| April 18, 2007 | Wednesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1428 |
To send a letter to the Editor
Click here
MQM’s rally
Gandhi’s faux pas
Books and their keepers
Tracking plagiarism
Makran coastal highway
Lack of leadership
In courts of law
Mass shooting
Traffic signal, cops posting
Still searching
World record
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 danger of whatever is happening in Lal Masjid is that those who want to come close to Islam may get the wrong message and are likely to instead be further alienated.
Furthermore, some religious-minded people who do not accept extremism may develop feelings of abhorrence for the clergy and their misguided followers. Both of these likely outcomes are not healthy for society.
Given the fact that there are a number of sects, the brand of religion being promoted by Messrs Aziz and Ghazi Rashid of Lal Masjid may not be acceptable to other sects and factional differences of opinion may accentuate into violence.
The fact that most religious scholars have distanced themselves from them speaks for itself.
If Lal Masjid pronouncements are a true manifestation of Islam, then a lot of things which are happening in Waziristan, Parachinar and Afghanistan would not have been happening because it is mostly in these areas that Talibanisation is being promoted.
The fact of the matter is that Lal Masjid does not represent our cultural values. It also does not represent our religious values. It does, however, represent the views of bigots and uneducated zealots who do not want to be part of mainstream society as advocated and practised in Islam.
In fact, they want to live a life of isolation and want everyone else to be similarly cut off. Islam does not give these misguided mullahs the right to adjudicate and force their perceptions derived through ‘istkhara’ on other groups of people with differing religious, ethical and cultural interpretations.
What will be the result if these people are not checked now? There will be an increase in Talibanisation which can neither bring peace nor strengthen religion.
Religious harmony and political stability does not come through extremist views or actions.
History bears testimony to the fact that whenever one group has tried to impose its vision and religious or political philosophies on other groups, the result is chaos and civil war. Civil society must, therefore, say an emphatic ‘no’ to what is being dangerously pursued by “thinkers of the Lal Masjid kind”.
SHAMS ZAHEER ABBAS
Lahore
IT was neither President Musharraf, nor the prime minister, nor the human rights advocates and women groups but the MQM, which is sometimes criticised uncharitably and viewed with suspicion by the rest of the country, that raised its voice against the siege of Lal Masjid by the radical militant Islamists and the government’s shocking inaction.
Such happenings give credence to the propaganda against Pakistan and reinforce its image as the epicentre of terrorism where wide-eyed fanatics run berserk and the government is too afraid to enforce its writ.
If the so-called ‘silent majority’ is able to follow the example of the MQM rally in Karachi and organise huge peaceful protest marches demanding that the government not appease criminals and show toughness in dealing with them, some results are bound to follow.
MASOOD HAIDER
New Jersey
(II)
THE London-based leadership of a local political party has once again come to the rescue of the Musharraf government. The party’s supreme leader, while taking suo motu action against Jamia Hafsa’s brand of extremism, decided to hold a gathering on the streets of Karachi.
I think the protest would have been more relevant to Karachi if it was against the brutality of mobile phone and car snatchers, their patrons, and the main culprits behind large-scale bomb explosions in the city that have claimed hundreds of precious lives.
Karachi has been the party’s stronghold for the last 20 years, but they have failed to address and protect the basic rights of Karachiites. Lawlessness and insecurity have become the identity of our city.
I am afraid the people might now demand that the mullahs take over the administration in order to provide basic rights, like justice, safety and respect.
S.M. SAEEDUDDIN
Karachi
NO one can ignore the role played by India in the dismemberment of Pakistan, and the statement of Rahul Gandhi at a public meeting in Uttar Pradesh is an unambiguous confirmation in this regard.
The statement clearly mentions interference by India in internal affairs of Pakistan. Thereby, it is essential to respond to India on an equal diplomatic footing. The statement is an affront to the whole nation, and our government should take notice of it seriously.
We can’t stuck with the past and can’t alter it but to learn lessons from the past is vital and the attribute of progressive nations. Therefore, the initial reply by Pakistan’s foreign office was unsatisfactory. A protest at higher official level is essential to carry substantial weight in the ongoing composite dialogue with India.
Pakistan has made a number of suggestions but no fruitful results have been seen so far. India is just using delaying techniques on account of various reasons to, for instance, attain a permanent seat in the UN Security Council by showing a desire for peaceful co-existence in the region.
Moreover, Pakistan is facing insurgency in Balochistan and there has been Indian involvement in the insurgency through its consulates at bordering towns of Afghanistan and Iran near the Balochistan border. MANSOOR KHAN MOHMAND Karachi
RAHUL Gandhi has done colossal damage to India by stating that the break-up of Pakistan in 1971 was his family’s achievement. Not only he stated his own position, but also affirmed that there are elements in India who are potentially seeking instability in Pakistan.
Pakistan has been diligently working to improve relations with India for the last several years; however, such a statement is devised to create a wedge between the two countries. In view of Mr Gandhi’s statement, India may have to do more to gain Pakistan’s confidence.
