| October 29, 2008 | Wednesday | Shawwal 29, 1429 |
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Curtain call for Napa
Mismanagement of power
Rs20m fund for dengue initiative unutilised
Single currency for the Islamic world
Focus on Aafia
Turkey’s national day
Male instinct
IMF — the flirt
Playing with grandchildren
Everyone is an economist
Foreign currency
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 international scientific community is dismayed at the unfair criticism in some newspapers against the chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Prof (Dr) Attaur Rahman, for spending billions of rupees without any visible impact on quality and performance of universities and their graduates.
Those who have closely watched the development of higher education in Pakistan from outside and have been involved in the numerous programmes established by Prof Rahman in the past eight years can testify to the contrary: the progress made was breath-taking and has put Pakistan ahead of comparable countries in numerous aspects.
To name just a few, the establishment of a free access to scientific literature by high-speed Internet for all universities, the thousands of promising young scientists who were granted PhD studies at top universities abroad, the upgrade of research equipment accessible across the country and the programme of establishing new universities of science and technology, including technology parks attracting foreign investors, prove the efficiency and the long-term benefits for the country enabled by the HEC’s chairman.
His efforts have made Pakistan a respected partner for cooperation for many countries leading in research and development, and it has to be feared that without Prof Rahman this status will be lost.
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology has closely monitored the development in Pakistan in the past years, coming to the unanimous conclusion that Prof Rahman’s policy and programme is a ‘best-practice’ example for developing countries aiming at building their human resources and establishing an innovative, technology-based economy.
Moreover, to poorly qualify the graduates of Pakistan universities is another unjustified blame: almost all of the thousands of young Pakistani university staff sent for doctorate studies to Europe’s and Asia’s top universities in the past five years have performed well at these foreign institutions, thus causing their academic supervisors to ask for further supply of PhD candidates from Pakistan.
Those who have completed their PhD and returned to Pakistan to share their knowledge with students at their home institutions are keeping close contacts to their former supervisors, creating valuable international research networks.
The impact of this programme, installed by Prof Rahman, will only be seen after some more years, and is expected to bring progress to the country, not only in terms of science and technology, but also in terms of economy.
DR BERND MICHAEL RODE
Chairman/European Coordinator of
ASEA-UNINET
EVER since the Sindh culture and tourism department has called upon the management of the National Academy of Performning Arts (Napa) to vacate the Hindu Gymkhana, a club built by the Hindu community in the 1930s — now a monument of national heritage — it is the contention of Napa which is being projected more by the media.
Your editorial, ‘Curtain call for Napa’ (Sept 20), has given an unfair opinion on the issue by questioning: ‘Should Pakistan prepare to become a cultural wasteland again?’
Although the question here would have been: “Should we allow our national heritage to be spoiled in the name of ‘art and culture’ or ‘security’ (Jinnah Court, another piece of heritage, one of the finest buildings built by the Mirs of Khairpur as a hostel for the students coming from interior, has now been occupied by Rangers and is used as their headquarters)?
The very act of leasing out an edifice of national heritage to Napa by the Musharraf government in 2005 was ab initio illegal and against the spirit of the Sindh Culture Heritage (Preservation), Act 1994: whereas, bringing changes through addition/alteration, for which the lessee otherwise has no legal right under any cannon of law, amounts to violation of the statute. Even permission given by the Building Control Authority, which, according to Napa, entitles them to carry out construction, is illegal in the absence of no-objection certificate from the Sindh government.
“There are similar violations by others”, another excuse taken also does not come to their rescue as two wrongs do not make one right.
In a culturally-starved society the need for establishing institutes of performing art cannot be denied.
However, for this exalted cause art lovers can approach authorities for finances, as well as for allotment of suitable spaces, for building infrastructure instead of occupying buildings having significance of national heritage, and of all the places the Hindu Gymkhana, an edifice that belongs to a minority community.
I do not agree with your opinion that getting the possession of the Gymkhana building back in any way is reminiscent of dark years of Gen Ziaul Haq, nor do I subscribe to your view that ‘impending closure’ is not more than a manifestation of the politics of revenge.
The present regime has not asked the Napa management to close its activities as it is obviously not against the art and culture.
On the contrary, it has been given three months’ time to make arrangement for shifting somewhere else in the city.
