| November 08, 2008 | Saturday | Ziqa'ad 9, 1429 |
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From Rs3,000 to Rs21,000: a Wapda bill
Golden days of silver screen
Verdict of the American people
Iran’s nuclear plant
For the sake of independent judiciary
Corruption beyond limit
State of infrastructure in Defence
No money for the poor?
Amputation of an infant’s forearm
PTV news
Burning bridges in Sindh
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
MAINTENANCE of political authority in the face of an economic disorder is a great challenge to a state. Political authority can best be maintained when states do what citizens want and, in turn, citizens do what state authorities want. This ideal form of voluntary exchange represents an essentially conflict-free situation.
When the distance between these voluntary exchanges starts increasing, a situation of conflict ensures and political authority is undermined. In the extreme, use of force is the only course of action available to the state.
States are generally said to possess a monopoly when it comes to use the force. Unfortunately, that is no longer true and, at least in the case of Pakistan, monopoly has now turned into perfect competition.
The interaction between politics and economics has come to be accentuated by a quantum shift from market choice to political choice in contemporary economic systems. States make major economic decisions that affect the well-being of its citizens.
Indeed, the allocation of a large part of the national product is a result of political choice and in that sense it results more from the logic of the political system than that of the economic system.
Economic markets are supplemented, and sometimes even supplanted, by political ‘markets’, leading to a highly inefficient allocation of resources. When coupled with gross mismanagement of the economy and corruption, the state loses the effectiveness of its policymaking apparatus.
This inevitably leads to political bankruptcy and the loss of ability to govern. In other words, this politico-economic interaction is inherently unstable and must necessarily lead periodically to the kind of situation faced by Pakistan, a cyclical trend towards economic disorder, followed in due course by political upheaval.
Moreover, citizens have come to expect economic benefits from the state. These expectations can sometimes reach an unrealistic level. The state, for example, is the employer of last resort in Pakistan. Similarly, throughout its existence, the state has subsidised wage goods.
And yet there is a limit to this political economy because of the gap between the minimum economically necessary and the maximum politically possible. There is, in other words, a disequilibrium between the ex-ante consumption plan of the citizen and his ex-post consumption. This can turn into a yawning gap in the case of countries like Pakistan and a stern test for governance.
Simply stated, governance is the act of making choices from among the set of available options or alternatives. A government acting rationally will choose an option which best assures the continuance of its authority role and would at all costs avoid political bankruptcy. When faced with immediate and hard decisions, there is sometimes a rational tendency to follow the path of least resistance.
Political authorities most often avoid unpopular or difficult choices about their political economy and, consequently, long-term advantage is sacrificed at the altar of short - term expediency.
An analysis of our political economy can give us a fair assessment of which way our political dispensation will go. Will it opt for the hard choice and long-term security or will it opt for the line of least resistance and short-term expedience? The answer is ordained in the nature of our state. The nature of the state is best defined in terms of the distribution of power amongst various interest groups and, consequently, the distribution of resources within society.
When economic power is conjoined with political power, we see the emergence of a corrupt political order and a fragile economic base. Much of the wealth in private hands in Pakistan today is unearned wealth, resulting mostly from the political ‘market’. There is thus no tangible counterpart to this wealth.
The nature of our state is such that it is difficult to imagine that the long-run interest of Pakistan will matter much to our economic managers. We are likely to see a total capitulation to the IMF soon. The people of Pakistan have so far been silent victim of the political economy being played out.
They have seen their meagre assets depleting by the day. The rest may soon wither away with the hubris of our economic managers, many of whom do not understand the basics of economics. Political disorder must follow economic disorder as surely as night follows day.
As a small first step, our political authorities should try and understand the dynamics of political economy and realise that perhaps the most important, though least tangible, task of the state is to restore the confidence of its citizens.
DR MUZAFFAR ALI ISANI
Karachi
A FEW weeks back we witnessed a unique scene wherein poor people, including some working women, were crying over the issue of electricity bills having exaggerated amount despite long bursts of loadshedding.
The bills, instead of being preserved, were burnt on the roads. Wapda and the KESC were in a hyped mood to collect funds which the present government had failed to attract from Pakistan’s friends and other sources.
