| December 20, 2008 | Saturday | Zilhaj 21, 1429 |
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Indian military a threat to democracy
Award for PIAC
What makes the nation great
Bans should be banned
Art forgery is thriving
Private schools
Mumbai blast
Helping the disabled
Bhasha dam
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
Images of the ‘Tank Man’ from Tiananmen Square protests on June 5 1989 are repeatedly displayed as a mark of strong willed protest and resilience against forces of oppression. History repeated itself on Dec 14, this month at a small press conference in Baghdad, Iraq.
This time the rebel is not unknown. Being in the 21st century may have some advantages. News travels fast and things are not that easy to hide or cover up. It was not a heavily bearded ‘Taliban look alike’ mullah fanatic who hurled his ‘Pathani chapal’ at the commander in chief of the most powerful nation on earth. Instead it was an educated, informed, probably moderate journalist (with some morality and nationalism still present in his soul) who showed his disdain and hatred for his so-called “liberator”.
Years from now images from that news conference will be played and Muntazer al-Zaidi will make it to Time magazine’s “Most influential man of the 21st century”.
I am no right wing, religious fanatic, US hater who is thrilled at the courage of a young man and his sense of standing against hypocrisy and lies. I am a moderate, western educated common man of this world who is proud of Mr Zaidi for showing what all of us lack i.e. guts and a spine.
It is imperative that we and the media do what is right; to support a person who exercised his basic right – the right to freedom of speech and expression.
Multiple columns were written in newspapers and hours of talk shows were dedicated to support the freedom of expression of Salman Rushdie and the cartoonist from Denmark.
Let’s not be hypocrites in our support for freedom of speech. It is pivotal that the media and the esteemed journalist (in the name of free and fair journalism and for the sake of reporting the facts) follow what happens to Mr Zaidi. We know the rebel this time. Let’s not lose him to oblivion.
Let’s object to the hypocrisy of a nation that is the so-called “guardian” of free speech and human rights. Let us save the man who gave hope to those who are oppressed. Let us protect the man who became the voice of all of us who want to say a lot but are too afraid to speak.
BABAR HASAN
United States
(II)
I RECALL from my humble knowledge of eighth grade Physics that a shoe is an irregular body when it comes to locating its centre of gravity. The latter may not lie at the centre of the shoe.
When a shoe is hurled towards a person, with intentions known or unknown, it is not likely to take a straight course and may swing a bit on either side depending upon the angle its sole makes with the line joining the centre of the forehead and the tip of the nose of the person the shoe is heading to, at the time of delivery. To keep the motion in a straight line requires some cricketing skills.
Therefore involvement of some Pakistani cricketers in providing training to the journalist in the art of shoe throwing cannot be ruled out. Some lovers of cricket may reject my logic outright by saying that the “bowling action” of the journalist was objectionable. If this can be cited as evidence against my theory, it gives strength to my argument.
The journalist deliberately used a foul action to save the game of cricket and to prevent it from being banned. US must move UN to include names of some great Pakistani cricketers in the list of terrorists.
If cricket lovers are still in doubt, I present another possibility. Did you notice in slow motion the meticulous aerodynamics of the linear motion of the shoe in the air? If you did, you think the pitcher was not highly skilled in the science of projectiles? You think somebody will offer to buy the shoe in millions of dollars for nothing? Hence the involvement of Pakistani agencies dealing with missile technology. The poor people of Pakistan are ready for some sanctions on this account.
MUHAMMAD KAZIM
Islamabad
(III)
DURING his eight years in office, President George W Bush has launched frequent attacks on many territories. For the first time in history, someone has finally mustered enough courage to attack the president himself. Who knows if it was decided beforehand or some fanatical idea had suddenly descended upon the Iraqi journalist, that he oblivious the consequences, started hurling his shoes at the president.
Although Al-Zaidi’s action cannot be compared with the massive destruction his homeland has had to endure, surely it would have brought a wave of contentment among the Iraqis. The retaliation of Muntazer al-Zaidi has made him a national hero and his people have already started to clamour for his release. No doubt it was an act of valour. Unlike the sentimental suicide bombers, he gave an outlet to his wrath on the person who has actually caused it.
His act was unethical but taking innocent lives under the shelter of a single agenda was extremely unethical too. Ever wondered why the act of terrorism has exceeded at an alarming rate since this so called ‘war on terror’ began? This war instead of eliminating terrorism has further aggravated it. I don’t recall suicide bombing taking place so frequently in Pakistan before September 11, 2001.
