| December 02, 2008 | Tuesday | Zilhaj 3, 1429 |
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Violence against women
Act before major collapse
Widening disparity
Return of the natives
Solving the Kashmir issue
Liaquat Ali Khan’s visit
Reduction in transport fares
CNG prices
Raag hamburger
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 recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai have been condemned in the strongest terms by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
It is ironical that attacks came when just days before President Asif Ali Zardari made a daring set of offers to India by suggesting that he is ready to sign a no-first used treaty on nuclear weapons; and talks between the Home Secretaries of Pakistan and India were held in Islamabad and co-operation in fighting terrorism was discussed. The Foreign Ministers were meeting in New Delhi to ease the visa restrictions and to build- friendly relationships.
Unfortunately, a section of the Indian media has been blaming Pakistan for the terrorist attacks and Major General RK Hooda, who was leading the military operations against terrorists, told reporters that terrorists are from across the border, perhaps from Faridkot, Multan, but they pretend to be from Hyderabad, India.
It seems that the burden of a hostile past is still too big on the Indian military establishment, whose core agenda seems to be the destruction of Pakistan.
A joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism was setup in September 2006, but it remained redundant. It was agreed at that time that there will be no baseless accusation without proper evidence and investigations. Recently, in the Samjhota Express terrorist attack, the Indian army Colonel has been proved to be involved in planning and execution.
I strongly believe that good relations between India and Pakistan are not possible without the wholehearted concurrence of militaries and intelligence agencies of both the countries. So, with the political will of the civilian leadership, it is imperative to involve the chiefs of both countries and their intelligence agencies so that both countries, which are now spending billions of dollars on gunpowder, can spend their resources on education of their respective populations.
ENGR. S. T. HUSSAIN
Lahore
(II)
As a Pakistani, I share the grief of all the Indians over the loss of innocent lives during the Mumbai terror attack. The Indian Commandos and Army did a wonderful job by risking their lives to free the hostages, defeating the militants and bringing back peace and harmony in the city.
Unfortunately, the distressing part of the story is the Indian accusation of armed militants arriving from Karachi, in hijacked ship and later in a small boat.
The allegation is very hard to digest as both the neighbouring countries know how innocent fishermen, who by mistake cross the Indian marine boundary, are immediately taken into custody.
Indian jails have enormous numbers of such fishermen in detention for years. Thus the accusation seems to be full of holes, as to how armed men with grenades and other weapons could safely arrive in India and even make their way to the busiest part of Mumbai and not be noticed or caught by the Marine guards.
In the peace talks in motion between both the countries, it’ll be appreciated if such speculations are avoided.
FILZA G. SIDIQI
Ireland
(III)
I would like to condemn the most inhuman act of massacre by terrorists that has happened in Mumbai, India on Wednesday, on the eve of Thanksgiving celebration. What a way to give thanks to God for all the blessings. As a moderate Muslim, it is our duty to not only condemn such acts which are done in the name of Islam, which clearly prohibits such killing of lives and destruction of property, but also makes all possible efforts to cure the cancer of terrorism by attacking (not using bullets or bombs, as the US and NATO forces are doing) at the root cause, which are the Islamic clerics and preachers at the Islamic schools, who are preaching hate and not Quran, or its interpretation.
I would also like to make some suggestions to the news media, FBI, CIA, Pentagon and the high officials in the US Government, NATO forces and governments of all European countries and all Muslim countries.
1. Monitor the preachers at all the Islamic schools. Employ new moderate Muslim preachers by replacing the existing preachers and raise their salaries.
2. According a conservative estimate there are nearly 600 Internet websites that the radical Muslims use to exchange ideas and plan such activities. All these sites should be banned, because by keeping them active, we are providing them a free media to plan and get new ideas.
3. CNN and other TV channels should report such incidents with caution and not give live coverage for several hours, repeating the footage. By giving such incidents so much importance and coverage, the news media is also helping those terrorists in providing free coverage to their activities and glorifying them.
4. US and NATO forces are using bullets and bombs in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries, which might be killing a few terrorists, but they are killing more innocent men, women and children who may be moderate who condone the hatred for non-Muslims, but they become radical, even a potential terrorist. So containing fire by blowing more air will not kill the fire, it will spread it.
5. Moderate Muslims should be provided with incentives and safeguard so that they can monitor radicals and try to change their mindset.
