| October 11, 2008 | Saturday | Shawwal 11, 1429 |
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Achievements of Allama Qasimi Chair
Superhighway needs urgent repair
Mahatama Gandhi’s legacy
Customs care system
Shifting blames
Status of Karachi
Science students face unemployment
Subservient to parliament
Currency notes
Financial challenges
Decrease in palm oil prices
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
I WATCHED the American presidential election debate held in Nashville on various issues and was appalled at the stance taken by Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain on Pakistan when a question came from a Katie Hamm: “Should the United States of America respect Pakistani sovereignty or should it ignore their borders and pursue the enemies (Taliban and Al Qaeda)?”
In response to this question Senator Obama replied that he believed that they had a difficult situation in Pakistan. He further added and I quote:
”I do believe that we have to change our policies with Pakistan. We can’t coddle, as we did, a dictator, give him billions of dollars and then he’s making peace treaties with the Taliban and militants.
“What I’ve said is we’re going to encourage democracy in Pakistan, expand our non-military aid to Pakistan so that they have more of a stake in working with us, but insisting that they go after these militants.
“And if we have Osama bin Laden in our sights and the Pakistani government is unable or unwilling to take them out, then I think that we have to act and we will take them out. We will kill bin Laden; we will crush Al Qaeda. That has to be our biggest national security priority.
“…. if Pakistan is unable or unwilling to hunt down bin Laden and take him out, then we should.” (Emphasis added).
In his response, Senator McCain had a comparatively softer tone but the substance was the same. His view was and I quote:
“…..We need to help the Pakistani government go into Waziristan, where I visited, a very rough country, and — and get the support of the people, and get them to work with us and turn against the cruel Taliban and others.
“And by working and coordinating our efforts together, not threatening to attack them, but working with them, and where necessary use force, but talk softly, but carry a big stick.” (Emphasis added).
It is indeed an interesting aspect that one candidate talks of directly attacking Pakistan while the other refers to indirect attacks. It is ignominious to see that the future presidency of US sees attacking a nation that stood upfront with it in the so-called war against terrorism.
I believe that these candidates need to look into their history when they are forgetting that it was the US that provided aid to these Taliban in the Afghanistan-Russia war which eventually led to Al Qaeda network development.
I fail to understand the American foreign policy as it has never been the same for all the nations. For instance, when it comes to India, America is on the verge of signing or has already signed a nuclear deal with India; whereas, it was more than willing to apply sanctions on Pakistan rather than helping Pakistan develop its nuclear programme for prosperity of the Pakistani nation.
Another aspect that has been undermined is the fact that solution to issues through dialogue has lost its place to the use of arms and display of power in American politics of today. If enemies like India and Pakistan, Israel and Palestine can sit across the table and negotiate on even the most serious of issues, then why has America shut all its doors? I still believe that this is the best mode to reach amicable solutions to all problems.
BILAL HUSSAIN
Lahore
THIS is apropos of Altamash M. Kureshi’s letter, “Establishing ‘Benazir chair’ in varsities” (Oct 4), wherein, while dilating on creation of study chairs in the names of distinguished personalities from different walks of life, in various universities of Sindh, he has raised, though rightly, a very pertinent query concerning their performance.
Being the honorary director of Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi Chair, which was established by the Siddiqui Foundation at Sindh University, Jamshoro, on July 7, 2004, I would like to bring the following facts so as to let the academicians have insight of the achievements this chair has made in the field of research and publication during the last four years of its existence.
During the short span of four years the chair so far has been able to publish seven books in Sindhi and Urdu, whereas three more research-oriented volumes are in the printing process.. Of these seven published volumes, three were written/translated by the late Allama Qasmi himself and are, therefore, considered most valuable addition to religious, literary, historical and biographical works published in his life time.
The remaining books contain important material about the ulema, scholars, writers, historians and journalists of his time, illuminating Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi’s valuable services and position he enjoyed amongst his contemporaries and also encompass research and creative activities of 20th century.
Moreover, the Allama’s authentic biography is also under publication, which will not only reveal dimensions of his scholarly personality but will also open new vistas for the budding scholars to commit further research on various aspects of his life .
