| January 27, 2009 | Tuesday | Muharram 29, 1430 |
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For the betterment of education
Muslims in West
Learning from the Kashmir election
Passes for Safari Park
Environment: let us get our act together
Quotas in medical colleges
Maritime education
Recycling dam water for power
Burning of plants
NWFP: rethink the strategy
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 Ardeshir Cowasjee’s column, ‘Navi gilli, navo dao’ (Jan 25).
I am shocked to hear such casual remarks, regarding the reinstatement of employees, by a person of his calibre. I am a civil engineer, graduated from the University of Engineering and Technology in 1993 with first division. I was one of the victims of the brutal firing of the people from various organisations back in 1997.
My father was a professor of psychology at the Government College, Gujranwala. He died in 1989 during service. We had no other source of income at that time except our father’s pension. We are five brothers and sisters, with me being the eldest.
At that time when my father died I was in the very first year of my university but I salute my mother that despite being illiterate she encouraged all of us to continue our education as it was the dream of my father that his children should be highly educated.
After graduation I started looking for a job and during that period of doing odd jobs I got the opportunity to be inducted into Oil and Gas Development Corporation of Pakistan in March 1996. There were more than 300 inductions made into the OGDC, out of which there were around 70 engineers, including myself.
After the initial two months we were sent to the field parties operating in various regions of Pakistan. I was assigned Engineering Field Party III, which was based at Mandra near Gujar Khan.
Things were moving very fine when suddenly the government changed, we were scared about our future but our seniors who were regular employees of the OGDC were of the view that since the OGDC is a purely technical organisation and is ever growing, so we don’t need to worry as we were independently working at various well sites.
However, one fine morning somewhere in July 1997 we received a letter in which it was mentioned that our services were terminated with immediate effect, without assigning any reason.
You could well imagine my state of mind at that time keeping in view the family background I mentioned above. A lot of hue and cry was made but ultimately to no use. And there will be a number of such examples just like mine.
What was our crime, I humbly ask Mr Cowasjee? We are not aliens, we are Pakistanis, brought up and educated here. Out of those 7,700 there are many like me who are working in respectable positions since then and they won’t be interested in going back to the same scenario where one cannot predict one’s future; but still those who were fired were all educated to graduate, post-graduate and even doctorate levels.
I, through your esteemed paper, would request all the lawmakers that the educated people are the asset of a country and this asset should not be wasted for vested political interests and rivalry.
M. TAUHEED UZ ZAMAN KHAN
Gujranwala
THE recent decision taken by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has triggered a wave of hope and optimism for the betterment of education in the province.
With reappointment of Prof Anita Ghulam Ali as managing director of the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), the faith in government decision-making has been restored.
Prof Ali, a revered educationist and twice education minister, has been the founding managing director of SEF since 1992, a position she held till May 2008.
Throughout this period not only were educational services provided to more than 200,000 children in far-flung marginalised areas of Sindh but SEF also became one of the most trusted agencies for implementing international donor-funded projects and schemes in Sindh. The recent World Bank-driven mega initiative for promoting free quality education through low-cost private schooling in Sindh, wherein SEF is playing a leading role, is an outcome of Prof Anita Ghulam Ali’s efforts, commitment and diligence.
Sadly, the post-May 2008 scenario did not fare well for SEF and the pace of progress on these key initiatives slowed considerably. Now with the decision to give her charge of the Foundation’s affairs once again is being welcomed whole-heartedly by all quarters and will help regain donors’ trust yet again.
A champion for the cause of education in Sindh for almost the last four decades, Prof Anita Ghulam Ali (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) has rendered invaluable services to transform the educational scenario in the province. Being the founding managing director of the Sindh Education Foundation, she advocated a progressive vision for education through innovative initiatives and schemes and has played a pioneering role for strengthening public-private partnership in Sindh.
Through her relentless efforts, commitment and visionary leadership, the Foundation thrived to become the most vibrant institution amongst all other education foundations of the country.
Her services extend beyond the boundaries of SEF; she has held the portfolio of education minister twice and has been a leading advocate for teacher and education reforms in Sindh throughout her life.
Given her experience, expertise and allegiance to the cause of education promotion, her endeavours and services remain unparalleled. Rising above the barriers of age and physical vigour, her commitment, enthusiasm and far-sightedness render her as one of the most robust, energetic, progressive and revered educationists of the country who have been and continue to be important catalysts for leading the much-needed educational change in Sindh.
