| May 13, 2007 | Sunday | Rabi-us-Sani 25, 1428 |
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Why don’t we learn from history?
Expatriates respond
How critical is US assistance?
Denigrating Pakistan
Stormwater drain
Statesmanship at test
PTCL swap
18 new hospitals
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
YOUR editorial ‘Conservation is the key’ (May 10) is both comprehensive and timely. It is correct to record that "the government's failure to plan for the future lies at the root of the energy crisis". What could and should have been done by the government? The answer is very simple if one is ready to accept accountability but unfortunately we are lost in our wasteful ways and are devoid of any sensible approach to living within our means.
On a national level, we show off glamour and self-projection at an alarming level and all this trickles down to ‘callousness’ at the grassroots’ level. We can suffer loadshedding for hours but when power comes on, we will switch on all loads, specially all airconditioners, since there is no thought of energy conservation and, thus, we all suffer. The present trend of megabuilding projects, specially those coming from the Gulf sponsors, cannot be afforded by this country and it is really unfortunate that there is no process of ‘sustainability study’ which would analyse how would energy needs of these wasteful buildings be met. The situation at present is totally out of control and one can imagine what is going to happen when the energy needs of these mega building projects' will have to be met.
The whole world is developing ‘green’ concepts for building design with major reduction in energy and water use but we seem to be merrily encouraging ‘red’ buildings - the very worst examples of building development.
When are we going to wake up to see how the world is changing to ‘near zero’ energy buildings while we develop immensely unsustainable projects.
How even the developing world is ‘greening’ the built environment? We have a stream of functionaries travelling all over the place, all the time and yet we get to learn nothing from others' approach to sustainability.
China is our most reliable friend, ever ready to help us if we only convince them of our good intent. Green buildings in China are encouraged at highest level and the example of these buildings, specially for the new facilities at Beijing Olympics Village, are worth emulating. China's approach for near-zero energy buildings, with best examples of green Olympic Athletes' Centre, should be an eye-opener for those who would like to continue their wasteful ways.
These green buildings ensure internal and external shades and energy-efficient windows to reduce solar heat gain, day lighting to reduce use of electric lights and efficient electrical and mechanical systems. In this present world of energy shortages, how can any building project not be ‘green’?
We are unable to develop any sensible building code which would at least move us towards green concepts. The country's leading engineers and architects had developed building code and building energy code some 20 years back but these were never enforced. At present we have no concern for energy conservation in these mega building projects and the future is very bleak indeed.
What should we be doing? To get away from our wasteful ways, we must urgently ensure energy conservation and efficiency. For mega building projects to be ‘green’, we can ask the developers to get green rating approval from any internationally recognised organisations like Green Building Council. Is it really that important? Yes, it is if we would like to take the first step towards sustainability since we simply cannot afford to meet energy needs of wasteful buildings.
The second step, and as important, is to convert the existing ‘red buildings’ to adopt green concepts wherever possible. And there is a lot that can be done to conserve energy in large existing buildings, specially those with electrical and mechanical systems based on inefficient utilisation of our scarce Sui gas. We must urgently address this important sector to plan for some sustainability in our future energy scenario.
AINUL ABEDIN
Karachi
THIS is in response to a news item, ‘India plans another wargame’ (May 9). The existing internal strife has acted as a catalyst to my worries and response. The wargames with troops being conducted by our perennial enemy in Rajasthan and Jalandhar sectors must be a matter of great concern to all the Pakistanis.
The vulnerability of our Rahimyar Khan sector is well-known and recognised. These moves by the enemy may be bait for our rulers to impose emergency in view of the prevailing internal uncertainties of considerable magnitude.
The imposition of emergency can lead to our instability and create favourable conditions for multiple options to the enemy. The threat perception must be viewed in the backdrop of existing unfavourable internal situation, i.e. Fata, Balochistan, the NWFP and interior Sindh.
