| November 10, 2007 | Saturday | Shawwal 28, 1428 |
To send a letter to the Editor
Click here
Just an illusion
Detained lawyers
Sheikh Rashid’s dilemma
Silver lining
At a crossroads
Fire at Radio Pakistan
PTCL’s false claims
An irked mother-in-law
Cut from the same cloth
Students’ awards
Unavailability of medicine
Traffic jams
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
SNGPL’s recent announcement of severe gas supply stoppage for major industries (due to increased domestic load) in winter and the letter on ‘Energy efficiency (Oct 30) have again created an atmosphere of too many unanswered questions.
Every year the energy situation gets worse and yet we have constant claims of improvement all round. Our economic managers are really not concerned with long-term planning and only ad hoc decisions are made to cross present ‘panic situation’. If anyone cared for the future, we would have had an effective energy conservation policy.
Cutting off the lifeline gas supply to industries, without ensuring an efficient utilisation of our scarce Sui gas in ‘domestic’ market, is not understood at all. We have neither ensured energy-efficient buildings nor do we talk about essential requirement of energy-efficient equipment and yet we supply subsidised gas to encourage wastage.
How can we afford to continue encouraging low-efficiency gas engine generators, even very low efficiency gas-fired airconditioning systems, besides inefficient room heaters and hot water geysers and justify subsidising the supply in the name of ‘domestic’ market?
Our industrial sector needs to become efficient, and that too very urgently but cutting off supply for three months is not the answer.
SNGPL should help the industries adopt efficient systems through active advisory cells and encourage them to invest in appropriate technologies. It is estimated that about 40 per cent gas can be saved if a typical industry producing power from gas engines and steam from gas-fired boilers can be converted to properly designed efficient cogeneration systems.
Similar is the situation in inefficient airconditioning systems in large building complexes. What will it take to ensure energy efficiency in our industries and large buildings, knowing very well that we cannot exist without it?
Gas utilisation in power generation is so inefficient that major improvement in energy scenario is possible if the authorities ensure minimum efficiency standards in this sector. The biggest culprits are low efficiency power generating units in the shape of conventional steam power stations and gas engine generators (very ‘popular’ in both industries and building complexes due to our subsidised gas tariff).
It should also be noted that so-called ‘efficient’ combined-cycle power stations being installed in the country are really not much better and the example of the world’s lowest efficiency 90 MW combined cycle power plant being commissioned at Karachi is most unfortunate.
This plant will consume at least 30 per cent extra gas (compared to efficient design) even under ideal conditions. In typical summer (at least seven to eight months in a year), the plant efficiency will be further lowered.
We seem to be ignoring all efficient technologies, being adopted by countries which care for both the costs of power and environmental pollution. Our ‘efficient’ combined cycle power stations lose up to 30 per cent capacity and up to 10 per cent efficiency in typical hot summer but we are not concerned.
Our power supply is so heavily subsidised that it does not really matter to the authorities if the annual subsidy increases from Rs60 billion to Rs70 billion. It is the taxpayers’ money which should have gone to health and education instead of encouraging wastage all round.
Many questions are raised regarding ‘affordability’ of our real energy costs. No country in the world can sustain economic stability without controlling the energy costs and, for us, we see the ‘gift’ of very high inflation due to real costs of energy going through the roof. We certainly cannot sustain the high energy costs (on real terms) and unless we learn to conserve and live within our means, we are asking for trouble.
Without any urgent action on conservation, total economic failure for most of the country’s population (90 per cent bracket) is a definite possibility because very soon oil will be well above $100 per barrel and our natural gas prices will also be tied to international pricing (at least 100 per cent increase in our present gas prices).
In this scenario, only energy efficiency will save us from impending collapse and, as a minimum, energy-efficient cogeneration systems and green buildings’ design must be ensured on an immediate basis to give us a reasonable chance of sustainability.
AINUL ABEDIN
Karachi
After complete disappointment with all the politicians of Pakistan, I was of the view that President Pervez Musharraf is the only person in the current circumstances, to lead our people towards the improvement. Though not ideal but he proved to be the best choice among our options available until now. But the recent developments have been very distressing.
Watching the images on Pakistani and international TV channels and in international newspapers of our fellow citizens, mostly lawyers and human rights workers, being beaten up so ruthlessly is not just heartbreaking but also painful. These people are not terrorists or criminals. They are educated professionals trying to voice their views. It is shocking to see the degree of lawlessness at the hands of law enforcement agencies in our country. These actions are against all social, ethical and moral values. I am surprised that our President sees this callous behaviour as the perfect solution to boost the morale of our so called “demoralized” members of law enforcement agencies.
Although this detestable act is being hidden from the people of Pakistan by not letting them watch any news channels, it can still not be concealed from the people all over the world who can view each and every detail via their free media. These spectacles are causing a lot of disgrace to the image of Pakistan globally.