The Napa management, which is evidently doing good work in the field of performing art, may, however, sit with the Sindh culture department and request for more time and also seek their help in locating some suitable site for establishing facilities for the purpose instead of fighting on flawed arguments.
I propose that as a matter of principle the government should not give, under any circumstances, permission to any group or institution for establishing their offices etc in historical monuments.
Thus not only the Hindu Gymkhana building but all such edifices occupied by powerful groups are got evacuated immediately and maintained as national heritage.
BADAR JATOI
Port Coquitlam
Canada
I was happy to see a very good Wapda loadshedding schedule before Eid. I was doing all affairs in a timely manner due to that very effective and power consumer-friendlyWapda loadshedding schedule in my area.
Today I am very much upset due to Wapda loadshedding schedule, which is just a schedule without any time limits. Light could go any time and could come back any time.
This is the way Wapda is troubling people and hurting the government reputation.
I will not request the federal minister concerned to take notice of this time-free Wapda loadshedding schedule as he is already very well aware of the ongoing situation and looks helpless due to several reasons. Therefore, I will say ‘God bless Wapda.’
KHALID MUSTAFA
Islamabad
(II)
AFTER reading the news, ‘Inefficient’ Pepco officials facing the axe’ (Oct 15), a thought just crossed my mind. A question rather than a thought that ‘is this the solution?’ Is this going to solve the problem? And if yes, then when?
All a common man knows is when he reaches home after a long, hard day’s work to feel the comfort of ‘home sweet home’, all he finds is a ‘dark hot home’ due to power failure.
No water supplies due to the pumping stations not functioning because of no electricity and nowhere to go.
Is axing some Pepco officials going to help improve the conditions of power plants all over the country? I don’t think so.
The power plants in the country have been too old now to bear the increasing need of power.
Plus the fact that one cannot be sure of the fact that power plants have had their share of proper overhauling over the last one or two decades.
We need new equipment more than anything else to solve this problem, new people come later in this regard.
The governement does not seem to give much importance to this issue along with many others that need to be on their highest priority.
Long-term plans are good enough to announce but what about the ones for which a long term has already passed and no outcome is yet seen.
A common man knows just one thing, he should at least get what he pays for.
HAMMAD MATEEN
Karachi
(III)
ARSALAN Haleem’s letter, “KESC’s top bosses salaries” (Oct 21), was shocking — even stunning. A poor nation’s corporation — already running in losses — is paying a cool ‘five million’ rupees a month to its newly-appointed CEO. Some of his juniors are getting Rs2.5 million while some others are being doled out more than a million a piece per month.
If this information is correct, small wonder that the ‘Karachi Electricity Shortage Corporation’ is facing losses — which are neither because electricity was cheaply supplied, nor distribution system was faulty, nor did people have refused to pay bills, even inflated ones — the dough was needed to fill up the chests of ‘blue-eyed’ boys.
I appeal to the Prime Minister and the President who have taken the notice of large-scale loadshedding to order an inquiry into this daylight robbery. I would also invite the FBR’s attention to check up people’s taxations.
M.K. NAQVI
Karachi
THE news report, ‘Rs20 million fund for dengue initiatives unutilised’ Oct 19), revealed that special funds allocated by the provincial government to fight back the dreaded disease have remained unused. It is extremely demoralising.
It is further reported that even cell separators purchased one year back, which were lying idle in Qatar Hospital for want of empty platelet bags, are at present used in the Civil Hospital for the purpose for acquisition of different blood components.
The mosquito-borne dengue haemorrhage fever has almost become a terror for the last few years because of its deadly effects, if not diagnosed and treated timely. Initially an outbreak of the syndrome was reported in Pakistan in 1994.
Since then, because of unhygienic conditions prevailing at public places, deficient preventive measures, lack of public awareness and non-availability medication and diagnostic facilities in most of the public sector hospitals decease has almost become endemic.
The chief minister and the governor of Sindh should take serious note of this lapse and not only order investigation against the health officials and those found responsible for putting at stake lives of citizens should be punished accordingly, but also instruct the health secretary to ensure that available funds are utilised for acquiring medicines and diagnostic equipment etc on a top priority basis.
At present facilities to deal with dengue haemorrhagic cases are available only at Karachi, Larkana and Nawabshah.
