| November 22, 2008 | Saturday | Ziqa'ad 23, 1429 |
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Quaid as president of Muslim League
No wall, thankfully
A setback to higher education
Australian visit visa
Unbecoming situation
NHA clarifies
Courier service
Hungry tax inspectors
In memoriam
A dilapidated school building
Expected delays
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 K. H. Zia’s letter, ‘Indus Treaty’ (Nov 16), wherein at the very outset he has disagreed with Manzoor Chandio (‘Renegotiation of the Indus Treaty’, Nov 11) that the Indus Water Treaty was the chief cause of the current water crisis in Pakistan. He further argued that had that been the case, the country should have been experiencing similar shortages for the last 40 years.
However, while dilating on the issue, Mr Zia has admitted that “shortage has been caused by the silting in the Mangla and Tarbela reservoirs that has reduced their storage capacity to less than half. It has severely impacted agricultural production that can no longer meet the demands for food and other staples for the ever-increasing population”.
Obviously these dams were an integral part of the Indus Water Treaty. Secondly, as history shows, serious differences between the provinces on distribution of water are not a recent phenomenon but are as old as the age of the Indus Water Treaty itself.
The Indus Water Treaty was executed by Ayub Khan, a self-proclaimed field marshal and the first dictator who sowed the seed of martial laws and abrogating constitutions in the country. Ironically far-reaching decisions impacting the social, political, economic and cultural values of the country, such as the Indus Water Treaty, playing frontline state for the US in Afghanistan in 1979 and again in 2001 which changed the contours of entire civil society were taken by these despots.
The confrontation started when in April 1948 India closed the canals originating from Firuzpur and Madhupur headworks, located on its side although rivers flow was towards Pakistan.
As a result, West Pakistan could not get irrigation water for more than five weeks which affected 1.5 million acres of land. The World Bank offered its services to settle the dispute but till Gen Ayub overthrew the civil government, negotiations remained inconclusive.
According to the posthumous autobiography of Masood Khadarposh, a former federal secretary and an outspoken senior bureaucrat known for his integrity, austerity and efforts for the downtrodden, American ambassador David Lillian had initially suggested setting up of an authority on the pattern of ‘Tennessee Valley Authority’, grouping the entire Indus Water Basin into one unit similar to the group of seven states of the US (Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi) to manage the rivers system.
However, this proposition, though workable within one country, was not found feasible between two antagonistic states. Probably the novel scheme of ‘One Unit’ originated from the above idea.
Ayub Khan ignored the public opinion, which was of course not very powerful as most of the politicians were behind bars on trump-up charges under the dreaded Elected Bodies (Disqualification) Ordinance 1959. Also, disregarding the apprehensions of the smaller provinces, Ayub Khan went ahead with the agreement in September 1960 handing over three major rivers, i.e. the Sutlej, the Ravi and the Beas, to India in a silver platter.
Masood Khadarposh, who has allotted a full chapter on the Indus Water Treaty, knew well that Ayub Khan, compared to a shrewd person like Pundit Nehru, was a weaker personality. As Khadarposh foresaw the consequences of the impending treaty to the nascent state, he sought an appointment with the CMLA so that he could explain the hazards of the agreement.
However, it was after the treaty was signed with the prime minister of India that Khadarposh got an audience with the CMLA. According to Khadarposh (page 208 of memoirs), Ayub Khan, who did not brook any disagreement, was so furious that he refused to listen to any reason and finally threatened him to keep his mouth shut.
I agree with Mr Chandio that in view of the changed circumstances, i.e. rapidly increasing population requiring more water, on the one hand, and fast depleting sweet water sources on account of global warming, on the other hand , the two countries have to sit together and hammer out a new treaty to settle disputes for posterity.
AMANULLAH TURK
Dubai
RECENTLY a controversy has arisen on the question: whether Quaid e Azam continued as President of Muslim League after becoming Governor General. To put the record straight, the following speaks for itself.
Quaid-i-Azam became Governor General on 15th August, 1947. Before that a meeting of the Council of All India Muslim League was held on 9th June, 1947, wherein the proposal of setting up two States (India and Pakistan) were accepted. Thereafter no meeting of the Council could be held till 15th of December, 1947.