Additional destabilising factor for the government is the recent tumultuous reception given to the chief justice of Pakistan by the people of Punjab. This outstanding response is a confirmation of the views of the masses on the role of independence of the judiciary, supremacy of civilian rule in accordance with the Constitution and hope of poor people for meeting the justice.
This assertion has already been endorsed by public opinion by a large majority of people of interior Sindh and the NWFP. On the occasion of the reception of the chief justice of Pakistan at Karachi on May 12 some violent confrontation by the opposing components cannot be ruled out. No one can predict the consequences of the expected show of strength of the stakeholders.
I recollect the violent removal of Liaquat Ali Khan, Ayub Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Yahya Khan and Ziaul Haq. This situation must be taken seriously by those who are in power. There are many things in life which are not reliable, but the ‘chair’ is the most unreliable one. Under the circumstances, the best course open to those who matter is immediate election under the neutral caretaker setup acceptable to all.
The elections under the present government functionaries may not be acceptable to the vast majority of the political fraternity and the public at large. The masses are suffering under loadshedding, lawlessness, unprecedented price rise of essential commodities, internal and external threats, non - availability of education and health care, the rampant corruption at all levels, etc.
The moment is available to those at the helm of affairs to take a decision and be remembered as statesmen/statesman in the history. God guide us all. Ameen.
KH. TAJAMMUL HUSSAIN
Karachi
THIS is in reference to Muneeza Shaikhali’s letter ‘Dilemma of expatriates” (May 9) in which she has made quite ignorant statements to the effect that expatriates have lost their opportunity to be critical of their homeland which they abandoned in favour of greener pastures. She also wrote that “these expatriates benefit an alien country with their integrity…”
She needs to re-read Mr Cowasjee’s article “Of hats and shawls and dubious deals” (April 29) in which he wrote: “The expatriate community is all at sea. Its members cannot comprehend or work out exactly what is happening in their homeland. They are puzzled, they are confused – as are most of us right here sitting in the homeland. They are also disgusted.
‘‘One e-mailer writes : “Having spent almost all my life as a second class expatriate, I have no home to come back to. The Pakistan that my forefathers created has no room for me as now I am a complete misfit. I cannot lie, cheat, bully or kill – the supreme criteria for being a true Pakistani. I just want to know how long are we going to survive like this as a nation? I just want to know what it is that keeps us going? Each time I visit the country I find my fellow Pakistanis in increased misery. What can I tell the man? How long? At the rate we are going, it should not be too long. What keeps us going? Well, who wants us 170 million belligerent, illiterate ‘nanga-bhookas’?”
Quite a contrast. Need I say more?
ANWARALI M ALI
Vancouver
IS it not a fact that a substantial proportion of the hard-earned foreign currency is generated and transferred to Pakistan by its expatriates? Every Pakistani, including the expatriates, has the right to criticise the system in the country even though they might be living outside the country. Living outside the country does not make them alien to Pakistan and she is wrong to think that it does.
The expats may be benefiting in an alien country but at the end of the day the reward they get is a monetary benefit to the homeland.
If the writer for the sake of argument was offered an opportunity to be an expatriate in a greener posture somewhere, I am sure she will not hesitate in taking it.
She may then defend the expatriate community rather than unjustly criticising them
S. ALI
Leeds UK
THIS refers to Dr Ishrat Hussain’s article, ‘How critical is US assistance?’ (Dawn EBR, April 16) and the subsequent debate. An important underlying assumption of the objective analysis of the article is that the stoppage of US assistance will only mean the loss of the amount involved and there will be no other fallout.
In his letter (April 27), he has made it explicit by saying: “Our intelligentsia has perception that we owe everything to the US largesse and the moment this is withdrawn we would be in deep trouble. I wanted to disabuse them of this widely-held notion with the help of objective facts and analysis.”
It needs to be stressed that far more important than the magnitude of assistance involved is the inherent vital signal in the very act of refusal which is bound to trigger widespread reaction. It would be stating the obvious that the signal is immediately and faithfully picked up by international financial institutions dominated by the US as the the majority shareholder of these institutions.
