| September 24, 2008 | Wednesday | Ramazan 23, 1429 |
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Press freedom
US think tank’s view
Student visa issue
Moonsighting
All fuel subsidies withdrawn
Resolving dispute diplomatically
Age criteria for CSS candidates
House job salary
Legalising part-time work
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
Unfortunate incidents like the Marriott hotel blast and destruction of nearby buildings which had private enterprises and Govt ministries as well, have made us learn that conventional safety measures and practices may not be effective in our country.
It is very difficult to control and counter terrorist acts and in such a case destruction of business enterprises with centralized structures, offices and resources are prone to closure in case of devastation by such blasts. Hence it needs to be assessed that having all the eggs in one plate philosophy may rip off entire businesses or create severe unemployment. Businesses and assets insurance and coverage against terrorist activities are another subject that needs attention.
What’s needed by organizations in Pakistan is too have redundancy in effective data management, security, using telecom infrastructure to record security cameras information at remote locations, in addition to fire alarms, automatic fire suppression systems should be in place to control destruction of life and equipment.
There are new and effective technologies to control spread of fire in large buildings, all records should be digitized and kept in separate physical buildings in duplicate to be able to recover in case of such an eventuality. The management should hold tests and rehearse at regular intervals to check the effectiveness of such measures taken.
We have experienced that in case of such an eventuality of blasts, fire or earthquake, we lack coordination among our different agencies from the Police, Fire brigade, Medical Ambulance assistance, etc. hence we need to have one single crisis management cell that controls all these organizations and provides one point of contact for public assistance and information.
As a nation we need to put our act together and exhibit a responsible behavior in realization of the above rather than waiting for the Government to act.
Nobody will come from outside to address the above issues hence we are on our own and we should grow up as an individual and as an organization to learn from the history and experiences and apply it to ourselves. This is extremely important if we want to give a safe future to our new generation.
ZIAUDDIN SIDDIQUI
Karachi
(II)
It was yet again a truck loaded….and yet again the target was the same… and yet again our authorities were left dumbfounded in the most embarrassing manner.
One wonders as to how they can still be fooled and swept away. On one hand the common citizen of this country is amazed and depressed but at the same time he questions the credibility and capability of the security agencies. What claims can they make or what confidence or sense of security can they instill in us when their so called fool proof security systems are torn away on a day when the top notch of the country is present at a gathering in the vicinity of the bombed area? What kind of high alert security is this when a truck is roaming around unchecked in a high security zone?
To add insult to injury, what shameful backup or rescue systems they have when the fire brigades even lack electronic stairs and uncharged water pumps. This shows that before fighting any terrorist wars we at least need to take some basic measures for the security of our own citizens. Furthermore Not only should drastic measures be taken to improve this situation but all personal security resources should be trained in handling such mayhem situations.
HAROON SALEEM
Lahore
(III)
Interior Minister says that the nation should be grateful that due to the cancellation of the (presumably sumptuous) Iftaar-cum-Dinner party at the Marriott Hotel the other day, the political leadership of the country was saved.
This implies that the lives of the democratic politicians (the ruling party and opposition) are more sacred than the lives of those helpless souls who were either burnt or crushed to death, not to mention those who survived but were badly burnt and maimed.
Not to be left behind is the democracy-and-judiciary-loving opposition. They want us to talk to those who behead people, who burn and destroy and maim, and all this in the name of our religion of Islam.
Then, for the past 18 months we only hear talk of the “love of judiciary” from those very “democracy-lovers” during whose tenure the Supreme Court of Pakistan was so brazenly attacked in full view of the whole world.
While the whole nation is baffled and demoralized, no concrete, constructive suggestion has come from the politicians on either side of the divide on how to really improve the lives of the lesser 17 million mortals known as Pakistanis.
All we ever hear is “political point-scoring”. It is either the rhetoric of “love of democracy” or “love of democracy-and-judiciary”. May Allah help us.
A CONCERNED CITIZEN
Via email
(IV)
This is in reference to the news item on Sept 23: “Top leaders were to attend the dinner at Marriott”, as stated by the Prime Minister’s very own advisor, Mr. Rehman Malik.
The venue for dinner had been changed due to security reasons, which is acceptable, but I fail to understand as to why this was kept a huge secret and then revealed publicly after the devastation had already taken place.