The bottom line is that we are all frustrated over the prevailing circumstances in the Islamic world, and a daring person has finally given vent to this frustration with ‘a farewell kiss’.
SABA MOIZ
Karachi
(IV)
AN IRAQI journalist Muntazer Al-Zaidi of the Al-Baghdadia channel, hurled two shoes at USA President George W Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq on December 14.
It is high time that as a precautionary measure, our Federal Information Minister Sherry Rehman issues orders that from now on, any press conference to be addressed by any minister, president or prime minister, held in any part of Pakistan, will entertain only those journalists who come barefoot.
Journalists attending a press conference with any kind of footwear will not be allowed to enter the conference venue. After all, one must learn from the mistakes of others.
M. RAFIQUE ZAKARIA
Karachi
INVESTIGATIONS into the Samjhota Express ordeal have revealed an extraordinary scenario in the country of the world’s biggest democracy known as India. Involvement of a serving Lieutenant Colonel has shocked not only the general masses of the Indian republic, but also alarmed the world.
India is not a country where everything is rosy. Its democracy is facing a lot of domestic uprisings and separatist movements. From Seven Sisters to the heavenly valleys of Kashmir, most of India is boiling up. The latest catalysts are extremist Hindu organizations, which are popping up and threatening its existence. If the fanaticism of these organizations spreads into the Indian army which is quite likely and the first such evidence has already been highlighted, then in the near future, Indian democracy is likely to go through the same fate as its neighbours.
Over stretched and poorly staffed, the Indian army is losing its traditional popularity and only the destitute and aimless youth are now joining its ranks and files. It’s an ideal opportunity for the extremist organizations to get their followers enrolled in the officers corps to achieve results like the Samjhota Express and burn down helpless passengers. Ultimately, that day will not be far when these fanatic, extremist Hindu officers will not only threaten the biggest democracy but also the very existence of the country.
Things just don’t stop here. All the neighbours of India are not secure from Indian policies. Bangladesh is facing problems of river water, illegal border movements and border issues. Sri Lanka is suffering from insurgency from its Tamil, Indian sponsored rebels.
Maldives has seen Indian police actions. Nepal and Bhutan being landlocked have been reduced to the status of Indian satellite states. Pakistan has fought three wars with India on the issue of Kashmir.
Recently, India stopped water of another river, Chenab, thus forcing Pakistan to suffer economically. In the region India is becoming friendly with Iran. Its motives in Afghanistan are not hidden any more. Pakistan has repeatedly voiced its concerns against Indian consulates in Afghanistan, which are supporting militancy in FATA and Balochistan.
With billions living below the poverty line, India is trying to raise its status to a global power. If not that then at least a regional power. On the plea of countering China India is getting support, be it military or nuclear technology from the United States.
Establishment of Ayani Military Base in Tajikistan is another setback for the poor and hungry Indian population. Indian research organizations like Defense Research and Development Organization have failed to deliver and their light combat aircraft and main battle tank projects are nowhere near completion. Indian media is full of criticism for these organizations as they feel if India has to import their military hardware from abroad by bringing hardship to the poor masses, then what’s the need of having these white elephants.
By becoming a global or regional military power -- a wild ambition for India -- it is forgetting the fate of its former ally, the USSR. It’s not good to have ambitions and suppress the regional and neighbouring countries with military might when there is hunger in your own country. This not only produces fanatics in the masses but also in the military. What India will do with its fanatic lieutenant colonel, only time will tell?
AHMAD KHAN
United Kingdom
THIS IS with reference to Altaf H Qureshi’s letter on this subject published in an article in Dawn (Dec. 14). My compliments to Brands Award Council of Pakistan for their decision to declare PIA the best brand of the country. PIA definitely deserves the Best Brand of the Year 2008 AWARD for many reasons. It has survived an onslaught on its brand from a series of managements that range from mediocrity to heights of professional incompetence, including a change of its popular green tail and the green colour on its fuselage, to the yellow stripes. In the nine months of 2008, it suffered losses of over Rs38.4 billion which are more than the combined losses the airline suffered in the last nine years. PIA’s total losses range over Rs70 billion as of Oct 2008. In the last three months it suffered losses to the tune of Rs20.5 billion which comes to Rs227 million a day or Rs9.5 million an hour. It has survived the ban on its fleet by EU, which still restricts the ageing B747 and few specific A310s to operate in Europe. Yet the airline manages to survive, which shows the resilience of this brand that still has a loyal set of clients, inspite of consumer unfriendly schedules and itineraries.
