| December 09, 2008 | Tuesday | Zilhaj 10, 1429 |
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Is yoga bad for you?
Let us unite
Saving public funds
Essence of Haj
A regional union
Sacrificial waste
Exorbitant electricity bills
What is the logic?
Transport fares and fuel prices
Students left high and dry
Rani Bagh under threat
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 Mumbai attacks have once again brought Pakistan into sharp focus and we are listening to all sorts of voices being raised against us. The pressure is being built on us from all sides. The nation, bereft of our disagreements, disapproves of these voices. The nation is not what it is being made to look like by the Indian and western media and their establishments.
However the question is, are we doing anything about this as a nation? Surely not. So now the question arises as to what should we do? Should we become as belligerent, as irrational, as illogical as the other side or should we be more responsible and try to use this for our betterment. It is very easy and convenient to blame others for one’s problems which both we and India have been doing for so long.
Instead of looking at our problems, we as a nation have chosen to bury our heads in the sand and blame India, the US, Israel and almost everyone but do not realize how and why we have landed in such problems. There has been no conscious introspection on our part for the last 60 years. Now we have been put in a spot.
We as a nation should introspect and identify where we went wrong and what is the solution. It is our collective responsibility as a nation and we owe this to our future generations.
We must begin by questioning ourselves, as many people also ask, whetherthe the war on terror is our war, though now it has become our war and we must succeed in it.
We must also ask ourselves as to how this is not our war and why we should not fight these thugs. Who is occupying our territory, and who is killing us in our cities? Even if the US or India have ulterior designs against us, who are they using against us. Are these the very extremists who are occupying our land and killing us in our own land? Whether we like it or not this war is being fought inside our territory.
We are its victims and if we do not act now, it will soon disintegrate us. We have to fight these criminals who are not loyal to Pakistan but are biding for others.
Further, can we negotiate with someone who is bent upon destroying us and forces his warped ideology upon us? Possibly not, we have to face it and make the enemies of this country come down.
The worst ever period for Pakistan was Zia’s regime and the seeds of this disaster facing us were sown by him, especially when the Pakistani state was used by him against the Soviets in Afghanistan in collusion with the Americans. He deliberately twisted the mindset of the state and many people towards an extremist view.
The issue is that Zia created this menace to support his political objectives which were only focused against a particular party and its philosophy but the question we need to ask is what the political scions fostered by him did to check this; they have been in power since 1977 barring a few years. That political class has ruled Pakistan for years.
Unfortunately, neither the media, nor the intelligentsia has put them in the dock. They are still invited as analysts and politicians on talk shows and TV programs.
Many among these politicians, especially of one particular party, keep harping on Musharraf’s past years but not once do they speak about the more than thirty years of mis-rule in which they played a big part.
Instead of accepting responsibility for making this nation hostage to all sorts of extremists’ criminal groups who abuse the name of Islam and jihad, these post Zia era rulers want us to believe through media that this is all because of the policies of the USA.
The present rulers may be responsible for many other ills of today but it is unfair to blame them for something for which they are not directly responsible. Similarly India and US have played a big part in this but they only exploited our weaknesses. The independent media must bring the focus on those post-Zia era leaders that created this problem. There is too much confusion around and we as a nation must not allow this, because it is only when we nib the root cause of the sickness will we be able to mend the situation.
I hope we are strong enough to do this painful introspection as this is the only way we can become a strong nation, able to face the world.
MUHAMMAD ASIF
Lahore
THIS is apropos of Irfan Husain’s column, ‘Is yoga bad for you?’(Nov 29 ).
The columnist has ridicule d the fatwa given by Malaysia’s top Islamic body prohibiting Muslims from practising yoga due to elements of Hinduism the ancient system is supposed to contain (Nov 29). In another column, ‘A question of faith’ (Oct 8 ), he had similarly rejected the notion that prayers, in the sense of supplication, are of any help.
After reading about the Malaysian edict some days before Mr Husain’s write-up appeared, I too had been puzzled because I also have been practising yoga for many years.
However, I decided to look up a book on the subject titled, ‘The Serpent Power’, which is a translation of an authoritative work on a form of yoga from Sanskrit along with introduction and commentary by Sir John Woodroffe.
