| September 21, 2008 | Sunday | Ramazan 20, 1429 |
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No room for fanaticism
People’s hardships in Hazara
Karachi, a capital of Sindh
Fresh currency notes
UK student visa dilemma
Meeting Aafia
PTCL, please
The idea of Pakistan
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
IN the article, ‘Suicide bombing demystified’ (Sept 12), Razi Ahmed has drawn upon the work of American political scientist Robert Pape (‘Dying to Win’) to propose that the present pattern of suicide bombings is a coordinated, coherent policy to achieve certain strategic objectives.
Apart from the main one of finding a sanctuary to regroup and launch attacks, he says an accommodating western border and misguided neocon policies have hardened tribal pride, the “honour and subnationalism have forced the locals to rally behind their renegade Pakhtun kin and their foreign financiers”.
Towards the end Mr Ahmed also cites Pape as ascribing the second Palestinian intifada to the ‘incremental compromises’ made to the ‘terrorists’, which have allowed them to commit more violence.
One cannot agree with the writer. First, it is not right to put the blame primarily on the Taliban, whether Afghan or Pakistani – Al Qaeda being a separate issue. It is the aggressive and imperial behaviour of the US and its allies that have caused these people to take a defiant stand. The utter lack of respect for the Muslims’ lives shown by the occupying forces has resulted in their increasing resort to terrorism.
It is no coincidence that the same issue of Dawn has some telling observations.
A) An excerpt from the Afghan Pushto newspaper ‘Tolafghan’ of Sept 6 has this to say, among other things: “The Afghans experienced bombing by the allied forces on their wedding ceremonies, cultural gatherings and places of social festivities. The frequencies of such attacks have increased in the last seven years. Even the reports of the UN, usually controlled by the allies and Nato, state that the number of Afghan casualties is more than 8,000”.“The indiscriminate deaths of women, children, the elderly and the unarmed illustrate the fact that the foreign troops are not here only for the Al Qaeda – the enemy of the foreign troops. Many people are of the opinion … (they want to stay here as long as possible to) intentionally commit genocide…..”
“If the (foreign forces) continue in this manner, the Afghans might be forced to take the path of a popular uprising …. The genocide of the Afghans should be stopped immediately”.
B) As has been noted by some commentators, the forces of some allied countries do not wish to fight and thereby suffer casualties. The outcome is that since the US and the UK cannot force them to do that, they come down heavily on Pakistan to face the brunt. Thus, Dawn’s editorial, ‘Unwise US policy’, says: “Regrettably, Pakistan notes to its dismay that the coalition forces do not have their heart in the fight against the Taliban and are casualty-conscious”.
C) Another report quotes the Syrian foreign minister as saying that the war on terror declared by President Bush after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the US has caused more terrorism than it has prevented. Many prominent Americans also say that and it sums up my contention. Even Hamid Karzai boasted in a recent interview (Time, Sept 1) that Afghanistan was a wise old sage that had resisted occupation by foreign invaders over the course of centuries. The Taliban resistance is a manifestation of that.
Second, it should be recalled that whatever their other faults, Taliban had established peace in their country and poppy cultivation was brought down to zero. The Durand Line became a non-issue and Pakistan didn’t require 120,000 troops there. Nor did suicide bombings or other violence exist. They just wanted to lead their lives according to their wishes and were not bothering anyone. The US took them on unnecessarily by asking Mulla Omer to violate the code of conduct for guests regarding bin Laden.
As far as the second Palestinian intifada is concerned, Mr Ahmed seems not to remember the fact that it began only when that killer Ariel Sharon provoked the Palestinians by visiting the Al Aqsa mosque, which was out of bounds for the Jews. There was no organised fighting or ‘terrorism’ but initially only Palestinian kids throwing stones on the Israeli troops, who overreacted by firing upon them and killing children as young as 10 or 12. From there, it kept escalating. We must use our own minds instead of buying western theories that are usually biased.
S. KARIM
Karachi
THIS is apropos of Dr Mahnaz Fatima’s article, ‘No room for fanaticism’ (Sept 11). My interpretation of the situation in Pakistan and indeed in the Muslim world is that there is a great disconnect between Muslims’ beliefs and practice.
During my recent visit to Pakistan I noticed that more people were going to mosques or saying prayers at home than I had witnessed in my earlier visits.
I also noted a clear increase in the number of persons growing beards. Each public or private office and business had several bearded persons. During Ramazan, compliance with the fasting decorum seems to be quite complete.
