| February 27, 2008 | Wednesday | Safar 19, 1429 |
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Expectations from the winners
Respect the mandate
District ombudsman
Age relaxation for CSS exams
Rising above self-interest
SCB’s clarification
A deprived province
Food out of reach
Plea for fair trial
Poll reporting
PC’s website
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
JAWED Naqvi in his article, ‘The questioning spirit’(Feb 14), praised the sharing of the spirit of inquiry, and Manzoor H. Kureshi enhanced it in his letter (Feb 25) with reference to Darwin’s theory of evolution.
The Quranic version of creation mentioned at different places, when read together, says: ‘Life appeared in water as a single cell; it divided itself as male and female and multiplied into millions of such cells in water; earth and water formed clay; life then appeared in clay; it took a long time and changes came gradually.’
It was Al Jahiz (225 AH), who first discovered the change that occurred in animal life due to changes in the environment. Ibn Miskawaya (421 AH) was the first Muslim philosopher who gave a clear and modern theory of the origin of man. He differentiated minerals from the plant life, with movement and growth. Plant life developed till it came to the threshold of animal life, with clear sex distinction, as in the date palm.
Animal traits first developed in worms, reptiles, ants and bees and reached its perfection in the horse among the quadrupeds and falcons among birds. It resembled man in the ape that is just a degree below man in the scale of evolution. Further evolution transformed barbarianism to civilisation. (Reconstruction of religious thought in Islam by Allama Iqbal).
Allama Iqbal then remarks that, in view of the past history of man, it is highly improbable that man’s career should come to an end with the dissolution of his body. Life is one and continuous. Thus there is every chance of creative unfolding or a new life after death. Allama Inayatullah Mashriqi, in Tazkirah (1924), endorsed Darwin’s theory but with addition that evolution will continue till the purpose of life is achieved and man assumes the form of an eternal being.
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi is more explicit as to the form man will take after death. Since man has been progressing at every stage, from plant to animal and from animal to man, he feels that man will now progress further and become an angel. He says:
“Low in the earth
I lived in the realms of ore and stone;
And then smiled in many tinted flowers;
And then roving with the wild and wandering hours,
O’er earth and air and, ocean’s zone,
In a new birth,
I dived and flew,
And crept and ran,
And all the secret of my essence drew
Within a form
That brought them all to view.
And lo, A man!
And then my goal,
Beyond the clouds, beyond the sky,
In realms, where none may change or die
In angel form; and then away
Beyond the bound of night and day,
And life and death, unseen or seen,
Where all that is hath ever been,As one and whole.(The Garden of the East, Rumi’s Masnavi, translation by Nanikram Vasanmal Thadani).
FAQIR AHMAD
Peshawar
THERE are a lot of expectations of the people from the PPP and the PML(N). It should be noted that Nawaz Sharif was able to secure heavy votes in Punjab because of his clear stance on support of restoration of judges whereas the PPP was able to get votes throughout the country because of the sympathy vote linked with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Had the PPP made it clear that they would have supported restoration of judges, they would have been able to secure even more votes.
The position of the PPP with regard to the restoration of judges is not clear because they do emphasise the role of independent judiciary but have never demanded restoration of the judges. Aitzaz Ahsan is trying his best to convince that independence of the judiciary is clearly linked to the restoration of the judges and that when the PPP extends supports for independence of judges, it is indeed demanding restoration of the judges.
However, the fact that the leadership of the PPP has never once made a clear statement with regard to restoration of the judges shows that Mr Ahsan is being a bit optimistic in his approach towards interpretation of words being issued by the chairman of his party.
It is also pertinent to note that unlike Mr Sharif, Mr Zardari has no personal enmity with the president and he would have no problem forming the government with the PML(Q) had there not been immense public pressure. This is the beauty of democracy that leaders feel accountable to people unlike a dictator who is answerable to no one. There are doubts whether the alliance between the PPP, the PML(N) and the ANP will last for long as the PPP may not be interested in confronting the president by demanding restoring of judges for fear that he may exercise his power under Article 58 (2((b).
The leaders of both the PPP and the PML(N) should realise that the people have great expectations from them, the most important being that they will work for restoration of judges. It is hoped that PPP workers continue to exert pressure on their leaders to demand restoration of the judiciary. Furthermore if the PPP and the PMLN join in hands to achieve this agenda, it will do wonders for the national unity as both of them have strongholds in different provinces which have great mistrust for each other.
ANIL KHAN LUNI
Via email
YOUR editorial, ‘Respect the mandate’ (Feb 25), is a clear reminder that there are forces that are intentionally sidetracking the political mandate returned from urban Sindh and want to bring back the carefully cooled political cauldron to boil and re-ignite the tensions and create a divide on ethnic lines.
In their frenzied rush to Islamabad, the victors need to be extremely careful that they do not stampede the goodness accomplished in the last five years of the previous government. The other choice is to follow the sinister lessons from our dark political history and hatefully destroy every trace of the last government as if they never existed and reduce it all to zero. Let us not forget that it is Pakistan that ends up taking the brunt of our wrong policies, odious speech, belligerent acts and disregard to the respect that is deserved by all individuals and communities.
