| October 16, 2008 | Thursday | Shawwal 16, 1429 |
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The war on terror
CPLC needs help
Artificial shortage of flour
Economic crisis
Obama’s policy on Pakistan
System of traffic wardens
Reopening of Marriott Hotel
Looking for teachers
The elusive peace
Transparency in govt affairs
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
THIS is apropos of Kuldip Nayar’s article, ‘Modi let off the hook?’ (Oct 4), in which he shows his resentment over the report of Godhra incident submitted to the Gujarat assembbly by the Justice Nanavati Commission that exonerated Narendra Modi and his government from those charges that hold him accomplice in supporting the massacre of Muslims by the Hindu zealots.
The interfaith clashes in the Indian state of Gujarat are not a new phenomenon but the worst outbursts of violence were witnessed in 2002 between February and June. On Feb 27, 2002 Sabarmati express returning from Ayodhya was set on fire when it reached the town of Godhra. As a result, 58 innocent Hindus, including 25 women and 15 children, were burnt alive. Initial media reports blamed the local Muslims for torching the train. The then chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, and Giriraj Kishore, the leader of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), alleged that it was a pre-planned attack.
The bodies of those burnt alive were brought to Ahmedabad, where a huge procession was held, a move seen as a major provocation for the ensuing communal violence. The VHP issued a call for a statewide strike, which was sponsored by the BJP-led state government. From here the gory riots between the communities of Hindus and Muslims occurred.
The angry mobs of Hindus started to spill the blood of Muslims and to ransack their historic buildings. According to the official estimate, 1,044 people were killed, 223 were reported missing, 2,548 injured, 919 women widowed, many of them were sexually assaulted and 606 children orphaned in the violence.
The Guardian reported on June 29, 2002: “Two hundred and thirty unique Islamic monuments, including an exquisite 400-year-old mosque, were destroyed or vandalised during the recent anti-Muslim riots in the Indian state of Gujarat”.
It further says: “Several monuments have been reduced to rubble in the course of the riot, in which 2,000 people, mainly Muslims, have died. In other disturbances, Hindu gangs have smashed delicate mosque screens, thrown bricks at Persian inscriptions, and set fire to old Korans.”
While Washington Post in its story published on Oct 26, 2007 describes the gory riots: “Five years after one of India’s worst episodes of Hindu-Muslim violence, a series of videotaped confessions released Thursday showed Hindu activists acknowledging their roles in the killings and detailing blatant state collusion.”
In the video footage, recorded as part of an undercover expose by a New Delhi-based weekly magazine called Tehelka, Hindu activists and politicians bragged about hacking Muslims to death and burning their bodies. One assailant said he slit open a pregnant woman’s stomach. Washington Post further states: “Human rights groups in India and the United States have charged that Gujarat’s ruling party, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, tacitly supported the mob violence against Muslims.”
Times of India claimed that one of the witnesses alleged before Nanavati Commission that BJP leader Maya Kodnani, Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi and others led mobs on Feb 28 in the Naroda-Patia area.
Kuldip Nayar is absolutely right when he says: “I have a nagging feeling that the post-Godhra report, which is bound to hold Modi and the Gujarat administration guilty, and corroborate the thesis that there was a prior plan to cleanse the state ethnically, will be released after the general elections due early next year. Wittingly or unwittingly, Nanavati has helped Modi and his party”.
In his another article, ‘Modi could not care less’, published in this newspaper on April 22, 2006, he says: “Sometimes, I wonder whether Gujarat is part of India or whether India is part of Gujarat”.
This is crystal clear that Narendra Modi and his government are duly involved in the communal clashes. But instead of holding him guilty the Nanavati Commission has given him a clean chit.
NABEEL ANWAR DHAKKU
Chakwal
WHILE the government is relying on military operation in tribal areas to end militancy, and assuming that it would establish its writ and prevent the blood-curdling incidents like that of Marriot Hotel, it needs to alter its aggressive policy by considering some important ground realities if these goals are really to be attained.
The terrain of Pakistan’s tribal areas on which the operation continues to take place is no different than Afghanistan’s.
History is witness that even superpowers found it a hard nut to crack, and could never make the areas their stranglehold.
Even during the British rule these areas were administered through tribal elders and ‘jirgas’. And never could the British occupy them through their military might. In the eighth decade of the last century, Afghanistan became a quagmire for the Soviet Union and, ultimately, a cause for its disintegration.