This is not just one day, one Islamic school, or one country’s problem. This needs a combined, and sustained efforts and pooling of resources by all countries, before this cancer can be completely eliminated, at least reduced to a level that it becomes insignificant.
SYED RIAZ AHMED
United States
Amnesty International has time and again pointed to the rising trend of violence against women in Pakistan. In a recent report, Aurat foundation revealed 2531 incidences of violence against women in just three months from July to September 2008. Though gender based violence is a global issue, it’s secretly corroding the family and social structure of Pakistan in myriad forms. From verbal abuses to honour killing, violence against women is widespread across the country.
Despite the guarantee provided by the Constitution of Pakistan and the newly enforced women protection bill, women still feel insecure and are abused everywhere in the state.
What to speak of ordinary women like Mukhtaran Mai, even high profile women have been victim of violence. Rape of Veena Hayat, a friend of Benazir Bhutto, by a Pakistani politician, and the rape of Khursheed Begum, whose husband was in jail on the charges of belonging to the ruling party, by police while interrogating her, created tremors in the hearts of people.
Main causes of violence against women in Pakistan are said to be the secondary status of women, feudal structure of society, and prevalence of tribal laws. But this does not stand against the fact that gender based violence also persists in the societies where women enjoy relatively more freedom, where feudalism has disappeared and democratic laws have replaced tribal ones. In UK alone, three million women become victims of violence each year.
Violence against women is such a complex issue that it defies every bio-social explanation. This is partly because violence (in itself an inexplicable term) takes on various forms and varies with respect to time and clime.
In fact, no systematic research experiment has so far been carried out to see why the government laws to end violence against women have not been translated into practice. We have acknowledged women’s rights as human rights, but we have failed to end violence against them.
MOHAMMAD SAJJAD ABRO
Karachi
FOR the last three months domestic bourses are dormant due to existence of ‘floor’ barrier. Many investors are sceptical about removal of this hurdle as many tentative dates were given, as solace, for its removal. Besides, finance adviser Shaukat Tareen has announced that markets will soon be injected a hefty sum of Rs20 billion through contribution of Rs5 billion each by NIT, NBP, SLIC and EOBI but no practical steps have so far been taken.
This prolonged uncertainty is causing mental sufferings to all stakeholders.
According to available information, about Rs10 billion is still lying in CFT, incurring unbearable markups. It is feared that the entire investment will melt if expeditious action is not taken.
Even if government financial organisations opt for investment in selected scripts, then merely Rs5 billion will be released. Besides this adverse scenario, equities worth Rs40 billion have been financed by banks, including Rs6 billion in CFT. Thus this colossal amount of banks is at stake. Consequently, these financial institutions want to carry ‘floor’ till December closing to save their credibility.
Huge investments also made in mutual funds and peculation melted up to 45 per cent under shelter of risk disclosure clause.
Remnant equities worth Rs70 to 80 billion also belong to foreigners and it is feared that this footloose capital will be withdrawn immediately upon removal of ‘floor’.
Although it is feared that many barons of bourses will collapse upon removal of ‘floor’, yet is there any justification to keep on lingering just to save their souls.
Thousands of employees belonging to various categories either are not getting their salaries or underpaid for the last three months but do not disclose overtly to save the honour of their employers in spite being put under distress.
In addition to this, charitable organisations getting donations from affluent class in financial market are in limbo.
It is suggested that funds should be injected up to Rs10 billion in blue chips, which is quite safe to protect the other national organizations, and for remaining shortfall, punish the bubble creators.
Under any circumstances we should never resort to unethical business practice like this artificial support in order to maintain credibility which prevents flight of capital.
We must dare to face the reality to create confidence among domestic as well as foreign investors. Hence remove the barrier of incognito ‘floor’ at once.
SIDDIK S. JAANGDA
Karachi
I’M appalled to see my country losing in almost every aspect, whereas our neighbour is trekking the moon.
Our economy is in tatters and our neighbour is booming. Our foreign reserves are depleting and our neighbours’ reserves are increasing and have reached $291 billion, making it the fourth largest country in the world with biggest foreign reserves. They have billionaires in ‘industrialists’ topping the world’s richest whereas we have billionaires in ‘politicians’ with foreign assets.
