It is with reference to the article Poetic Justice (15 June 2003), I request the government to take serious actions against smoking for not only the young people but also the adult ones. And the government ought to take concrete steps to stop the tobacco companies for making cigarettes, which are very harmful and are destroying our new generation.
SADAF ASLAM
Karachi
Use it, or lose it
This is in response to article Use it, or lose it by Dr Ayesha Siddiqa. No doubt in modern warfare, the importance of air-force and navy is crystal clear. No war can be won without their effective participation. In the current Indo-Pak situation, the equation is heavily in the favour of India. It enjoys superiority in both air and naval force, in terms of quantity, technology and geographical location.
However, there is some light in tunnel, as Pakistan is busy in the development of a fighter known as Super-7 with Chinese collaboration. This is a lightweight multipurpose aircraft with advance technology. Some of expected specifications are
Max Speed: Mach 1.6
Max Weapon Load: 3600 kg
Operational Radius: 1350 km
Service Ceiling: 16,500 m
Equipped with a digital dual fly-by-wire (FBW).
With Russian technical assistance the FC-1 has better climb out performance and steering capabilities along with a stronger fuselage. The aerial manoeuvrability is claimed to match that of the F-16. Estimated unit cost is $10 to $15 million dollar. According to the latest report the prototype of FC-1 is ready for flight.
As for the navy, it is in negotiations with China for the purchase of two ships with the added facility of transfer of technology. Though details are not available, it is expected that these vessels will be equipped with advance ASM and air defence system. So, one hopes that with the induction of these planes and ships, Pakistan will have a enhanced defence capability.
Muhammad Moosa Bahawalpur
This is with reference to the article Use it, or lose it (8th June). The writer is right in saying that nuclear weapons are usually believed to be weapons of last resort, but may well be used by Pakistan, if war breaks out between Pakistan and India, much earlier, due to Pakistan’s incapacity of fighting a conventional war.
On the other hand, it is said that the survival and credible quality of India’s nuclear deterrence is that by making it large enough in order to survive the enemy’s first strike. The minimum deterrent is expected to provide for punitive retaliation of a kind which would be unacceptable to the attacker. This is a very horrible situation for the peace loving people of both countries.
This situation needs special attention of the world’s peace-keeping forces. It is a fact that Kashmir is a bone of contention between Pakistan and India. If this issue is resolved peacefully, it is hoped that there will be no issue to be fought. However, it is a must for Pakistan to keep nuclear deterrence unless Kashmir issue is resolved.
MOINUDDIN
Hyderabad
Don’t blame others
This is with reference to the article Don’t blame others (June 8th, 2003).
Pakistan has been blessed with snow clad mountains, streams and lakes of crystalline pure water, four beautiful weathers, fertile soil, precious minerals, valuable gems and so on. But why are we so behind in the colony of nations?
It is the question that arises in the mind of every Pakistani. In my humble opinion it is due to the dishonest attitude of all of us towards our assigned duties. But the most lamentable part is that we blame other fellow countrymen for our collective failures and follies.
As students, we are not doing justice to our studies and are passing the examinations through unfair means. As teachers, we are not sharing our intellect and knowledge with our students sincerely and if we take a ‘sensitive seat’ bribe acts as a fuel for us to run the machinery.
The bitter reality is that the evil has spread its roots into our land firmly and only our collective, selfless, honest and sincere effort can bring a change.