Besides this monumental publication work, the chair during these four years has arranged two national seminars in 2006 and 2007. These events were attended by noted scholars, educationists and students, whom the occasions provided a great source of inspiration and interest as well. Another such seminar on the chair’s activities is due this December.
The chair has also registered students in MPhil leading to PhD degree on different topics, covering the work and philosophy of Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi. These research scholars are also being provided financial assistance on the basis of merit.
Additionally, the chair has also awarded gold medals to the first position holders of various faculties, related to the subjects, in which Allama Qasmi rendered his services as a PhD guide.
The chair, for the general benefit of scholars, is at presen busy making arrangements for translating major works of Allama Qasmi in Urdu and English. The website is also being launched shortly to make the material of the chair available on the Internet for interest of general public.
PROF (DR) KAZI KHADIM HUSSAIN
Allama I. I. Kazi Campus, Sindh University , Jamshoro
THE two-track road, connecting the Karachi port city with upcountry via Hyderabad, known as Superhighway nowadays is a shambles. Although it is one of the two main highways, the other one National Highway linking upcountry via Thatta, yet it is the superhighway that carries many times more traffic, small and big, which goes right up to other end of the country.
Both tracks have developed large potholes and cracks that even driving with minimum speed one feels the vehicle going out of control. The left sides of both lanes, called slow track on which, after overtaking, vehicles have to pass through have almost caved in. Therefore, in order to keep away from the seriously damaged track one has to drive the vehicle continuously on the right track, i.e. used for overtaking, against the rules which most of the time results in imposition of fine by the motorway police.
However, while travelling on this road recently I got the feeling that the National Highway Authority (NHA), which took over possession of this road a few years ago from the provincial government, has totally abandoned this important highway. For the last many years no repair appears to have been carried out by the NHA and the condition of such a significant national carriageway has utterly deteriorated.
The statistics collected shows that despite being a one-way facility the number of accidents has recently increased on the superhighway. Those journeying on the highway must have witnessed the spectacle of many heavy vehicles turned turtle on roadsides with broken tierods.
The NHA, which is collecting millions of rupees daily in the form of toll tax from vehicular traffic moving to and coming from upcountry, is under legal and moral obligation to keep the road in proper order.
However, the present condition of the highway shows that the NHA appears to have turned away from its fundamental responsibility. The provincial government, the original owner of the road, should take up the matter with the federal government and ensure that the NHA either carries out necessary repairs of the road in right earnest or hands over the same back to the province so that woes of the public can be addressed.
DR KAZI KHADIM HUSSAIN
Hyderabad
AN Indian museum in Ahmedabad recently renovated a toilet for exhibition. The toilet is said to be the one used by Mahatma Gandhi and represents Gandhi’s belief in the responsible disposal of human excrement and attention to hygiene.
But the hypocrisy that this event implies is tragic to say the least. The toilet was renovated out of reverence and respect for Gandhi, and as a show of devotion to their great leader.
Renovating a toilet does not ensure faith in Gandhi’s teachings. Mahatma Gandhi spent his life struggling for proliferating peace and non-violence among all religions, nations and classes in India. He used to say: “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for”. Today India is fraught with racism — Hindu mobs have damaged more than a dozen churches and homes, and destroyed a Christian orphanage in attacks which have left several dead, including women and children. There is a revitalised mistrust against Muslims post-9/11, while in Kashmir Muslims are killed in the thousands every year with the least bit of concern.
The gap between the rich and the poor of the country is ever increasing and the poor are facing cruel indifference despite the fact that Gandhi chose poverty as his lifestyle. One could only imagine in utmost sorrow what Gandhi would feel about his nation today, worshipping cricket players and Bollywood stars that live in mansions, travel around the world and spend thousands of rupees on makeovers.
All this is exactly what Gandhi saw as a loss of morality and religion. He said: “As soon as we lose the moral basis, we cease to be religious. Man, for instance, cannot be untruthful, cruel or incontinent and claim to have God on his side.”
Gandhi’s toilet has not been renovated out of the love and respect of his teachings, but rather to hide from the world the fact that the spirit of his teachings has been lost. Gandhi has become a silent idol whose devotees worship it as long as it caters to their materialistic self-interests.
