Is Pakistan ready to ride out WTO challenge?

Three days from now Pakistan will be one of the 146 nations to meet for the WTO’s fifth ministerial meeting at Cancun, Mexico. Governments of developed states depict WTO as a multilateral trading system that will help flow of trade in a smooth, free, fair and predictable manner. Poor nations see otherwise. For them WTO rules are intrinsically unfair. The current round of talks carry great significance, for its outcome will impact the fashion in which business is carried on in member countries. Have we drawn up strategies to make our presence felt at the talks? Beyond that everyone is wondering about life after WTO. There is a nagging question:

In this feature, reporters and writers of Dawn’s business desk have made an effort to identify major issues relating to the agreements that we need to care about.

KARACHI: The World Trade Organization (WTO) as a subject of study is, incontrovertibly, a massive issue. The WTO rules  agreements  run up to 30,000 pages, which is why within the limited space of these two pages, it was possible just to show the tip of the iceberg. The overriding purpose of these pages is to shake the concerned people out of their reverie and to spark a dialogue on how, when and why of the WTO regime. In fewer than 15 months  from January 2005  the WTO regime could change entirely the way trade  whether in goods or in services  is carried out.

And yet there is little awareness and hardly any appreciable effort has been made on the part of the government to enlighten the people most likely to be affected. But does the government itself have the expertise and manpower to address the WTO issues?

The commerce minister is leading a large delegation to Cancun to attend the 5th ministerial conference scheduled to be held in the middle of the next week. Most people here and in other developing nations view the WTO as “a rich man’s club”. Around 146 countries are to participate in the intensive talks and since three-fourths of the WTO members constitute developing and least developed countries, the arguments on whether the rules are fair or foul are going to be intense.

Is Pakistan prepared to ride out the challenges posed by the WTO regime? On which side of the divide will the country stand on various issues at the crucial talks at Cancun? During the last two months, the commerce minister has left no stone unturned to let everyone know that he has his grip on the fundamental matters to be brought up at the upcoming trade negotiations. He has maintained that he sees the WTO more as an opportunity than a challenge for the country’s economy. In his view Pakistan is well positioned, as compared to most other nations of the region, with tariff regime already liberalized. The minister believes the country stands to gain a great deal with focused efforts in post 2005 scenario. Enthusiasm, however, begins and ends in the close circle of free market zealots. People at large, though not so well versed in complexities of the WTO regime, are all but, skeptical.

Skepticism, however, can hardly do much to halt the onward march of market forces. Trade and investment treaties to be concluded at Cancun will further lock in a global regime of liberalization, privatization and deregulation. It will supplement and strengthen mighty transnational corporations to the peril of local manufacturers. At the same time it will further erode the ability of national governments to provide public services for their citizens, control or protect their natural resources, and set health, safety and environmental standards that displease big business interests.

The government feels that protective environment has made the industry support addictive depriving it of the drive to improve both quantitatively and qualitatively. Opening up of the market, it feels, will push the local industry towards efficiency both in terms of quality and prices through innovations and better management practices. Even if one accepts the government’s argument that trade challenge will shake up and prompt local industry to become efficient and more responsive to market, to the benefit of all, there is still the looming question: Who is going to correct the distortions in the economy that suffers already from lopsidedness of growth? Disparity and inequality if allowed to persist have a limiting effect ultimately even on quantum of growth, besides brewing social unrest. Resulting political outburst do not serve even trade and commerce well let alone industrial and agricultural development.

So the government here like in other developing countries must resist clauses in negotiations that lead to clipping of their power to carry out the required corrections in the economy. It cannot absolve itself of social responsibility of ensuring that economic gains are spread as evenly and vastly as possible amongst all classes of society. Pakistan despite growing at an estimated rate of 5.1 per cent has failed to register improvement in the social sector indicators. The social sector situation has actually been deteriorating as the country slipped six places from 138 to 144 in UNDP Human Development Index.

There are suggestions to better capitulate Pakistan’s position over issues under discussion at the Cancun meeting. But what compulsion does the government have to do the same? In the absence of public awareness over the issue there is every possibility that the government gives in to pressures in the ministerial meeting. Whatever safeguards have so far been secured by developing countries are primarily because of anti-globalization campaigners who have turned out to be most vocal defenders of the rights of the Third World masses.

If it were not for these people who are acting as world conscience the issue of import of generic medicines would not have become a rallying point for the developing countries. If it were not for those anti-war massive rallies in developed countries, the US would not have been as isolated as it is in the current situation.

In Doha two tears back when developing countries sought to preserve their right to import generic medicine the US opposed it tooth and nail as it feared consequences for its pharmaceutical industry. On August 28 in a pre-ministerial meeting of WTO it changed its stand and surrendered in favour of poor countries demand who were allowed import of generic medicines if they so need.

Some people are hoping that conflict between the US and the European Union could lead to suspension of the trade negotiations indefinitely. There is very little chance that this would be allowed to happen. What if most previously negotiated deadlines are not adhered to? Stakes are too high for the world economic order to let the WTO flop at this point in time.