In the same process, I, a pensioner, received a bolt from the blue, a bill for Rs21,552 from Wapda against the routine monthly bill averaging about 700 units, costing no more than Rs3,000 to Rs4,000 at the top.
The bill of my house on Adiala Road, Rawalpindi, is in the name of Sohail Anjum, my son, with ref No. 09436207745006. It pertains to October, the month of shocks.
My main worry is that this month the consumption shown by the meter was unexpectedly high. All along the year the monthly average of reading of about 700 units jumped to 1,809 units. Unthinkable, with loadshedding for up to eight hours a day.
We did not do anything to force the meter to give such a hung figure. But indeed, someone has played a mischief or a loyalist has done a ‘favour’ to his department to raise the much needed funds. In this age of advanced technique, the department may have developed a device to change digits.
We, the peaceful consumers of energy, have been paying the bills faithfully in time despite suffering at the hands of the management, still if we are exposed to such a treatment wherein the readings are tampered with, then the consumers are doomed to a sad vulnerability.
It is also important to add that despite announcement that the new rate (in the vicinity of Rs4.5 per unit) will be applicable to all units but in my case the ballooned 1,809 units were multiplied by Rs10 to make the bill shoot above Rs20,000 mark. In addition, there is yet another cruel charge of Rs2,938 as GST.
Who has calculated this figure? My bill needs many corrections. There may be many sufferers like me who have paid bills under duress.
I request that some technical team may be given the task to go into the possibility of tampering with meter.
A. Q. ANJUM
Rawalpindi
READING ‘Golden days of the silver screen’ (Karachi Notebook, Nov 3) brought on an avalanche of fond memories.
Abbas Jalbani’s chance encounter with Lal Muhammad in Zafar Akhtar’s office was beautifully recounted.
The reticent and humble Lal Muhammad belonged to that creed of professionals who gave their heart and soul to the Pakistan film industry.
Listening to his music even today brings on a flood of nostalgia. The faint rhythms and heart-wrenching lyrics are poignantly reminiscent of the hey day of our film industry.
Kudos to Abbas Jalbani for a great write-up. However, I would like to point out that the music of the memorable song, Ay watan hum hain teri shama ke parwanon main penned by the great Josh Malihabadi, was in fact composed by Ghulam Nabi and Abdul Latif.
Sung by the mellifluous Masood Rana, it was the title song of the classic movie Aag ka darya and not of Jaag Utha Insan as has been inadvertently stated.
DR ARIF BAWANY
Karachi
CONGRATULATIONS to the ordinary American citizen, particularly the younger generation.
The election of Barak Obama as the first black president of the United States probably is the greatest achievement of the millennium.
It is the first time in the world history a severe blow has been dealt to the colour discrimination and a predominantly white nation has voted for a black as president.
It was such a moving experience to see Jessie James and the Black and coloured people weeping unabashedly on this great victory and the whites celebrating the event along with them.
As for Pakistan we should not have any illusion, the drones will continue to cross our border and pound the hideouts of Al Qaeda and its associates, with resulting loss of lives of innocent people.
We should, however, remember that Obama is a man with a vision; he has already mentioned that he will work for economic and educational development in our northern areas: this is the real long-term solution.
Special prayers should be offered that ultimately God has been kind to humanity at large and the American nation has been successful in getting rid of neocons and the archaic Republican leadership.
MOHSIN ALI
Karachi
II
WITH your victory, half of my ‘Imagination in wilderness’ (Oct 31) has come true. Thanks to God Almighty.
More than anyone else, yourself and American people know very well that at a rough estimate 1,000+ billion American money was lavishly spent in the mad war in Afghanistan in pursuit of shadowy Osama who was magnified out of proportion by the Bush chase and caused to bring the superpower in an unfortunate and disproportionate equation of the USA vs Osama.
This caused to shatter American economy. So obviously the very first and simple step for the US to restore its economy back to normal is very much at hand and that is to disengage the US from this mad war.
The American struggle against tribal militants, killing so many innocents in every chase for militants, has gone to make a bad image of America in this part of the world.
Loss of civilian lives in every country is equally important and must be avoided.
But a stubborn American policy to date in operation is totally indifferent to this vital consideration.
Before the Bush era the American image in the world was of a saviour. A rescue of Kosovians in the Clinton administration is a recent example of US reputation.