Before proceeding further, it must be understood that the yogis speak of six centres or ‘chakras’ that govern spiritual development of every individual. Modern writers relate these to various endocrine glands in the body. Anyway, it becomes clear from the book that the theoretical basis comes from Hindu scriptures and, yoga, apart from being a system of exercise, is also a form of worship.
A couple of examples are quoted here from the chapter describing the six centres. One verse says: “Here dwells the Devi Dakini by name; her four arms shine with beauty, and her eyes are brilliant red. She is resplendent like the lustre of many Suns rising at one and the same time. She is the carrier of the revelation of the ever-pure intelligence”.
Another verse refers to ‘Svayambhu in his Linga-form’ and is the “Deva who resides happily here as in Kasi is in form like a whirlpool”. From these, it should be clear that various gods and goddesses are being worshipped during the process of raising one’s spiritual powers by stimulating the chakras.
Therefore, the chairman of the Malaysian National Fatwa Council, Shukor Husin, was quite right in saying that yoga’s ultimate aim is to be one with a god of a different religion. It must be remembered here that the word yoga means ‘union’ with the deity.
In this case, as we have seen, it involves a number of Hindu gods.
It may be interesting to note that Sir Woodroffe has revealed in a footnote that Shah Jehan’s eldest son, Muhammad Dara Shikoh, had brought out his ‘Risala-i-haq-numa’ in which he had given a description of three centres, allegedly borrowed from Hindu systems.
Other Muslim Sufis are also reported to have referred to the various spiritual centres. But, the translator cites some writer as saying that “such methods of contemplation are quite unislamic (sic) in character, and the higher Sufis do not attach any importance to them”.
All said and done, I personally agree with what a very knowledgeable Muslim had once told me: It depends on what intention we have while doing the meditation (or yoga).
So, if we are merely doing it for health reasons, without going into it excessively deeply or worshipfully but, hopefully, with the objective of being able to better fulfil our Islamic responsibilities, it may be fine.
M. RAFIQUE
Karachi
I am from Mumbai, an Indian and a human being. It was horror that day in Mumbai when 10 young men in their twenties stalked the city and killed anyone in sight exacting revenge in their perverted minds.
Looking at these boys, one wondered if the tremendous energy that they displayed could be channelised in a positive manner, a lot of constructive good for humankind could be achieved.
Perhaps these terrorists did what we Indians could not do in so many years. They brought together all Indians in a manner which was never seen before. Indians of all religions - Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Christians, Sikhs: all stood as one voice against terror and the selfish politicians.
The terrorists energised the whole of India, especially Mumbai, and woke up our elite from their slumber to telling effect. It shook them and brought them to reality — that no one is safe, even the rich. The attacks cut across economic barriers. They killed the poor at CST and the rich at the Oberoi and the Taj.
But after reading articles in your newspaper on this issue, I have come to understand that there are still wise and sane people in Pakistan. Our hopes lie with them. Our hopes lie in your understanding of our position and our despair.
Innocent lives lost, children orphaned like two year old Moshe, mothers like Rasiya Begum losing her entire family, Mohammed Omar an unsuspecting cabbie losing his life and leaving his family without their only bread winner.
Please understand our plight and create a movement in Pakistan. Let the helpless, but wise, of this world unite against rabid fundamentalism and fight this hatred. Can only converting to Islam solve this problem? I am sure Allah did not endorse the killings of the innocent.
Actor Shahrukh Khan in an interview says that the Quran in fact states that killing an innocent is akin to killing humanity. Where has sanity gone? There are too many questions but too few answers.
GAUTAM BHARAT JOSHI
Mumbai
THE IMF released the much-awaited document that exhibits economic targets as quarterly performance criteria for review and disbursement by the IMF scheduled for March and June 2009.
Four primary targets set limits on Net Foreign Assets (NFA) depletion, Net Domestic Assets (NDA) Creation, Net Government Borrowing from the State Bank of Pakistan, and overall budget deficit. We must meet these conditions to receive next tranches of the $7.6 billion loan.
We can only achieve these targets by utilising this public fund for the best interest and benefit of the nation at large, and not for the personal benefits of few individuals. I, as a Pakistani, have all the right to protest against any misappropriation of the IMF loan, which I equally share the burden of with every other citizen of Pakistan.
