| April 04, 2008 | Friday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 26, 1429 |
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Everlasting US demands
Journalism and SPSC
Release of anti-Islamic film
Countering Islamophobia
Mobile number portability
Will they dare to speak?
Judge’s residence
Cellphone snatching
Undue fees
Energy crisis
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
WE pay rich tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, founder of the Pakistan People’s Party and former prime minister, whose 29th death anniversary is being observed throughout the country. ZAB had dedicated his life to the service of the nation and never bowed before any military or anti-democratic power. His death was a judicial murder.
ZAB was different from the rest of the rulers and politicians of Pakistan. It has been almost 29 years that he was martyred but his voice still is heard around the globe — on all important forums of the world — and recognised as the voice of the oppressed. This was the sole basis for which he was punished by those who wanted to perpetuate our national slavery and the backwardness of our people.
ZAB was a man who saved Pakistan at the very critical juncture of its history. He gave the country its first Constitution in 1973 which was acceptable to all political parties, which signed and endorsed it.
Further, as he built Pakistan, he laid the roadmap to turn the country into an atomic and nuclear power. He also summoned the first Islamic summit and gathered all Muslim leaders at one platform.
In a short time ZAB brought about revolutionary reforms in the country which changed the face of Pakistan, and its people found strength and happiness in these developments. ZAB gave the people the courage to stand up to the high and mighty and confront any dictator or oppressor. In a way he revolutionised the thinking of the people.
No doubt we have not produced so far anyone to match his wisdom, vision, commitment and achievement, his daughter, the late Benazir Bhutto, was next only to him in her struggle for the rights of all the people of all the provinces of Pakistan.
Following in the footsteps of ZAB, Ms Bhutto also sacrificed her life for her countrymen when she fell to the assassin’s bullet in recent months.
To speak about ZAB is to speak about a great period of history. Apart from leading the country to the path of success, he was the architect of a new foreign policy which gave Pakistan a new identity among the comity of nations: Pakistan rose on the map of the world with strength and role.
Recently, our new elected prime minister in his first speech on the floor of the National Assembly called ZAB’s death a judicial murder.
Previously also, similar remarks were passed by former chief justice of Supreme Court, Justice Naseem Hassan Shah, who said that one army ruler had assassinated Z. A. Bhutto.
It proves that our leader was hanged pursuant to an international conspiracy against Pakistan and its people. We, on the eve of his death anniversary, demand appointment of a commission, comprising judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, to investigate and unveil the hidden facts behind the death of Z.A. Bhutto, as well as an inquiry by a UN commission into the assassination of Ms Bhutto.
In the end I would say that the country needs to implement ZAB’s philosophy of democracy to solve the existing problems.
HUMERA ALWANI
MPA, Thatta
THIS refers to the reported American yearning for Pakistan capitulation, appearing in a section of the press on March 8.
Pakistan has given various facilities, i.e. logistics support, intelligence sharing, etc, to America, for its military operations. The latest 11 demands, which would give America complete control over the events, in the area of their interest, have revealed their designs and come as a blatant violation of diplomatic courtesy and norms.
Our capitulation to the seven demands after 9/11, which have not been accepted by the nation, has created serious problems for the country which is plagued with suicide bombings that have killed hundreds of innocent people. Promises to resolve the Kashmir issue and economic development have not so far materialised: struggle for the liberation of Kashmir was termed terrorism.
The Americans exploiting the transitory period, when the president appears to be losing his hold over the developments, have come up with astonishing and insulting demands. The acceptance of any of these demands would be tantamount to surrendering our sovereignty and independence. America had got such facilities from the vanquished Japan in 1945 which were, however, rejected and repudiated once Japan became an economic power.
Pakistan is an independent nuclear power and can offer such facilities to a friendly country on a reciprocal basis. How can we allow all types and kinds of Americans in and out of the country without being subjected to our laws? Especially when our dignitaries are roughly treated and humiliated at American ports after 9/11.
It is unfortunate that the two major political forces are busy partying and are oblivious of the developments. Their lips are sealed as they have failed to respond to the development, obviously more interested in power sharing than the national interest. Their silence suggests that they do not find anything wrong with the latest demands and are prepared to submit and surrender. Newspapers which claim to have fingers on the pulse of the nation have rather failed to condemn the demands in their editorials.
Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari must, in the national interest, categorically and openly reject the enslaving demands.
KHAN A. SHAMSHAD
Karachi
THE media is believed to be a mouthpiece of the less privileged and watchdog on the government as to how they are running the state affairs. This it does by interpreting information to the common understanding of the people.
Acknowledging its significance in the present time, it has been credited as the ‘fourth pillar’ of the state, along with three others, i.e. the legislature, the judiciary and the executive.