Both of us started off as independent nations at the same time, but we lost and they gained as a nation. Deep down in our hearts we all know where we went wrong and it is about time that we corrected ourselves. We compare ourselves with them in almost everything, when it comes to the prices of daily use commodities, be it flour, sugar, petrol, electricity, etc, and feel solace in saying that we are still lower than our neighbour.
Why don’t we compare them in terms of foreign reserves, economy and as a nation?
WASIM IQBAL
Sharjah
(II)
IT was interesting to browse the South Asian headlines on one of the most visited news websites on the net some time back.
One headline stated: Pakistan asks IMF for rescue bailout. The very next headline: India lands probe on moon.
A poignant pointer to the widening disparity between the two nations born of the same womb that upsets and disturbs. Rivals no more?
MAZHAR CHINOY
Lahore
SHAKESPEARE could very well have been speaking of the present condition of our dear but embattled country when he wrote: “If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.” In spite of being a man who has faced much personal sorrow in life, I broke down and cried upon reading a report by your correspondent about the suffering of the displaced people of our tribal regions (Nov 23).
He wrote that hundreds of homeless persons from the Bajaur and Mohamand areas reached Landi Kotal via Torkham border after travelling to Afghanistan due to the ongoing military operations and imposition of curfew in their localities.
They said they were compelled to travel to Afghanistan since all the entry and exit points to the respective agencies had been closed by the military authorities due to the operations against the militants. Further that they had to cross the River Kabul by small boats and then walk for long distances to return to Pakistan.
The local people and welfare organisations provided food and other necessities to these displaced persons after their arrival in Landi Kotal. This is so disheartening.
It is their love for Pakistan that made these unfortunate tribal brethren to take boats back to Pakistan and tread on foot. But, the ruling coalition in Islamabad should pause and ask itself: What stakes do these people have in supporting an uncaring government that got them into this mess?
The COAS told a meeting of Nato generals in Brussels just the other day that there’s no military solution to the Afghanistan problem. Why does the government think there is such a solution to the Fata problem?
The best solution is likely to be achieved by forming a group of NWFP natives comprising non-polarised, very wise and experienced people having a no non-sense approach, such as governor Owais Ghani and Lt Gen (r) Orakzai and letting them resolve the conundrum. This is because they would have the best grasp of their people and situation.
A PAKISTANI
Karachi
Apparently, the issue of Kashmir does not seem to have a solution in sight, especially in the books of both the countries, Pakistan and India.
This current uprising is due to the land allotment to the Shrine Board. Muslims are of the view that traditionally they have been practicing their pilgrimage, while the Hindus are giving it the shape of environment safety. With an economic blockade, Hindus have almost frozen the livelihood of Kashmiri Muslims who are dependent on trade. In this scenario, state government remains silent.
The international community is focused on the resolution of the matter because of regional security and co-operation. Until and unless the Kashmir problem is solved, there will continue to remain a major stumbling block and regional security cannot be maintained. Relations between the countries are spoiled due to this predicament, and India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are main sufferers.
There have been many proposals to resolve this issue, but there must be political will on both sides. In spite of interests of both states, the people of Kashmir should be given the chance to solve their problems according to their will. Moderates and hardliners will agree on the solution in the form of self- determination and the right of self-government.
Kashmir is termed as the Switzerland of India, but why has its resolution not been made akin to Switzerland? There is ethno-religious community but the democratic system with self-government is running in the federal confederacy. Kashmir should exercise a neutral status and people must have an option of mobility in Pakistan and India sans restriction.
Ireland was given home rule by Gladstone to pacify the uprisings, then why do we not learn from history? History always teaches a lesson.
The 62 year-old dispute resulting in despondency in its remarks on a solution can be turned into a prosperous resolute stance. It will be a success for the international community as well.
NIDA SAEED
Faisalabad
I write with reference to Mr. Umar Makhdumi’s letter November 28 in its turn quoting Mr. Hamid Ali Qureshi’s letter of November 23 on this much-misunderstood subject.
In addition to the learned accounts by Ambassador Shahid Amin and author Muhammad Reza Kazmi, I should like to refer the readers of Dawn to the relevant chapter, aptly entitled “The Visit that Never Was”, in the book “Foreign Policy of Pakistan: Reflections of an Ambassador” by my father, Ambassador Sajjad Hyder.
It explains lucidly how “there was a change of heart on the Soviet side” by August 1949, and that by October 1949 it was clear that “yet another party had intervened in the matter of Liaquat Ali Khan’s visit to Moscow”.
