OVERCOMING THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS:
THE RULE OF LAW AS THE KEY TO ECONOMIC FREEDOM
8-10 October 2009
Seam Reap, Cambodia
Hosted by the Economic Freedom Network Asia
In collaboration with the Cambodia Institute of Development Study and the Citizen Action Net for Social Development with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty
The tenth international conference of the Economic Freedom Network Asia will convene in Seam Reap, Cambodia on 8-10 October 2009. It is shaping up as an event that should not be missed.
With the current global economic crisis as backdrop, this year’s conference focuses on the current trend of the market governance. The main theme of this year’s conference, Overcoming the Global Financial and Economic Crisis: The Rule of Law and the Key to Economic Freedom, is devoted to the topic of dealing with the global economic crisis. While crises are nothing new, this one is severe and it has exposed some serious flaws in our economic institutions. We need to understand them to see which reforms are needed. We also need to guard against those who use the crisis as a pretext for furthering their own agendas. We will try to explore how to bridge the gap between people’s clamour for action and protection against the effects of the crisis can be reconciled to sober economic analysis. Otherwise we risk wasting huge amounts of resources for little effect, resources that will go to the politically powerful rather than the needy poor. This is why we also focus on the need to understand who is most affected and what should be done to keep them in focus.
The conference is a platform for the exchange of useful information, practical techniques and networking tailored to the needs of think tanks, industry, academics and policymakers. Since 1998, it has become the EFN Asia conference’s custom to utilise various forms of comprehensive and interactive programmes. In addition to keynote presentations and panel discussions, this year’s conference will employ the Open Space Technology (OST). OST is a facilitation method which allows participants to identify specific issues, self-select into discussion groups and work on issues with individuals of similar interests.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Keynote speakers will address the conference topics. Information on registration and how to participate in panel discussions and exhibitions can be found on the EFN Asia website (at www.efnasia.org). Space is limited so we encourage early submission.
- Electricity crisis and our fundamental rights By Dr. Khalil Ahmad
- Return to ‘magistracy!’ By Nadeem Ul Haque
- Letters to FreePakistan
- HumorWise
- Issues of the Month:
- From the National Press
- Private Initiatives
Quotes of the Month:
A democratic government that respects no limits on its own power is a ticking time bomb, waiting to destroy the rights it was created to protect.
[James Bovard, Attention Deficit Democracy (2006)]
The greatest threat to the future of our nation — to our freedom — is not foreign military aggression ... but the growing dependence of the people on a paternalistic government. A nation is no stronger than its people and the best measure of their strength is how they accept responsibility. There will never be a great society unless the materialism of the welfare state is replaced by individual initiative and responsibility.
[Charles B. Shuman]
Free Pakistan, a monthly newsletter, exists for the promotion of limited government, rule of law, protection of property rights, market economy, individual freedom, and private initiative. Its vision is a free and prosperous Pakistan; for only such a Pakistan can contribute positively to the creation of a free and prosperous world.
The Newsletter is an affiliate of Alternate Solutions Institute, Lahore, Pakistan, http://asinstitute.org, the first free market think tank of Pakistan. Urdu website: http://Hum-Azad.org
The Alternate Solutions Institute is a registered, non-profit, non-political, non-governmental, educational and research organization. Its mission is to promote a limited responsible government in Pakistan under the rule of law protecting life, liberty, and property of all of its individual citizens without any discrimination.
For more information, comments and contributions, contact the institute at info@asinstitute.org
Website: http://asinstitute.org
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ELECTRICITY CRISIS AND OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
By Dr. Khalil Ahmad
For the last 62 years we the ordinary people of this country have been, and are still being, COERCED in the worst possible and worst imaginable manner by the elite and ruling classes of Pakistan. Take just one example that faces us at the moment: how we the common people are living day and night without electricity under 45 degree centigrade summer heat!