Some opportunists have been aggressively advocating the allocation of a Rs20 billion Market Support Fund to provide a bailout package for stock brokers. I understand that provision for any such fund shall only benefit the corporate feudals of the stock and money market. Ordinary small investors have already lost their last penny.
The high-handed feudal of the stock market are now aiming to gulp the public funds to save their own interest. While we all know these people have never paid any capital gain taxes during the good days, why should the nation pay for the losses of these individuals in difficult times?
I urge Shaukat Tareen, Naveed Qamar, the SECP and other authorities concerned to take bold steps to save public funds from falling prey to the benefit of a few individuals. I strongly demand the SECP to immediately unfreeze the market floor and let the market forces reveal the true value of the stocks.
The unfreezing of the market floor will also provide an exit route for those who have purchased stock under CFS, and the brokerage houses are charging extremely high rate of markup on transactions booked under CFS.
SHAMIM BUKHARI
Karachi
It was heartening to see three million Muslims perform Haj. It marks the largest assembly of Muslims from all over the world from all walks of life.
We miss this important opportunity of political and social discourse that is a significant aspect and the essence of Haj and other mass prayers. Offering prayers alone is least proffered because one cannot socialise and discuss problems affecting the community.
OIC meetings should be held immediately after Haj and may be held on biennial basis. This will not only be good for optics but will lend weight to the voice of the Muslim world besides manifestation of Haj’s real essence.
Hujjaj may also be allowed to attend the conference as observers and voice their common concerns.
M HASEEB KAZMI
Rawalpindi
Mirza Shahid Barlas, in his letter “Need for a regional union” (Dec 7), has very aptly pointed out the need for the formation of a regional union by the smaller countries for their survival in a world where big powers like United States, Russia, China and India dominate in politics and trade. European countries have already formed their union to pose a united front for their economic uplift.
On the same pattern, South American countries are in the process of forming their own union for their common good. The writer has advocated the case for a similar union between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Central Asian states of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kirghistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
According to him, the land-locked countries adjoining Pakistan will be able to utilize 1046km of our coastline having four operational ports and a potential for more of them. Economic cooperation between smaller states is the need of the hour to enable these countries to develop their resources without being predominantly influenced by the bigger countries surrounding them.
Such cooperation is, no doubt, the need of the day so that these smaller countries of the region should have political as well as economic forum big enough to balance the overpowering influence of the bigger countries. Iran and Turkey being the adjoining countries of the same region and having historical, social and cultural links with neighboring countries are an essential part of the proposed union. They are already part of the RCD.
The Iranian coastline in the Persian Gulf and that of Turkey in the Mediterranean will complete the geographical and cultural unit. The union will become much stronger with the natural resources and manpower of Iran and Turkey.
Another alternative for Pakistan would be to strengthen Saarc to have a South Asian union, but this union cannot be a union among equals. India, being too big as compared to other Saarc countries, will have an edge over other partners and would influence their political and economic development.
If United States were a member of European Union, it would not have remained a union of equals because of its overpowering influence..
Similarly if the Central Asian states form a union with Russia, it would not be a successful union on the same grounds of being a team of unequal partners. The union of smaller countries will give them an opportunity of healthy competition with India, Russia and China surrounding them.
FAQIR AHMAD PARACHA
Peshawar
The CDGK should establish centralised sacrificial centres on town and UC levels and impose a complete ban on carrying out sacrificial activity on roads and inside houses.
Each year we have to witness disgusting roads, smell of blood in the air and the resulting choking of gutters around the city.
Like all the civilised Muslim nations in the world, we can work on this formula as well and keep our city clean.
This step will not only beautify our city but also act as a revenue — generating source for CDGK.
ARSALAN AHMED FARUQI
Via email
I AM a resident of DHA and we have been facing the menace of load shedding — there is a daily shut off taking place about six to eight times with frequent intervals for short and long periods.
Such a game of hide and seek of the great KESC has caused sufficient losses in the shape of damage to electrical appliances. The other issue is regarding electricity bills. Everyone is well aware that after the strong protest of people of Karachi and the rest of the country, the government had announced a 40 per cent reduction in the bills issued for the month of October.
Subsequently banks were authorized to discount 40 per cent and charge the rest of the amount. Now the bill for the month of November we have received has shown arrears equivalent to amount, which was discounted from the bill of last month.