What good did this information bring to the people who have lost their dear ones?
It’s about time that our leaders started feeling for the common man, to whom they owe a lot more than they claim.
RAZIAT FATIMA
Karachi
This is with reference to Dr Mahjabeen Islam’s article ‘Media for accountability’ (Sept 15). While Dr Islam’s simplistic views on media freedom need a comprehensive debate, it is important to set the record straight as far as the writer’s assertion about media freedom being Retd. General Musharraf’s legacy is concerned.
First of all, let it be clear that the architect of the institutional structures of today’s media freedom was Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who, during her very first government (1988-90) diligently pursued an open skies policy. Her government allowed the private television networks to start their operation in the country and the NTM was a part of the same chain.
All foreign television networks were granted the permission to relay their transmission to Pakistani audience and this opened the doors for the CNN, and the BBC, followed by dozens others, to expand their outreach in the region.
Besides institutional measures, the very first task Mohtarma’s government undertook after her election as a Prime Minister was freeing the media from the shackles of unacceptable media laws imposed by the Martial Law regime. Journalists and employees of radio and television terminated from service during the Zia regime were reinstated.
The No Objection Certificate for journalists to travel abroad was abolished. Mohtarma’s government also announced the Sixth Wage Board Award and it was implemented in the national press agency, the APP.
While the Musharraf regime may be credited for following (though strictly half-heartedly) the PPP’s policy of media freedom, it is wrong to give them the credit for initiating such a policy, as Islam’s article implies. Also, it is important to understand that this was no great favour for the nation, as an independent media is by all means the constitutional right of the citizens.
The General’s legacy vis-à-vis media, however, was that the media was used beyond its optimum for the projection of Gen Musharraf’s political set up and its point of view. In fact, he owes his eight-year-long rule to the media as much as his supporters blame the fiercely independent and competitive media for his exit from the highest office of the country.
Finally, it is important to remind the writer of a number of draconian measures against the media, taken by the Musharraf regime. Two outstanding cases are the amendments in the PNNABRO and the PEMRA Ordinances last year. Both the amendments, aimed at silencing the media after a series of constitutional violations by his regime, imposed unprecedented restrictions on the press and the broadcast channels using the ever-convenient pretext of “national interest”.
Under the PEMRA Amendments, broadcast media faced the threat of Rs10million fine, confiscation of their equipment, and closure of their offices, not to mention three years prison sentence, for failing to adhere to any of the rules stipulated in the amendments. The amendments in the PNNABRO Ordinance empowered the DCO to suspend the declaration of any newspaper if it failed to follow a set of extremely controversial and nonsensical rules. One fails to think of any democratic dispensation, ever launching such an offensive against the media. It must be noted that these amendments were revoked by the new democratic government this year.
Finally, a word on journalistic independence: Year 2007 has been unanimously declared as the worst year for Pakistani journalists by all media freedom advocacy bodies around the world. With 15 journalists murdered in the line of duty, 357 arrested, 123 caught in physical assaults, 154 harassed, 18 cases of attacks on media properties, and 88 cases of various gag orders issued by the government, there is no better way to define the commitment of the “champions of media freedom”, an image of the Musharraf regime that the writer painstakingly tries to project.
SHARMILA FARUQUI
Karachi
There are many voices against Pakistan in the US and behind that we see the Indian and Jewish lobby very much active. They all have motives, nefarious designs and certainly must be on someone’s payroll.
However, there are some people who genuinely and independently evaluate the situation and give their candid observation. They call upon Washington not to launch an attack on Pakistan, arguing that Pakistan is part of the solution, not part of the problem. They recognize Pakistan’s vital role in the war against terror, saying “without Pakistan’s help Americans have never been safe, and because of the US war, Pakistan is now bearing the heaviest brunt of its history.” They say “instead the US should come out with all possible help to rescue Pakistan’s falling economy and deteriorating law and order because of the militancy.”
Robert Hathaway, Director of the Asia Program at Woodrow Wilson Centre, urged the Bush administration to help Pakistan arrest its economic fall and create business and investment opportunities for the people of Pakistan. He urged the US government to ease its tariff policies towards Pakistani products as a way to bolster the South Asian country’s exports.