Other governments more royal than the king follow suit. There can be no denying the fact that in the present unipolar world if the US is happy with any country, the whole world looks at it favourably. Or if the US is unfortunately not pleased with it, then there is hardly any effective friend in the world for that country.
Pakistan has had enough experience both ways. First in 1998, after the nuclear explosion when Pakistan became a pariah, and then after 9\11 when all doors firmly shut previously were suddenly flung open and donors made a beeline for Pakistan. This lesson is worth remembering.
Dr Isharat Hussain further writes: “Third, I do not foresee any downgrading of our credit rating or any adverse impact if we decide at any point of time that we would unilaterally and politely forgo the $750 million of Congressionally-appropriated aid .” This is indeed a very bold, though far-fetched, idea for a country steeped in external debt and getting deeper and deeper into it by the day.
Calling external debt ‘aid’ or ‘assistance’ may lull the general public but in no way extinguishes the external liability. Only a country standing firmly on its own feet dare imagine such an attitude. Self-reliance is an essential pre-requisite but unfortunately in Pakistan this word is never mentioned in economic management, as if it is a taboo.
DR ABDUL KARIM
Rabwah-Chenab Nagar
BUSHRA A. Qamar has been as cynical as Ardeshir Cowasjee and shown unreason, in her rejoinder (May 1) to my letter. Among other things, she has accused me of ‘bad taste.’
Is it in good taste for people to liken humans to insects and animals? She has ignored the fact that I praised the non-Muslim Prof Ardeshir Spencer despite his remark, because that was the honest and graceful thing to do. Also, that l took care not to quote the name of the insect used to label the Mexicans, which would be impolite and in bad taste, in contrast to Mr Cowasjee's approach.
Again, l am not the only one to have criticised the columnist – many other correspondents have taken strong exception to his writings in the past (as on April 29 and May 2), including former minister and Senator Javed Jabbar, if memory serves.
Ms Qamar has also been presumptive by imputing that I only see Muslims as Pakistanis. I have seen enough of this world to consider myself a global citizen, who is far above narrow-mindedness or hurting the sentiments of Muslims or non-Muslims. However, as a patriotic Pakistani and a Muslim I can't sit back when somebody criticises my country, compatriots or co-religionists unfairly or beyond healthy limits, especially by seeming to go out of his way to do so, just as I defend people of other nationalities and faiths, if targeted unjustly.
Mr Cowasjee hardly ever has any good words for Muslims of Pakistan (his praise is normally limited to non-Muslims). In most columns you will find him slamming us, in some way. Thus, on April 29, while referring to an email from an expat who wrote he is a misfit here because, among other things, "I cannot lie, cheat, bully or kill — the supreme criteria for being a true Pakistani," the columnist said: “What can I tell the man .... Who wants us 170 million belligerent, illiterate 'nanga-bhookas.”
First of all, any reasonable and patriotic Pakistani, instead of going along with this slanderous ante, should have asked the emailer how many Pakistanis, out of 160 (or 170) million, in his opinion, have ever murdered anyone? How many of Mr Cowasjee's, Ms Qamar's or the other readers' family members, relatives, friends and acquaintances engage in killing, lying or cheating? I can say that most of those associated with me, including the ones in very senior government positions, have generally not exhibited such behaviour.
Also, about 50 per cent of Pakistanis can't be called ‘illiterate’ and even less, ‘nanga-bhookas’. This land of ‘nanga-bhookas’ has provided refuge to millions of political and economic migrants, which is more than for any developed country. There was a racket in the US in the `90s when many Indians had shown their sisters as being their wives and got immigration for them. We don't have such desperation.
Ms Qamar also seems unaware of the research by the Aga Khan Development Network and others, showing that Pakistanis are among the most philanthropic people in the world, at par with the US in some ways. One estimate had put the annual contribution of our compatriots, including expats, at about Rs170 billion a year (for running orphanages, educational institutions, mosques, industrial homes, hospitals and many other good works); which was about half of the government's annual revenues then.