On the other side, or the darker side, I also noticed a spiraling crime wave in the country, a big portion of that wave was street violence. People dressed as policemen, in suits, and even wearing neckties, robbing people inside homes and highways.
People carrying guns like they were toys and no one cared. I did not find (with a few exceptions) people who did what they said they would or even promised that they would. I also found the same people fasting or running to the mosque to say prayers. I felt there was a clear dichotomy between people’s religious belief and their practices.
It seems, over the years, Pakistani Muslims have evolved their own religious philosophy. They see no wrong or violation of Islamic code of conduct or Shariah laws, when they accept bribes, calling it ‘ooper ki amdani’, usurp property, kill women in the name of honour, steal, rob or murder innocent people.
Bad treatment meted to children, girls and women is not seen as a violation of Shariah or teachings of the Prophet. When they put in sifarish for people they don’t even know, or use shoddy materials in building projects although they charge for the best; when they do not go to work on time and leave work without accomplishing much, they do not see they are doing anything wrong, because everybody else is doing it. With their non-halal income, they may go for Umra or Haj, give charity and feed their families. Practically everyone who builds a house tries to grab as much land as he can, even if it does not belong to him.
If nothing else they make car ramps which not only extend far on public roads, they also become a hindrance for traffic in narrow streets. They see nothing wrong in this practice.
Many of the same people are true believers of Islam. It is the wonderful world of Muslims and their understanding of the faith in Pakistan.
Why is it so? Probably because a majority of Muslims were never taught to read Quran with its meaning and understanding, and the little they picked up in Juma’s sermon was mostly history and advice on religious duties, not on how Muslims should conduct themselves in daily worldly life.
Our madressahs still follow the same practice. This probably also explains fanatism that Dr Fatima is talking about.
JAVED S. AHMED
Via email
Hazara is an important region of Pakistan with an estimated population of 4.5 million people. A tourist area, it is very famous for its scenic and serene valleys like Naran, Kaghan, Nathiagalli, Thandiani and Galliyat.
Haripur district of the Hazara region houses the Tarbela Dam which has a great significance in fulfilling the water and energy needs of the whole country.
A two-lane National Highway, N35, connects the region of Hazara with other parts of the country as well as the neighbouring country China. This Highway starts from Hassanabdal (N5, GT Road) and extends to the Sost border with China.
This highway is one of the busiest highways of Pakistan and is frequently used by people of the Hazara Range as well as by those of northern areas. After the horrible earthquake of 2005, traffic on this road has quadrupled.
If somebody gets a chance to travel on this road, he cannot think of overtaking the other vehicle for very long intervals. As a result, the travel time has increased many times and commuters get extremely frustrated while travelling.
The federal government has recently decided to construct an expressway (E 35) between Hassanabdal and Mansehra on a new alignment, comprising a total length of about 95km. The project is supposed to be started from the FY 2009-10.
The people of Hazara are very depressed due to the indifferent and inadvertent attitude of the federal government. In the past, numerous pledges were made to widen this highway into a dual carriageway but it proved to be a dream that hasn’t come true.
The public representatives of the Hazara region, including MNAs and senators, have also not raised this issue on the appropriate forums of the National Assembly and the Senate. I would like to tell the MNAs and senators of the Hazara region that they have not come up to the expectations that the people of Hazara have reposed in them. They have been unable to fulfil the responsibility of representing the people of this region in an apt and right way.
I would strongly urge them to break their silence and present this case on the floors of the National Assembly and the Senate with full vigour and vitality.
On the other hand, I would request the prime minister and the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission of Pakistan and the ministry of communications to kindly expedite work on the crucial project of construction of Expressway 35. The people of the Hazara region would be highly indebted.
RAFAQAT WAHEED
Islamabad
APROPOS of Taha Hasnain’s letter, ‘Owning Karachi’ (Sept 17), I disagree with most of the things stated in the letter as it not only depicts a narrow view of Pakistani nationalism and patriotism but its premise lacks the basic and fundamental historical understanding of creation and making of Pakistan.
It is not a question of competition among students of any institute like the IBA but a matter of historical national rights. Alama Iqbal’s address at the Muslim League convention in Allahabad in 1930 speaks of having a separate country consisting of Muslim majority states.
The Muslim League and the founder of Pakistan raised concerns on the Act of 1935 on the basis of not respecting diversity and pluralism as it only promoted centralisation. Later on the Muslim League at its full convention in Lahore in 1940 passed the Pakistan Resolution which says that Pakistan will be a Muslim majority country where all the states will remain autonomous and sovereign.