Those who clamour out loud for President Musharraf’s ouster should not forget that they are recipients of his munificence in the shape of various deals and the NRO; they should honourably reciprocate with generosity and move on with grace rather than put the country in another constitutional crisis and fuel it with mindless raging egos.
Let us make the best of this opportunity and use it to politically unite the forces of moderation, leaving aside our past differences, learning from mistakes but all in zest to move forward for an egalitarian Pakistan and its unity.
Let us not forget that this mandate is a grand victory for the forces of moderation against political extremism, religious intolerance, and sectarianism and has to be politically extended in maintaining peace, prosperity and political harmony from Karachi to Khyber, with one strong message of ‘hands off’ to the detractors of this progressive mandate.
Irrespective of the MQM’s presence in the coalition, the Zardari-Altaf dialogue is a welcome sign and should not be allowed to be off-tracked by all those who cherish peace, prosperity and political harmony in Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan.
Call President Musharraf what you may but the fact remains that this free and fair election and subsequent transfer to a representative government will become President Musharraf’s legacy as so accurately put by a senior US diplomat in Pakistan.
SYED KHAWAR MEHDI
Karachi
IN accordance with the provisions of section 134 of the Sindh Local Government Ordinance 2001, every district was to have a zila mohtasib (district ombudsman), on the analogy of the federal and provincial ombudsman. It is strange to note that despite the passage of several years, the offices of the district ombudsman have not yet been established in any district of Sindh.
The institution of the ombudsman was first created on federal level in 1983 in Pakistan to curb maladministration prevailing in the government departments. On successful results, the example was repeated at provincial level in the early part of the 1990s. The institution of provincial ombudsman in Sindh was established in 1991.
Subsequently, the SLGO provided for establishment of zila mohtasib to address complaints and redress the grievances of the people against the district government departments and agencies working under them. But, instead of establishment of the offices of district ombudsman, the provincial ombudsman of Sindh started establishing his regional offices in bigger cities of the province, which were reporting to him.
This is a classic example of maladministration on the part of the institution of provincial ombudsman itself that it is issuing decrees and decisions to district governments and agencies working there, which is against the law.
It is, therefore, suggested to the authorities concerned that the office of the district mohtasib is created in every district immediately, closing the regional offices of provincial ombudsman forthwith.
A. WAQAR KHASKHELY
Karachi
AFTER successfully attempting the CSS examinations, the post finally clinched by an individual is said be an exalted one. For the very purpose most of the citizens almost dream of it and achieve it by doing ceaseless effort. Keeping in view the fact the FPSC has fixed the age for the examination between 21 and 28 years for a common citizen and for the government employee between 21 and 30 years.
However, in 1999 the then PM Nawaz Sharif had fixed the age from 21 to 33 years, particularly for those who had continuously performed two years of government service. Thus scores of candidates considerably got the due advantage of this relaxation in becoming a CSP officer.
Ironically, as soon as President Musharraf took over the rein, he reduced the three years’ relaxation of age for government servants who had rendered two years of continuous service.
Meanwhile, thousands of government employees who had reached the age of 31 years and above and were preparing for the examination to be held in 2000 were disappointed on hearing the bad news. And despite protests by many, no leniency has been shown so far, adding to the frustration of many an individual.
Moreover, the CSS examinations are scheduled on March 15, and many of the candidates have crossed 30 years of age, being rendered unable to take part in the examinations. As the election is over now, it is our request to whosoever becomes the next prime minister to take certain remedial steps by extending the age of government servants up to 33 years to enable them to prepare for the CSS examinations. Additionally, the government should extend the limit of 28 years of age to 30 years for a common citizen. It will be in the best interest of natural justice.
MIRANI RASHEED
Sukkur
Another suicide attack in Rawalpindi on Feb 25 claimed eight innocent lives, including that of Lt-Gen Mushtaq Beg, one of the ablest, most upright and honest generals of which Pakistan Army can be proud of. The tragedy is the latest in the chain of targeted attacks against armed forces by terrorists.
Will the army leadership delve deep into the whole situation and analyse the root causes as to why the country is plunging deeper day by day into unparalleled crises one after the other? How has the army come to earn the misplaced wrath and animosity of its misguided fellow citizens while it used to be adored and idolised not in the too distant past?
The matter is utterly grave, serious and demands immediate attention by those at the helm of affairs. About a decade of military rule has left society badly bruised, politically polarised, ethnically divided and internally fragmented. The country is so unstable that doomsday soothsayers are uttering all sorts of heretic profanities about its future viability.
Will the retired generals do some soul-searching and realise their guilt in toppling the civilian government and grabbing power in 1999? Their unabashed hunger for power put the future of Pakistan at stake. Did they not learn a lesson in 1971 when their incompetence cost us half our country?
