| January 14, 2009 | Wednesday | Muharram 16, 1430 |
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Worsening situation in Gaza
Caution in case of fire
IMF loan and economic concerns
Beyond Mumbai
Pemra and the cable network
Education without attendance
Professional beggars
The ‘qabza’ group
‘Impoverished’ nation
Venue change
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
AS the majority of Pakistan’s population belongs to the working class, its progress depends on working and living conditions of its workers. To bring any improvement in these conditions, implementation of universally adopted labour laws is a pre-requisite. But the overall situation regarding enactment and enforcement of worker-friendly laws in Pakistan shows a very sad picture.
Pakistan’s population is about 160 million and the ratio between male and female is almost equal. The majority of them consists of young people. About 90 million people are of working age (as per law) while the total worker class (including children and the old) makes about 70 per cent of Pakistan’s population.
The worker class is divided in two categories: formal and informal. Those who are registered with the labour department are called formal workers and those out of access of the labour department are considered informal.
Formal workers make just about 20 per cent of the total work force in Pakistan. Peasants, home-based industries workers and those working in shops and small factories are not counted as formal workers.
According to a government source, 44 per cent of the labour belongs to the agriculture sector and 56 per cent work in services and industrial sectors, out of which 20 per cent is formal and 36 per cent informal.
In the formal sector the number of registered unions is 7,349 with a total membership of 293,530 made up of 288,327 men and 5,203 women. This data shows that less than three per cent of workers are organised.
Unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, abuse of human rights, exploitation, child labour, declining living standards are some of the issues confronting the working class and, consequently, affecting their role as agents of change and development. More affected are the informal workers, particularly children and women who are almost totally out of legal cover, even unaware of their basic rights.
Not only this, even workers falling in the formal category face many problems. Many of them also suffer from unawareness about labour laws and other legal rights. If they are aware, paucity of funds and other constraints mar their access to justice. One of these constraints is the time factor. To approach the court of law, a worker has to get leave or be absent from his duty, resulting more often than not in further economic woes.
If someone dares cross all these hurdles and reaches the (labour) court, he has to run between his/her duty and the court as the case takes a long time to be decided. And if one is lucky enough to get his/her matter decided, he/she has to endure another long wait for the execution of the decree.
Here I would refer to the situation in the city of Sialkot where I work as a consultant. More than 1,000 factories, mostly of sports goods and surgical tools, are working here but only 375 are registered with the labour department. There are 64 registered unions and 19,476 registered workers. More than 70 per cent of the total population of Sialkot are workers but only about 10 per cent are registered.
In 2007 and 2008, some 600 cases were filed in the court of wages commissioner by the workers but only 200 were decided and even fewer were decreed as many of the applicants, getting tired and disillusioned with court proceedings, withdrew their cases.
And to make the things worse, not a single worker has succeeded in getting the decreed amount from the employer as execution of the decree itself takes a very long and arduous route.
After decree the case is sent to the district revenue officer whose duty is to get the decreed amount from the employer and send to the wages commissioner for payment to the worker. During the last four years no decreed amount has been sent to the wages commissioner.
This whole process is discouraging for workers. Courts are usually more sympathetic towards the employers. So in most cases workers think it is useless to go to court and instead try to get whatever they can through an out-of-the-court settlement. There seems to be no authority that can implement the national and international laws and force the employer to carry out court orders.
In these circumstances one feels compelled to ask: what is the purpose of establishing labour courts and running the labour department incurring huge expenses out of taxpayer’s money.
Every government talks about welfare and uplift of workers but ground realities present a very bleak picture and chances of a change in the near future also look very dim.
MUNAZA HASHMI
Via email
THE present situation that has developed in the Gaza strip, following Israeli aggression that has left more than 900 dead and thousands injured, is deepening the humanitarian crisis in an area that was already in deep distress.
According to a report released by a group of UK-based human rights and development organisations, and sponsored by Amnesty International, the present condition is the ‘worst humanitarian crisis in the strip since Israel occupied it in the 1967 war’.
“The situation is absolutely disastrous,” as UN official Christopher Gunness described it.
Islamic organisations and other welfare organisations must come forth with massive aid projects for the Palestinians in order to avert a major humanitarian disaster.