Renovating material objects cannot revive Gandhi’s message. In a trying time, the Indians need to reassert the meaning and practicality of his words: “What I have pleaded for is renunciation of violence of the heart and consequent activeexercise of the force generated by the great renunciation.”
SYED JAWAID IQBAL
Karachi
UNTIL recently the customs care system was much helpful in hassle-free, expeditious clearance of import cargo. However, of late importers face a lot of problems at the hands of the staff of the care system if they fail to satisfy their unjust demands:
(1) After filing GD through computer, the importers continue getting for many days the one and the same reply, that is the cargo is ‘under assessment’, no matter the import cargo is zero-rated, i.e. carries no customs duty, no sales tax except the one per cent withholding tax(2)Then follows the long delay before importers are informed, via computer, that the cargo is under examination.
(3) It is common knowledge that no one likes to get a container grounded, for facilitating examination of cargo, thus causing further delay, resulting in heavy demurrage/detention charges to be borne by helpless importers.
(4) Finally, the examination is carried out and it is the good luck of the importers if customs have found no objection/fault or any cause (in spite of all efforts on the part of customs staff) for demanding further customs/ levies from the hapless importers.
(5) Goods are finally allowed to be cleared, but after inflicting maximum possible punishment on importers by way of causing damage to the the import cargo packing etc.
Such losses/troubles caused by care system staff happen only when honest importers do not satisfy their unjust demands.
The authorities concerned should look into the matter and ensure that any examination done should not lead to damaging the cargo itself.
A TORTURED IMPORTER
Karachi
All Pakistanis are well aware that our foreign exchange reserves are at a lowest level and we are facing a lot of problems due to hike in US dollar and other currencies, as well as inflation of prices in the local market for basic commodities.
We (people of Pakistan) keep on blaming the government for all the problems and do not understand our responsibility towards the sensitivity of this issue. We all just talk and feel proud to blame others or the government. Have we ever realised how much we are depending on foreign commodities? In offices, small items like pencils and erasers are imported, whereas we also have the same local stuff available in the market.
Did we ever realise how much foreign exchange is spent on these imports? Can’t we use local items? By doing so, not only will we save precious foreign exchange but will also support the local industry.
Our neighbour, India, followed the same model for many years and did not import. They relied on their own produced items. Today we see that since they stand on strong grounds, they have their worth in the world and are much advanced than us in every aspect of life.
We, Pakistanis, must think seriously about how we can positively contribute to the economy of our own country. For a better economy will surely lead us to a better Pakistan and better future for our children. We must stop shifting blames and looking to the government. We must focus on improving the economy by changing our own habits.
USMAN KHAWAR
Via email
THIS is apropos of Abdul Khaliq Junejo’s letter, Status of Karachi, (Oct 1). The letter smacks of bias. Karachi is a mega city and houses all linguistic units of Pakistan and everyone is represented in high proportion and all of them are Karachiites.
The only difference between Urdu-speaking Karachiites and others is that all others also have another home in their original province that they come from and they enjoy dual status.
How many of’ rural Sindhis did live or own homes in Karachi before 1971? And how many of them do now own houses? There is no ban on anybody owning homes here irrespective of the province they come from. Karachi is expanding all the time.
It is a different thing that residents and voters of this city still vote overwhelmingly for the MQM despite criticism against it. The MQM and its city district government have created wonder in a short time, which is appreciated by all Karachiites, without discrimination of colour, caste or creed and a simple project to attract youth in volunteer work must be appreciated rather criticised owing to language bias. These volunteers’ work was witnessed by Karachiites controlling traffic during Ramazan which created a positive image.
The MQM has joined hand with the PPP in Sindh for the safety and security and getting rights of this province from the federal government without creating troubles for any other province, appreciating good efforts of Asif Ali Zardari for national reconciliation.
If this people’s government is not able to implement the provincial autonomy and if it cannot resolve the NFC award and distribution of Sindh water, then we will not be able to bring unity among the federating units.
The National Assembly where the coalition enjoys majority must act fast and bring these on the agenda and it will be a road to becoming a nation which we still are not even after 61 years of independence.
SYED AKHLAQ HUSSAIN ABIDI
Karachi
(II)
APROPOS of A. K. Junejo’s letter, I agree with the writer. The needed sensitivity that he points to is missing from many in Karachi, including the current city government.