KADAR KHAN
Karachi
THIS refers to the article entitled ‘Books and their keepers’ (Education, March 25) by Dr Jalal Haider. Being ex-students of the department of library and information science at University of Karachi, we were surprised to read the comments that were made.
It is written that students not suited for library science are given admission. Is there need for anything more if a person wants to be a librarian and is willing to work hard for it and what is the criterion to ascertain suitability for librarianship anyway?
It is not true that employers criticise the manpower produced by our department. We have been working in reputed organisations for the past three to four years and have always been appreciated by our employers. Despite restricted facilities given to libraries in different institutions, we have always managed to keep performance of our libraries optimum.
As for the traditional teaching mode of instruction in our education, the course work comprised assignments, presentations and surveys apart from hands on practice of different library and database-related software.
The computer lab which was equipped with 10-15 networked computers now has 20-25 systems (PIV). Meanwhile, practicals are conducted with multimedia projectors and the students are introduced to latest technology in their curriculum.
We are seeing constant improvement in our department where courses are continuously revised and updated to match the current demands of the profession.
As to the assertion that the actual content taught doesn’t match the outline, none of us have witnessed that. Things are much better today than they were perhaps 10 years back and the advancement is continual.
Whosoever wishes to find out the truth needs only to visit our department to ascertain facts for themselves.
FORMER STUDENTS
Karachi
ALLOW me to differ with your editorial, ‘Tracking plagiarism’ (April 5), wherein you have supported the decision of imposition of minor penalty of censure on the errant teachers, by Punjab University, due to dearth of qualified professors teaching sciences in Pakistan.
It is a serious matter and those involved deserve maximum punishment of removal from service, proposed by the Higher Education Commission.
Most of the students taught by these teachers are going to join practical life shortly. What impression will they carry? There is every possibility that they will follow their example in their careers, whether teaching or otherwise.
It reminds me of a personal case. While in UET, Lahore, our teacher Dr Nazir Ahmad (lastly vice-chancellor of Sir Syed University in Karachi), who used to take the first period at 8am, refused late-comers to enter his class one day.
After the period was over, he called the late-comers to his room and reprimanded them saying: “Now that you are going to practical life as engineers, what example are you going to set for your colleagues and subordinates?”
Everyone realised his mistake and promised to behave in future. At least, I have not forgotten his advice, despite a lapse of 40 years.
Our society is already on the verge of collapse. If those guilty go scot-free, this will encourage others. Of late, we have formed a habit of protecting our subordinates and colleagues.
The syndicate of Punjab University should have acted as a watchdog and proposed appropriate punishment to the vice-chancellor, who himself is not a teacher. The Higher Education Commission has done well by stopping the development funds of the university as this is the only step the commission can take to avoid recurrence of such actions and decisions.
JAVED AHMAD MALIK
Lahore Cantt
THIS is with reference to Umer Baloch’s letter (April 4). The 530km-long Makran coastal highway was completed in December 2004 and was inaugurated by the president of Pakistan.
During its construction, the highway was divided into three main sections: Liari to Ormara (248km), Ormara to Pasni (150km) and Pasni to Gwadar (132km)
Construction work on the first and the last sections was awarded to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) while the second section went to three different civilian contractors, namely M/s Al-Khan, M/s AM & Nazir & Co (JV) and M/s S.M.A.D. Baloch. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that the whole highway was constructed by the FWO.
Furthermore, the National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK) was never involved in the survey and design of the project as has been assumed by Mr Baloch in his letter.
Instead, M/s LRA Group (Liari to Ormara section), M/s SAMPAK (Sub-Section-I of Ormara to Pasni), M/s ACC (Sub-Section II of Ormara to Pasni), M/s Indus Associates (Sub-Section III of Ormara to Pasni) and M/s ECIL (Pasni to Gwadar Section) were the main consultants. The highway has been built under international road specifications and may well be regarded as one of the most amazing projects ever undertaken by the NHA.
However, it needs to be remembered here that the road traverses within virgin terrain, rough plains and rugged mountains. There are very few well-defined waterways and most of the area is susceptible to meandering and ever-changing watercourses. Maturity of waterways in such topography always takes time.
In February 2005 the coastal belt witnessed unprecedented heavy floods that caused the breaching of Akara and Shadi Kor Dam in the close vicinity of the highway. As a result, the highway received minor damage at certain locations.
To pre-empt any such occurrence in future, remedial steps were initiated soon after the floods. A detailed survey of the entire area was carried out. Satellite imageries of catchment areas were obtained and the behaviour of each and every structure was re-observed thoroughly.
Since then various protective measures have been adopted to improve the drainage system of the area.
Similarly, improvement works such as re-decking of old bridges, upgradation of certain causeways into bridges, provision of additional culverts on several points, and protection of side slop of embankment have also been carried out, especially along the most vulnerable sections of the highway.
Extra care though has been taken to provide proper diversions on all such points so that smooth flow of traffic could be maintained.
Moreover, with the introduction of the motorway police, there has been a marked decrease in road accidents.
