| September 30, 2008 | Tuesday | Ramazan 29, 2008 |
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Concern over Obama statements
Inefficient fire brigade service
Eidi: pain in the neck
Freedom of press
Losing credibility
Countering Taliban
Ramifications of pollution
Frog in a kettle
Honouring legends
N-power plant
Has China completed the demographic transition?
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
THE Marriott bombing incident needs to be condemned in the strongest term, and our hearts go out to the families of the dead. However, in our haste to forget the incident and move on, we must remember that ensuring the safety of future guests at the hotel must override all other considerations.
Thus the words of the Marriott’s owner (and brave words at that) that the hotel will be opened in its full glory in the next three months send a chill down the spines of architectural profession.
Just because the building is still standing, the owner has presumed that the structure of the hotel has been unaffected by the blast and the fire that subsequently raged through all of the guest room floors. Haste in opening the building to the public at large could pose yet another risk in our continuing tale of woes.
We understand that the Capital Development Authority has asked the owner to get the safety of the building’s structure certified by designated design engineers. This inspection should be carried out through destructive testing and X-ray imaging rather than through just a visual inspection, and the results should be re-verified by a second engineer. It must be confirmed whether the impact of the blast and the heat of the fire have affected the safety and remaining life of the structure, particularly since some parts of the Marriott are already several decades old.
Also, it is quite possible that the original structural design may not be compliant with recent enforced Zone 3 requirements of the Uniform Building Code of 1997, pertaining to earthquake resistance and safety.
If this is so, then the building structure must be upgraded and strengthened to comply with these new standards before it is opened. Such compliance must not be related to cost, business or political considerations, and the CDA must ensure compliance. If it is found that the current structure cannot be brought into compliance, then unfortunately the building must come down, and be completely rebuilt.
The building must also comply with fire detection, fire-fighting and evacuation codes such as the International Building Code or the National Fire Protection Agency code, which are the international norms.
It is apparent from the death toll at the Marriott after the bomb blast that some safety, fire-fighting and evacuation measures did not work, and this resulted in much loss of life even though the fire moved very slowly across the building’s upper floors.
It is a proven fact that smoke kills more people than fire itself in such building fires.
If the corridors are engulfed in smoke, then people simply cannot see to get to the fire exit staircases before they are overcome, and the staircases themselves need smoke evacuation to ensure that those who reach them can exit the building in safety.
We must value human lives not just at VIP hotels, but at all public buildings anywhere in this country. The Marriott was only a five-storeyed building and we are now planning 30- , 40- and 50- storeyed buildings without any city support infrastructure for human safety.
Compliance with safety codes for buildings of all sizes must be of paramount importance, and cities must have emergency services capable of dealing with fires and other disasters for the largest buildings in the city.
The Institute of Architects, Pakistan, if requested, can help the CDA with reviewing safety compliance measures prior to the re-opening of the hotel.
Let us not compromise on human safety.
EJAZ AHED
President
Institute of Architects Pakistan,
Karachi
MANY intellectuals in the print and electronic media are showing serious concerns about the statements of Barack Obama regarding Pakistan, in which he adopts a tough tone after a chief rival accuses him of naïveté in foreign policy.
He also used a similar tone in the first presidential debate. However, one should appreciate the fact that US policies are not made during campaigns or debates.
In these forums, the candidates usually say what they believe is popular among the media and the people. After coming to office, a newly-elected US president and his advisers will have to answer lots of questions before they implement their policies. Here are some important questions which may never have been addressed during presidential campaigns:
(1) Recently, Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the US relied on supply routes through Pakistan for 80 per cent of the cargo, and 40 per cent of the fuel, brought into Afghanistan.
Also, Gen James Cartwright, vice chairman of the joint chiefs committee, told the Senate armed services committee that it would be ‘challenging to sustain our presence’ without Pakistani logistics support.
So after the increased military presence in Afghanistan, can the US afford to cut off these lifelines by its unilateral actions, especially, when Pakistan has a government which is willing to support the US effort because it is also facing the menace of terrorism in the country?