NAZIR MEMON
Via email
THIS is apropos of the letter (Jan 17) by Mian A. Ahmad regarding offloading of nine Muslim passengers from Washington DC to Orlando, Florida flight.
We all understand that after Sept 11, 2001 the world has changed, especially for Muslims living in western countries. We also agree with the old sayings for migrants: “While in Rome, do as the Romans do”.
However, we need to keep in mind religious and racial tolerance which is the core principles of western countries’ constitution. These laws protect individuals from any kind of discrimination, harassment and provide freedom to practise their religion and culture without any fear.
Also, the judicial system is required to punish any individual or business organisation found guilty. Nonetheless, such incidents are also considered ‘hot button’ issues. Therefore, every effort should made to discourage complainants in order to protect the integrity of the laws.
These out-of-court actions may destroy such complaints and trail back in the home country also where Mr Ahmad is advising to resettle.
As a US citizen my advice to all Muslims, especially of Pakistani origin living in western countries, is to practise their rights to their full extent. Just remember Socrates who drank the glass of poison but refused to take back his philosophical theory which offended the religious fanatics who called it an act of blasphemy.
ASIF A. KHAN
United States
WHAT happens next in Kashmir is a question being asked by everyone. The ‘successful’ election provided another opportunity to the people in New Delhi for claiming that Kashmir was coming into the national fold!
Foreign Minister Pranab Mukhargee, perplexed by the reactions from Islamabad after the recent Mumbai attacks, said Pakistan should learn a lesson from the election held in Jammu and Kashmir.
So were the Delhi-based analysts, who were tight-lipped after the recent massive anti-Indian and pro-freedom demonstrations in Kashmir. For them Kashmir was a lost cause, till the queues outside polling booths gave them the opportunity to reclaim their right-wing bashing.
In the past, after Sheikh Abdullah’s agreement with New Delhi, it was thought that Kashmir had come into the mainstream of India. But the incidents after the 1987 elections proved it wrong.
Again attempts were made to stop a separatist movement, which was demanding freedom from India. The election of 1996 had New Delhi heaving a sigh of relief by claiming democracy was returning to Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah butchered the tehreeki people to gain popularity in New Delhi, becoming its most trusted henchman.
In 2002, New Delhi’s old ally Mufti Sayeed was put at the helm of affairs as New Delhi was angry with Farooq Abdullah’s government having passed the autonomy resolution in the state assembly.
This was against New Delhi’s expectations. Mufti Sayeed proved obedient for a while, but his dream of self-rule, which included withdrawal of troops and dual currency, made New Delhi regret the replacement.
One message that New Delhi has received clearly now is that Kashmiris want freedom for which they have sacrificed 100,000 people.
So Mr Mukhargee is wrong: it is New Delhi that has to learn from the election and nobody else. Everybody else is clear about the issue, the dispute, and the people.
The danger for New Delhi is that earlier Kashmiris were illiterate and uneducated; now the duty of continuing the cause has passed to the next generation which is literate, educated and aware of its rights, and ready for anything to get its freedom.
UMAR HADEE
Srinagar
HUNDREDS of people who regularly take their morning walk at the Safari park are now being threatened by its security staff for the last few months.
They began asking people for entry passes to be issued free of charge. People were asked to deposit two photos and a copy of NIC to the security staff to get a free pass, especially meant for walkers in the early morning hours.
When most of the people submitted, they prepared the entry passes bearing the signatures and stamp of Assistant District Officer, CDD, CDGK, but they found that they were supposed to collect the pass at a cost of Rs300.
If one pays the amount, they don’t receive a receipt in return. And if one argues, they politely hand it over for any amount one gets ready to pay with a smiling face. Again, there is no receipt.
If the city government needs to charge even the number of breaths taken in the park, at least a genuine receipt must be issued so that the money goes into the system, not to the wrong people. Can anybody do something about it?
ATHER HASNAIN
Karachi
A BIOLOGY professor of Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA, took us to a stream for the chemical analysis of water. The stream flows through the university campus. Along it is a busy road.
While demonstrating the importance of a riparian zone for a healthy aquatic life, he explained that riparian zones act as buffers that prevent the sudden rise in the water temperature during rainy days.