No doubt words are deficient in describing the helplessness which has become the fate of millions of us the wretched of this land. One cannot sleep, and take rest. One cannot read, write and work. Or attend to his affairs and jobs. One cannot see to his daily chores, household tasks, and other routine matters. It must be noted here that it is not just electricity that goes out of the social existence; it takes water supply too along with it. Both are organically and inseparably linked we know. Thus, one is forced not to do anything but wait in vain for the electricity supply make a come back to disappear again in the next one and half hours or so. That means we have been deprived of a life of our choice!
As the electricity black-outs are not prone to any pre-determined schedule, let alone an announced one or the one we learned as the electricity hide and seek game was played on us say in the last weeks, we have been forced to live in a Guantanamo Bay of uncertainty with fear like a sword looming both over our heads and minds when comes the next moment of no-electricity. But certainly it is out of place to use the metaphor of Guantanamo Bay here, since who were kept there presumably had a firm commitment, no matter how un-ethical and wrong it was, that gave them strength to bear the torture. Have we the hapless of this elitist state any rationale or justification or reason that will give us strength to bear the torture that the more than frequent disappearances of electricity bring upon us? Rather have been bringing upon us for the last many months?
Also, it is quite relevant here to highlight the fact how this “ELECTRICITY PERSECUTION” has affected and is affecting our life in myriad of ways such as economically, socially, morally, psychologically to name only a few larger domains of our existence. Economic effects are a matter of daily reports in the newspapers, websites, TV news reports and talk shows. How economic failures are causing social unrest and how social life of the people is being disfigured by the recurring unavailability of electricity is not a matter of conjecture. It is happening before our eyes.
Usually when all the positive norms that keep a society intact and smoothly sailing lose their raison d’etre, it allows personal norms exclusively rule the moral world. Two points may explain the proposition. One, when the privileged parasite elites make hay by turning their clout into a norm such as General Musharraf got electricity at concessional tariff and there are other umpteen such cases, it imparts learning to us the un-privileged crowd how to live in a world without rules. Even if we the crowd do not resort to unruly economic, social, moral, psychological behavior though sometimes we do, we feel depressed to the core of our deepest selves and what is more dangerous is that our trust in the system, nation and country evaporates in the air.
Two, what is the essence of our world and what is the greatest moral learning in our world of ‘give and take,’ mutual trust, and as Economics is defined as the study of how best we fulfill each others’ needs, in that sense that learning may be worded thus: we should not steal but pay for whatever we take from others. In other words, when voluntary exchange of goods and services take place both or all the parties involved should benefit. This entails that when we have got money and need to buy something to make our lives easier and happier, there should not come anything in between that stops us from fulfilling that need of ours.
However, under the present circumstances, what prevails in Pakistan is far from being so. We shall come back to this point after a while and then stay a bit on that. Before that, psychological effects of electricity-lessness must be given due weight. How all the economic, social and moral effects combined in one including the abnormal acts of the privileged parasite classes (such as the provision of cheaper electricity to General Musharraf, and in these times of acute electricity shortages uninterrupted electricity supply to all those who are in and around the parasite ruling elites) act on the psyche of us is though a subject for specialized researchers, but is not beyond ordinary comprehension that it has aggravated the already persisting sense of deprivation in addition to the solidifying sense of injustice and helplessness.
What is more immoral, anti-social, anti-human than the fact that we the people are ready to purchase electricity at any rates, but there is no one who could sell electricity to us but the government which has no electricity to sell and which has but little electricity to sell and that too at monopoly rates. All this is trying us the lowly citizens of this elitist country to transform into neurotic and psychotic beings.
It is just unimaginable at least in this world of ours that a commodity is increasingly in demand but is not available in Pakistan. It is diametrically against the spirit of both market and entrepreneurship. Certainly, because the electricity generation and distribution sector has throughout been completely in the hands of government and more or less is still monopolized by it. Isn’t it enough to show how this sector presents the most dismal picture of a perfectly distorted market? Also, how this monopolization has destroyed the spirit of entrepreneurship in this sector is evident from the KESC’s privatization. It is despite the incontrovertible fact that monopolies remain monopolies even if they change hands that run them.