That the image of America should return is the desire of your friends in the world.
M. M. KHAN
Karachi
WITH reference to the letter, ‘Russia and Muslims’ (Nov 1), without prejudicing the writer’s main thrust, I would like to point out some factual errors in his letter.
Iran has not been provided nuclear energy by Russia or any other nations. The nuclear power plant Busher is yet to produce its first watt-hour of energy.
The deal between Iran and Russia for the nuclear plant at Busher has nothing to do with Iran’s uranium enrichment. The credit for Iran’s nuclear enrichment belongs to Iranians themselves and none other than our own imprisoned hero, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.
MUSTAFA H. RIZVI
USA
FORMER president Pervez Musharaf”s decision of dissolving the judiciary was wrong and unlawful.
Because the judiciary aims at curbing wrong deeds of whosoever he is, whether it is a common man or a ruler.
An independent and competent judiciary is a guarantee to the basic rights of the people and justice at all the stages and a source of progress and prosperity in the country.
Regarding appointments, qualifications and accountability of the judges, legislation should be made in the parliament because this is a platform of the people’s voice. Appointments of judges should not be left solely to the choices of the president and the prime minister.
The deposed chief justice of Pakistan was appointed by former president Musharraf under the PCO.
Hats off to Justice Chaudhry for making many a commendable judgment.
It has been a long time since the lawyers are protesting for restoration of the judges and the chief justice of Pakistan. Most of the deposed judges have been reinstated except the chief justice and some of the judges.
The lawyers’ movement is on and it is feared that it might assume a dangerous shape that could create some serious problems for the government and the country.
For the sake of peace and stability of democracy the deposed chief justice is suggested to withdraw his claim to being restored as chief justice of Pakistan.
This sacrifice will make him immortal. Besides, he must advise all the present judges and the judges who will be coming in future to work under the umbrella of parliament only. We have lost 60 precious years and could not find our destination.
Time has come that we should learn to start living under the cover of parliament. Strong democracy and an independent judiciary are vital to resolving issues and problems at large.
ANWAR HUSSAIN
Karachi
As power corrupts man, it has taken a course for the worse in our country. Corruption reigns in every local department leading the common man to feel frustrated.
Conditions of government offices are deplorable. Though the police, railways and transport departments are supposed to be the servant of the people, they prove that paper moves only when some silver weight is put on in.
A long-term solution to this problem lies in building a sound national character. We should change the education system and make it ethical, moral and patriotic. We must create an atmosphere where honesty is appreciated. It is time the government banished corruption.
SITWAT HASEEN
Karachi
IT is with extreme disappointment that I write this letter to bring to attention of the authorities concerned the pathetic state of infrastructure
in one of the ‘newly-developed’ localities of Defence, Phase VIII.
Roads in the area are in a state of utter disrepair. Ninety per cent of them have huge craters dug at their ends for the purpose of laying the framework for pipelines but no visible work has been done.
They remain open and unattended to and pose a grave danger to motorists travelling at night.
One of the double roads has been completely dug up for laying drains. The pace of work in the area is at a standstill.
I would implore the authorities to stop turning a blind eye to it.
The current state of infrastructure in the area is not only deplorable, being a source of sheer inconvenience to the residents, but also that it is a potential threat to motorists due to the unidentified ‘developmental’ work in a state of limbo.
A RESIDENT
Karachi
THERE was a news item in your paper of Nov 3 wherein a writer bemoaned the fact that with the IMF around, there will be no money for poverty alleviation. This is incorrect. I would suggest the resources for such vital schemes be found by cutting wasteful current development and defence spending.
Expanding the cabinet to 54 people shows where the government’s priorities lie. Obvi-ously not in helping the poor through social safety nets that might mitigate their suffering.
DR MEEKAL AZIZ AHMED
Virginia, USA
THIS is apropos of the news report published recently about amputation of an infant’s forearm.
The inquiry committee would not yield any result because the committee system prevailing in our government setup ends up as always in a zero conclusion and that too after protracted meetings.
The basic question is the ethics of the medical profession. Amputation is not the last resort.
Our professional in medicine should learn some lessons from the working of SUIT wherein new lives are given.