We all as a nation and particularly armed forces as an institution need to do soul-searching. The craft of statehood is badly adrift. It has to be put in the right direction if we have to survive as an independent and sovereign nation. The army has no business to meddle in civilian affairs. Spells of military rule have proven to be a sheer disaster in the end which shook the foundations of Pakistan.
May Allah endow those in power to rise above their self-interests and have pity on this poor nation and hapless country by taking decisions in the larger national interest.
LT COL (r )
GHULAM NABI MALIK
Rawalpindi
THIS is apropos of the letter, ‘Woes of an account holder’ (Feb 24). The letter referred to the frustration that the writer went through because of unauthorised funds withdrawal from her account.
With specific reference to the complaint mentioned in the letter, the customer had submitted a written complaint at our Defense Market Branch (not her main branch) on Feb 14. The complaint was forwarded to the Centenary branch, where she maintains her account, on Feb 15. We had called the customer on her cellphone and informed her that we are working to resolve her complaint.
The customer visited the branch on Feb 22, and had a discussion with the branch manager. She was satisfied with the discussion and requested the bank to credit her account urgently. We informed the customer that the amount will be credited in her account by Feb 25. She expressed her satisfaction at this. The funds have now been credited into the customer’s account as per the bank’s commitment.
SERVICE QUALITY DEPARTMENT
Standard Chartered Bank,
Karachi
WITH reference to Sanaullah Baloch’s article, ‘Balochistan prisoner of conscience’ (Feb 14), in which he mentioned that the “Baloch have been treated as a second-class citizen”.
I agree with him that since the inception of Pakistan the Baloch have been neglected in every area. A huge number of young nationalists have been killed or kidnapped by agencies.
The following — first in 1948, second in 1958, third in 1963, fourth in 1973, and the fifth one is still in progress, have brought disastrous consequences to the Baloch and further strengthened hatred against the government.
Furthermore, Balochistan’s land is rich in minerals but unfortunately its people are craving for basic amenities of life. Sadly, 36 per cent of Pakistan’s total gas is discovered in Balochistan and supplied all over the country, but, wilfully, the province is deprived of its own production which appears strange and unbelievable.
The situation changed drastically when the Baloch nationalist leader, Nawab Akhber Khan Bugti, was killed during a military operation in Kohlu.
Perhaps one reason of Pakistan’s failure is the centre’s lack of interest in Balochistan. The centre should show sincerity towards the problem of Balochistan before it is too late.
AMJID BALOCH
Kech
THIS is apropos of your editorial, ‘Food out of reach’ (Feb 14). You contend that the global food shortage has partly occurred owing to the increasing use of grains for ethanol fuel production.
May I apprise you that ethanol is produced from two sources, i.e. corn and sugarcane, that too in Brazil and a very little quantity of ethanol is procured in the US. Ethanol is not produced by wheat, rice, lentils, beans, etc.
SAFIR A. SIDDIQUI
Karachi
CAN anyone tell me what is going on? Have we become so selfish and wrapped up in our own lives that other people’s grief does not move our hearts and ignite in us a desire to help the aggrieved? If that is not the case, then why isn’t anyone doing anything about Saifullah Paracha’s plight?(Feb 7).
I understand that only those in power can help him out and thus my question is directed towards them. Are they heartless? If not, then what have they done until now and what efforts are they making to help the poor ailing man? Isn’t it a person’s right to defend himself and prove his innocence? Doesn’t he deserve to have a fair trial before he is put behind bars?
If that is so, then why Mr Paracha is being denied his basic right and given punishment for a crime that perhaps he did not even commit? Only a fair trial can determine his innocence or guilt. So why not give him one? I request the relevant authorities and the people who are influential enough to make a difference to look into this matter and do the required to ensure Mr Paracha’s release from Guantanamo. If he’s innocent, which I believe him to be, then he deserves to get out of that horrible place and come back to his family receiving the medical treatment he extremely needs.
MUNEERA AKHTAR
Karachi
THIS is apropos of a news item by Iftikhar A. Khan, ‘13 NA general seats won by women’ (Feb 20). The news was interesting for me because I belong to the NA-223 constituency where both the contestants were ladies, Mrs Shamshad Sattar Bachani and Miss Adeeba Gul Magsi, belonging to the PPPP and the PML(Q), respectively.
I was astounded to see that NA-223 was not cited in the news. Even the name of the winning candidate – Mrs Shamshad Sattar Bachani of the PPPP -- was not present in the list of winning women candidates against general seats of the National Assembly.
It is matter of concern for those who update themselves, only through newspapers. It is the duty of the newspaper’s team to ensure the accuracy and consistency of news reports.
JAHANZAIB KHANZADA
Islamabad
RESEARCHERS, academics and planners do depend on social and economic development information and data available on the official websites of respective countries. But Pakistan’s Planing Commission website itself is a big headache, not a single web link or page is accessible.
It’s hard to get data on military and security issues but collecting and accessing data on socio-economic and regional development trends is more complicated due to the multiple reasons. I sent several emails to the secretary and officials concerned but could not get a single reply.
ASAD AMIN
Quetta
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