The insensitivity of our fellow citizens is also alarming. They are trying to fill their pockets by escalating prices for everyday food items which have added to the suffering of the distressed people of Pakistan. I fail to understand why these criminals are not the ones behind bars. Would this not be a better way to build self esteem of our police force and actually help the people of our country at the same time?
Dr Sara Ashraf
England
My uncle, who is a lawyer, was arrested on November 5th, from the LHC premises along with 40-50 other lawyers. His only crime was being present at the place where he works. Since then, he’s been moved from jail to jail, and been tried in the anti-terrorism court at Lakhpat Jail. My family had to run from pillar to post and use our contacts to find out where he was being held as the police are being extremely tight lipped about the whole situation. After much pleading, we managed to get him things like his medication, slippers and change of clothes. Yesterday we learnt that he’s now been shifted to Bahawalpur.
I demand from the authorities concerned as to why these civilians are being treated like terrorists and war prisoners? Being lawyers, these so-called “terrorists” have a very close working relationship with the police. The fact that the police is treating them this way shows that a much bigger hand is behind them. Has our army, instead of protecting its people, revolted against its own nation? It certainly seems so. My family is trying to put up a brave face but it’s proving more difficult with each passing day. We feel angered and helpless with this unjust situation. I urge the people to raise their voice against this oppression.
SHAZA BASHEER
Karachi
I was shocked to see the Federal Minister of Railway Sheikh Rasheed coming on television and complaining about India’s denial of his request to go to India to watch the cricket match between India and Pakistan teams being played in India.
The very idea of Mr Rasheed visiting India to watch cricket at a time when martial law has been imposed in the garb of emergency, television transmissions shut down, basic rights of the citizens confiscated, police using brute force and making mass arrests and locking away husbands, sons, daughters, mothers, is appalling. He has the nerve to come out and complain about the denial of his visa and his story as to how he first approached Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and their joint ‘struggle’ toward obtaining visa for Sheikh Rasheed. It should be noted that the government has taken away the basic joy of watching the match on television from the citizens of Pakistan.
These poor citizens not only have the luxury of flying in first class on government paid expenses to go to India to watch the match but also are deprived of watching even on television.
ABDUL MUQTADIR
New Jersey, USA
Without an independent judiciary and a robust press, democracy is no more than a disguised autocracy. Pakistan has been a victim of more than that.
The army generals, Ayub, Zia and now Musharraf have persistently corroded the basis of political process. No wonder, the elected regimes under their hegemony appeared ridiculously inept. And there are hardly any to inspire.
The latent anger of the legal community aroused by the moral fiber of our chief justice was not taken into account. Until it spread all over, the universal outcry was for the promised elections...not against the onslaught of the “overactive” judiciary. Hopefully, the process continues until the constitution is restored without the impeding clauses.
Never had I felt so proud to have been a part of Pakistan’s legal community though I am away from my homeland for the past 28 years.
AFTAB AHMAD
Canada
My heart bleeds to see the images of Pakistanis being kicked, slapped, dragged and pushed mercilessly by security forces. What is their crime? They are demanding for restoration of people’s rule in their country which was given to them by the Founding Fathers of their country as their basic and fundamental right.
However, Pakistanis must realise that they are at a historical cross-road.
The only similar incident in history that comes to my mind is The Battle of Plassey between Sirajudaullah and Robert Clive. The stakes of losing are too high.
If Pakistanis win, they will emerge as a highly respected nation in the world. If they lose, it might be the end of their existence.
S. SAXENA
Dehradun, India
“Asalamalaikum, this is Radio Pakistan….” These words were broadcast at midnight on the 14th of August, 1947 and were so poignant that tears of happiness came to the eyes of those Pakistanis who fought for their new homeland, Pakistan — the Land of the Pure.
The graceful building of Radio Pakistan Karachi is nearly a century old, reminiscent of the architecture predominant at the turn of the 20th century. It was here that the first Prime Minister of Pakistan addressed the fledgling nation. It is however, with a heavy heart that one hears that the very table and chair that Liaquat Ali Khan sat on and motivated his fellow Pakistanis does not exist anymore. It is now an insignificant pile of ashes.
Why did fire break out in this historical building situated on the well known M.A. Jinnah Road? One can only send prayers of thanks to Allah that the small children in the studio were taken immediately to safety.
The antique pianos on which our national anthem was composed also were stored in this building. It has been disputed that the pianos have been burnt in the tragedy, however, the officials have assured us that they had been sent for repairs. Such precious artifacts of significance should only be housed in the National Museum as a symbol of true patriotism.
We have to be thankful that the records are stored in Islamabad, but even so, the integrity of this stately building is at risk after the fire. Can we be sure that it will be safe? Why weren’t safety measures taken in the first place?