By toeing Mr Cowasjee’s line that most Pakistanis are "uncouth yahoos and rowdies" and citing example of some parliamentarians allegedly supporting the Lal Masjid activists, she, too, has stereotyped the entire nation, while forgetting the majority opposing extremism.
How about all those millions who had risen up to help the victims of the October 2005 earthquake, working quietly day and night, or the supporters for the judicial rights, democracy and rule of law, who form the majority, whether or not they demonstrate openly? And those, who sacrifice the comforts of the West to return and serve here – myself included?
I believe the major reasons for defaming others are ignorance, bias or as a defence mechanism against one's guilt feelings or poor self-image. Ms Qamar seems to have a grudge on sectarian lines against some people and found it convenient to displace her anger on to me.
A READER
Karachi
THE Frontier Works Organisation is reconstructing a stormwater drain at Commercial Avenue in Phase 4 under the supervision of the DHA, Karachi. The new drain is now much smaller, under capacity because its size, i.e., cross-sectional area, has been drastically reduced.
The new mini-drain or the small drain will not take the total flow of stormwater. The reduced size of the drain will cause the following problems:
a. The new drain will not take the flow of the smaller drains of commercial lanes, till the water recedes in the main drain of Commercial Avenue (during the low tide in the Gizri Creek). Whenever the Commercial Avenue drain becomes full due to a heavy rainfall and high tide in the Gizri Creek, there will be a back flow of water into the smaller drains of commercial lanes.
b. The DHA will not be able to pump out the rainwater from commercial streets and commercial lanes into the main drain of Commercial. Avenue, because it would be mostly full of water due to its reduced capacity.
There is very nominal and marginal curvature in the bed of the new drain. Greater concavity should have been provided to achieve a better flow of water.
The reconstruction of the Commercial Avenue drain, as well as of the small drains of Commercial Lanes of Phase 4, should have been planned and executed in such a manner that the entire work is completed before the start of the monsoon rains.
At Schon Circle, the famous KPT underpass has been built. Last year the rainwater had no outlet in Clifton, which proved disastrous. If adequate measures are not taken and the design of the drain is not revised and changed by the DHA, then the same situation will always be faced by the residents of Commercial Streets and Commercial Lanes of Phase 4 during the heavy rains.
Perhaps, due to an oversight, the proposal was accepted, thinking it to be from a so-called renowned consultancy firm. The faulty planning, omissions and the flaws are of a very serious nature, which the planners in the DHA should have noticed.
Thank God, the work has been temporarily suspended and the design of the drain is being revised. I appeal to the DHA that now all the snags should be removed to save the residents from facing the agony during the rain. Widening of the drain should be more important than widening of Commercial Avenue tracks. The design should be re-checked by some experts.
A CONCERNED RESIDENT
Karachi
THERE is no single individual who has never faltered in his life by taking wrong decisions. Weak people insist on their decisions and fight in futility. Strong people accept their fault, amend their decisions and make a name in history. Such people are honoured and remembered as statesmen.
In the present judicial crisis, your statesmanship abilities are at test, Mr President, Sir.
NAQI MUSTAFA
Karachi
MY telephone (498 2158) went out of order and I complained to the PTCL. However, a few days later, instead of fixing the telephone, they swapped my telephone number with another. Now all phone calls meant for my phone are going to another home, while calls meant for 498 4521 are coming to my telephone set.
Will the PTCL kindly cancel this unwarranted swap - which will later create billing problems for two homes - and restore my number (498 2158) to me?
A SUBSCRIBER
Karachi
I WAS heartened to hear that the city government of Karachi is making all efforts to construct 18 new hospitals to provide health facilities to the people. It is pertinent to note that many other cities in Sindh’s interior are without even Rural Health Centres. Yet the CGDK is building these18 hospitals in Karachi and not in other cities like Sukkur and Hyderabad where there is a dire need for hospitals.
RASHEED AHMED MIRANI
Sukkur
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