In that meeting, it was decided to establish two separate bodies; one for India and the other for Pakistan. The first meeting of the Council of Pakistan Muslim League was held on February 21, 1948. In that meeting the question, whether the Government Officers could hold any office in the Muslim League was considered and appropriate decision was taken after Quaid eAzam expressed his views. The proceedings are fully dealt with by Paul H. Alling to the Secretary of State George Marshall in his note dated 26 February 1948 as under:
“ ....the first meeting of the Council of the Pakistan Muslim League, which is the Pakistan section of the previous All India Muslim League, was held in Karachi on February 21, with about 150 members attending, including the four Provincial Premiers and the Ministers of Pakistan and Provincial Governments. The Governor General, Mr.Jinnah, acted as chairman.
“The purpose of the meeting of the Council was to discuss the new draft constitution of the Pakistan Muslim League. Although the first meeting was held in camera, as have also the subsequent meetings, it is understood that Mr. Jinnah expressed his conviction that the Muslim League must hereafter be regarded purely as a political party and not as, in effect, the Government of Pakistan, and in that connection he proposed that no official of the Government of Pakistan or of any provincial government should [hold] office in the Pakistan Muslim League.
“Such a suggestion was of course revolutionary inasmuch as heretofore all of the important leaders in the League have been prominent either in the central or in the provincial governments.
“When Mr. Jinnah’s suggestion was put before the Council, there was, it is understood, a heated discussion on the subject. It was the view of some of the members that, while in general the proposal was sound, an exception should at least be made in the case of Mr. Jinnah. To this suggestion, however, Mr. Jinnah objected on the grounds, first that on principal [sic for principle) it was undesirable to make an invidious exception on his behalf, and secondly that inasmuch as he held three offices under the State, namely the president ship of the Constituent Assembly and of the Federal Legislature, and the Governor-Generalship, he was disqualified from being head of any party since, in discharge of his duties, as laid down in the Indian Independence Act, the Government of India Act of 1935, the Orders in Council and the Rules, he must hold the balance evenly and fairly amongst such parties as may come into existence. Mr. Jinnah accordingly asked the House not to press the proposal amendment, making an exception in his favor.
“On being put to the House the proposal to exclude all Government office holders from holding any office in the Pakistan Muslim League was carried by what is described as ‘a fairly large majority.’ ”
(US National Archives, 845 F 00/2 2648)
S. SHARIFUDDIN PIRZADA
Karachi
The editorial, ‘No wall, thankfully’ (Oct 27), based on a denial report by the police chief of Islamabad, is contrary to the facts on the ground. The fact is that even the funds amounting to Rs8 billion have been earmarked for the well protected enclave ‘Green Zone’ to house important government offices/buildings, parliamentary lodges, etc. The reason for such a gigantic project is obviously the intense feeling of insecurity which now pervades the capital, especially after the Marriot bomb blast.
The decision is ill-advised at the face of it, especially at the time of when the country is possessed of an apparently incurable economic crisis. Under these circumstances setting apart a huge amount will put massive burden on the already exhausted government coffers. Besides, it will cause more social and security disruptions than help minimise the existing problems. A few problems which I foresee, if the envisaged plan is implemented, I would like to narrate hereunder:
— The amount which has been set apart will swell up into double and triple figure due to ever-increasing cost of construction and corruption prevailing in our departments as the project will take years to complete.
— The ‘safe haven’ will widen the chasm between the government and the governed, with the result that the former will become an object of disparage and hatred.
— What guarantee is there that this high cost enclave occupied by the privileged will not be subjected to terrorist conspiracy if over all security is not improved?
— Who will safeguard this closed society if advantaged class of society decided to take arms against it?
— The ‘Berlin wall’ created for the security of the privileged will create more insecurity for those living beyond it.
The better option for the government is to — instead of investing huge amounts in such mindless projects — strengthen more security for all and not creating safe heavens for a few. It is a fundamental duty of government functionaries and parliamentarians, being their servants and representatives, to serve the people and not to find safe havens for some.
If the funds allocated to such ventures that include new GHQ in Islamabad are channelled to productive sectors of the economy, they will generate more employment that will bring prosperity to the country.
SHAFIQUE ANSARI
Dubai
DR Isharatul Ebad, governor of Sindh, who is also the chancellor of universities in the province, has imposed a ban on fresh recruitments in all universities of Sindh as reported in most of the national dailies (Nov 4).