Finally, while all such roads with these sorts of specifications and quality are constructed between Rs40 and 45 million per km, the coastal highway was awarded at a rate of Rs15 to 16 million/km.
We appreciate Mr Baloch’s consciousness and sensitivity to public exchequer. However, we would like to advise him to always consult the relevant quarters before making any opinion on such issues so that facts are not compromised.
KASHIF ZAMAN
National Highway Authority
Islamabad
AYAZ Amir’s column, “Living in exciting times” (April 5) made interesting, ticklish and sorrowful reading - all at the same time. He laments the quality of leadership in Pakistan with just two exceptions, the founder M.A Jinnah and Z.A. Bhutto whom he rightly describes as being bright in intellect as in his follies.
I beg to differ with Mr Amir. Bhutto did not pick the meek and weak (professionally) Zia, or kick out his committed and loyal lieutenants like Rana of Faisalabad and Miraj of Karachi and gather a coterie of sycophants out of folly.
He was goaded and guided (or misguided) by his own feudal orientation. “As a public leader Bhutto could not be hanged, but being the feudal lord that he was no one could save him”.
Likewise Nawaz Sharif, himself being bereft of analytical ability which is a must for a political leader, made silly decisions under the dictate of his father who was a shrewd trader not a politician.
What to talk of Benazir who was handicapped on both account, feudal characteristics of her family and impish conduct of a spoiled college girl.
The writer has also described the doings of the current lot in detail. I can only refer to their negative traits of being self- centered, over-egoistic and mentally insecure. The rest is for everyone to infer.
M. SALEEM CHAUDHRY
San Jose, USA
THIS is with reference to Kunwar Idris’s column (April 8) wherein he has discussed the riots of 1953, the imposition of martial law in Lahore and the findings of the learned judges M.R. Kayani and M. Munir on the same riots.
He has tried to connect this with the present Lal Masjid affairs; however, the fact is that the issues of 1953 and 1974 were settled intelligently in the courts of law.
The writer may please study the following rulings — besides the infamous Munir report – Mujeebur Rehman vs Federal government of Pakistan, PLD, 1985, FSC, 8 and Zaheeruddin vs the state, SCMR,1718
Mr Idris is further requested to please include the name of Justice (r) Chaudhry Abdul Qadeer among the most upright judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan
EJAZ AHMED
Khuzdar
THE mass murder at a university in Virginia is really deplorable. The increasing incidents of indiscriminate firing in educational institutions and public places seem to be a consequence of the arrogant attitude of the American leaders.
Immature Americans think, maybe rightly so, that if their president and his accomplices can freely kill scores of innocent people around the globe, they too can do their own bit.
SHAUKAT JAMAL
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
THE Jauhar Square is the heart of Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Karachi, through which huge vehicular traffic moves in all four directions of the city on a 24-hour basis.
But there is neither any traffic signal nor any cops are ever seen to control the erratic flow of traffic, specially during morning and evening hours. As a result, citizens encounter traffic jams, unwarranted diversion, delayed clearance and accidents. The roundabout of Jauhar Square is unnecessarily occupying a large area, which can be reduced to minimum, paving spacious way for smooth flow of vehicular traffic through.
Further, the installation of traffic signal around the square with posting of traffic cops is inevitable to control the clearance of huge traffic and minimise accidents in a systematic way. If such arrangements are not immediately initiated, the situation is likely to aggravate and create more complications in view of rapid growth of population, in general, and vertical expansion of the area, in particular.
The city district government administration, while planning development of roads, underpasses and flyovers, should also consider simultaneous installation of traffic signals with posting of cops at such junctions for smooth flow of traffic.
The governor of Sindh is requested to kindly take cognizance of this public problem.
HASAN ADIL MALIK
Karachi
I ENDORSE your editorial comment (‘In desperate search for democracy’, March 27) that Pakistan needs a totally democratic government.
However, I also feel that the main political parties themselves are devoid of democratic principles. Had they been really democratic, the situation in Pakistan would have been completely different.
In truly democratic countries the party leaders are elected in a transparent manner and ‘failed’ leaders resign or leave voluntarily or are asked by the party to do so. There is no room for ‘leaders for life’. Unfortunately this is not the case in Pakistan.
If the political parties can get their act together, there is no reason for Pakistan to have ‘non-democratic’ governments. Are there no other leaders in Pakistan who can replace the ousted and exiled leaders?
If 160 million people are unable to find suitable, honest and democratic leaders, then I am sorry to say that true democracy in Pakistan will remain a dream for a very long time.
DR M. SHAFIQUE
Manchester, UK
CAN anybody tell me what the world record is for a head of state having the most foreign visits?
My guess is that either our president or prime minister must have broken it. A comparison with our next door neighbour will also be interesting.
ZULFIQAR URSANI
Oakville, Canada
You can also send letters to the Editor
Just send your message to the following address: letters@dawn.com
Make sure you include your full name, postal address, e-mail address, and in the case of Pakistan your day-time telephone number.