But the mass communication or journalism has failed to attract the minds of the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) authorities to be included in optional subjects’ list.
One reserves the right to ask: what is the reason behind neglecting such an important and interesting subject since it has already been included in the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) competitive examinations and carries 200 marks in the CSS examinations.
By denying the candidates the right to choose a subject from among the long list of assorted subjects is tantamount to leaving no option for students but to remain away from competitive examinations. And this apathy also betrays by sending a message to students of journalism that they are wasting their time and ability by investing their four years in the completion of the degree.
Setting up of the media university in Islamabad also vouches for its indispensability in our day-to-day life. In fact, I am of the view that rather than teaching this subject in the university, it should also be introduced in the secondary and college level classes.
Coincidently, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani happens to be a Mass Communication graduate. Hence, it is the onerous responsibility of the PM to intervene in the matter so that it can be resolved according to the wishes of the students of the subject.
I will request the SPSC chairman not to let students of journalism feel deprived of their favourite subject. And without much ado it should be given place in optional list so that students, by opting for it, may start preparing for the examination.
MUJEEB ABRO
Department of Mass
Communication, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur
RELEASE of ‘Fitna’, an anti-Islam film made by G. Wilders, in the Netherlands, is extremely sad and a disturbing event to propagate hatred against Islam and its Holy Book.
Freedom of speech is fine to some extent as is being interpreted by various interest groups, but it is very important not to cross the limit of decency and insult other faith groups.
Wilders could have expressed his cautionary message in many other ways to warn the concerned public about Islamisation in Europe. Unfortunately he opted for a way that was not wise on his part to defuse the situation regarding war against terrorism, rather it will fuel further unrest in the world.
I have seen the movie and found nothing new that people have not seen during 9/11 and after, in Iraq, Afghanistan or acts of terrorisms in Europe. Every sensible person will condemn those acts of terrorism and killing of innocent people.
However, putting those eclipses of past events together in order to defame Islam, Quran and Prophet Muhammad in order to stop Islamisation is not a wise step and I don’t think Wilders will get much in reward.
Religion seems to be a spiritual link with the Creator and if insulted in any way, shape or form, will create a huge uproar and protest. This movie, ‘Fitna’, may cause ‘fitna’ (ordeal or strife) in the world. Muslims should remain calm, and express their views through news media to help improve the ongoing situation and should not do anything violent or unlawful to criticise Wilders’ view.
M. ASHRAF
Canada
BABAR Ayaz in his article, ‘How to counter Islamophobia’ (March 28), has made some credible observations about Islam. The problem is not Islam. The problem is political Islam enshrined in mediaeval Arab tribal norms that radical Shia and Sunnis — Jihadi variety — want all non-Islamic followers to conform to. In this age of information technology, fascist variety political opportunism-guided radicals are getting increasingly isolated and their ability to create a mass hysteria using excuses such as some one published a cartoon or tore a page from scriptures exposes feelings of powerlessness that Muslims have.
It is not Islamophobia: it is the helpless feelings of Muslims that are being exposed. Many non-Islamic majority nations, collectively, if not individually, have economic and military power to occupy any Muslim majority nations they choose to. We have witnessed how the commando president can be easily won over to fight the American war on terrorism, which requires Muslims killing Muslims for blood money.
If it wasn’t for the military hardware procured from developed western powers, the armies of Muslim-majority nations would be left with swords and daggers. For a rational person, Islamophobia is not a concern because political science teaches us how to neutralise any threat from radical Islamists.
KISHAN BHATIA
United States
UNDER the mobile number portability (MNP), a mobile phone user was assured by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) at the time of launching of the MNP facility that a customer can retain an existing mobile number along with its operator’s code while shifting connectivity from one mobile phone operator to another.
It is a circuit-switch network service provided by the cellular phone operators to the mobile phone users, with the ability to change service providers, locations, or service types, without changing their mobile phone numbers, along with it original access code.
To launch the MNP facility in March 2007, cellular phone companies operating in the country invested between $25 million and 30 million each for implementation of mobile number portability.
The PTA had also set up Pakistan Mobile Number Portability Database Company Limited (PMD) to cater to the project’s needs, and all the six cellular phone operators — Instaphone, Paktel (which is now called China Mobile) Ufone, Mobilink, Telenor and Warid — became PMD’s members.
At the time of launching the MNP facility, PTA Chairman Maj-Gen (r) Shahzada Alam Malik had said that more than 52 million mobile subscribers would be able to avail themselves of this facility that would encourage healthy competition for quality service and competitive tariffs.
He had assured the mobile phone users that customers could change the mobile phone operator and can retain the same mobile phone number with its original access code.
With the launch of the MNP facility, cellular mobile operators started porting requests from the recipient operator to the donor operator after completion of the consumer’s obligations of porting requests within four working days.