Charo Mazumdar, when chief minister of West Bengal, is reputed to have said of development of Kolkata : “Kolkatta must share the poverty of its hinterland”.
Karachi is an integral part of Sindh. Residents of Karachi are residents of Sindh and must educate themselves on the history of Sindh. Havoc played on Karachi after 1947 must be recognised. Karachi must play a leadership role in the development of Sindh.
KAUSAR S. K.
Karachi
I HAVE been reading about a dearth of science graduates in Pakistan, especially women science graduates, and about concerns that Pakistani science students remain uncompetitive.
My friend has just graduated with an honours degree in Computer Science, and has been unable to find employment. The dearth of jobs for new science graduates, combined with the excess of PhD graduates in the market, means the new graduates are always second choice.
What will happen to graduates like my friend who wants an assistant role and does not particularly want to study up to PhD level? Is there just no room for new science graduates any more?
SUMBUL HAIDER
Karachi
THE headline, ‘President will be subservient to parliament’ (Sept 10), was like pearls of wisdom of the president, Asif Ali Zardari, glittering in almost all the newspapers in Pakistan.
It shows that either Mr Zardari is totally naive in constitutional matters or he is, as usual, playing with words only to enchant and entrance (and also befool) the general public, who has always been ignorant of the highest order in the affairs of state and political issues.
It clearly shows that today’s PPP direly lacks intellectuals and political experts. But then, who cares?
SYED SAYEF HUSSAIN
Karachi
THE new currency notes, compared to the previous ones, indicate that they are small in size, large in denomination (5000-rupee note) and very poor in quality. Is it reflective of the mindset of the people who introduced them or has Pakistani currency become less in value and its economy in poor shape?
The bigger denomination actually indicates less value (such as in Zimbabwe), so our policymakers should think of doing away with 5000-rupee and even 1000-rupee notes. Bigger denomination also facilitates corruption with greater ease.
MOHAMMAD YASIN LAKHANI
Karachi
PAKISTAN is at present in the grip of a deep financial crisis as indicated by warning blinks of all economic indicators and under the influence of a global nosedive in the financial markets all around. The situation has further worsened in our country as a result of law and order collapse, accompanied with insurgency spread over its western borders.
These challenges do bring a thinking process to bring in focus possible opportunities to deal with these problems like a cool customer. Bold initiatives need to be taken by the government with consensus and open mind. Let us effectively take steps to defuse our internal strife with trust in our fellow people in northern areas as being done lately by Afghan president to soften up in his country. Simultaneously, we open floodgates for investment on a BOT basis in sectors like energy, railways, civil aviation, drip irrigation and other areas. Emphasis should be on attracting investment from brotherly Islamic countries and China. These fresh projects would also open up employment opportunities.
In order to revive interest in the stock exchange, we should immediately make amendments to the companies law and facilitate buy back option of at least 60 companies reinforced with the added support of market equity fund. Please remove CVT on a temporary basis and banks be encouraged to make advances on share business with reduced discount rate. This bitter pill has got to be swollen to tide over financial crunch.
It is a brief resume of the common man’s assessment of the situation, and our economic managers can further improve its scope and implementation. The authorities may also be informed that if ‘the business as usual’ attitude of indifference continues to rule supreme, then further disaster of economy would spread even beyond their imagination.
ENGR. AMJAD HUSSAIN MALIK
Rawalpindi
In the last month or six weeks after international commodity prices decreased, the Malaysian prices of Palm oil have decreased from $1400 to $ 600 per ton. In Pakistan the prices of edible cooking oil and Vanaspati rose to Rs150 per kilo from Rs70. Now that the prices of Palm oil have fallen by 50 per cent, even if we add the fallen value of dollar in calculation, there should be at least 30 per cent decrease in prices.
The manufacturers however, have decreased prices by Rs5 and 10 with added gimmicks of giving chat masala and washing powder. I request the relevant authorities and price control authorities to intervene and put pressure on manufacturers to decrease prices to Rs100 or 110.
Even the Utility Corporation has not decreased prices. Same is with other commodities like rice where in open market and Utility Store the prices are the same and in some cases Rs5 less in open market.
PROFESSOR MUHAMMAD IQBAL
Karachi
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