It is proposed that since dengue fever has become a widespread phenomenon during the last few years, special funds may be sanctioned to each tehsil and other district headquarters hospitals where special facilities should be opened up for dealing with the decease locally.
For ensuring timely and proper utilisation of the funds, a special monitoring squad headed by the health secretary at provincial headquarters is required.
Similarly, a regular media campaign is also required involving pharmaceutical companies, non-government organisations, health department and local government agencies to educate the masses about safeguards and symptoms of the ailment.
Regular fumigation and cleanliness of public places is another important field which required serious attention of municipal/local authorities.
Unless all stakeholders put concerted efforts to combat this situation, the menace will remain undeterred.
ALTAMASH M. KURESHI
Karachi
Pakistan is once again going to the IMF, the global recession has lead us to knock the doors of the tyrant, we have been victimized by the ruthless restrictions of the IMF in the past also and again going towards the same oppression.
The aids by the international friends have been insufficient to cope with the crisis. The overwhelming financial challenges and the declining stock exchange reviews are reducing the exit options.
The State Bank of Pakistan is journeying towards bankruptcy, the rate of unemployment is rising swiftly and we are begging the West for more and more financial aids. Even at this critical stage when we do not need the technical assistance and vague promises; the so called western allies have been showing the same attitude.
According to the Pakistan economy watch, the global economic turmoil has shaken the Oil and gold rich Arab states as well, especially Dubai, where the international investors have reduced their activities, creating an alarming situation for the gulf states as well as for the Muslim world. I don’t understand as to why does the Muslim community not stand united. If we make a single currency for the whole Islamic world, I am positive we can cope with any crisis infact shaking the western powers on their ebb. The Muslim world is rich in natural resources and the west is in sans. We need to pool resources in order to become their ultimate need.
This would not only alleviate the Muslim community but will also lead us towards a global economic boost.
UJALA AHSAN
Karachi
YOUR columnist Kamran Shafi has done a fine job by using his past experience as an army officer to demonstrate that the allegations against Dr Aafia Siddiqui of having seized the M4 US army service rifle to fire on American personnel in Afghanistan don’t hold water (Article: ‘We must exorcise our devils’, Oct 14).
After very convincingly proving that Dr Siddiqui could not have been in the position to use that rifle in a matter of seconds, without any prior training in an American institution, he has urged the US ambassador to help arrange the lady’s release. I strongly support his plea. If Ms Patterson really wishes to help improve the very strained relations between the two countries, she should do her bit to convince the US leadership to free Dr Aafia immediately.
K. CHAUDHRY
Karachi
TODAY is the 85th national day of Turkey. It was on Oct 29, 1923 that Mustafa Kamal Pasha became Kamal Ataturk, gave up his military uniform and proclaimed the Turkish Republic.
As a native of Turkey, I recall the ideals, reforms and achievements of Kamal Ataturk. He said and I quote: “Knowledge and science are the best guide to everything in the world, to material and to spiritual things, to life, to success, and to seek for a guide outside knowledge and science is to show oneself ignorant, blind and misguided.
“Civilisation is a powerful fire which burns and destroys those who disregard it. We shall acquire, keep, and finally improve the place we deserve in the civilised family to which we belong, prosperity, happiness and humanity demand it.”
These are the words of Ataturk which have not yet lost their freshness and purpose. Rather there is a greater need to globalise the thoughts of Ataturk when the West is portraying Muslims as a brute uncivilised lot.
Over the five years, following the proclamation of the Republic, Ataturk enacted, through his parliament, a programme of reforms so radical as to seek to transform Turkey almost overnight from the middle ages into the 20th century.
These reforms with certain modifications can also be introduced even in today’s Pakistan.
To Ataturk social reform meant, primarily, religious reform. There could, as he said it, be no true progress until the temporal power was separated from the spiritual. Thus having already abolished the sultanate, he now abolished its religious counterpart, the caliphate.
This meant the transfer of all Islamic schools to the secular authority, in effect, of a western system of state education. It meant also the replacement of the religious law by a civil code based on those of the West. Turkey was thus converted into a secular state.
Kamal Ataturk and the Turkish nation remained indebted to the Muslims of the subcontinent.
