’s pace.
The people who commute daily between Lahore and Kasur must be cursing their elected representatives, which include Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and provincial minister Sardar Hassan Akhtar Mokal.
The chief minister may visit Kasur by road to verify the facts obtaining at the site and see for himself the plight of Kasuris.
Mere allocation of funds and allotment of work to incompetent contractors do not make roads.
He is requested to investigate the delay in completion of projects of public interest.
HAFEEZ AKHTAR
Lahore
THIS is with reference to the letter by Umar Khan Baloch (Jan 26) about the absence of representation of the Baloch in the national cricket team. He is advocating quota for the Baloch which is ridiculous. Just imagine a Test team with players representing different provinces and then captaining the team by rotation. That will be a death knell for the game of cricket in Pakistan.
Any player, irrespective of the province he hails from, should prove his credentials and not bank on the quota system. That is what the first class cricket is meant for. Those who excel do find their way to the top while bad performers disappear in the sands of time.
Junaid Zia, the ‘talented’ son of the former PCB chief Gen Tauqeer Zia, is a case in point. If he could not make it to the Test team, how can others, who are even less talented. I hope sanity prevails with people before they make such irresponsible and immature statements.
DR SHAHID QAYYUM
Lahore
THIS is with reference to the letter by Umar Khan Baloch (Jan 26) about the absence of representation of the Baloch in the national cricket team. He is advocating quota for the Baloch which is ridiculous. Just imagine a Test team with players representing different provinces and then captaining the team by rotation. That will be a death knell for the game of cricket in Pakistan.
Any player, irrespective of the province he hails from, should prove his credentials and not bank on the quota system. That is what the first class cricket is meant for. Those who excel do find their way to the top while bad performers disappear in the sands of time.
Junaid Zia, the ‘talented’ son of the former PCB chief Gen Tauqeer Zia, is a case in point. If he could not make it to the Test team, how can others, who are even less talented. I hope sanity prevails with people before they make such irresponsible and immature statements.
DR SHAHID QAYYUM
Lahore
SPEED thrills but kills. Anyone interested in witnessing this risky game of speed, inclusive of breath-taking manoeuvres, certainly involving the lives of innocent men, women and children is invited on newly-built formula, one track for heavy traffic in the middle of the city.
The bloody track starts from Submarine Chowrangi and reaches its climax on the Mai Kolachi section. Like everyone in the arena, the traffic police and traffic laws are also silent spectators.
I request all those who matter in making this piece of road safer for Karachiites to please take early notice of the situation.
OMER KHAYAM
Karachi
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