Such a ban on appointments is tantamount to a ban on education as it not only discouraged advancement of learning activities but posts falling vacant on account of retirement etc, considered in the category of recruitment, also could not be filled, leaving the public sector institutes of higher learning short of academic staff.
This incredible announcement at the time when the education sector has been kept by the government in the lowest of its proprieties and private institutes because of back-breaking fees they extort are out of the reach of the common man has distressed almost every parent.
The authorities have to differentiate between the jobs in universities and those in other government organisations. The government departments can run with minimum of staff but leaving a single position vacant in university affects the career of a generation. The ever-expending role of educational institutes, especially in the seats of higher learning, requires regular induction of faculties: inevitable in many cases, such as introduction of new disciplines in the field of science, social sciences, commerce and business.
If universities are not given freedom to introduce new grounds of information and knowledge by restricting their capacity to hire experts, then the nation stands to lose its future generations.
I must remind here that development of a country depends entirely on the education of its society. Although the world’s oldest universities are in Morocco (Al Karaouine since 859) and Egypt (Al Azhar since 975), yet those established in Europe kept pace with modern developments and excelled in every faculty.
The progresses of these mediaeval institutions into most modern and advanced seats of learning in the world are indicative of the level of significance imparted by these nations to their Alma Mater.
Being a university teacher for about four decades and a concerned parent, I would request the authorities to take this retrogressive decision back, especially when our higher level education has just started moving ahead. More so because the majority of the people, which is already under enormous pressures, may not be deprived of quality education, because of the dearth of faculty in our public sector universities.
If restriction is not lifted on the appointment in universities, higher education will never progress, and the ultimate losers will be the young generation, a ray of hope for the secure future of our nation.
I once again make an appeal to the Sindh governor to reconsider his decision in the interest of future of our generations and lift the ban on induction in universities as it will adversely affect the public sector higher education.
DR (PROF) KAZI KHADIM HUSSAIN
Hyderabad
I WOULD like to share my ordeal with the readers that I am going through to get Australian visit visa. I am a 51-year-old woman working as director with a reputable organisation in Lahore. My daughter lives in Australia with her husband who is an Australian citizen. He is doing his PhD, to be completed early 2009.
I had been visiting my daughter off and on in the last three years. On July 15 I applied for a visit visa. Over three and a half months have passed but I do not know the fate of my application. Every time we call the embassy, the reply is : “Your application is under security check.” I do not know what kind of security check is this that requires such a long time.
I request the Australian High Commission to look into the matter.
RAHEELA MOBASHIR A. MALIK
Lahore
THIS is apropos of the shutdown of two news channels and the report that MQM-backed local governments have been exempted from audit (Nov 18).
Strange and alarming things have been happening for the past few months, with a disturbing rise in politically-motivated silence to ignore the challenge to the writ of the government.
The minister of information, in a talk show on Nov 17, was at a loss to explain as to who had challenged the writ of the government by ordering the shutdown of two popular news channels in Karachi and Hyderabad. Nor did the anchor have the courage to divulge the names of the perpetrators of this unlawful and uncivilised act. Lips remained sealed for political expediency and fear of break-up.
Freedom of the press serves as the housemaid of some who exploit it for their selfish purpose.
It was unfortunate that the owner of one of the channels instead of resisting unethical attitudes succumbed to the pressure of the wrongdoer.
Moreover, the Sindh government’s unfortunate decision to exempt the MQM-led city governments of Karachi and Hyderabad from the special audit has clearly demonstrated that it is politically motivated and is designed to force the opposition nazims to change their loyalties.
The chief minister has failed to display enough moral courage to include both the city governments in the list. Would the Sindh government, for the education of the people, explain the reason for this favouritism?
KHAN. A. SHAMSHAD
Karachi
THIS is apropos of Maureen Lines’s article, ‘How safe is the Lowari Tunnel’ (Nov 13 )
A mega construction project such as the Lowari Tunnel cannot be executed without immaculate planning, detailed designing and supervised execution. The National Highway Authority has an elaborate and systematic mechanism for selection of consultants and contactors. The overriding factor in selection of the consultant remains his past experience of working in similar types of environments and terrain.
In the case of the Lowari Tunnel, a joint venture, M/s Geoconsult from Austria (which is an Alpine country) and M/s TYPSA of Spain were selected for designing and supervision. Without going into details, the writer is assured that all apprehensions expressed by her are already taken care of.