When Pakistan came into being, Turkey sent one of its prominent personalities, great thinker, poet and philosopher Yahya Kemal Beyatli, as ambassador to Pakistan. He was a colleague of Ataturk and as a member of the delegation had also attended Lausanne conference (1923).
I could still recall that Yahya Kamal Beyatli stayed at Palace Hotel in Karachi which in those days was the residential enclave of the foreign diplomats from 1948 to 1953.
I served him as an unofficial honorary interpreter. From him I had the first hand information about the views of Kamal Ataturk who considered the Muslims of the subcontinent as Turkey’s friends of darker days who, in his opinion, were also the best kind of Muslims in the world.
As early as July 1922 Ataturk said if the present fight of Turkey was only on its own behalf and in its own interest, it would have been probably less bloody and of a shorter duration.
Turkey is making tremendous efforts because she is defending the cause of all oppressed nations and of the whole East.
Ataturk, born in 1881 in a modest house at the Ahmet Subasi quarter of Salonica, after passing through storms and fires is now resting in Ankara at Rasattepe as the faithful servant not only of his own people but also of the whole world.
We owe all our freedom, our honour, our independent state, our conscience free from fanaticism to Ataturk.
K. MURAD BEY
Karachi
THIS refers to the rejoinder, ‘Male instinct’, by Samar Kaiser (Oct 21).
She has criticised the stand apparently taken by an earlier correspondent that President Zadari’s calling Sarah Palin as ‘gorgeous” or offering to hug the mother of five, if his photographer insisted, was a normal male instinct and may be overlooked.
I agree entirely with Ms Kaiser that the president represents all of us and his office requires a certain grace and dignity. Therefore, such display of ‘male instincts’ is unacceptable.
I think it was a huge embarrassment for the nation but Mr Zardari has so far shown no regrets for it.
A person with grown up kids must have the good sense of knowing what the norm is.
On Dec 27, he will be mourning with the rest of Benazir’s supporters, on her first death anniversary, and may come to realise the enormity of his mistake in New York.
RIFFAT REHMAN
Karachi
‘IMF chief faces probe for affair with staffer’ (Oct 19).
The Fund has a long history of flirting with, and sometimes molesting, the sovereignty of developing countries during the last 60 years.
Will there be any investigation into these scandals?
MUSTAFA MAHESAR
Karachi
ACCORDING to a section of the electronic media, former president Musharraf has said that he has no intention of entering politics.
Instead, he would spend time playing with his grandchildren, which he couldn’t do earlier since he had no time for that while holding the top job of the country (Oct 18, partly reported in Dawn on Oct 19).
It is an interesting coincidence that after quitting Pakistan and moving to London, the previous prime minister Shaukat Aziz, too, had said pretty much the same thing, which was reported in Dawn some months back.
One wonders if these gentlemen ever think of the plight of the children and grandchildren, whose parents are either selling them off or, more recently, abandoning them, as happened in Gujjar Khan, Punjab, the other day? This tragic state of affairs was reached in this dear country of ours for the first time during the period they were in power.
A PAKISTANI
Karachi
With reference to “Everyone is an Economist” (25 October), I totally agree with the writer that to talk on Pakistan economy in perspective of global financial crisis and for always is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Scholars who have expertise regarding the subject need to come forward and contribute in strengthening economy and create awareness among people of the country on this very sensitive issue in a real sense to take collective action to contribute in boosting up our economy.
The other most important thing is that like scholars in the west, they need to invest in writing books and research papers in the perspective of Pakistan to play the role of a true patriot because Pakistan is facing a critical dearth of thorough researched and creative work.
AFTAB AHMED JUNEJO
Hyderabad
IT was astonishing to read Shaukat Tareen’s comments whereby he criticised the banks for the decline in forex reserves and foreign currency availability.
Being a former banker, he should have realised that the shortage of foreign currency in the market is due to exchange companies/money changers who are involved in unhealthy practices such as hoarding of foreign currencies/transfer of money out of Pakistan through illegal channels such as hundi.
Banks have always worked diligently under the guidance of the State Bank, whose policies have been responsible for the stable banking system in the country.
It would be proper for Mr Tareen to deal with exchange companies because they are responsible for shortage of foreign currency in the country.
AZHAR NADEEM
Hyderabad
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