| January 14, 2008 | Monday | Muharram 04, 1429 |
Surcharge on bills
Voters in fear, elections in doubt
Healthy activities for the youths of the city are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the officials’ priorities. Perhaps that is why so many of our youths are aimless and ultimately drift into troubled waters, getting caught up in various anti-social and self-destructive activities.
But one activity – if given proper attention – can perhaps help transform many of these troubled youths, particularly young men, into productive citizens. That activity is scouting, where young men hone their outdoors skills and learn to rough it out in nature, as well as getting valuable basic first aid and civil defence training. And perhaps the biggest advantage of getting trained in the methods of scouting is the sense of discipline that is instilled within the youths.
According to the 2006 figures provided by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, there are around 570,000 scouts and girl guides (their female equivalents) in Pakistan, while scouting was introduced here even before Partition, in 1909. And one assumes quite a fair chunk of this number are present in Karachi.
But unfortunately, as with all else, scouting has fallen on black days. If news reports are to be believed, organisers of the scouting movement say there is almost a perpetual lack of funds, while the authorities are least interested in promoting the activity. But once a year, the citizens of Karachi witness the scouts of the city on a large scale in action controlling traffic, providing first aid and helping the police force with security. This period is Muharram, especially the first 10 days of the month, up until Ashura, when literally thousands of men, women and children crisscross the city to attend majalis (mourning assemblies for Imam Hussain AS).
And more often than not, it is the scouts from different groups that are at the forefront directing traffic and ensuring smooth crowd control outside venues of majalis as well as during the mourning procession on the 9th and 10th of the month.
A former scout told this writer that there were between six to 10 major scouting groups in the city associated with different mosques, Imambargahs and community organisations that came into action during Muharram.
And the work these young lads do is commendable, for controlling crowds in this incredibly unruly city is quite a feat. But then again, there is a certain degree of discipline that most people attending these assemblies display, gladly complying with the scouts’ requests in matters such as parking. At times one wishes our much maligned traffic cops learnt a thing or two from these young men about crowd control and traffic management.
The example of scouts doing such a great job during Muharram should be replicated on a larger level so that the youth of the city can channel their energies into more constructive pursuits that benefit themselves and society at large.—QAM
The lost computers
The National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST), a centre of professional education where all registration processes were once automated, now works manually.
On an unfortunate day close to the year’s end, the university located on the outskirts of Karachi was ransacked, looted and burnt. FAST was torn down to suffer losses worth millions of rupees.It is painful to see such an esteemed educational institution being targeted and looted. The university lost new computers worth millions of rupees, out of which a few have been recovered by the area police. Now the institute has only a few computers at its disposal.
As an eyewitness, I saw the university charred and almost all the glass windows broken. Hundreds of people wreaked havoc upon the campus, overpowering the guards. The cafe was also set alight while its main counter was broken.
What does the targeting of professional educational institutions indicate? What will the vandals do with frequency generators and oscilloscopes? God knows best! One sees a planned controversy behind the wreckage of a key institute of professional studies.
However, one wishes everything returns to normal soon and indeed the hustle bustle of maintenance work on campus is encouraging!—Ammar Fahim
The flat bread
A federal minister says it is no business of the caretakers to take care of the rocketing prices and plummeting supplies of wheat flour. They are just there to oversee the holding of ‘free, fair and transparent’ elections, he said.
A PPP leader sees a conspiracy behind it and claims that the government has deliberately created the flour crisis to shift public attention away from the investigations of BB’s assassination.
The president, prime minister, ministers and the governors grab their daily quota of space and time in the media. They regularly release a steady stream of directives to government officials and warnings to the producers and suppliers of flour.
The retailers say they cannot afford to sell flour at the rates prescribed by the government. They say the rates do not take into consideration the transport and labour charges.
The consumers stand in long, winding lines in front of utility stores and other such outlets, scuffling and exchanging heated arguments with one another while waiting for long hours to get hold of a bag or two of the low-priced flour. Most of them fail to achieve any positive result at the end of their waiting time. The hoarders are overjoyed at the situation. They exploit it and manoeuvre to aggravate the crisis to milk the maximum profits from it.
The ‘burger’ families have no problem. They can survive on rice, bakery items and, of course, burgers.
Political activists hold banners and shout slogans at protest demonstrations, demanding flour for their constituents. They promise that when they come into power they will make wheat flour available cheaply and abundantly.
It will not be surprising if the gullible masses vote these ‘promising’ candidates to power. Of course, at present there seems no powerful and attractive slogan than the promise of ‘roti’, or the unleavened flat bread. People can survive without almost anything but affordable wheat flour.
—NA
From the 3rd floor
In the recent gloom and doom that had enveloped Karachi, it was a heartening experience to look at the raindrops of the recent winter showers from the balcony of a third-floor apartment.
It seemed as if all the soot from passing vehicles and the dust from an under-construction flyover on Rashid Minhas Road had settled down to breathe life into the trees and plants that turned lush green and the earth which, all of a sudden, started smelling good.