In his article, “Getting Smart on Pakistan”, he noted that the US trade policy actually discriminates against Pakistan. He said US tariffs on Pakistani textiles export are far steeper than on similar goods from other countries. As Edward Gresser of the Progressive Policy Institute has pointed out, each container of exported towels puts 500 Pakistani men and women to work. He argued that the textile exports from literally dozens of developing countries around the world face lower US tariffs than do Pakistani textiles. “The least we could do is to level the playing field for Pakistani goods,” Hathaway reasoned in the article distributed by the Common Ground News Service. He said many rich countries enjoy US trade benefits not available to Pakistan.
In America, there is widespread support for generous and long-term assistance to Pakistan. The Biden-Lugar bill, which is now under consideration on Capitol Hill, envisions a tripling of US assistance during the next decade and prospects for its adoption are promising.
F. Z. KHAN
Islamabad
With reference to a letter (Sept 19) regarding the delay in the issuance of a student by the U.K High Commission, it pointed out that a delay in the visa may result in a student missing the joining date of his University thereby having adverse consequences for his career.
As a father, I too am going through a very stressful period. My son who joined Kelley Business School University of Indiana at Bloomington last year to pursue a BBA course applied for transfer to Emory University at the end of his freshman year. He was accepted by Emory in July this year. A new I-20 visa was also issued by the University. On his return to Pakistan for summer vacations, my son approached American Express Islamabad for securing endorsement of the new I-20 visa on his passport. He was informed about change of rules which essentially meant a fresh application had to be submitted to secure this transfer of the I-20 and an interview date to be sought. His interview took place on the 22nd of July. He was given a piece of paper which stated that his new visa has been approved and will be issued after the completion of approval procedure.
I have visited American Express regularly only to be told that the visa is being processed. He missed not only the start of the semester but also the extended joining date given by Emory. Presently I have no idea when my son can resume his studies which have been interrupted due to no fault of his.
He is at a loss to understand what the future holds for him. As parents we are facing a terrible predicament and do not have any answers to give our son who is totally baffled at this delay and lack of any response from the U.S. Embassy.
I would like to appeal to the US embassy to look into this matter, as well as of other students caught in a similar situation and help the students, especially those already studying in USA so that they do not face inordinate delays which may jeopardize their future and lead to undue mental and financial tension for their parents.
IMTIAZ AHMED
Islamabad
ACCORDING to a news report (Sept 9), officials of the Met office predict that based on scientific data Eidul Fitr may fall on
Oct 2.
Incidentally all such previous forecasts made by the Met office have proved right with the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee agreeing to the same.
Now once again it offers a very good opportunity for the government to immediately dispense with the said committee as well as the regional committees, thus saving precious resources being incurred on these committees, its members and its numerous gatherings.
This will put an end to all controversies regarding the sighting of the moon, and the country will be able to celebrate Eid on the same day.
After all leaving the matter to a few persons against scientific observers makes little sense apart from making the establishment foolhardy.
NASSER KHAN
Peshawar
As reported in Dawn “All fuel subsidies withdrawn” (Sept 20), the Finance Minister while announcing an economic package at a press conference, disclosed that in order to stabilize the economy, the government has decided to eliminate subsidies on oil and gas and to phase out the subsidy on electricity by June 2009 and that the actual cost of gas will be passed on to consumers.
He further reiterated that these measures are required to bring about macroeconomic stability, narrowing down the fiscal and current account deficits and minimizing pressures on foreign exchange reserves.
As we all know that the previous dispensation of Shaukat Aziz and its cohorts went on beating the drums for achieving macro economic stability whereas at the end of the day it was found that not only figures were manipulated to befool the masses and the donor agencies, even the trickle down effect of the so-called prosperity did not actually reach down the line, creating a huge disparity between the rich and the poor. The middle class was almost eliminated and poor become poorer whereas the prosperous achieved the riches unheard of in the history of Pakistan.
Now the present regime under the pretension of bridging the fiscal gap and achieving macroeconomic stability has decided to do away with all kinds of subsidies on oil, gas and power without realizing that it will cost the society very dearly. One the one hand this ill-timed and unwise decision will hurt seriously every household of the country and on the other hand bring the industrial growth to a halt as it will not be able to compete with world markets. Moreover, the much trumpeted up subsidy claim of the government has already been exposed in a statement “Government earns Rs70 billion from oil, gas taxes” (Sept 9). As per report in the year 2007-08 alone, the government had earned Rs70 billion by allowing subsidy of Rs175 billion on the one hand and charging on the other hand Rs245 billion as sales tax and other levies on oil and gas. This ingenious planning has rather earned substantial revenue without making much effort (which helped achieve one trillion targets last year) whereas at the same time created opportunity for the government to take credit for allowing subsidy to the public.