On March 8 at 10.14pm I received an SMS from Instaphone company on my Instaphone phone number 0320-405-1234 which read as: “Dear Customer: Our dialling code 0320 is changing to 0364 from 1st April 2008. Dial 0364 before dialling any Instaphone number”.
I called the Instaphone helpline to get more clarification on this SMS but was told that Instaphone Company has to comply with the orders of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
To retain my mobile number with its access to original code 0320, I changed my service provider from Instaphone to Mobilink by fulfilling all the formalities and started enjoying the service of Mobilink.
On March 29 I received another SMS, this time from Mobilink Company. It read: “Dear Mobilink Customer: As per the new numbering policy of PTA from April 1, 2008, dialling code of your mobile number will be changed from 0320 to 0364”.
The PTA chairman should be able to explain why I cannot retain my original access code of Instaphone 0320 despite changing the service provider (from Instaphone to Mobilink) under the MNP system, introduced after heavy investment of $ 25 to 30 million that has been contributed by each service provider to introduce the MNP system.
If a customer cannot retain his mobile number with its original access code, what was the need then for introducing mobile number portability?
SYED A. MATEEN
Karachi
ASFANDYAR Wali cannot visit the tribal areas to convene a jirga of elders there. Qazi Hussain Ahmad is not allowed to talk to the tribals. The tribal agencies are no-go-area for Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. Similar is the case with all the rest of the country’s leaders.
Strange enough, American master Negroponte and his associates could go like our colonial masters of the old days and call a jirga of the elders at their own free will and talk to them both on politics and development.
How far will we be going down in submission before the Yankees? Can we expect some change for better from our new leaders who have the backing of the 160 million people?
Will they dare to speak or just follow the Musharraf policy of subservience?
MUHAMMAD FAHIM
Timergara, Dir
THE gory incidence in which the official residence of Justice Khalilur Rahman Ramday was forcefully vacated is an eye-opener in the newfound democracy of the country.
There was a conspicuous silence on the part of the parliament, which was in session at that time and could have taken notice or raised a point of order, and the PM could have at once resolved the matter, by undoing the horrific act of the administration on the orders of the PCO Head Judge Dogar.
The remnants of the pre-poll judiciary has to go, the earlier the better, as the time of a month envisaged in the Murree Declaration seems to be too much for the present PCO judges, who are bent upon derailing the democracy and rule of law in the country.
DAWOODI MORKAS
Karachi
ABOUT 2pm on March 29 I was robbed at gun-point of my cellphone (Sony Ericsson), model No. W810i with IMEI No. 355407016781237, near street No. 4, Wali Mohammad Yaqoob Road, Memon Society, Khadda (Lyari), Karachi.
I was using the Warid SIM with No. 0321-3595354 that was not in my name. However, I did my utmost by providing all necessary information to the company to get the SIM blocked but in vain.
I appeal to the CPCL and Warid to block the SIM as soon as possible.
IMRAN
Karachi
APROPOS of recent letters on fleecing by schools, is there any authority that governs these schools? I got a fee challan from my son’s school the other day amounting to Rs19,800 as fees for April, May and June.
It came as quite a surprise since my son will officially be leaving the school by the end of this academic year (it is a Montessori and he has to go to a school now).
Considering the exorbitant admission fee that we had paid to get him into this Montessori and another exorbitant amount we will have to pay as admission fee for his new school this year, I think it would not be too much for us parents to be given the relaxation of not paying the June fee to a school where my son is not even going to continue, let alone go for that month.
A HARDWORKING PARENT
Karachi
(II)
MY daughter will finish her A level in May this year as the examinations are due in May- June. Her formal school session ended in March. The school is charging fees for the months of June and July in addition to April and May. Obviously my daughter will no more be going to the same school after summer holidays. According to the directorate of private schools, all those students appearing in Class X annual examinations were exempted from paying summer vacation’s two months fee.
In my opinion the same rule is applicable to the case of all students who will finish their A level studies prior to the commencement of summer holidays. I would request the directorate of private schools to comment on this and provide guidance to the suffering parents.
A SUFFERING PARENT
Karachi
THIS is in response to S. Nayyar Iqbal Raza’s letter, ‘Overcoming energy crisis’ (March 29). To go from five RPM to 1,000 RPM is a gear ratio of 1:200. Mechanically, this is a tough call bordering on impractical, if not impossible.
A better alternative is to reduce the RPM requirements by substituting the generator with an axial-flux alternator. Even an axial-flux alternator will require at least 400 RPM to produce one kWh. This may be worth giving a try. One can get away with even lower RPM by using a more powerful alternator. The more powerful the alternator the more torch is required to turn it.
It is encouraging to read letters like these. This indicates an interest among the general public to develop a solution to the power problems in Pakistan.
MIR ALI
United States
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