Our people like always will surely come forth with generous contributions.
HAFSA MUHAMMAD HANIF
Karachi
(II)
PALESTINIANS have suffered too much for nearly a century. After World War I, the Palestinians were not allowed to rule and the League of Nations mandated Palestine to Britain.
After World War II, the United Nation unjustly divided Palestine in 1948 giving more land to Israel while Britain gave more military equipment to Israel.
Since then Palestinians have never seen peace.
Time is now for a two-state solution. The whole world should support it and soon after he takes over, President Barack Obama should clearly support this plan.
It must be realised that the outdated plan of small jails for Palestinians can never work.
S. SIBTUL HASAN HAZEEN
Karachi
(III)
IT SHOULD not be surprising to learn that the UN Security Council has, in fact, become one of the vehicles through which the Zionists are accomplishing their brutal agendas.
Israel has found it very convenient to materialise its aggressive intentions through the UN. A well-known Zionist lawyer of New York, Henry Klien, expressed views in his revealing work, Zions Rule the World, New York, in 1948, thus:
“The United Nations is Zionism. It is the supergovernment mentioned many times in the protocols of Zion, promulgated between 1897 and 1905.”
This extract and other examples of Israel’s violations of UN resolutions give an idea of the background to enable us to understand the problems faced by the Palestinian people today.
Since Dec 27, hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women, have been martyred. Thousands of wounded are deprived of medical facilities. Undoubtedly, the UN Security Council today is not a guarantor of peace.
Rather it would be fair to call the Security Council’s attitude anti-human. Unless, its veto system is removed, no justice can be given by the UN.
The UN will have to change with the changing world scenario. Otherwise, the Security Council’s image as an organisation that works for the best interest of humanity will remain tarnished, and the UN, like the League of Nations, will no longer exist.
By ensuring the development and freedom of Palestinian people, the UN can redeem itself in the eyes of the world, and will, thus, no longer be called ‘Usually Nothing’.
NASIR FAROOQ
Karachi
AFTER about a decade I recently had an opportunity to visit the Income Tax Building situated opposite the Sindh Secretariat, Karachi.
I was amazed the way this public office of the federal government has been lavishly refurbished. It now looks more like an office of a multinational corporation or foreign bank than a government office of a poor country.
This 12-storey building is now centrally airconditioned. Rooms of officers, staff and waiting areas for the public are immaculately ornamented with beautiful wood paneling and artificial ceilings.
However, one element which was conspicuous by its absence was the firefighting equipment.
So much so that even there was no emergency exit available in such a huge building. I was aghast when I found that almost on all floors people were smoking while some of them even threw burnt butts of cigarettes in corners of rooms and on the main stepladder.
Wood and false ceilings made of highly inflammable material have been extensively used in the building and there are huge numbers of files of important financial matters. The situation can turn out to be disastrous if proper attention is not given at the earliest.
Not long ago were twice the Pakistan National Shipping Building and Sindh Board of Revenue’s camp office gutted.
Though loss to life was negligible as offices were closed due to public holiday, the fire caused colossal loss to the national exchequer and the most valuable government records, some of which was lost permanently.
In order to avoid catastrophic like situation like those of the PNSC and BOR, I make the following suggestions that may help contain the damage:
1. Providing emergency exits catering for all the floors of edifice.
2. Installation of fire extinguishers on every floor.
3. Training of staff through civil defence to use fire extinguishers at the right moment and facilitate the people in case of emergency.
4. In view of inflammable material used in the construction, the smoking should be banned completely in the building. Well trained vigilante teams should be deputed to catch hold of violator on the spot.
RAFIQUE AHMED SIDDIQUI
Karachi
ON the surface it seems like the IMF bailed Pakistan out of jail with its multi-billion-dollar loan which seems to have solved an extreme liquidity crisis.
However, the same was considered of the IMF loans provided a few years ago to another country — Zimbabwe — which we all know is plummeting in the pits of hyperinflation with a world record high annual inflation rate of 89.7 sextillion (10 to the power of 21) per cent.
It is true that the loans provided to Zimbabwe did not adversely have this catastrophic ramification, rather it was its action of printing money after failing to repay the debts under the government of Robert Mugabe which resulted in a rapid acceleration of the inflation rate rendering the currency worthless.