Rainwater while flowing through the roads gets warm and causes the sudden rise in temperature of a stream which is fatal for aquatic life. The riparian zones, which are quite wide and grassy, absorb warm rainwater. These have been constructed in such a way that rainwater gets quickly drained through the drainage channels.
Construction of roads, footpaths, sewerage system and buildings require investment and the most important thing is planning, designing and implementation. When these things amalgamate, it results in good infrastructure of the area. But the irony in this country is that these components hardly get any attention. And that is the reason we have a poor infrastructure of roads, footpaths, buildings and water drainage systems.
On rainy days our roads and footpaths become very muddy and rainwater stands for a period of time. Pedestrians face problems. Sewerage drainage and disposal of municipal wastes are other serious issues. There is no option other than to drain our sewerage water directly into the river which provides us drinking water and is a habitat for fish.
The prime message here is: “Let us get our act together”. A sophisticated infrastructure ensures a healthy and beautiful environment. In a healthy environment, sewrage water does not mix with drinking water and there is no biological magnification of municipal wastes which is responsible for polluting the air with microbes causing air-borne diseases.
But the irony is that we deliberately neglect this sensitive issue. NGOs, the ministry of environment and students all have to play their role in bringing an immediate change in this critical situation.
DINAR SHAH
Gilgit
THE Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed petitions filed against the additional marks given to Farah Hameed Dogar, the daughter of Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, declaring these as ‘without merit’.
In the light of this decision and the admission she got into Islamic Medical College with her initial low grade against a one-seat quota reserved for judges and employees of all courts of Pakistan, she will become a doctor in the coming years and will be responsible for treating patients and saving precious lives.
Without going into any political debate or casting any doubts on the official judgment, I would like to put forward a few points which have affected my life and can affect the lives of millions of patients suffering at the hands of incompetent doctors who have been admitted to the medical colleges on a quota basis or based on seats reserved for the ones who can pay the money as donations to get their children admitted.
Three months back my father was diagnosed with cancer and is at present fighting for his life because of a similar folly committed by an incompetent doctor who could not read properly his CT/ X-Ray scan reports and simply ignored the obvious patches of cancer growth which, if identified at that early stage, could have been cured easily.
Leaving aside my personal pain, the broader issue for us to think about is for how long we can let these injustices go on and put at stake the lives of millions of patients by accommodating candidates without the consideration of true merit policy.
For many of us it is a personal fight, but more importantly it is a question of putting someone’s life in the hands of those who do not deserve to be there in the first place. Let’s raise our voices instead of suffering silently.
DR IRFAN ZAFAR
Islamabad
THIS is apropos of the article, ‘Maritime education for economic prosperity (Dec 28). It is evident that maritime educational schools are working on the lines of various business schools and coaching centres in Pakistan. It is extremely unfortunate for a nation like Pakistan where education has become a profit-making business.
If studying for maritime examination requires compulsory study in a school or institute, it means that this will eventually end up like business schools where the fee structure is unimaginably high and students attending the course do not perform well in the examination of certificate of competency.
Moreover, there is no such requirement from STCW-95 or examination rules 2006 to attend compulsory coaching classes prior to appearing in the examination.
Since August 2007 when the condition of compulsory coaching classes was withdrawn, the number of deck officers appearing in examination of COC and passing has increased. This shows such coaching classes were not contributing much.
It is suggested that instead of looking for such business opportunities in maritime education, people should work for betterment of seafarers and the shipping industry in Pakistan
CAPT M.ASLAM
Master Mariner
Karachi
APROPOS of Jamil A’s (Jan15), I would like to clarify that I have suggested recycling of water stored in dam reservoirs again and again to increase hydro-power generation from the already existing power generation plants at Tarbela and Mangla.
At no point have I suggested new dams or new power plants to acompany them, nor is it a question of comparison with thermal generation.
Through recycling of the dam water downstream of the spillway after generating. electricity, the same water can be reutilised to generate up to 80 per cent of the maximum generation capacity of these plants.
This will reduce the power deficit being experienced today at a very low cost, without spending any money to set up more power plants.
We just need the government to seriously consider this proposal as it is already being used in Europe.
