The essence of Islam

I AGREE with H.N. Akhtar’s letter ‘Sermons without essence’ (Oct 25).

As a fifth-generation immigrant whose ancestors left the subcontinent when the British ruled (but still with strong family ties to Pakistan), one aspect of Pakistani society that is becoming increasingly apparent to me only now as a result of recent events is the extent to which it had become polarized. On the one hand, there are those who ‘worship’ the western way of life and one could be forgiven for thinking that they would love nothing more than to obtain a ‘green card’ and migrate to the USA.

In their quest to westernize and/or to achieve ‘upper class’ status, not only have they adopted western thinking without question, they have even adopted western derogatory terminology to refer to any Muslim who appears devout as ‘fundamentalist’, ‘militant’, ‘jihadi’ and even ‘terrorist’. The sad part is that most of them are less knowledgeable about Islam and Islamic history than many non-Muslims in the west.

How many of these ‘secular, liberal, progressive gentlemen’ (as Mr Akhtar puts it) even know the foundations and history of secularism? For anyone needing a dose of what Islam and Muslims have contributed to world civilization (philosophy, science, technology) I highly recommend obtaining the documentary Islam: Empire of Faith which was recently shown on the PBS network here in the USA and which I have been told is available on video.

On the other hand, we also have well-meaning Muslims who unfortunately have very little knowledge of Islam. How many know anything about Islamic jurisprudence? Or the Islamic system of economics? How many know anything about the concept of ‘Ijtehad’? What these two groups have in common is ignorance. Just as is the case in the west, it is currently fashionable for the ‘intelligentsia’ in Pakistan to denounce Islamists as terrorists. Inevitably, ‘modernists’ will use western buzzwords like secularism. Inevitably also, ‘religious’ groups will promote the cause of an Islamic state. Unfortunately, neither side has got much of a clue about what constitutes an Islamic state.

Anyone who is willing to investigate the issue of an Islamic state seriously will find that it is a system of government as sophisticated as the system of government that the west has been ‘exporting’ to other countries. And I challenge the current notion that only secularism can provide the answer to the universal question of what shape a just system of government should take. Forget teaching non-Muslims about Islam, it is high time for the Islamic ‘intelligentsia’ to step forward and educate Muslims about Islam. Who knows, maybe, just maybe, we might end up with a strong and prosperous Pakistan that doesn’t have to sacrifice its principles the moment the ‘going gets tough’ as it appears to have done now.

M. ARSHAD KHAN

Canton, USA

Myth and reality

FREEDOM of speech, freedom from prejudice, no racial discrimination, justice for all and the list goes on and on. This was true for the country of great expectations and numerous dreams — the United States of America.

However, what happened on Sept 11 changed the perspective completely. The principles that the United States of America held so dear were totally shattered.

The generation of my father and his father always used to say that amongst the western countries, the Americas, as was said for the USA, is the best: for it advocates no racial or religious prejudice.

The USA never interfered with the beliefs of any person. Never were the Muslims ordered to leave their job or school for wearing hijab or for sporting a beard.

They had a feeling that as long as they performed their work well they could even become heads of their department or company. Why did they have these wrong notions? Simply because this is what the United States of America professed. These were the principles on which this country of numerous dreams was established. But what has really happened after 30 years of their stay and hard work? They have to stop openly practising their faith for fear of their lives. Is it not tragic?

The USA had also been a haven for people who desired justice. The government guaranteed a flawless legal system. A person until proven guilty is innocent; this was quoted not just in their law books but was followed in their courtrooms too.

I must stop to take a huge breath and then say my next line in sorrow. If all this was continuously practised, then why is Osama bin Laden being convicted for the Sept 11 disaster without proper investigation? Why are Muslims all over the USA being targeted by fanatics for no fault of their own? Do not take me wrong, I am no great fan of Osama bin Laden or his Al Qaeda network. For I am a simple Muslim, but where have all the principles of justice vanished?

Is it not then true that in the real world it is always easier to fight for your principles then to live up to them? Does this not simply indicate that principles are simply important until they work in your favour? The day they go against your interests and values, they should be abandoned as fast as hot coal.

SAHAR AFRIDI

Karachi

‘Unstinted support’ and our interest

THIS refers to a news item published in various newspapers regarding the US demand for the use of the Mianwali airport.

Those at the helm of affairs in the PAF and the Army must be aware of the strategic importance of the Mianwali air base, which is hardly three to four minutes of flying time away from one of our most important air bases, the one at Sargodha.

Though the government has not yet given such a permission, there are visible chances that they might do so in the near future. If it happens, it would be a disastrous decision. And the demands might not stop there. The next could be for Peshawar or Masroor airbases, which are the backbone of our air force.

There is no such thing as ‘unstinted support’ in international affairs. One has to take into account one’s national and strategic interests. It is now high time for the Musharraf government to draw a line, and see the US demands on a one-to-one basis.

Giving away our operational bases to the US would surely harm our national interests, as it would affect the preparedness of our air force. This must be of great concern to every Pakistani, especially when there is news of massive troops deployment by India at our borders.

WAQUAR ANJUM KHAN

Karachi

China’s entry into WTO and Pakistan

AS China becomes a member of the World Trade Organization, competition will surge in the global trade and industry and foreign capital would be flying fast to China. As a result of this, countries like Pakistan which are trying to attract foreign investment, would lose much of it to China.