Trade tangles and disagreements are reasons not good enough to end the forum that was created with a purpose. More so when most nations are committed to global regime of liberalization, privatization and deregulation voluntarily or under international financial institutions’ pressure.

Besides, big business and the US cannot possibly afford more set backs after Enron and Iraq. They are showing signs of extra flexibility already to gain at the WTO what they lost in courts and the UN — moral authority. Agreement over medicines is a case in point.

In politics of economic interest logic alone is not enough. Critics of multilateral trading system assert that institutions like the World Bank and the IMF and the WTO were created to help strengthen a global corporate power structure that is unaccountable, irresponsible and self-serving.

They might have a point, but in absence of public awareness the government is under no compulsion to put in its best efforts to safeguard the interests of people in farms and factories and offices.

Political parties through parliament can bring in focus issues from peoples’ perspective. For that, however, first they will have to do their homework to understand the complex and technical clauses of all agreements at different stages of discussion or implementation.

Let there be light at Quaid’s mausoleum!

It was shocking somewhat to see that the beautiful inspiring Quaid-i-Azam’s Mausoleum was in the dark, and presumably the lights had been switched off. Why? This was on the evening of the Sept 2 (Tuesday this week) and there had been more killing in Karachi earlier on that day. Eight people had been shot dead. Was there any link between this darkness and that killing, or was it just symbolic? Is one reading too much into it? But violence and bloody violence is another city theme.

With another death anniversary of the Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah due next week on the 11th, thoughts go out to theme of the sterling role that he played in the leadership of Muslims, for the creation of a homeland for them. And the point that his Mausoleum, located in the city of his birth as well, can at times be without any light is amazing. We call this place very affectionately, and with pride, as the Quaid’s city, and we are often reminded by various speakers and platforms that we should keep the city clean. It shows how little we strive for. This is Quaid’s city, and we should desire and target to make the city beautiful, even if we do not have the natural beauty and the greenery of Islamabad.

I have mentioned Islamabad not because of the billboard in the Federal Capital which proclaims so well “Islamabad the Beautiful” — but because on Tuesday one had the occasion to hope to show the Quaid’s Mausoleum to an Islamabad visitor.... to show the Mausoleum glowing with all the flood-lights on, that would enhance the visual impact of the landmark that the white marble structure is.

Keep in mind that the Mazar of the Quaid is so centrally located, and visible in a lovely way from many vantage points in the Sindh Capital serving as a meaningful reminder of the messages of Father of the Nation, and making citizens and visitors to Karachi talk about how we have failed to live up to his ideals and the vision.

This Islamabad visitor appeared a shade surprised at the fact that the Mausoleum was in the dark, and I did not know how to explain the darkness to her. There was that September night spread out in all its entirety on the lovely gardens, but with all the lights off nothing could be seen. Somewhat futile that visit in a way?

Let it be stated that the darkness around the Mausoleum area had not put off the visitors, nor had the violence in the city, earlier on. There were citizens (tired and resting therefore) and even families on the spacious roads around the Mausoleum. In cars and on the pavements. That darkness gave to the place/environment unnecessary and obvious insecurity, in a city where sudden daring crime at public places is pretty common. Among the fundamentals of security is required a well-lit place. Now keep in mind that the Quaid’s Mausoleum is a popular place, day or night. It is both a tourist attraction, and a grateful nation’s tribute to the Father of the Nation. The entire area around the place has been landscaped, and it has been given a wonderful elegant appearance, with the gardens and the fountains highlighting the impact on the visitor. What a fine idea would it be if the place was to be kept illuminated all night. Even if there were no people sitting around the place, on those roads, late at night, it would be a good concept to have the marble-white mausoleum illuminated through the night.

Perhaps there are some illumination timings at the moment, and presumably there is a cost constraint that makes the relevant authorities switch off the lights. The cost factor could easily be managed with the KESC gifting the illumination to the citizens of Karachi by keeping the Mausoleum under floodlights all the time. Perhaps under the city’s new uplift and development schemes some organization could be entrusted (read motivated) this project. Perhaps the City government could take up the job, if it has the money. Otherwise, being a commercial city it wouldn’t be a tall order to find a suitable, grateful sponsor. Any commercial organization, sponsoring this electricity bill, etc. for the Mausoleum at night, would reap rich dividends.

Perhaps it is not the cost aspect that is lacking. It is arguably a matter of perception, awareness and the realisation that a beautiful monument like this Mausoleum has a symbolic value also. Its presence is a symbolic reminder of the Quaid’s thoughts, ideals, principles (which we appear to have forgotten) and which the new generation doesn’t know in the way it should. Places like the Mausoleum could motivate some soul-searching, as to why we have failed and how to have turned this society and this nation, into a people that Quaid could have been proud of, said some citizens.

As one writes, a passing thought that crosses the mind relates to the Clifton beach which is to remain closed for another two months, whose dreadful consequences have now begun to unfold.

Could the Quaid have ever imagined that one day this place would be unsafe for people? A veteran Karachiite remarked “strange no one has been held responsible so far”.