PR DIRECTORATE NHA
Islamabad
This is apropos of Shaista Nizamani’s letter, ‘Courier service’ (Nov 18).
According to our records, the shipment whose consignment number Ms Nizamani provided was delivered on time and to the actual consignee.
In fact, the consignee was not Ms Nizamani. The shipper has further confirmed that her passport was not sent via TCS.
While we sympathise with Ms Nizamani’s predicament, clearly in this case she was misinformed.
ALI LEGHARI
VP, Corporate & External Affairs,
TCS Karachi
A LARGE part of population quietly concerned with its livelihood, having nothing to do with politics, it’s eagerly waiting for at least the glimpses of the fruits that democracy will bring in contrast to the previous regime. You can hear most of the people saying that the present scenario is very bad as compared to the last dictatorship.
I am running a small services business paying a huge amount of income tax, as compared to the size of my setup, to the government. Life was quite normal for the past so many years. However, for the past several months , it is being noticed that there are lots of field inspectors from the government departments coming to office one after the other and bring an unending demand of taxes and other payments.
It appears that hungry wolves have come out of their dens and looking for whatever they can get for their lust. This scenario is most harmful for business activities, which are already on the decline. This situation disturbs the concentration in the day to day matters.
A lot of people are already planning to move out of the country because this unstable situation and those who are fighting with the situation are forced by these ugly conditions to close down their activities.
I would like to propose that all these taxes and other payments claimed by different government setups should be built within the income tax so that you don’t have to deal with 30 different people, each one with a threatening power and attitude.
ENGR DILAWAR HUSAIN
Karachi
SYED Jalaluddin Haider was associated with the University of Karachi in various capacities for more than 42 years. From 1972 to 1975 he was a visiting professor at the University of Tabriz, Iran.
Since his retirement in 1998, he has been serving as a consultant and researcher, ever ready to help and guide students.
Syed Jalaluddin Haider is no more with us and is now part of history of Pakistani librarianship. He always sought the right approach to solve the problem.
MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM
Librarian
Sindh High Court
Karachi
The pictures of crumbling structure of Maulvi Tameezuddin Girls Primary School, New Karachi (Nov 19), is a glaring piece of apathy the department of education has displayed towards learning, as well as scant regard to the security of students.
M. T. Girls Primary School is having 300 enrolments, therefore under all standards is quite a big institute for the education of girl students. Unfortunately the roof of a classroom has almost collapsed, and the students of nursery are compelled to sit on the floor of the building corridor whereby the teacher is using a wall for the blackboard as shown in the photograph. Thank God that at the time of roof plaster collapse children were not in the classroom, otherwise many might have been injured seriously and some even would have lost their lives.
If a school located in the metropolis is without adequate furniture and its edifice crumbling with no government succor in sight, what would be the fate of those located in the far-flung areas of the province.
Like other government buildings constructed either by the public works department or through private contractors, school buildings also do not sustain long because of substandard construction. However, in the case of school it is not only the loss of national asset but at times crumbling structure take many precious lives, leaving the affected families to mourn for the rest of their existence.
The earthquake of Oct 8, 2005 took more than 80,000 lives in Pakistan. However, in that catastrophic event, the death toll of children alone was more than 17,000 while thousands were amputated because the entire public school buildings collapsed due to substandard material used in the construction.
The irony is that no finger was raised against those who were involved in the construction of school buildings using substandard material, which caused a colossal loss of lives and properties. Similarly, according to the provincial information minister, in the recent earthquake in Ziarat district 250 schools out of 255 were either completely destroyed or seriously damaged.
The photographs of the Maulvi Tameezuddin Girls Primary School are an overall reflection as to how our society considers security, comfort and the education of its future generation. I feel that not education alone but the buildings department and those contractors who are associated with construction work are equally responsible for such accidents.
Thus in the present case the engineer and contractors should be taken to task for jeopardising the lives of our youth. The chief minister and the education secretary have to look into the affairs of public-sector schools seriously so that children can get proper education in a well-secured environment.
ALTAMASH M. KURESHI
Karachi
“PML(N) wanted an early implementation of the parliamentary resolution adopted last month at the in-camera session” (Nov 9).
James Bond tells us that if the first (delay in restoration of the judges case) was by accident, the other delay may be by coincident, to say the all.
Z.A. KAZMI
Karachi
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