Within no time some children, a few of them half-naked, appeared from nowhere and started playing in the rain by splashing in the puddles. Despite the chilly weather, the smiles on their faces were a clear sign of how happy they were, unlike the elders who remain busy in the city’s hustle and bustle and lose the ability to enjoy such occasions.
Hope and joy were written on the faces of the children. Perhaps this was the time when the rain washed away all the sorrows and sufferings from my mind about the coastal city that generally remains in the deluge of grave issues. The depressive look that the city had worn during the past few months had disappeared, at least at that very moment.
Sometimes pleasant weather can make one feel good. It is definitely an enhancer of our moods, though methinks it is the other way round: it is all within. If you are happy, the world will be the best place to live in. When Karachi didn’t have as many parks as it has today, even a barren piece of land could be converted into a sports field for an hour of fun. But now, with so many grounds at hand, there are few who know how to make the most of them.
In a fast-paced commercial city like ours, life becomes so mechanical and boring that we Karachians always seem in a hurry looking for something exciting and thrilling which can refresh our energies. Lo and behold, in this quest we hardly realize that what we basically need sometimes is a break. A break to see some life around, which still awaits a little appreciation to blossom!—HA
Compiled by Syed Hassan Ali
Email: karachian@dawn.com
Sir,
Due to the recent disturbances in the city banks were closed for several days. The KESC notified that there would be no extra charge for bills due on the dates banks remained closed.
I paid my gas bill at the Allied Bank, Pakistan Chowk branch and they charged an extra amount as the due date was Dec 29. However, banks were closed by the notification of the State Bank.
As per the General Clause Act, if something is due on a holiday, the same can be presented the next working day.
It is, therefore, requested that the State Bank should issue a notification to all banks as far as the same is concerned for utility bills. The surcharge should be adjusted in future bills.
LATIF-UR-REHMAN KHAN SURVERY
Karachi
Bank interest
Sir,
The Karachi Port Trust has agreed to give 10 days’ concession on demurrage for goods lying at the port due to the recent violence that racked the country, especially Karachi.
As you are aware, trade and industry suffered huge losses due to the violence, which paralysed life for at least 4-5 days.
However, the State Bank of Pakistan has not yet considered any such concession for the interest/mark-up being charged by all banks in Pakistan for this period.
It is necessary that the State Bank should instruct all banks not to charge interest/mark-up for the disturbed period when all banks and businesses were closed. This needs consideration.
IQBAL AZAD
TAX CONSULTANTS
Karachi
Delay in MA results
Sir,
For the past two-and-a-half months, we, the students of MA External (Final Year) have been waiting for our results of different programmes at the University of Karachi. Officially, the results were scheduled to be announced during October, 2007, but they have not yet been declared.
We have contacted the vice-chancellor, registrar and controller of examinations via e-mails, faxes and post, but unfortunately no one has replied.
Finally, when we went to the controller of examinations’s office, we were told that due to the unnecessary delay in MA Economics results by the Economics department, all the results have been withheld, whereas the results of other subjects are ready.
We request the higher authorities to intervene into the matter and announce the MA (External) Final Year results as soon as possible.
CONCERNED STUDENTS
Karachi
Phone problems
Sir,
In Pakistan, some things never change and clearly the PTCL is one of them. Despite its privatization, its staff remains as stubborn as they were before.
For the past six months, my phone (021-493-2246, Block 14 Gulshan-i-Iqbal,) has been virtually out of order. There were frequent cross-connections and tremendous line disturbance, which made it impossible for us to talk to anyone, not to mention use the Internet. For the last four months, it has been totally dead.
Upon calling the PTCL complaint centre, I was told by the official at the other end that it was “not his job” to note down complaints and that it really wasn’t his problem to begin with. I also complained to the ‘0800’ complaint number, but it was of no use.
I am still paying the bill of Rs250 per month for line rent, call waiting and CLI facilities. Can someone from the PTCL justify this?
SADAQAT HUSAIN
Via e-mail
Sir,
I live overseas and due to the current law and order situation in Pakistan, I want to remain in contact with my family back home everyday. However, my home phone number (021-277-4868) has been out of order for the past month-and-a-half.
Despite several complaints, the phone remains dead to this day. I would request the PTCL to take immediate action and fix my home phone line.
ASMA ALI
Via e-mail
Bath Island trauma
Sir,
Bath Island, once an enclave of peace and tranquillity, after facing inundation for two consecutive years is now preparing for another calamity if rains of the same magnitude fall this year also.
This time it will be on account of the haphazardly planned drainage system and sub-standard material which is being used by the contractors in repairing the roads and streets.
Also, the main drain (nullah) carrying sewage, passing through the locality, was repaired two years ago after the demolition of unauthorized structures.
But unfortunately, it has been left exposed without even raising ramparts required for the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
The uncovered nullah, besides increasing noise and air pollution in the area, has added extra miseries for to inhabitants due to the horrible stench and mosquitoes.