But returning to the subject of the Mausoleum, which remains such a popular place and a matter of pride and prestige for all. There is not the slightest doubt that it has undergone a sea change in the last couple of years, and the swiftness with which it was completed, is indeed a matter of elation. Its location is central, convenient, and the drastically improved environs of the Mausoleum attract more people to it. VIPs and the common man alike come here, on special days like the Quaid’s birthday, his death anniversary, the country’s independence day, and Pakistan Day we witness large crowds, including special delegations where people offer prayers, and lay floral wreaths. The significance of this entire area is too well known to be repeated here.

What, however, appears somewhat worrying is not just the inability to keep the place illuminated, all night but also what a colleague said about the difficulty that he had in getting hold of a copy of Quaid’s quotations and speeches. They were out of stock and nothing was available. Surprising and so disappointing, this too. Bear in mind, we often hear the lament that the younger generations of Pakistan don’t know about the Quaid. A national publisher when asked about a book of Quaid’s quotes being unavailable, acknowledged that they had not done something like that for years, now, as they don’t sell them quickly enough.

Keeping the floodlights on, the Mausoleum will serve as a reminder to all of us what needs to be done for him, and for ourselves.

A grand function

IT was a grand function by any standard. Arranged jointly by the chief executive of the Alfalah Mini-Golf Club, Shah Sharabeel and the management of the monthly Takhleeq in a prestigious hotel of the city, it was to project the third poetic collection of Dr Kanwal Feroz, who is also the chief editor of the monthly Shadaab. His previous collections, Shehr-i-Saleeb-o-Gul and Shakh-i-Shab-i-Wisal, have already been appreciated and the present, Sham-i-Farat-i-Dil, was also accorded a resounding reception that evening by a galaxy of writers and poets. Presiding over the function was the famous short story writer and novelist, Intizar Husain, while Dr Khwaja Zakariya, former principal of the University Oriental College, was the chief guest.

Kanwal Feroz has had to work hard to reach the top rung of the literary ladder. He has suffered financially, he has passed through agonizing days, he has served in minor capacities; he has indulged in trade union activities; he has shown concern for the rights of the workers; he has remained attached to the progressive writers’ movement but has eventually managed to prove his worth and come to be regarded as an equal by the literati of the city.

Today, there is hardly anyone in the literary circles of Lahore who does not know Kanwal Feroz. Present at almost every literary function anywhere in the city, his winning ways have endeared him to everyone. An example of his popularity is that living in a predominantly Muslim populated area of the city, his neighbours elected this Christian as their representative. Munir Niazi rightly observes that the Bible seems to have had a profound effect on his character; he is loaded with virtues of sympathy, love, humanism, justice and sacrifice. These qualities are clearly reflected in his poetry.

I have also heard people say that although Kanwal lives in Lahore, he is totally different from the poets of the city; he seems to be living in a city of his own, composing poetry by drawing inspiration from the religious beliefs of the followers of Jesus Christ and the Prophet (Peace be upon him). He makes metaphoric and figurative use of such words as the Holy Cross and Karbala and manages to bring out their impact most forcefully. Says he:

Yazidiyat ko kabhi maat dey nahin saktey

Isi liye nahin andesha-i-zawal mujhey

Going through the poetry of Kanwal Feroz one can safely say that he is a poet of love.

Dr Enwar Sajjad was there that evening to pay a tribute to Kanwal Feroz and so was Dr Akhtar Shumar and Syed Zamin Ali Haideri. I was also surprised to see the intellectual, Ghalib Ahmad, at the function as he normally prefers keeping to himself. He made an extremely pertinent remark that day. He said Kanwal was not a poet of the minority but of the majority. Humanist to the core, he follows the line chalked out by Faiz and Habib Jalib. Dr Enwar Sajjad pointed out that the gathering at the function was a clear indication of the popularity of Kanwal Feroz. Another such indication was that Nasir Zaidi had come all the way from Islamabad only to give a pat to a ‘sincere friend’ and so had Syed Mahmud Ali Zaidi come from Multan. Sultana Munawwar and Iqbal Rai paid tribute to Kanwal Feroz in verse while many others, including the dancer, Panna, presented bouquets.

WRITING about Kanwal Feroz, I might, as well say a few words about Asnath Kanwal who claims to be a ‘shagird’ of his. Her maiden collection of verse, Panion Mein Phool, has been lying with me for quite some days, and I feel this is the proper occasion to deal with it.

Asnath is very young in years and, consequently, short of worldly experience. Her poetry, therefore, is a simple and straight forward expression of her feelings. I am particularly glad to see her acknowledge in the forward that she is still in the process of developing as a poet and hopes to mature in time to come and be accepted in literary circles as an equal.

Going through her book, I feel the young lady has a lot of talent. Her verses are open and frank, but they do require some chiselling. Although some of her nazms are worthwhile, yet I would advise her to concentrate on composing ghazals and stop dabbling in other genres of poetry. It is too early for her to start experimenting.

Asnath Kanwal has also to be careful about maintaining the rhythm of her verses. I was found jolts in some of them. And why use English words in Urdu poetry when an equivalent is available? Why say afford nahin kar sakti when bardasht nahin kar sakti can serve the purpose?— ASHFAQUE NAQVI