The poor Hajis have to pay airfares calculated at $120 fuel price, although the fuel available in the market is selling under $72. They of course had to pay for the follies of a management that thought it sane to hedge fuel at $120 when no other airline was doing so. Passengers who flew on extra sections from the Gulf and Middle East were stranded at Karachi waiting to catch the next available domestic flight bound to an airport near their homes, with most reaching home exhausted and half the Eid already consumed in waiting for connections.
MIR TASSADAQ
Lahore
UNFORTUNATELY, our nation does not understand what makes a nation great, otherwise they would have followed the formula a long time ago.
Is it the geographical greatness of a country that makes the country great? No! Is it the numerical superiority of a population which makes the nation great? No. Even the natural resources of the country do not make the nation rich and prosperous. Switzerland, with a small population possessing no natural resources is one of the most advanced countries in the world.
England is a small island without any natural resources except some coal and iron and yet it is a leading nation of the world. Japan, a volcanic country having practically no natural resources, is of the most industrialized and advanced nation. China is the latest example of a great nation.
Now the question arises; what makes a nation great and the country highly prosperous and developed? The answer is simple. It is the people of the country who make the nation great. Education of the people makes the nation great and the country prosperous. Thus education of the people is the answer.
Education alone can raise physical, moral and ethical standards of the people and give them discipline and character, so important for the progress and development of the country/nation.
Constructing large engineering complexes, huge buildings and constructing big projects cannot make the country great unless the foremost task of nation building is given top priority. Even a communist state like Russia has a very high standard of education in all the fields.
No nation can develop unless every individual is properly educated and understands and shoulders his responsibility for the betterment of the state.
The budget for education should therefore be further increased so that in times to come we would also fall into the category of great nations. Education up to high school must be made compulsory.
KHWAJA SAEED HAI
Karachi
We have laws for almost everything or anything under the sun, but are unable to enforce the simplest of laws, including traffic laws.
As such, whenever our government fails to enforce its writ or the rule of law, it takes the easy way out by banning the ‘offensive’ product, the political party or the NGO.
We have therefore ended up with a long list of banned items, which include some NGOs, carrying weapons, the ever popular gutka, smoking in public places, smoke emitting vehicles, tinted windows, fancy number plates, pressure and musical horns, speeding, pillion riders, plastic bags, encroachments, substandard consumer products, etc., (all at least 10 times).
But again, as per our usual practice, the government has been unable to enforce the bans, which are then used by law enforcing agencies to mint money. As such, the only solution to solve this problem would be to ban the bans and simply enforce the writ of the government and the rule of law.
This may sound simple, but in a country which has ‘one law for you and one law for me’ mindset and in which the VIP culture and corruption thrive, and those who are entrusted to respect and enforce the law, violate the law themselves, then enforcing even the simplest of laws becomes difficult.
One needs the political will and an independent judiciary to enforce the writ of the government and enforcement of the rule of law.
And as we lack both, I suppose that banning bans will never be successful and we will just have to live with these bans.
H. MAKER
Karachi
THIS IS apropos of a recent news item reported in Dawn regarding the arrest of a man named Tariq Hussain for selling fake paintings of the masters, along with their “authentication letters” at a shopping mall located in Clifton, Karachi.
A similar report was published in a newspaper from Lahore earlier in June this year of the arrest of another forger. As heartening as it is that the authorities are taking action to eradicate the menace of forgery, the fact is that the black market is thriving.
Unsolicited sales proposals of more than seventy paintings of Sadequain were discovered from all corners of the world in the last twelve months. After proper inspections of the artwork more than ninety percent were found to be forgeries.
In some cases, imitation may be the best form of flattery, but in the art circles this adage is akin to blasphemy.
How frustrating that after an artist has struggled and achieved a name for himself there have been shady characters lurking in the shadows to make a quick buck through rip-offs.
Like a virus, whenever a breakthrough technique is devised to catch the forgery the culprits come up with a new method to avoid detection.
Fake art is a global phenomenon and is certainly nothing new in Pakistan as well.
The perpetrators are in some cases failed artists who could not produce any worthy work of their own, become greedy, or are used by so called crook investors to do commissioned work.
There have even been instances where the family of an artist who has passed away has authenticated fake works for monetary gains.
