| December 08, 2007 | Saturday | Ziqa’ad 27, 1428 |
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The cricket of politics
Face value of Nawaz’s statements
First C’wealth SG
Bigger thieves or smaller
Purpose of punishments
Customer services
No agitation, please
Gas outage
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
WITH the announcement of the election schedule, the government has started pre-poll rigging by resorting to reshuffling in the administration involving officers from the district coordination officer level to mukhtiakar and tapedar, plus police and judicial officials. Moreover, false cases are being registered against political workers of opponent parties.
This is despite the ban imposed on transfers and postings by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Even the Sindh chief secretary, Ejaz Qureshi, has been changed after three days of the announcement of the election schedule . All this is in violation of the code of conduct of the election commission.
Moreover, former Sindh chief minister and other former provincial ministers are still enjoying the services of police escorts with full protocol, although after the dissolution of the provincial assembly they are no longer entitled to such privileges.
Meanwhile, district and taluka nazims are doing their utmost to influence the administration in favour of the government candidates by travelling in government vehicles to the offices of returning officers along with PML-Q and other pro -government candidates for filing nomination papers.
It may also be noted here that major polling stations have been changed, particularly where voters and supporters are in favour of opposition candidates. Also, the government has a string of ghost polling stations, specially in remote areas. The administration is also tempering with the voters’ lists.
In the 2002 election also the state resources were employed on an unprecedented scale to ensure the success of the government proxies. Government offices and other effects of the government were openly used to campaign for one party. Almost the same players are employed to achieve a similar result this time also.
These indications make the forthcoming election a suspect in public eyes. Also, an election being held under emergency has raised a number of questions about the credibility of the exercise. The paramount question that arises is: when there is emergency in the country, when the Constitution (1973) remains suspended, when the judiciary stands demolished, when fundamental rights of the people are curtailed, when freedom of speech is controlled, when human rights are suspended, when independence of the media is under control of the government, how come are the people supposed to cast their votes freely and fairly in the election?
In the current scenario when there is little time left for the election, scheduled for Jan 8, how will it be possible for parties to reach the people and hold rallies and public gatherings to circulate their manifestos and party programmes? In the absence of the independent media and the impartial judiciary, free vote will be missing because the media is the major source of news and views for millions of Pakistanis and likewise a neutral judiciary will play a vital role in a free and fair election. In these circumstances if the present regime wants to make the forthcoming election credible and transparent, it should then:
— Reverse all judicial and administrative transfers.
— Curtail powers of nazims or suspend them till the election is held.
— Lift emergency as soon as possible to ensure that the election is held in a free and fair manner.
— Curb irregularities like bogus votes, ghost polling stations, ensure transparency of ballot boxes, etc.
— Allow international observers to monitor the election.
— Appoint an independent election commission to ensure sanctity of ballot and avoid violation of rules.
HUMERA ALWANI
Ex-MPA, Thatta
THIS is with reference to Anwar Iqbal’s reports from Washington on US targeting Al Qaeda in Pakistan and US planning to take over Pakistan’s nuclear assets (Nov 30 and Dec 3). Under the circumstances, I was hoping some of our leaders, irrespective of which party they belong to, will come out with reasonably-worded reply and a rejoinder to those functionaries of the US who keep on injecting some poisonous elements in Pakistan-US relations. Unfortunately that has not happened so far.
Your editorial, ‘Clueless in Washington’ (Dec 4), is an appropriate reply and also a rejoinder to those of our leaders who have been talking of Balkanisation and showing their willingness for such intervention that the country has been denying so far. I was in an American academy in 1970 when the Vietnam war was still going on. At the end of my course, I went to call on the commandant who asked me why there were such intense anti-American feelings in some countries of Asia.
My reply was that American foreign policies are at variance with the normal conduct of an average American. How different an average American is, only a few people know in other countries. Only one example will suffice: old lady Sheehan whose son died in the Iraq war was instrumental in organising many protest demonstrations against the Iraq war instead of talking vengeance.
It is regrettable that many policies in international relations are formulated in CIA headquarters, then orchestrated through their agents in the media, State Department and the Senate that come later on. The author of Hidden War, a former KGB agent, once wrote that to justify expenditure of billions of roubles intelligence agencies must keep on floating some theories. Call it dollars instead of roubles, think of Iraq war, WMDS and Saddam’s alleged connection with Al Qaeda. All theories presented by the CIA were found to be false. George Tenet, the former director of the CIA, should not have been allowed to resign but tried for betraying the American people.
Now they are worried about Pakistan’s nuclear assets. Pakistan went nuclear because of the insecurities it has continuously felt throughout since 1947. Despite all our security treaties, the US did not play any positive role in 1965 and 1971. At present, even if it is assumed that a few atom bombs will fall in the hands of the extremists, they cannot be used without possession of tactical delivery system with an adequate range.
In any case anybody or nation which has the capacity to use an atom bomb will always calculate the risks of retaliation. Another important question is: can the US be ever destroyed? My answer is ‘no’. Why are the Americans then so disturbed? The reason is because Pakistan is the only Muslim country which can stand up to their misadventures in the Middle East and Central Asia.