(2) If the US takes unilateral action, and if Pakistan retaliates, is the new president ready to begin another war in the most sensitive region of the world?(3) If, using huge firepower, the US will win the initial battle, then would the US be ready to destabilise a nuclear power and a whole region, and would China, India and Russia allow the US to go that far just to ‘punish’ an ally?
(4) Mr Obama mentioned that the US has wasted $10 billion with Musharraf without holding him accountable for knocking out those safe havens of the terrorists. According to previous Pakistani government officials, most, if not all, of the money was nothing but the payments of the bills which Pakistan claimed for its services it provided to the US war on terror.
Compared with Mr McCain, Mr Obama’s statements about Pakistan demonstrate that he is very ill-advised and less experienced in this area. Veteran journalist, commentator and activist Tariq Ali said: “I think this was a big mistake that Senator Obama made. He will regret it, because I don’t think he was briefed on what the situation in Afghanistan is.”
Pakistan’s democratic government has a test as to how they will convince the world that Pakistan is fully capable of waging the war inside its territory and give a loud and clear message to the world that Pakistan should not be treated like a crony, but as an ally and as a stakeholder in all the important issues the world is facing now.
MISBAHUL AZAM
Phoenix, Arizona (USA)
I AM writing out of frustration at 1am to register my anguish against the horrible fire-brigade system in Karachi.
My grandmother’s apartment building caught fire, and despite frantic calls made at the fire brigade number several times, we received a pathetic response.
First, no one picked up for around 10 minutes, and then when they did, a very casual voice responded.
I could not believe how casual this man’s tone was, and he was actually joking around, deliberately misinterpreting the phone number I was giving him.
I shut the phone, and told my brother to call again. This time another man picked up, and in the same laid-back tone asked us why we were prank-calling.
How on earth were we supposed to make him believe that an apartment building was on fire?
What’s even more ridiculous is, he asked us to call the police and file our complaint there, and they will respond once it is forwarded to them.
The staff wouldn’t care two hoots even if the whole house had burned down. This is truly appalling, and I don’t understand the reason behind this attitude.
I request the authorities to take note of this, and employ sensible people as call-attendants for the fire brigade departments. We don’t want jokers where people’s lives are at stake.
SHANZAY SUBZWARI
Karachi
THE culture of minting money during the holy month of Ramazan has become a norm and nobody dares challenge people fleecing the public of their hard-earned money under the guise of ‘Eidi’.
There are different types of Eidi, one that you give to your younger brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces with your own consent, while the other is when you give Eidi to the government and police officials, that is a compulsion for you.
The third kind is when you give Eidi to the shopkeepers, service providers and beggars to avoid nuisance.
The practice of getting Eidi by officials and private businesses has in fact become a habit, a tradition or rather a ritual throughout Pakistan.
The tailors stop booking for further orders after 10th of Ramazan, if anyone dared to go for stitching his clothes, they demand double charges because it is Eid.
The commodities of everyday use like fruits, vegetables, meat and pulses are available in the markets, but with increased rates because ‘It is Eid.’
Government officials also seem busy in this expedition for accumulating Eidi. Eid being a religious festival has to be celebrated with traditional zeal and zest and so such extra expenses should be taken in the stride to maintain the spirit of this festival.
Beggars bang on your door asking for Eidi and ‘fitrana’ and the target of all these people is the baffled head of the household who has a million other expanses to look after.
The authorities concerned are requested to take some pragmatic measures in this regard.
MUHAMMAD ARSHAD NADEEM
Islamabad
THIS is in response to a series of articles last week in Dawn by Irfan Hussain, Nadeem F. Paracha, Kunwar Idrees and Muhammad Ali Siddiqi.
The topic all these illustrious writers chose is of utmost importance. Rightly, they all castigated certain television channels for mishandling the issue of religious extremism, the Taliban and related issues. But I was mostly made aware of the take-out of Mr Paracha and Mr Siddiqi’s articles.
Mr Paracha asked a potent question when he inquired that how come some talk show hosts and religious experts who sit there in studios and attack the war on terror and ‘western decadence’ continue to expect their salaries to be paid by western multinationals which sponsor their shows in droves?