China has three advantages: (i) cheap and abundant educated workers, (ii) cheap land and (iii) solid infrastructure.

Classifying ‘solid infrastructure’ as a pipedream for the short-run and assuming our real estate prices won’t compete with New York City’s anytime soon, Pakistan’s best bet would be to focus on producing educated young men and women.

Pakistan’s biggest asset right now is its huge and fast-growing population: young and ambitious people who are willing to work harder and at lower wages. If they are equipped with proper education, Pakistan can have a bright future.

AHSEN ABRO

Boston, USA

Lawlessness of refugees

PAKISTAN Railways have stopped the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) through Chaman customs checkpost following a violent demonstration by Afghan refugees on Oct 8, which damaged Kuchlak Railway Station and also the 128-km railway track between Quetta and Chaman. Is there no law in this country to check such criminal activities or no machinery to enforce that law?

Why has the government not taken any action against these people and sent them to jail preceding deportation? Should they not be made to pay for the damage caused to the country’s lines of communication?

Why did the Railway release the goods to the Quetta traders? And was any duty paid by these traders? I am sure all these ATT goods, smuggled out to other parts of Pakistan, are just ruining an already vulnerable economy. Can the CBR give some answers to the people of Pakistan?

The government must have seen the destruction of private and government property every time that there is a strike call given by the religious parties. Why has the government not issued an ordinance that all the losses in such cases will have to be made good by those giving a call for strike?

I am sure that if such a law is framed, the overwhelming majority of Pakistanis would welcome and support it.

A. REHMAN

Hyderabad

Our unknown heroes

ACCORDING to a news item (Oct 26), a female sweeper spotted a suspicious object and informed a passerby, Iqbal, who alerted Artillery Maidan Police Station. Because of the quick action undertaken by ASI Muzaffar, the bomb was defused and, thankfully, many lives were saved.

It is good that this incident was reported. However, would it not have been fair to name one of the benefactors of the citizens of this city, the ‘female sweeper’? That would have not only made her happy but would also have served as an inducement for others to act in that responsible manner.

This incident clearly shows that as a nation we have failed to recognise our heroes, people like the ‘female sweeper’, the ‘passerby’ and the ASI. Their acts might be small but put together they make our lives better and safer.

ALTAF NOOR ALI

Karachi

Delayed accountability

EVERYDAY we read in the newspapers of corruption cases against Asif Zardari and Benazir Bhutto getting adjourned to a future date.

It is worth noting that the helicopter case against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was heard daily. The hearing was completed within days and Nawaz Sharif was convicted. But the corruption cases against Benazir Bhutto and her husband have been going on for the last two years and there is no sign that they would be concluded in the near future.

Pakistanis living at home and abroad have the right to know if there is any deal going on between the military government and the former first couple and on whose behest the cases are being adjourned every now and then.

JAMALUDDIN HASAN

Toronto, Canada

Countering propaganda

ALMOST the entire global media, mostly owned and run by Jews, is carrying out vicious propaganda against Pakistan. The Indian media, too, is abetting them. The general impression created by them is that Pakistan is the creator of the Talibans. It should, therefore, be held responsible for what is happening in Afghanistan and penalized.

Instead of countering this propaganda, our TV channels are engaged mostly in showing entertainment or sports programmes. Watching these channels makes one feel as if nothing is happening in the world against Pakistan. Our ministry of information is behaving like an ostrich. What is most urgently required is a 24-hour programme in English, repeat in English, to counter this anti-Pakistan propaganda.

Incidentally, the cat is out of the bag. It will be Pakistan and Kashmir, after Afghanistan. This was the assurance Colin Powell secretly gave to India on his last visit. The jubilant Indians could not keep it a secret for long.

And what have we got so far for our cooperation in the ‘war against terrorism’? All our debts are here to pay. Our exported goods are being subjected to special examination on the pretext of possible anthrax-carrying bacteria. And Pakistani expats in the US are being treated as virtual enemies.

Are these indications of friendliness?

I.A. SYED

Karachi

Trade in counterfeit goods

REPORTEDLY, trade in counterfeit goods in Pakistan is quite widespread and innocent consumers are being deceived and looted by a well-organized and well-entrenched mafia in the consumer market. This mafia has no scruples and no morality. These people perpetrate this social crime with impunity and no checks have succeeded in controlling this reprehensible trend.

Economic considerations apart, counterfeit traders mint money at the cost of the common man who feels helpless. Nearly all items of daily use are suspected to be adulterated or counterfeit but the consumers have no choice but to live with them.

They may be medicines, milk or cigarettes, the consumer is not sure as to the genuineness of what he buys. Market reports suggest that counterfeit cigarettes are sold without any checks, especially in small towns. This is causing financial loss to the government as well to the manufacturers of cigarettes. This heinous practice is nothing but a social crime.

The criminals in this trade are well-organized and despite some government efforts, they always get away with their crime. Legal measures apart, no social sanctions have an impact on the sale of spurious cigarettes.

The irresponsible and unethical practice of selling goods is so much embedded in society that now it is being regarded as a way of life. It has eroded the confidence of consumers and they have perhaps developed a psyche bordering on despondency.

Is there any remedy to this social crime?.

PROF IQBAL HUSSAIN

Rawalpindi

Internet voice communication

I HAVE been informed by my ISP that Pakistan Telecommunications Authority has instructed all ISPs to block voice communication gateways/sites and other Internet Telephone Services.

Would the authority