When I approached the local area billing office of KESC, they disclosed that the current bill amount has included 35 per cent of last month bill which was discounted.
This information shocked me and I am sure many others too. I am unable to understand as to what kind of good governance and policies are in place administered by our democratic government. No one seems to take notice of such a barbaric action and high handedness of KECS authorities.
I think this situation is extremely offending and is a spectacle of the deprivation of the rights of people of Karachi. Is there anybody that could look into the matter?
TARIQ
Karachi
There is a big case being made out against the risk of Pakistan’s nuclear assets falling into the hands of ‘extremists’ and being used on the USA like the 9/11 attacks. I do not understand the logic of this assertion.
Firstly, the 9/11 was executed with American tools i.e. US aircraft and box cutters. How would the future attackers carry the atom bombs to the USA? Even the state of Pakistan cannot deliver these bombs beyond a few hundreds of kilometers.
Secondly, there is an assumption that the terrorists will win. Pakistan is fighting them and is doing quite well. They are not winning at a speed demanded by their allies but the allies are even slower. So what is eating them?
SHAFAAT RASOOL
Karachi
IT IS surprising to observe that the transporters and PIA are not being made to reduce their fares in view of recent sharp decline in fuel prices. Whereas when the fuel prices increased, the transporters were pressurizing the Government to allowing an increase in fares.
Now the fuel prices have come down by more than Rs20 a liter and the Government is not asking for reduction in fares. This is not fair. We may recall during price hike that the transporters and PIA increased their fares way out of proportion. For example minimum rate of local bus fares were Rs6 which was increased to Rs10.
The Government should quickly act responsibly and intervene for public benefit and bring down the fares of road, rail and air fares back to pre-price hike level and inform the public accordingly.
IKRAM KHAN
Lahore
I AM a student of Government High School, Kush Kalat, in Kech district. A year ago the school was affected by floods but so far no efforts have been made to repair the school.
There are no windows or doors in the school. Students are forced by circumstances to study in extreme weather.
However, a fair number of students are not able to attend their classes in view of the grim situation.
The government must come to our rescue.
WARIS LATIF BALOCH
Nokabadi, Kech
The Rani Bagh (previously Das Garden) of Hyderabad is the lone Zoological garden which caters for the people of the entire interior Sindh province. It was almost destroyed and its animals dead due to total neglect, when the authorities realizing its importance refurbished spending a colossal amount of Rs150 million. The people of the recreation starved city of Hyderabad jubilated at the opening ceremony of the garden and zoo only one month ago.
It has been reported now in Dawn (Dec 6) that the federal privatization Minster has chosen the ‘Abbas Bhai Park’ (also renovated now) situated within the precinct of Rani Bagh garden for the wedding of his son. Since the grass of the lawns is still young, installing thick bamboos for building gigantic colourful marquees will destroy the same before the city dwellers enjoy the renovated park.
Besides, it is not meant for the ordinary citizens but for a federal Minster therefore guests attending will be VVIPs from all over the country. Not only lawns and newly built passages will be ravaged but the recently imported animals in the Zoo from other countries that have not yet acclimatized with the alien surroundings will also be in great trouble due to the hullabaloo of function.
The number of invitees at such a function will obviously run in thousands. The newly developed lawns will be destroyed as people will litter the park while eating food, depriving the people of the city once again and surrounding areas of a beautiful garden and zoo.
I fail to comprehend why the public representatives are bent on damaging the few places available for the recreation of the public.
Two years back Niaz Stadium adjacent to Rani Bagh — the inaugural centre for the 1987 World Cup was used for the marriage ceremony of the daughter of the then incumbent Director General Health Services, Sindh, with the son of the Federal Water and Power Minister, without the permission of Zila Nazim, the DCO or other officers concerned.
The damage caused to the Stadium invited wrath of the people and invoked suo moto action of Apex Court.
I agree with the report that till lawns get maturated no such ceremony of mass scale should be held even in ‘Abbas Bhai Park’ as the spill over of large number of guests and their vehicles will adversely affect the entire garden area.
The Minster for privatization in the greater interest of people of Hyderabad should change the venue of marriage to other open spaces accessible within the city such as Hyderabad Club, Diyaldas Club or Police grounds.
RAFIQUE AHMED SIDDIQUI
Karachi
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