In addition I would like to add that, before between and beyond seminal events such as Pakistan’s joining SEATO/ CENTO, Gen. Ayub Khan’s visit to Moscow and the signing of the Tashkent Indo-Pak Declaration, it is our envoys that bear the brunt of difficult bilateral relations and deserve the credit — rarely given — for harmonizing this pivotal relationship.
Pakistan has fielded a host of most distinguished Ambassadors to Moscow, including Mr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. Jamshed Marker, Mian Arshad Hussain, Mr. S.K. Dehlavi, Mr. Sajjad Hyder and Sahibzada Yakub-Khan. To each — plus those before and after them, belong their individual achievements in this most crucial of geo-political axes. In my father’s case, he succeeded in most ably negotiating the continuation of the Steel Mills complex — in mid 1970’s our largest industrial unit as rightly noted by Mr. Makhdumi; but failed in his utmost and eloquent efforts from 1978 to deter Islamabad from entering the Afghan abyss, to the lasting detriment of our country.
REHANA HYDER
Islamabad
REDUCTION in petroleum prices by the government for the second time in recent months is very gratifying and all segments of society are very much pleased and welcomed it.
Now, it is for the government to reduce the public transport fares reasonably through a notification, in consultation with the transporters taking into consideration the prevailing inflation, which is at its peak.
The government should also accept their main demand for payment of compensation for their burnt vehicles and order release of compensation money without further delay since the matter has been lingering on for a very long time.
This will not only make relations cordial between the government and the transporters but also remove misgivings between them.
While releasing the compensation money to the transporters, the government should bound the transporters to improve the condition of the vehicles which have now become very old and not fit for public service.
Further, most of the vehicles are smoke-emitting causing pollution which is very injurious to the public health.
For this, they must be ordered to pay serious attention. Furthermore, the attitude of the drivers and conductors towards the passengers is very rude.
They should be directed to improve their conduct and must perform their duty in a polite and cool manner.
MUHAMMAD YOUSUFF KHAN
Karachi
When petrol prices were increased to Rs86/litre CNG station owners fought and obtained matching price increases.
Now that petrol prices have been reduced to around Rs66/litre why have CNG prices not been reduced proportionately?
AMIR KASAMALI
Karachi
THIS is apropos of Jawed Naqvi’s article, ‘Raag hamburger’ (Nov 27).
Any discussion on classical music in India today is so welcome! I enjoyed your take on the lyric and patronage how it is relocating itself in changing times.
Living in the 21st century, India has meant growing up with satellite television, with glossy magazines that do not mince words on what men and women like in bed, added to it a profusion of information through the net et al.
It is ironic then with very little left to imagination all the tinkering that you talk about has happily only helped the disinterested audiences’ regale in their iteration that ‘classical music is boring’!
All analysis is reduced to a refrain that standards are falling in terms of quality. Very much linked to Thirakwa Sahib playing the steam engine relaa — patronage, that is fast disappearing now.
Perhaps Jaddan Bai, the famous singer of the early 20th century and mother of the more famous actress Nargis, saw through this hypocrisy that culture in India was really becoming. It’s sad that independence in India should have set this off more than anything else.
Jaddan Bai had the foresight to sense the inevitable as the Indian liberals took to power. She chose wisely for her talented daughter a career in films while the ‘ganewalis’ put up with the indignity of the state machinery — read All India Radio — which made it compulsory that its female singers be married, even insisting that they use a separate entrance.
All’s well with what you say except for the point that you raise about the Choli song! True the feminists had raised a hue and cry about the vulgarity and intent, but hey it was a chart buster — does that suggest that liberal thought triumphed over prudery?
So how is it different from the Faiyaz Khan morey jobana pe aayi bahaar or for that matter the Rasoolan Bai phat gayi chunari, masak gayi angiya?
I think it differs on grounds of aesthetic, on talent, on sur, raag, laya, taal, taan, all of which complete an experience that becomes ‘memorable, significant’, that leaves the interested craving for more.
I don’t think Choli ke peechhey kyaa hai can match up to any of this. Please don’t reduce them to the same platform; we really don’t need to give the Anu Malik’s and Sameer’s of this world more sanctions than they already have generously usurped!
And by the way I’m OK if McDonald’s sponsors a classical music concert, particularly if they don’t dictate how long my bada khayal should be!
Looking forward to more on music.
VIDYA SHAH
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