Decision makers probably failed to realize that the burden of taxes is equally distributed to the consumer which has given substantial rise to the every commodity whereas most of the subsidy is being eaten away at different levels right from the oil companies to retail sellers. The end losers are obviously those who are not able to shift the burden of cost they have borne.
It is expected that the present government would consider this serious anomaly. While stopping subsidy the rates of oil products, gas and power be brought to the actual price by withdrawing at the same time sales tax and levies. The gap so created in the revenue can however be expediently filled by collecting taxes due from the affluent strata of society and broadening the tax base.
The economic managers should also consider reintroduction of wealth-tax law, abolished by the previous regime in 2002 that used to collect more than Rs20 billion as revenues and which is functioning successfully in neighboring countries.
Also, two years’ exemption allowed to stock exchange operators be revisited and sectors such as oil companies, banks, sugar, cement etc that are minting huge profits be subjected to proper audit so that they can make appropriate contribution to economic growth of the country.
SHAFIQUE ANSARI
Dubai
IN the latest development, CNN reports that Pakistan’s military has ordered its forces to open fire if US troops launch another air or ground raid across the Afghan border.
The orders, which come in response to a highly unusual ground attack by US commandos, will certainly heighten tension between Washington and Pakistan, a key ally against terrorism.
The dispute should and must be resolved through diplomatic channels.
US military commanders accuse Islamabad of doing too little to prevent Taliban and other militant groups from recruiting, training and re-supplying in Pakistan’s wild tribal belt, the CNN concludes.
Pakistan does acknowledge the presence of Al Qaeda fugitives and is having great difficulties in preventing militants from seeping through the mountainous border into Afghanistan.
SYED WARIS SHERE
Canada
A few months back, there was news about the age relaxation for CSS aspirants. Then suddenly there was no news regarding the issue for days.
My request to the Federal Public Services Commission is to kindly look into this matter. I think, the age criteria should be made according to one’s qualification.
The maximum age is 28 with the qualification of graduation. Also, relaxation should be given to students who have completed their Master’s degree or those having an M.Phil degree.
The FPSC should draw a clear policy rather than a vague one that has been adopted regarding the age relaxation issue.
ALI ZAMAN
Islamabad
THE Young Doctors Association, Lahore, have been protesting against their meagre pay of Rs12,000 for resident house officers (HO) and Rs15,000 for a post-graduate resident officer (PG) and want it to be increased to Rs25,000 for HOs and Rs35,000 for PGs, respectively.
In sharp contrast to Punjab, the Sindh government pays Rs6,300 to a resident HO and Rs12,000 to post-graduate resident officer.
Even last year doctors had gone on strike which ended with the Sindh government promising to increase the HO’s pay but nothing has been done so far. The stepmotherly treatment meted out by the government is forcing doctors to leave the country or switch over to MBA and other fields, creating a shortage of medical hands to serve the people.
The Sindh government should rise up to the occasion and pay its doctors the amount of salaries that the Punjab government and the federal government are paying to their doctors.
DR FARAZ KHAN LUNI
Karachi
It has been observed that whenever the salaries of Government employees rise, the prices of kitchen items also skyrocket.
It seems that the Government finds different ways of taking back the increment made, like income tax, increase in Provident fund deductions announced recently and the reduction on value of the Pak Rupee due to inflation. How should a person with a fixed income survive with his family?
Quite a number of employees have taken up part-time jobs that are considered illegal while others are forced to use unfair means, abusing the powers of their own departments.
Under such circumstances, in my opinion, the Government should make a law that grants permission to the employees to take up part-time jobs or businesses in a legal capacity so that they are able to support their families to make ends meet.
This activity will also contribute to the creation of wealth which will strengthen the economy of the country.
Also, I think there should be no bar on granting permission to Government and Semi Government employees.
ENGR.AMANAT ALI BHATTI
Gujranwala
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