If one looks at most Government buildings, old or new, there is a certain laissez faire attitude seen amongst the people who work there. There is a distinct lack of pride, cleanliness or orderliness perceived. Wires hang or stick out of fuse boxes without any regard to safety, and no doubt these turn out to be fire hazards especially in old buildings where an electrical short circuit can spread like wildfire. Inasmuch, there are no safety measures in any of the old or new buildings to prevent expensive losses of lives as well as equipment. Proper preventive measures can save a lot to the national exchequer.The best protection against fire is preventing one from occurring at all. By educating employees and taking steps to properly equip the offices/buildings where one works, the chances of ever having to deal with a fire become less. Lessons have to be learnt, immediately, effectively and earnestly.
Nowadays people are trying to create specific safety measures, why not the Government for its own people? Keeping in mind what’s at stake, one cannot apply the age old adage of “pound foolish and penny wise”. The balance between the cost of maintenance, prevention and installing proper equipment has to be weighed against the loss of valuable data, equipment and most of all precious lives.
DR SHIREEN KHAN
Via email
After being privatized, the PTCL is making tall claims of providing excellent customer services but these assertions are far from reality. I submitted a request for a phone line, to be installed in my office, located in Amber Castle (PECHS Block 6) on September 15th. The installation was supposed to be made in two weeks. Unfortunately, the phone line hasn’t been installed yet, as it has been almost two months now. No actions have been taken even after repeated complaints.
Moreover, I would emphasize a point that instead of investing huge capital on advertisements, PTCL should utilize a proportion of that capital to put in good effort to improve its customer services to satisfy the common man.
RIZWAN AHMED
Karachi
Since the imposition of the emergency, I am surprised at the attitude of ruling class towards media, especially the electronic. They are behaving towards them like a “Roothi Saas” (irked mother-in-law). I think the media should completely boycott them. They want to take us back to stone age of Ayub, Yahya, Zia and other pueudo democratic governments.
The media should not compromise on any code of conduct because all of us know that media’s behaviour has been more or less fair. In all of the political talk shows, they always invited ruling partymen to prove their case. The media cannot be blamed to be partial because of the rulers’ dismal performance. I wonder where the moderates of government like S M Zafar and Mushahid Hussain are these days.
ALI BOKHARI
Ireland
India and Pakistan, both cut from the same cloth, have rich culture, heritage, custom and tradition. Both the governments of India and Pakistan, to further their peace process, should develop a good cultural relationship with each other. Imagine staging ‘Bharatanatyam’, a South Indian dance performance in Karachi and Sufi music concert in Chennai.
The Indian and Pakistan political leaders should aim at making both these countries a combined superpower so that the West shall not throw its weight around in our countries to achieve their ends.
K.PRADEEP
Chennai
This is in reference to the convocation of Karachi University held in the year 2005 for Bachelors and Masters graduates, with Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan as chief guest. He had announced a cash award of Rs35,000 from the Sindh Government to each of the gold medalists at the convocation held in the year 2005. The amount was to be given at another ceremony to be held at the Governor House. None of the gold medalists have been contacted by Karachi University so far, nor by any Sindh Government officials for the disbursement of the announced sum of money.
It has been 2 years, since the convocation took place. I would like to inquire from the Sindh government about its status. It’s very shameful for the government to retract from its promise after making an announcement in public. I only fear that this huge amount has not been embezzled in the name of students, as is the usual case. I would like to request Dr. Ibad to look into the matter.
AISHA JALIL
Karachi
Pain is the most common symptom experienced by patients with cancer. Morphine, a derivative of Opium, is currently the drug of choice for pain relief in cancer patients, but unfortunately, it is not available in Pakistan.
Last week, one of my close relatives was in severe pain because of widespread cancer. I tried my best to get Morphine injections from major chemist shops of Karachi but could not find any. I even approached some teaching hospitals’ pharmacies but again found that the injections were not available.
My relative eventually died, but I feel sad that we could not relieve her pain in the last few weeks of her life because of the unavailability of Morphine injections. Could the concerned authorities in the Ministry of Health please ensure that cancer patients are not deprived of this essential pain relief medicine?
JAVAID A. KHAN
Via email
These days, passengers traveling by air from Rawalpindi and Islamabad are faced with some of the worst traffic jams. A solution would be to make a huge car park at the area lying vacant between the Airport Road and Islamabad Highway.
Only the passengers should commute from there to the airport-terminals in airport buses. This would also help avoid security hazards as it would provide some relief and distance between the parked vehicles as well as the main terminals.
This would also reduce the pedestrian traffic, especially people who come to drop and receive passengers. We still have three to four years to bear till the new airport becomes functional
NAJMI AHMAD
Islamabad
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.