There is an article in Reader’s Digest( October issue) titled, ‘A life apart’, by Cathy Free, containing the medical history of a set of conjoined twins when they were separated by a team of six surgeons, five specialists and more than 25 nurses and technicians engaged for 16 hours.
One cannot understand why our medical professionals fail to exhibit ethical courage to create miracles in our country.
However, when they go abroad and work there, their performance is ever excellent. Does it mean we work deligently only under the fear of foreign hands?
GHEEWALA
Karachi
I HEARD on PTV news, received through satellite here, that a 6.4 Richter scale earthquake struck today (Nov 7).
I was surprised as no local media reported this. Later I found out that in fact it struck in Vanuatu. PTV should correct its geography before relaying it on satellite channels.
MIRZA IMRAN A. KARIM
Sydney
THIS is apropos of Bina Shah’s article (Oct 24) and Mohammad Ali Shaikh’s letter (Oct 28) titled as above.
An analysis of the issue of partition, particularly discussing the plight of the uprooted Hindus of Sindh, has remained a taboo.
Partition wreaked havoc on different parts of the subcontinent and brought misery to the lives of many people inhabiting therein.
But certain aspects of the tale of the Sindhi nation are different and distinctive.
While religion-biased riots in Punjab, Bengal, Bihar and other parts of India erupted simultaneously with the announcement of partition, Sindh experienced its first such taste on Jan 6, 1948, about five months after the creation of Pakistan, when Sindhi Hindu’s life and property came under attack by Muslim mobs.
Another difference is that many refugees from Punjab, Bihar, UP, CP, etc., opted for the new country while no Sindhi wanted to leave his land.
They were forced by the wave of events to change their homeland. Some of them were physically caught and put on the decks like prisoners.
No one can belittle the pain the people of Punjab and Bengal had to endure as a result of the partition of their land. But they, at least, have their feet on their beloved soil. Sindhis, in the name of religion, were thrown out of their homeland.
No one knows when, if ever, they would see the signs of their forefathers.
Worth and value of these displaced and dispersed people to the overall progress and development of Sindhis as a people can be easily seen and gauged from the contribution they made in the fields of language, literature, music, trade, education, health and social work before 1947 and their achievements wherever they went throughout the world after leaving Sindh.
Ms Shah has rightly quoted Lavina Melwani who describes them as “a people who overcame adversity to become one of the most affluent communities in India, and perhaps the world”. So one can say that Sindhi nation lost its better part thanks to partition.
As far as Mohammad Ali Shaikh’s letter is concerned, it is nothing but the old story repeated for many years by many people implicitly justifying the hatred created to divide the people of Sindh and block their way of national progress.
The main contradiction Mr Shaikh is talking about was not religious but economic. Muslims were mostly feudals (or haris) and dwellers of villages while Hindus’ majority belonged to the middle class (as has been conceded by Mr. Shaikh) and resided in the cities and towns of Sindh.
Feudals happen to be, inherently, anti-progress as progress and development is against their vested interests while the middle class is reckoned as the torch-bearer of change.
This contradiction has prevailed in every society of the world. English traders/industrialists exploited the farmers and Londoners exploited villagers though both belonged to the same religion.
The ‘first parting of ways’, according to Mr Shaikh, occurred in the field of education. “Muslims under the leadership of Hassaally Effendi opting for the cause of establishing Sindh Madarsatul Islam while Hindus with Dayaram Jethmal (D. J.) in lead insisting on establishment of D.J. Sindh College”.
Is it such a big contradiction, if at all it is, to justify the division of a people if one community goes for an school and the other opts for a college?
Coming back to Bina Shah’s article, no one can disagree with her that there is a “vast gulf that lies between the Sindhis in Sindh and the Sindhi Hindus abroad”.
My response to her question, “Will anyone ever be able to bridge that gap?”, is that people like her can, and should, lead the campaign for bridging the gap.
I assure her that she would not be alone (in Sindh as well as abroad) in her endeavour. I know some ladies on the other side of the divide who are, like her, youthful, enthusiastic and energetic and eager to be connected with their broken roots.
And reply to her other question is: Yes, all the bridges between the Sindhi Hindus and Sindh have been burnt but then there is always a possibility of constructing new bridges. And no need to repeat that “if there is a will, there is a way”.
KHALIQUE JUNEJO
Karachi
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