The only amenity accessible to the people of the area – the Aga Khan Park – which was damaged callously during the clean-up operation of unauthorized structures, has been left in tatters.
The mushroom growth of multi-story flats is another factor which is going to cause severe strain on the area’s utilities and services such as electricity, water, sewerage and the road network.
Although it is essentially a residential locality, because of its easy accessibility to the commercial areas of the city, some businessmen have hired bungalows which they are using as stores. A few colleges have also acquired rental premises to house their branches here.
The incessant tribulations hapless Bath Islanders are enduring for the last two years require immediate attention of the authorities.
MANSOOR UL HAQ SOLANGI
Via e-mail
city@dawn.com
“I am making a list of fools who believe the elections will be held on January 8 as per schedule” said the father of one of our colleagues when January 8 was still a couple of months away. “And what if elections are held as announced”, asked his son. “Then I will strike down all the names and write down, Pervez Musharraf, instead,” said the father. Joke of sorts but it reflects the state of uncertainty in which the general public found itself at that time in the wake of emergency. Though much has changed and precious blood washed down the Leh since then, some one’s father may still be making a list of that kind.
After the announcement of six-week delay in polls, electioneering has not picked up anywhere in the country, in particular the twin cities, and for all the genuine reasons. The campaigns were getting into full swing after the brief lull during the Eidul Azha holidays when the unexpected happened. The frenzy came to a grinding halt in Rawalpindi from its peak on the day the two former prime ministers were holding their poll rallies side by side on December 27.
The day started with an armed attack allegedly from Khokhar House on Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters who had gathered to welcome their leader, Nawaz Sharif, at Koral Chowk in which four persons were shot dead and more than 10 were injured. The twin cities were already in the grip of tension and fear as it was the first violent incident of the campaign between the ruling and opposition parties. However that tragic day had just begun. Much worse was to follow later that day that would pass into history as national tragedy.
Grief, anger, mayhem followed, the government paralysed as it were. In this chaotic situation government announced postponement of the general elections for six weeks despite opposition from the larger parties which claimed the postponement was to allow time to the king’s party to reclaim its lost ground. The aggressive losers gave a vicious turn to the campaign but the divisive nature of their onslaught alerted the establishment.
Muharram, a month of mourning, may help cool down the temperature but together with that the security concerns have increased as the terrorist elements could use this period to exploit sectarian sentiments. The Lahore killing has already despoiled the sanctity of the sacred month and raised the spectre of Al-Qaeda to not only vitiate the climate during Muharram but also substantially affect the election campaign. All that is seen in the twin cities by way of electioneering are the multi- coloured posters and banners that have remerged on the city roads.
The thing that has really created doubts in the minds of the general public, is the fact that soon after the December 27 tragedy, security agencies were able to get intelligence intercepts that revealed the exact location of those involved in the heinous crime and yet they were unable to capture or kill them. In fact no move was made in that direction. Equally disturbing were the leaks fed to the media by the law enforcement and intelligence agencies suggesting the number of suicide bombers who had entered Islamabad with heavy weapons. But again they failed to capture anyone of them. And yet the precise timing and location of the incident was predicted with divine accuracy.
The scare created by such intelligence has made the security issue a factor in the election scenario and all political parties, national leaders and voters are utterly perplexed. One wonders if that is the aim, to keep them guessing and delaying their campaigns. In any case it is going to affect the voter density on polling day as those sitting on the fence may not be inclined to venture out. On top of the security fears the doubt is gaining strength if the elections would be held at all anywhere in the near future.
Although leaders of the major parties are claiming that electioneering would pick up after Ashura that falls in the second week, the beginning of the holy month with the bombing in Lahore has weakened such claims and strengthened the uncertainties. The threat perception to the lives of leaders like Nawaz Sharif is now palpable.
“The security environment is affecting almost all the parties,” said PML-Q spokesman Tariq Azeem. “All the leaders realise the situation and everyone has to be careful in holding public rallies.” He said all the leaders will have to be vigilant because there are many elements within and outside the country that are at play to achieve their ulterior objectives in Pakistan.
“Muharram is a sensitive month and election activities remain subdued”, said Raja Zafarul Haq, chairman of the Pakistan Muslim League-N. “The real activities will restart after the Ashura”, he said adding the government had not provided any bankable security to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif or other leaders.
“Poor law and order is definitely hurting the overall election campaign”, PPP spokesman and former senator Farhatullah Babar said. “After her (Benazir) killing, what security can one expect from the government?”
While it is expected the elections this year would not see the traditional pomp and show given the overall law and order situation, it is yet unclear if the turnout would be reasonable and elections results acceptable to all. But there are many who believe that vote would be the best and perhaps the only revenge against terrorism, clamp down on lawmen and judges, food shortages such as were never seen in the history of the country, record prices of kitchen items, worst-ever loadshedding and many other ills that bode an uncertain future for the motherland.