And now, notwithstanding the state-of-the-art equipment and military, the US has been entangled in Afghanistan, and yearning for the survival of its soldiers.
Also, these areas have always served Pakistan as a buffer against foreign invasions. The inhabitants of the areas are patriotic, and claim themselves to be Pakistanis but the government has paid very little attention to their development.
These people have always been a frontline defence of Pakistan in the Kashmir region against India. Even in the ‘Kargil War’, the Pakistan Army relied heavily on them, for the inhabitants are strong and expert enough to fight in such mountainous regions of extreme weather.
Given the historic services of these people to Pakistan, the government’s policy to fight in these areas is completely irrational, and needs to be amended in the best interest of the country’s security and stability.
Moreover, this operation of security forces is satisfying the double-edged policy of the enemies of Islam and Pakistan, India and Israel, who are operating, with impunity, in Afghanistan under the auspices of the Karzai’s government. On the one hand, they have been successful in presenting Islam as a religion of extremism and terrorism and, on the other hand, they are threatening Pakistan’s survival.
There have been some mistakes on the part of the government: for instance, the handling of ‘the Lal Masjid tragedy’ in which the security forces had to commit atrocities on their own people.
On such issues, there prevails a widespread resentment among the general public and especially the religious sections, which is being exploited against Pakistan by its enemies.
They incite this resentment further through their vicious propaganda, and make the people fight against their own government. Not only do they stir up antipathy, but also do they provide them with the arsenal.
In such circumstances, it is irrational to believe that the government will ever be able to establish its writ completely, and that there will be no more incidents of suicidal attacks. The government’s writ and peace can only be established through negotiations and by removing the mistrust and aversion among the people against its policies.
This is the only way to isolate the real perpetrators, and to despoil the agenda of the enemies of the state and Islam. Violence begets violence, and clandestine attacks never stop. Therefore, the government should change its policy of outright military operation in order to achieve enduring peace and stability.
MUHAMMAD KASHIF KHAN
Karachi
‘WHAT have you been up to for the past so many days’ was the curt reply I received from an employee at the CPLC when I helplessly called their office for blocking my husband’s snatched cellphone on the gracious occasion of Eid. Never having had this terrible experience before, I had never bothered to find out the number of the CPLC.
After the Eid holidays were over, I drove to the outlet from where we had purchased the set and got the number of the CPLC. I called the CPLC for help and, in return, was atrociously disappointed by their pitiful service.
After a lot of dawdle, doodle and delays, the guy finally asked my NIC, followed by the IMEI number of the set. When he asked for the model name/number, I was shocked at his limited knowledge of cellphones when he declared an American brand set a Chinese phone and thereby gave an excuse that China mobiles could not be blocked!
Not having much choice or patience, I squalled at him the very last pinch of frustration that I had inside in me being welled up since Eid day and put down the phone.
Having nothing else to do, I wondered, this was certainly a good opportunity for all the snatchers out there to get their hands on Chinese mobiles so that they can be sure to sell those with success.
I sincerely suggest to all readers out there to please keep the CPLC number saved with them (and not in the mobile phones alone) and avoid buying Chinese cellphones if possible, unless they don’t mind their sets to be used after being snatched. The deed is done.
The loss has been made. We’ll go and buy a new set and get on with our lives.
But the CPLC! Whatever the hell you are! Please get your act together and start giving people the service they duly deserve.
AAMNA TABISH
Karachi
AS reported, ‘Minister sees plots behind flour crises’ (Oct 14), the Sindh minister of fisheries, while addressing a meeting of the district price control committee, discussed flour shortage in the province.
He, however, laid the entire blame of shortage on ‘anti-democratic’ forces that, according to the minister, have hatched conspiracy against the people’s government.
The minister, before taking shelter of the ‘conspiracy theory’ for shortage of flour, should have realised that the present regime has been in power for the last over six months having its party man heading the ministry of food, besides having law enforcement agencies under its command. Therefore, who is conspiring against whom is not yet clear?
Basically it is the policy and governance failure of the present regime that it could not control black marketeers and hoarders of wheat, fertilizer, etc. The prime minister himself disclosed on the floor of the house that he is in complete knowledge of those people who are hoarding the huge wheat stocks which created an artificial shortage of flour in the market.