Having said this, I want to say that there is no doubt that Sindh is a province of Pakistan and in Pakistan Sindhis are a nation as Punjabi, Pakhtoon, Baloch and Siraikis are nations of Pakistan.
Sindh has its own culture, language, traditions, history and geographical boundaries as defined or required by modern definition of a nation.
Karachi is the capital city of Sindh and it belongs to Sindh. Historically, it was developed by Sindhi-speaking fisherfolk with participation of a small population of Parsees who settled in Karachi for sea-related businesses as Bombay sea port was saturated by that time.
Later on Sindh welcomed a large number of Muslim immigrants from India, doubling Karachi’s population at that time. Somehow most of the population has been assimilated and all permanent settlers in Karachi are required to assimilate with local culture, traditions by having common political and economic interests.
I request all the friends not to indulge in definitions, rhetoric and theories of narrow nationalism but to try and build the country with progressive and modern examples of the countries where unity with diversity, identities and pluralism is respected and practised.
We would like to develop Karachi further with similar pace of development for other cities and towns which are owned by Sindh in case of Sindh and other provinces in case of their parts. The composition of all the flowers will add to the beauty of the country which is prosperous and peaceful Pakistan.
FATEH MARI
Karachi
I WOULD like to congratulate the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan for issuing fresh currency notes of Rs5 and Rs10 denominations during the month of Ramazan from the counters of the SBP’s field offices across the country to the general public.
It is indeed a commendable gesture by the governor, whose timely proactive step would enable public to have two packets of either denominations to celebrate the festivities of Eid with dear ones and the poor folks.
I believe the condition of presenting the CNIC with photocopy in this regard would certainly discourage the well-entrenched fresh notes mafia and facilitate the public but the larger section of our society would not be able to benefit from the gesture of the governor because officials at counters are asking for the presence of the persons requesting for the notes.
Even if the tendering person is the head of the family and he is asking on behalf of the female family members. he is refused outrightly.
I would like to appeal to the governor to kindly exempt the condition of mandatory presence of a woman for the purpose.
On her behalf the head of the family or anyone from the family should be allowed to exchange the fresh notes because they cannot stand in long queues for hours on end.
SHAKEEL ABRO
Hyderabad
IT is said and widely believed that education is the right of all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. I am going through a traumatic experience at this stage of my life, as my son’s educational aims are at stake due to a delay in his student visa.
The British High Commission is not only delaying student visas but they have also failed to realise that due to a delay at their end students are facing a multitude of problems.
My son submitted his visa form on the Aug 25, as soon as he had met all the pre-requisites for applying for a student visa. As stated on their website, the processing time for visas is 10 to 15 working days and to this day he is stuck with absolutely no hope, with a gloom of uncertainty.
He has been regularly tracking his visa online, visiting the Gerry’s Application Centre but all efforts have gone to waste. I make a public appeal to the British High Commission to kindly deal with student visas at a more responsible level or else many students like my son will not only end up losing their university positions but will also lose the chance of brightening their future. Their careers will die an untimely death.
I am not the only parent who is in this form of distress due to the visa delay, but many of my colleagues and my son’s peers are going through a very hard time.
We parents need to pay a huge sum of money for accommodation and tuition fees by a deadline and if we are not certain of the status of our children’s visas, how can we possibly pay this amount?
The British are known for their disciplined way of life and I always felt that they implement this discipline effortlessly in all the work they undertake.
My appeal can be ignored or it can be taken as an indication of what needs to be done without further delay. I hope that students in Pakistan will not be disappointed further by the response of the British High Commission.
My son has already missed his enrollment session and needs to make it to London for late enrollment which is next week and I hope by then he will have his visa.
All I can ask the British High Commission is to help us, make our children’s future bright. Please look into this matter as it can build or break situation for students.
KHAN AHMED ALI
Karachi
According to a report, the US has allowed a six-member delegation of Pakistani senators to meet Dr Aafia Siddiqui at her prison in New York (Sept. 17).
It is also said that the senators have been refused permission to visit the Pakistani prisoners being held in Guantanamo Bay, which was also supposed to be on their itinerary. As a result, the story says that it is not clear, given this refusal, whether the delegation would still go to the US.
While it is very dismaying that our legislators are not allowed to visit the Guantanamo prisoners, however, I would urge them not to cancel their trip to New York. As noted in the same report and an earlier one, Dr Siddiqui is suffering from depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts, largely ascribed to her concern for her missing children.