As far as the support to the present regime in the country is concerned, whatever the differences might be, all citizens should stand in unison against any intervention as regards our sovereignty and national boundaries.
BRIG (r) KHALID HASSAN MAHMOOD
Karachi
IN her article, ‘The cricket of politics’ (Nov 23), Ayesha Siddiqa has criticised Imran Khan for his role as a politician after the imposition of emergency in Pakistan (Nov 23).
The writer does not appreciate Mr Khan for going on hunger strike in the jail until the judiciary is restored, emergency lifted and the situation returns to normal.
At the very outset, let me make it clear that right from the day one, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf has stood for the independence of the judiciary that should ensure justice to everyone in Pakistan.
Now the imposition of emergency has effectively cut down all the powers of an independent judicial system and has disfigured the judiciary beyond recognition. As a mark of protest, Mr Khan went on hunger strike until death demanding the restoration of the status of the judiciary as it was before Nov 3.
The writer further says that Mr Khan’s sacrifice will probably go unnoticed for two reasons. First, the world does not recognise the Khan as a mature political leader to be taken seriously.
The American government, which called Islamabad for Bhutto’s release, did not do it for Khan.
This observation made by the writer about the political standing of Mr Khan needs to be seen with the eyes of a true Pakistani who values self-esteem more than any political gains.
About Benazir Bhutto, the general perception is that she has been manoeuvring to reach the top with the help of powers outside Pakistan. In return, when in power, she toes their line and shows her allegiance under all circumstances.
On the contrary, Mr Khan believes in the indigenous power of the people of Pakistan and advocates unadulterated sovereignty of Pakistan.
Second, the writer says, the rest of the political parties are not too keen to challenge the military seriously.
In fact, this is the difference between Mr Khan and the rest of the politicians. As always, he is ever ready to meet the challenges head on. According to him, relentless and continued struggle against tyranny is bound to succeed in the end. That is why he is seen as iconoclastic rebel in the politics of Pakistan.
Lastly, the writer says Imran Khan’s treatment by the student body of the Jamaat sheds light on where the loyalty of the MMA lies. The writer hopes that Imran Khan has learnt his lesson.
In this regard Mr Khan has already said that besides a few students of the Jamiat, the secret agencies played a role in misbehaving and stopping him from joining the students in their peaceful protest.
Even though he has a short political career behind him, still Mr Khan has made his presence felt and got his voice heard in the politics of Pakistan.
WAQAR AHMED RAJA
Media Coordinator
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf
Islamabad
THE banner headline in Dawn on Nov 26 said: ‘Sharif finally home’.
Addressing his party workers, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif (NS) stated that “Pakistan was not created for dictators and emergencies. It was created for democracy and the rule of law. I am here to play my role in ridding the country of dictatorship and bringing back the rule of law.” Furthermore, he stated that he had not come to the country under any deal.
Accepting his statements at face value, I would like to see how long he lives up to this commitment. So far as his denial of a ‘deal’ is concerned, it is mind - boggling to observe the sudden change of heart in the Saudi King, who only two months ago had sent his intelligence chief to Pakistan to assure the GoP that NS would not be allowed to return to Pakistan before completing his term as per the agreement or at least not before the elections. The Saudi rep also had the audacity to address a press conference. Perhaps the word ‘deal’ should be replaced by the word ‘understanding’. Sounds more respectable!
Deal or no deal, the bottom line for us, the real owners of this country, is, when will our country belong to us?
NAZIM F. HAJI
Karachi
THIS refers to a news item (Nov 25) wherein it has been stated that Kamlesh Sharma is the first secretary-general from an Asian Commonwealth country in more than 40 years. It is not correct. The late Sir Ikramullah, who was appointed the first secretary-general of the Commonwealth Organisation in 1961, was from an Asian Commonwealth country, Pakistan. Incidentally, he too was holding the office of Pakistan High Commissioner in the UK at the time of his appointment.
R. R. ALVI
Lahore
NOT keeping updated about prevailing objective realities can hoodwink simpleton Pakistanis through jugglery of words.
Aftab Alam in his letter, ‘Kleptocracy’ (Dec 6), as a rejoinder to A. Khan’s letter, ‘Mushocracy’, said people are better off with Musharraf’s emergency, PCO, etc. As the majority of Pakistanis, according to Mr Alam, is no more interested in the government with system of Kleptocracy — of the thieves, by the thieves and for the thieves.
However, it appears that Mr Alam failed to read the Transparency International 2006 report, the graft and pelf drained 67 per cent of public funds. This ratio was 47 per cent during Benazir Bhutto’s regime and 34 per cent during Nawaz Sharif’s rule.
Now the question is: shall we have the bigger thief or the smaller thief?
M. SALEEM CHAUDHRY
San Jose, Ca, USA
APROPOS of Aftab Alam’s rejoinder, ‘Kleptocracy’, I see no reason to agree with the writer’s rather sweeping statement that a “vast majority of Pakistanis would rather live with Musharraf”.