This is such a startling dichotomy and I want to appreciate Mr Paracha for pointing it out. Then I also agree with Mr Siddiqi who criticises the government for failing to counter the madness that one comes across on these channels in the fine name of freedom of the media.
What is the government doing letting so many loose cannons run amok on the screen?
I want to thank all these gentlemen for bringing to light these issues and implore the more aware Pakistanis to do the same before these channels turn our society into what extremists want.
ASFAR DANISH
Karachi
THE tragic suicide attack on the Islamabad Marriott, apart from the loss of lives, property and public’s sense of security, has had another fallout.
Initially, the prime minister had claimed that it was the Prime Minister’s House that was the original target but the deployment of stringent security made it impossible for the terrorists to attack it and they choose the hotel as an alternative.
After that, his adviser Rehman Malik announced that the iftar dinner was actually scheduled to be held at the Marriott, but the venue was changed upon receiving information of an imminent attack at the hotel.
His statement was challenged by hotel owner Sadruddin Hashwani, who let it be known that no such party was scheduled over there (Sept 23).
Now, a Dawn correspondent has informed (Sept 24) that the feast was originally fixed for the Parliament House and was afterwards shifted to the Prime Minister’s House.
This again rules out the Marriott. A telling argument he gave is that the invitation cards issued by the National Assembly speaker’s secretariat to the guests clearly mentioned the venue as Parliament House, which was later changed to ‘PM House’.
It is appalling to note how Mr Malik has been giving out wrong statements. Does he realise that such behaviour can only erode his credibility?
There can be no two opinions that the nation is passing through extraordinarily difficult times and it needs extraordinarily good leadership and governance to take it out of trouble.
Therefore, the PPP government has a far greater responsibility upon its shoulders to set very high standards of good conduct.
Mr Malik obviously has something to hide, which is why he has adopted a wrong approach. Nevertheless, all our leaders and politicians must remember the words of George MacDonald: “To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.”
I. SIDDIQUE
Karachi
IT is good to hear that locals in tribal areas of Pakistan are forming their militias and removing Taliban from their areas. The tribals need the support of Pakistanis in their times of difficulty.
However, it is sad to hear people talking of making deals and negotiating with Taliban. I am not sure what the point of a Ramazan relief package is, except to allow them to strengthen and spew more destruction in the country.
The war on Taliban and Al Qaeda is Pakistan’s war for its own survival. The groups involved in attacks on Pakistan and its citizens are criminals.
Murder, kidnapping and extortion are not religious injunctions. And there is nothing holy in suicide bombing.
Suicide bombing is simply a selfish, angry act: an act that dehumanises ordinary citizens and, as a result, allows their murder.
There is nothing remotely romantic in the notion of Taliban. There is nothing remotely religious in their aim, except that what is a part of systematic brainwashing and propaganda.
That who support them, people in the establishment, religious political parties or supposed scholars are supporting anti-state activities. Maybe they should be called on their actions.
NAVEED AFRIDI
Fargo ND, USA
ENVIRONMENTAL pollution has reached an alarming level in major cities of Pakistan owing to the inability of the relevant authorities to check rising levels of pollution.
The job of civic agencies becomes even more difficult because of poor response from citizens.
Lack of political will, despite pressures from civil society, is one of the major hurdles in the implementation of environmental standards.
Some contributors to air pollution is smoke-emitting vehicles, traffic jams at crossings, high density of traffic on road and emission from industries.
Power plants using furnace oil and cement plants burning coal openly defy national environmental quality standards.
Water pollution can also be damaging to the economy as it can be expensive to treat and prevent contamination.
Noise pollution is one of the least talked about but most lethal pollutions.
The burning of municipal solid waste is another significant source of pollution in urban areas.
Although Pakistan introduced national environmental quality standards in 1997, the progress is still very slow and implementation has been disappointing. One of the reasons is lack of political will.
Although the country needs stringent environment protection laws, the fact is that the prevailing laws are not implemented in letter and in spirit.
Civic agencies do not collect garbage for days, hospital waste is burnt in open and overflowing sewerage is common, and so citizens also take the full liberty of spreading the litter.