Therefore, at east two or three senators should go across, while carrying a picture of her eldest son who has been released from Afghanistan and perhaps a message to her recorded in his voice. This would go a long way in lessening her grief and could make all the difference between thinking of suicide or staying alive in the hope of a reunion with her family.
One problem, however, is that whenever she is allowed to meet anyone, which is usually her lawyers, she is compelled to undergo strip searches and often refuses to meet the person(s) because, like any other Muslim woman, she considers it an insult to be stripped for any reason. Our foreign minister should call Dr Rice and request her to ensure Dr Siddiqui isn’t subjected to this humiliation, when visited by our legislators or her lawyers. They are all respectable people and not terrorists carrying bombs for her.
MRS. MARIAM RAHIM
Karachi
MY phone number, 4990031, has been out of order, and I have been lodging complaints with the PTCL, but no one has come to fix it despite repeated reminders. Will someone in the PTCL come to my rescue?
A CLIENT
Karachi
IN his article, ‘The idea of Pakistan’ (Sept 16), Shahid Javed Burki has cited an Indian speaker at a recent seminar in Washington as asking whether the idea of Pakistan had failed. She also contended that the concept of nationhood in the extremely diverse South Asian populace should be based on shared history rather than shared culture or religion.
Mr Burki seems to be of the view that Mr Jinnah’s two-nation theory has failed because it couldn’t keep the two wings of Pakistan together and it isn’t necessary for any nation to be based on an idea. He then postulates that the basis of Pakistani nationhood can’t be religion because there are too many different interpretations of what can be called an Islamic state.
For the same reason ethnicity can’t be the defining concept.
Instead, the Pakistani idea and identity should be defined in terms of geography, since the country today is “a piece of real estate occupied by more than 2.5 per cent of the world’s population ....”
One can’t agree with this materialistic thesis for several reasons. First, it is very disappointing to see that a writer of Mr Burki’s standing approached this issue with some preconceived notions stemming apparently from his strong secularist orientation and tried to fit in everything into a narrow viewpoint.
Second, one has had the opportunity of meeting many highly educated, enlightened and professionally qualified western converts to Islam, including Dr Robert Crane, who had been an adviser to an American president.
They all had a very strong faith in Islam and no doubts in its ability to form the basis of religious and political life.
Third, the whole rot visible today is not due to the failure of Islam, or the two nation theory. Rather, it is primarily because our leaders failed the nation. Consider what would have been the current situation if leaders half as principled, honest, democratic, compassionate and devoted to the idea of Pakistan as the Quaid had ruled all along.
More specifically what would have happened if Mr Jinnah could somehow have returned and taken over in October 1999, instead of Musharraf? Today, there would have been no judicial crisis, no wheat shortage, no loadshedding, disappearing people, loss of sovereignty to the US, fighting in Fata or Balochistan.
He would have had such moral authority that even the militants wouldn’t defy him. More than that, he would have dealt with the Fata situation in a very wise and compassionate manner.. the rights of the residents would have been upheld and the Americans kept from interfering in our affairs.
Similarly, he would not have tolerated any member of his cabinet to be a person who thought that a promise or solemn commitment could be broken at will. If China, South Korea and Singapore could reach such heights, Mr Jinnah would have taken Pakistan even higher.
The exploitation of the East Pakistanis by us and the pro-India elements, rather than failure of religion, should be seen as leading to their separate statehood. From Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs it follows that if the lower needs of people aren’t being met, then they won’t care about the higher things. Even the Prophet (PBUH) had warned 1400 years back that poverty could very well lead to unbelief. The Bengalis’ adversities weren’t intense enough to drive them away from religion but did destroy their belief in a united Pakistan, which could have been prevented.
Fourth, Israel is also based on an idea but nobody, especially in the West, ever questions its right to exist, despite its state terrorism and polarisation it caused between the West and Islam. The bias against Pakistan and some unfortunate developments make people point their fingers at us. Again, consider what would have happened if the USSR hadn’t invaded Afghanistan in 1979.
There would have been no jihad, no militancy, no drug or gun culture and no Taliban today. Similarly, if India had respected the will of the UN by granting the right of self determination to Kashmiris, the place would have been heavenly, instead of a nuclear flashpoint. Also, if India hadn’t resorted to hegemonism and occupying one territory after another there would have been no need for Pakistan to spend so much on its defence.
K. PERWAIZ
Karachi
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