In fact, one US dollar is equal to approximately four million Zimbabwean dollars. This has led to almost everyone in the economically-struck country carrying out their transactions in US dollars — another cause of concern as the lower class is largely inaccessible to foreign currency.
The economic woes have rallied a widespread protest against the government as the people have lost all confidence in its decision making.
Objectively, this situation is not that hard to imagine in Pakistan. Indeed with the majority of our population stewing in poverty, the implications of hyperinflation seem utterly acute.
At the moment it seems that even if our government is unable to repay loans, foreign countries such as the US and Iran will be willing to help (something Zimbabwe never got).
Such is the current political scenario in line with the war on terror. However, who knows how this will change a few years down the road when the IMF demands repayment. If Pakistan becomes the next Zimbabwe, how will it effect global policies of anti-terrorism?
I think it’s safe to be cautiously optimistic of the IMF loan because the possible consequences seem quite long-term. However, if we are going about with the mindset of sowing the seeds of this country again for our descendants, then this matter should be addressed and dealt with every step of the way.
We should know that the series of events that occurred in Zimbabwe were not the result of a domino effect and could have been avoided at any juncture.
In fairness and to sum up, Pakistan is not Zimbabwe and even though it may seem to be the same situation in the game, the players are different and certainly and hopefully the outcome will be as well.
ASAD AKHTER
Karachi
THIS refers to the column by Irfan Husain (Jan 10). Although Mr Husain’s observes that “hawks on both sides will hand over success to the militants on a platter”, the fact remains that beyond Mumbai this will not be an end to the Marriotts, or to the 9/11, or to the railway bombing of December 2003 in Spain, or to London’s 7/7 of 2005, or to the Bombay rail bombings of July 2006 -- just to mention the high - profile terrorist attacks -- and, of course, to the February 2007 Samjhota Express bombing. Those of lesser intensity/significance being routine, Pakistan is no stranger.
So, it will only be a matter of time and we may be within months of the next major incident in India. So what will happen then? A complete saber - rattling, or a nuclear holocaust?
But notwithstanding the militants, who else gains from such rhetoric? US President-elect Barack H. Obama stated he would work for settlement of the Kashmir issue, much to the chagrin of India, not to mention his similar statement on the Palestinian issue, much against Israel’s agenda.
So by maintaining a confrontational posture with Pakistan, the Kashmir issue and others such as the Baghliar Dam could be deviated from and put on hold.
So we will need to get used to and live with these ground realities, and learn that anticipation of any confidence-building measures — a twisted terminology to suggest that we are ‘learning’ to develop understanding and friendship) or further peace progress with India will be a pipedream.
RAFI AHMED
Karachi
THE Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) was established in 2002 under a Presidential Ordinance and later confirmed through an Act of Parliament.
It was mandated to facilitate and regulate the private electronic media.
The licensing and operation of the cable-TV network is also an important function of this organisation.
But it appears that Pemra is more concerned about ‘controlling’ the electronic media rather than planning to set things right in the cable-TV network, which is the ‘end-product’ of the entire electronic media.
Under Pemra, the council of complaints has been set up at federal and provincial capitals for immediate and fair redressing of complaints, pertaining to the electronic media, i.e. the private TV channels. It is not known whether redressing of complaints regarding irregularities in the cable-networking falls within the purview of the council.
TV viewers have certain complaints against the existing cable networking and its licensed operators. They also have many suggestions for its improvement.
Issuance of licences for specific cities or areas has established monopoly. Subscribers have no option but to compromise with the cable operator on the offered channels and the poor quality of service.
The monthly subscription fee has not been fixed in clear terms and has been left to the individual operator’s wish and will.
The Pemra website says that the “monthly subscription fee for ‘basic service’ is minimum Rs225 and for ‘premium service’ it is Rs350”. What is the basic or premium service? Nothing has been elaborated.
Cable operators run ‘commercials’ on ‘their own channels’ in violation of the Act. Some operators also run the commercials during the short breaks of popular satellite channel programmes. This is illegal and unethical.
A good number of licencees have become absentees by subletting the business to non-serious parties. This is affecting the quality of service.
Cable operators claim to have more than 50 or 60 channels in their system, but in most cities and areas the visual quality of most of them is poor, with snowing effects of various degrees.