AZIZ SUHARWARDY
Karachi
RECENTLY there have been many reports of accidents and deaths on the roads and motorway due to fog. Airports and roads in Lahore and elsewhere in Punjab have been closed down due to fog. Although fog is a natural phenomenon, there are some human-related activities that have increased the fog and made it deadly.
On a drive on the motorway and in the outskirts of Lahore and Islamabad I have noticed farmers and gardeners lighting up dry grass in their fields and sides of the road. This grass or dry plants burn up turning into ash which actually helps the soil become more fertile, but the burning produces a lot of white smoke that adds to the fog that lingers around the motorway and many cities of Pakistan.
Can I, therefore, ask the government, on behalf of the families who have lost their loved ones in tragic accidents due to the fog, to help stop the practice of burning dried grass and plants by farmers and gardeners.
I would also like to ask the Pakistan Environmental Society to please advertise the bad effects of such burning of dried plants and also advertise alternative and more environmental-friendly means of cutting dry plants and making the soil more fertile at the same time.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER
Peshawar
THERE’S much killing going on in Fata, Swat and elsewhere in the NWFP, and the local residents, jirga members and many Pakistanis have been crying themselves hoarse about putting an end to it, but without any effect.
The latest report (Jan 23) says that the Swat Qaumi Aman Jirga, comprising the elders and representatives of the mainstream political parties, met in Peshawar and urged the government and security forces to ensure protection of life and property of the people of the valley and make the military operation target-focused.
They noted that killings of civilians during military operations and by militants had terrified the people, but the government was doing nothing to check the soaring militancy and the dwellers of Swat were suffering. The same situation, they said, existed in tribal areas.
Besides that, reports on the BBC regularly reveal how civilians keep dying by mortars fired by both sides, especially the army, and in many instances several members, including children, of the same family get slain.
Although this is morally wrong, it would only swell the ranks of those seeking revenge for the killing of their loved ones.
Now, I would like to refer to British journalist Gwynne Dyer, whose columns keep appearing in Dawn. I have noticed that his data are invariably true and his predictions uncannily correct. Thus, in his column, ‘Unwinnable Afghanistan’ (Oct 9), he had made some important observations, some of which are cited here.
He said that the reason neither side can win in Afghanistan is that they are too evenly balanced and each can hold its own territory indefinitely. The US allied itself with the main northern ethnic groups, Tajik, Uzbek and Hazara, who account for about 60 per cent of the population. But, the Taliban were and still are the major political vehicle for the Pashtuns, who are about 40 per cent of the population.
The Pashtuns were traditionally the dominant ethnic group in Afghanistan but were driven out in 2001 by the other ethnic groups and their western allies. That is why they are in revolt. The bottomline is, the foreigners are fighting Pashtun nationalism, that is why they cannot win. This nationalism is equally present this side of the border.
Mr Dyer observed that the senior British commander in Afghanistan, Brig. Mark Carleton-Smith, has said that the West is not going to win this war. He also suggested that a negotiated peace deal must give the Pashtuns a fair share of the power, which means giving Taliban a share of power.
The writer has also quoted a leaked memo of a fresh envoy in Kabul as citing the British ambassador’s conclusion that the Afghan strategy was “doomed to failure.”
Sir Sherard also stated that “the security situation is getting worse, so is the corruption, and the government has lost all trust.” Interestingly, the matter was hushed up at the time but the recent war of words between Nato and Karzai (Jan 19) about corruption governance, etc., shows Mr Dyer was correct in his assertions.
Another crucial observation of the columnist is that it is unlikely this arrangement would make Afghanistan re-emerge as a base for international terrorism, because it would not be to the advantage of any Afghan government, even more having Taliban elements, to attract international opprobrium.
What does all this mean for Islamabad? First, it must heed what the Swat jirga and other victims of violence are saying. Second, military operations won’t bring peace. The day after the inforamtion minister sternly said that the militants won’t be allowed to destroy schools, five more, i.e. greater than the average daily number, were blown up by the defiant Taliban.
The government’s resolve to rebuild the schools will only lead to further losses because they, too, will get targeted.
Third, Islamabad must not act like Musharraf, who didn’t allow any transparency in the affairs of Fata by not permitting human rights organisations and the media to investigate the events. This was, and is being done to prevent any public outcry so that Washington’s defective agenda remains supreme. However, such a negative approach will undermine the rulers and may even hurt Pakistan.
IBNE INAYAT
Karachi
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