S. ALINA MASROOR NAQVI
Karachi
THIS is apropos of two wonderful articles, ‘Past sins breed terrorism’ by Dr Tariq Rahman (Sept 23) and ‘Romancing the Taliban’ by Adil Zareef (Sept 17). The readings reminded me of a quote of Thomas A. Stewart, editor, Harvard Buisness Review (October 2007):
“Toss a frog into a kettle of boiling water and it’ll jump out and live, but a frog in water slowly heated will sit placidly and will boil to death. It’s a terrific change management fable, a warning against complacency.”
We being largely a complacent nation have been simmering for decades but now water has started to boil. Time has come for us to decide if we want to jump out of the kettle or die.
MUHAMMAD QASIM USMANI
Karachi
CRICKETER Kapil Dev has been commissioned as honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Indian Army.
Dr Abul Kalam was made 11th president of India and often called as undisputed father of India’s nuclear programme.
We can also give the same title undisputedly to Dr Qadeer but look at the difference between the treatment of our government and theirs.
Will heroes like Mohammad Yousuf (snooker), Zaheer Abbas (cricket), Samiullah (hockey) and Nadeem Baig (films) and others be ever given their due recognition?
I appeal to the president to follow at least this precedent of our neighbours and recognise the achievements of our legends that have always kept our flag high and made ourselves proud in the world.
RANA FAISAL
Karachi
IN the letter by Riazul Hassan Khan, ‘N-power plant’ (Sept 29), a worthy piece advice was given to the leadership of the state to go for Russian 1000MW N-power plants after refusal by the US to sell Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear plant from Westinghouse/Shaw to meet Pakistan’s energy needs.
The advice is very sound but, as we all know, the addiction to the US dollar is a deadly disease.
It has really brought us down to our knees and is burying our country alive as our policymakers continue to act like deaf and the blind. ‘Russia’ is the name of the new game.
SHAKIL AHMED
Dubai
CHINA’s crude birth rate stood at 13.38 per cent with the death rate being 6.43 per cent in the year 2001. Hence, the natural growth rate comes out to be 6.95 per cent. Both the crude birth rate and death rate were higher in the pre - modern regime in contrast to the post - modern regime.
According to the Europeans, the complete demographic transition is achieved by a country when it reaches a life expectancy of 65 years and succeeds in bringing down the death rate to below 10 per cent. China brought down its death rate below 10 per cent in around 1963 and its birth rate came down to 18 per cent in 1979, hovered around 20 per cent in the 1980s and settled at 13.38 per cent in 2001 after being approximately 15 per cent in the year 2000. This was because of the importance of family planning brought into the minds of the people of China.
Rapidity leads to instability and the crude birth rates and death rates are very rapid in developing countries and cannot be sustained for longer periods. However, China had socio - economic development as well to support it and that is exactly the reason why their crude birth rate and death rate have achieved sustainability.
Then another proof of China completing the demographic transition is that 1990s saw China’s fertility rate go below the replacement level. So, family planning worked because of intrinsic socio - economic development.
Critics are of the view that there’s an element of rapidity in the Chinese fertility transition but it is not really like that if compared with Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan, all being in the same region, with extremely rapid transition supported by socio - economic development. Therefore, the development factor is what actually neutralises the instability posed by the rapidity in transitional process.
In my personal view, China’s western and rural areas are really close to completing the demographic transition but China as a whole can be regarded as a nation that has completed the demographic transition.
Then, we have the second demographic transition that is completed for countries that have developed into rich and social welfare societies, laying special emphasis on health and education sectors. Although there are regional disparities in China but evidence shows that the second transition has started especially in China’s urban areas.
Childless marriages, increase in divorces, the use of contraceptive techniques, extra marital relationships, decrease in desired family sizes and extension in the age at which people prefer marrying are some evidences as far as China is concerned regarding the second demographic transition.
So China is well on its way to the right path but would still require some time to complete this second transition. It may not follow the European path due to cultural differences but cultural immersion should also be given its due share of importance due to the globalisation factor.
The standard of living in China has improved, the level of security individuals have has gone up, and greater individualism has set in with low economic dependency. Yet, there is still some distance for China to travel for being reckoned as a rich, welfare society with a service - based economy.
FAHD MASOOD
Karachi
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