Indeed years of military dictatorship has rendered us (the people) utterly disenfranchised and, therefore, choosing one over the other has almost become an immaterial exercise. Even if Mr Alam is making a relative comparison in the present context of Pakistan’s political crisis, I believe it is not worth selling an idea because Musharraf cannot be the choice but an ultimate imposed choice. Everyone is aware of Musharraf’s botched and alloyed democracy which centres on one man’s insatiable hunger for power.
People do not want thieves, but give me a single ruler/politician who is not a thief in this country? Where are saints of Pakistani politics? There is a breed of power-hungry military generals (Musharraf being unprecedented of the lot) and toady politicians, wagging behind an entourage of slimy time-server civil bureaucracy. Musharraf’s PML-Q abounds with thieves and that is the same breed against which the writer has expressed his disgust.
So far as this question of Pakistan’s ‘disgrace’ is concerned, I think the onus is on the successive military rules. Dictators are always intellectual (if that is the domain in which they allow their imagination to roam) convinced that whatever they do and are doing is correct.
RIZWAN AKHTAR
Lahore
WITH reference to Aftab Alam’s letter, it is not clear what the writer means by the government ‘ of the thieves, by the thieves, for the thieves’.
The writer needs to understand that President Musharraf is also included among the people who have constantly been violating the Constitution. I guess no dictator would dare violate the Constitution if Article 6 (1) of the Constitution is put into real practice, which states: ‘’Any person who abrogates or attempts or conspires to abrogate, subverts or attempts or conspires to subvert the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.’’
SUDHEER AHMED
Turbat
THIS is apropos of Bilal Ahmed Malik’s article, ‘Purpose of punishments in Islam’ (Nov 30). While discussing punishments, why should we forget about forgiveness? There is a well-known and authentic case where the Holy Prophet (pbuh) showed extreme reluctance to punish a self-confessed adulterer and his mistress.
Then there is the matter of risk of miscarriage of justice, because the Qazi is a human being as are the witnesses.
I once asked an Egyptian friend whether they have been amputating the hands of thieves in Egypt. He laughed and referred to a saying in Arabic that means: “If a hungry person steals some food, the hand of the ruler or the king should be amputated.”
The point is that we always think of punishing petty thieves and overlook those who steal millions. They say that if you owe $100 to a bank, they will sue you. But if you owe $100 million, they will make you a director of the bank.
I suspect that there would have been times when we could have had a whole cabinet of ministers with amputated hands. If being a bank defaulter can be a status symbol, so could be an amputated hand! Oh, what heights one could reach single-handedly.
KHALID A.
London, UK
THIS is apropos of the letter, ‘Customer services’ (Dec 3). The letter referred to the frustration that the writer went through on account of the delay by our bank in sending his wife’s credit card.
For the benefit of the readers of your newspaper, it is imperative that we explain our credit card delivery process. As a matter of protecting our customers’ interests and to prevent the credit card falling into the wrong hands and, therefore, being misused, the bank’s policy is that if the customer is not present at his mailing address to collect the card personally, our delivery team brings back the card.
With specific reference to the complaint mentioned in the letter, delivery of the card was attempted three times. However, each time the customer was not present at his address. Therefore, as per process, the card was returned to the bank. However, last week, after having established contact with the customer, our team delivered the card to him on Nov 30. Even so, we do regret any inconvenience that the customer may have experienced and thank him for his continued patronage of the bank.
SERVICE QUALITY DEPARTMENT
Standard Chartered Bank
Karachi
THIS is apropos of Nauman Qaiser’s letter, ‘Why polls should be boycotted’ (Dec 5). It was disturbing to see a letter that called for planned ‘agitation’. At a single glance at our not-so-fortunate history, we can easily conclude that any kind of agitation at any level in the past could only bring the loss of lives, private properties, financial loss and chaos.
Simply put, it’s not an option whatsoever. More saddening was the fact that my friend hinted at the need for a repetition of the 1977 agitation, which actually led to the judicial murder of a genuine statesman and marked the beginning of 11 years of the worst martial law, the legacy of which we all are still suffering from.
Anyone for peace, dialogue and harmony?
HARIS RIFFAT SIDDIQUI
Karachi
THE SNGPL has started gas loadshedding at Faisalabad. It is reflective of the achievements of the Musharraf era that is growing to haunt this nation.
It is shocking when it comes from the SNGPL which is a prestigious organisation with thousands of highly qualified engineers. How could they not know that if in an area a few stations are closed, a car owner will drive a few extra kilometres to the next working CNG station and get the car refuelled. You will not be able to reduce consumption of gas by vehicles and you will only add to the wastage of gas that a consumer will use in search of the next CNG station.
SNGPL, please rethink your decision and help make people’s life easy. If this is an enlightened government’s order, then please say so in your ads, so the people can vote them out.
RANA M. AFZAL KHAN
Faisalabad
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