Maintenance of the cable network in most cases is not up to the mark, resulting in breakdowns of a much longer duration than it is necessary. It is because fewer hands are employed to deal with it.
Maximum satellite channels should be made available to subscribers with preference to Pakistani channels.
Reasonable number of sports and non-controversial Islamic channels should also be included in every operator’s channel list.
Pemra is duty-bound to look into these issues and complaints. Its mobile teams should randomly visit offices of cable operators to see for themselves the equipment and their services.
MEHNAZ SIDDIQUI
Islamabad
THIS is apropos of the letter, ‘Education without attendance’ (Jan 2). I am afraid that if the port state control and such like authorities across the world learn that our government has withdrawn the requirement of mandatory nautical college attendance for our mariners, they may order that such Pakistani officers may not be engaged in the future.
The Pakistani mariner has held their own against fierce competition for jobs in foreign shipping companies with well-trained and educated Indians and other Commonwealth nationalities. The Pakistani seamen’s remittances make a substantial contribution to our foreign currency reserves. This may now be in jeopardy.
Will the concerned authorities review their decision?
CAPT SYED ABDUL BASIT
Karachi
PROFESSIONAL beggars are found on almost every roundabout, in markets, eating areas and mosques. At signals one is bombarded with children cleaning wind screens of cars without permission of the car owners. Adding to the list is the influx of transvestites, a new creed of beggars, wearing objectionable clothes and doing inappropriate things openly.
These professional beggars are not only a cause of mental torture and traffic hazard, they also give a negative image of our country to foreign visitors.
Strict action is required from the city government to check the movement of such persons. There are many organisations helping poor people. This nation also gives a lot of zakat to the government. Where is it being used?
SHAHID H QADRI
Via email
A GROUP of law-breakers known as the qabza group in the area has illegally occupied my premises (godown), situated in Lyari, breaking the locks of the doors. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Baghdadi police station.
I am the legal owner of the property which has been in my use as a godown for the last 20 years. I was informed by my employee that when he objected to the occupation, the these persons took out automatic weapons and threatened to kill him.
The next day I, along with three other businessmen of the area, requested the SHO of the Baghdadi police station to arrest the culprits and to lodge an FIR. To our surprise, the SHO refused to do so and said that if he lodged an FIR and tried to arrest the culprits, they would ‘kill me’.
The SHO further said that he was going to arrange a meeting of the culprits with me at the police station to see how dangerous they were.
I have been continuously requesting the SHO for the removal of the illegal occupants and arresting them, but there is no response. I cannot go to my premises because my life is in danger.
If the so-called protectors of citizens are the guardians of criminals, then any sort of extremism and terrorism can grow under such circumstances.
YOUSUF ABDULLAH
Karachi
I would like to draw your attention to the news item “Awami League wins 231 of 297 seats” (Dec 31).
While reporting the recent election results and Awami League’s landslide victory you have mentioned Bangladesh as “the impoverished nation of South Asia”.
Last time while you were reporting a victory of Bangladesh cricket team, the same word “impoverished” was used.
It looks like your esteem newspaper has a penchant for this particular verb while reporting any important event about Bangladesh.
We all know that poverty exists in most of the countries of the sub-continent including Bangladesh.
But I do not know what indicators are taken into consideration when you brand a particular country as “impoverished”.
If having no nuclear bomb is one of them than surely Bangladesh does not have one.
ABUL K SHAMSUDDIN
Canada
IT has been reported (Dec 31) that the Pakistan Cricket Board is seriously considering Kuala Lumpur as a neutral venue for the five One-Day Internationals and a Twenty-20 game it has to host against Australia.
No doubt that Malaysia is not an unknown place on the world cricket map, as earlier this year it hosted the Under-19 Cricket World Cup and has also played host to several international matches in the past, it still cannot be compared with Sharjah, which has been the prime and fortunate location for Pakistan in the past. Further, Sharjah will definitely attract more fans than Kuala Lumpur.
Since the UAE authorities are also reportedly inclined to assist Pakistan and are keen to host the series in the UAE, it would be more beneficial if Sharjah is approved as the neutral venue instead of Kuala Lumpur.
KH. TAJAMMUL HUSSAIN
Karachi
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