However, neither any punitive action was taken against the law-breakers nor anything was heard despite uproar in the media. It appears that the hoarders have stronger connections in the corridor of power which do not allow the law enforcers to catch hold of them.
If the government is really interested in overcoming artificial shortages, it should initiate stringent action against those who are indulging in anti-social activities of hoarding and smuggling irrespective of their party affiliation, instead of spreading ‘conspiracy theories’.
Punitive action should also be taken against food department officials who are found providing protection to criminals. Only such accomplishment will earn the present government fame and name.
RAFIQUE AHMED SIDDIQUE
Karachi
THIS has reference to Jason Pereira’s letter, ‘Economic crisis’ (Oct 14). My dear friend companies like Lehman Brothers and AIG were giants and there are policymakers and future risks evaluators inside the companies for their operations under your specified conditions. But unfortunately they couldn’t realise the uncertainty and panic in the world affairs due to this war on terror imposed on the world.
In one of his speeches Sir Winston Churchill quoted an Irish-American orator Bourke Cockran as saying: “There is enough for all. The earth is a generous mother; she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace”.
So, Mr Pereira, everything lies in peace and justice not supporting these sort of wars. Let us take out this world from war as the world, particularly Pakistan, has already suffered a lot in this war.
Moreover, please note that there are three US presidential candidates, not two, and the third one is Congressman Ron Paul. I would also like to quote Ron Paul saying: “The obligations of our representatives in Washington are to protect our liberty, not coddle the world, precipitating no-win wars, while bringing bankruptcy and economic turmoil to our people”.
AFFAN RASHEED SIDDIQUI
Karachi
THIS refers to the letter on Obama and Pakistan (Oct 14). There has been a lot of controversy generated in Pakistani print and electronic media about Barak Obama’s statements on Pakistan. I had listened to each and every word of his two presidential debates which are as follows:
1. He said that the Bush government has supported a dictator and so the US has become unpopular in Pakistan.
2. He also said that we were given, in the last seven years, $10bn that is Rs700bn to Pakistan which was not spent wisely and was not well accounted.
3. He mentioned that the newly-established democracy in Pakistan should be supported by all means and helped in fighting war on terror. His running mate for VP Joe Biden is also proposing an economic package for Pakistan.
4. He said, referring to Osama Bin Laden, that if we have credible and firm information about his presence or location in Pakistan and if we are sure the Pakistani government is not taking action, then we will attack and kill him by using our or Isaf or Nato force.
In a nutshell, he said that they would take action and go back. He never mentioned attacking Pakistan.
I, therefore, request the media to set the record straight. What will the US gain by attacking Pakistan when we are fighting war on terror more vigorously than the Musharraf regime?
PROF MUHAMMAD IQBAL
Karachi
THE system of traffic wardens was introduced by the previous government to control the deteriorating condition of traffic and to ensure its smooth flow. It is running in five major cities of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala.
Although more than two years have passed, no proper and firm organisational structure of this system has been developed. The Punjab home ministry is still dithering over that what steps should be taken to develop this system. The provincial government lumps this system with the infamous Punjab police. This system should have its separate structure like the Motorway police.
All the personnel of this system have two stars at their shoulders. The equality of rank creates a problem when two or more wardens are deployed at one point.
This system was established to bring young, energetic and educated persons in the traffic police so that the good image of the police could be revived. The public is our chief witness that we have taken out the traffic police of old rut of corruption and bribery. But unfortunately this system has been mixed with the Punjab police and doesn’t have any separate structure that’s why it lacks an animated support by the top brass of the police.
Another main obstacle to the development of this system is the man who is called moharrir in police parlance. It won’t be wrong if I say that the fate of a warden plays in the hands of moharrir. This man is in charge of attendance and duty of wardens. A moharrir having the rank of a constable has the power to change the duty point and shift of a warden who falls in the 14th grade. Moreover, the behaviour of this man is also very rude towards wardens. Wardens themselves should be appointed at this post.
Now have a look at the uniform issue of traffic wardens. A warden gets reluctant to go to a filling station to get fuel for his bike in his uniform. Because when he is on the filling station in his uniform, he looks like an employee of that filling station due to the colour of his uniform. When a person is not satisfied with his dress, how can he deliver well? He will remain in a psychological tension if he is not satisfied with his dress. The wardens and senior traffic wardens (STWs) are in the same uniform but their higher officers wear the traditional Punjab police uniform. This suggests that the wardens system is limited to STWs.