In India, Artist Jamini Roy’s son was once caught selling fakes of his father’s work after forging Roy’s signature on them.
A variety of techniques such as copying the exact work of Sadequain or by painting the exact image but changing the medium, for instance, if the original work is in oil, have also been discovered and then the fake would be executed in water colour.
Another clever technique is to import different elements from different works and incorporate them in one painting.
So what is the solution? There are many options available but the nagging question in Pakistan has always been as to who will do the implementation. A renowned art enthusiast, Mr Jalaluddin Ahmed, Director General, Foundation for Museum of Modern Art (FOMMA) suggested that there needs to be a centralized national body that should oversee the art work and its registration to prevent the forgery trade from taking hold in Pakistan.
He further suggested setting up a National Art Loss Register in order to curb the illegal sale of paintings and their forgeries.
A case in point is the recent theft reported in newspapers about the theft of four paintings of Sadequain from Gallery Sadequain at Frere Hall.
According to reports, the incident was not even registered with the police and no investigation was carried out.
It is hoped that organizations such as FOMMA, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), and other academic institutions will play active roles in eliminating the menace of forgeries.
SALMAN AHMAD
San Diego, USA
Education is a basic right of a human being. Every government ought to provide facilities of good education to its citizens. Private schools have taken up the role to fulfill this requirement. A large number of private schools have been working after the denationalisation policy since the early 80s. Most parents, including even low income groups, want their children to study in private schools where fees run in hundreds and in some cases in thousands. Private schools usually work in small buildings, in many cases in flats too and have no space for playgrounds.
Parents not only have to pay high tuition fees, they also have to pay other charges like annual fund, exam fee, school fund, function fee, picnic fee etc. besides bearing the tutor fee. All these fees are taken in advance. School administrations give mental torture to the parents and students on quite a few occasions. Due to no check and balances on the part of the government they increase fees whenever they want to.
Students also have to purchase course books, copies, uniforms etc. from their schools and these prices are usually double than market rates.
It can be safely said that most private schools have made it a lucrative business only, giving low salaries to teachers and not providing any job security. These schools provide no basic provision such as pure drinking water, washroom, and canteen facilities. Teachers teaching in these schools are often untrained.
It is requested to the authorities concerned to take notice of the situation and do something to give relief to students, parents and teachers as well.
IMRAN IQBAL RAJPUT
Hyderabad
IT seems that India and Pakistan are on the verge of war. War never brings good to any nation so I would like to give a message to the Indian generals: if it took the Indian army three days to get rid of 15 terrorists, how can they take on a nation of 14 million people?
We Pakistanis don’t support war, but if India decides to make a move, we will stand firmly behind our army and protect our nation’s integrity.
YASIR AMANAT
Islamabad
IT IS with a great sense of sadness and frustration that I write this letter. I have dedicated 15 years of my life as a disabilities rights activist, but have not been able to convince the business community and the government for employing disabled people in the workforce under the strict two per cent quota implementation. Becoming gainfully employed gives people with disabilities the economic means to become more fully integrated into our society, and enhances one’s sense of dignity. Hiring people with disabilities in the workforce can help change the social attitudes that continue to stand in the way of people with disabilities.
Of equal importance is the valuing of disabled people’s principle of ‘nothing about us without us’. The views of people with disabilities, and their families and caretakers, must be at the heart of the construction and deliverance of social duties and fulfilling government laws.
In terms of disabilities focus or employment settings, if there was ever a time we needed to rise to the occasion of our own individual and professional interests, it is now.
With that in mind I make an appeal to everyone to renew their commitment to social duties and concerns for the welfare of people with disabilities. It is only by remembering the principles of dedication to the individual empowerment of people with disabilities, and the integrity and quality of the services available to them that we can overcome the problem and work together.
All of us can artificially create differences amongst us that lead to a misunderstanding of others who may in fact have similar principles and interests. Small Business Administration needs to aggressively support the outreach effort as they reach out to a lot of minorities, and ignore the disabled people’s community, and I think that’s a mistake.
NOORUDIN S. BHAMANI
Via email
I fully endorse the views expressed by Malika Baltistani in her letter appearing in the Dec 19 issue. The people of Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan to be exact) should be granted full constitutional rights at par with any other settled area in Pakistan immediately, and the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam should be stopped for good, not only because of the political controversies involved, but also because of the fact that it is not a technically favoured project, as endorsed by many experts I have spoken to on this issue.
KAMRAN H. ALAVI
Lahore
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