Another problem that traffic wardens face is the problem of residence. Wardens from remote areas live in hostels and flats and have to pay a heavy rent, spending almost half of their salary on this count. The provincial government should build colonies for them. Getting leave is also a Herculean task for wardens, who think they do not have any social life. Now a few words about road users. Unfortunately the overwhelming majority of our road users is unaware of road discipline. They do not know traffic law and if some of them know it, they don’t follow it. Traffic education is being imparted to students in western countries but in Pakistan no heed is paid towards this. Here I would ask the ministry of education to introduce a compulsory subject of traffic education at secondary and intermediate levels.
The system of traffic wardens is in a nascent stage and will take some time to develop. It badly needs the help of the media, which should encourage wardens in performing their duties, as well as provide space for discussion and traffic education of the people.
A TRAFFIC WARDEN
Via email
APROPOS of my letter of Sept 26 on the subject, I read with deep concern the news item of Oct 4 in Dawn reporting that the reconstruction work has gained momentum and that parts of the hotel facilities such as laundry and tours are already functioning in the building.
Through the courtesy of your paper I had requested the building control department of the CDA to ensure certification of structural safety of the building after the blazing fire (the certification needs to be verified and made public) and also advised compliance with international fire and safety codes before it is certified for human occupancy. I have received no word of compliance recommended to the CDA.
The management of the hotel seems hell bent on opening the hotel in three months.
I hereby state to all concerned that it is not possible to complete full reconstruction with new seismic code compliance and designing, procuring, installing and testing the fire detection and fighting systems (let alone the electrical wiring and the bathrooms and furnishings) and any attempt to open the hotel until after full certification by competent professionals will risk the lives of its guests, staff and the public at large.
It is incumbent on the management that human safety must come first as guests (whether foreign or local) expect the VIP hotel to be safe and secure.
I appeal to the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and organisations like Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP, Institutes of Engineers (Civil, Electrical and Mechanical), ASHRAE Chapter Pakistan to come forward and ensure in future all buildings are safe and sound.
The Institute of Architects, Pakistan, has already offered the CDA with reviewing safety compliance measures.
Let us value human lives in Pakistan and not have commercial greed, political gains or influence overcome our conscience.
EJAZ AHED
President, IAP
Via email
IT is shocking to see private schools still advertising for teachers, though nearly one-quarter of the academic year has ended. Many schools repeatedly advertise for teachers. Here we must ponder on the effects it can have on students and their parents.
First, a constant change of teachers creates problems for students as they struggle to develop new relationships and emotional comfort with teachers.
Secondly, during the time schools appoint and reappoint teachers, precious time is lost which also becomes a problem for parents. In many cases schools make haste in finishing pre-decided course before examinations making slow learners lag further in their studies and force students to rote-learn.
Private schools that we find mushrooming in every nook and corner of the country underpay the teachers due to which they are constantly on the lookout for better jobs and remuneration.
A systemised educational setup and laws are required to settle pay scales, appointment of teachers and accountability of private schools.
SONIA JAWAID SHAIKH
Karachi
REHMAN Malik rejected the last month’s Taliban offer for a ceasefire in tribal areas as long as they did not surrender their arms. This appears to be the core issue in the tribal areas.
A flexible approach from either side could greatly help to resolve the problem, bringing normality not only to Fata but also to the rest of the country. There is no harm in signing a comprehensive agreement with Taliban, firmly committing them to surrender areas within a short but reasonable timeframe.
“Life is about making connections with other people. Life is about listening to others. There is a certain unity to human experience,” thank you Anjum Niaz.
Z.A. KAZMI
Karachi
I AGREE with Mr Kadar ( Validity of MPs’ assets, Oct 8). “If democracy has to be strengthened, then accountability is mandatory”. The declaration of assets and related law is useless and only will be used as a weapon unless a transparency is introduced and the information is made public.
Also, it is time our MPs, rulers, etc., started looking at examples from other countries like Iran and see how their president, leaders and other government servants lead their lives. Let’s try to adopt some honesty and simplicity.
JEHANZEB ZAFAR
USA
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