No doubt, the immediate solution to this crisis is to free the electricity generation and distribution market from the government clutches, and at the same time to open it for all investment be it domestic or foreign, small or large. This should make allowance for the government’s role only to the extent of enforcing contracts, which it never did in its own case where WAPDA, PEPCO, and DISCOs and their pseudo-regulator NEPRA always acted and act unilaterally. In their contracts, second party has no rights.
But this is not the mainstay of this article. The argument that this article wants to make is that how by killing the electricity generation and distribution market the government or the parasite ruling classes have played havoc with the life of its citizens and thus with their fundamental rights also. In other words, how by monopolizing the electricity generation and distribution sector, and thus by forcing the market players out from this sector, how the government and parasite ruling classes completely annihilated the freedom of choice of the people to live a life of their liking, i.e. purchasing and using commodities as they wished and needed and here in this case it means purchasing the electricity.
Have a cursory look at the constitution. What has been stated in the Article 4 and in its Part II ‘Fundamental Rights and Principles of Policy,’ especially Article 8 (Laws inconsistent with or in derogation of Fundamental Rights to be void), 14 (Inviolability of dignity of man, etc.), 15 (Freedom of movement, etc.), 16 (Freedom of assembly.), 18 (Freedom of trade, business or profession.), 19 (Freedom of speech, etc.), and 25 (Equality of citizens.) has never been given due attention by any state institution, but now it is expected that the new Supreme Court will be paying proper heed to it. All these articles of the 1973 constitution if read and interpreted in unison amount to crystallizing the most prized human freedom, freedom of choice! Also, if not directly, they by implication mean the same thing.
Hence, it is a matter of little argumentation how the successive governments of the parasite classes of Pakistan by strangulating the electricity generation and distribution market have affected the life of us the people, not only the quality of life but our very right to live with dignity and choice. Although there are other so many sectors where we have no freedom of choice, but it is especially in this sector that government’s monopolization has resulted in making our life utterly miserable and that to the worst level so much so that we are under the constant threat of becoming psychic patients.
Now when the sporadic electricity 'riots’ are waging almost in all parts of the country, isn’t it high time to raise the question whether all that mess of electricity-lessness which came to be created by the government’s monopolistic policies is not tantamount to utter violation of fundamental rights of us the ordinary citizens of Pakistan! Who will take up this question? Who will answer this question? What is the proper forum to bring this question to the notice of?
Indeed, the way the parasite ruling classes of Pakistan have coerced us the forsaken people of this exclusively elitist country and buried us under the worst suffering day and night is unparalleled in the history of democratic world. Never the freedom of choice of us the ordinary people was so wiped-out, and our life made so desperate! Isn’t it time that all those who brought us the Pakistanis to this state of hapless and helpless life must be indicted and brought to book? They must be made to pay for their anti-people deeds.
And, isn’t it time that as an immediate way out of this inhuman predicament electricity generation and distribution sector be free and opened, and market players be allowed to meet the electricity needs of the citizens of this land under the rule of law? That needs a forum which will see to this diligently and restore the spirit of fundamental rights of the citizens in its truest sense and will enable them to exercise their freedom of choice! Let’s see who takes up this and how?!
By Nadeem Ul Haque
[The writer is a former vice-chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), and one of those few Pakistanis who strongly advocate market-based reform in Pakistan. This article first appeared in Daily Times on July 24, 2009.]
Historically, the prime function of the civil service has been “magistracy” — the administration of law. The primary role of the state as envisaged by many philosophers and as developed through history is to provide the framework to society for “individual personal and economic security”. This involves two separate processes — one for making fair and responsible laws (a parliamentary legislative process) and the other a system of fair administration of laws (a bureaucracy and judicial system).
The term “individual personal security” involves judicious and efficient police and emergency systems that administer the rule of law regardless of stature and hierarchy.
The term “economic security” is also very clear. It is the provision of secure property rights, secure system of contract enforcement and market facilitation. All this is to be provided with a minimal involvement of government.
The government must be like an umpire at a cricket game — to be seen and not felt, stopping the game only momentarily if required. The umpire does not get involved in the game nor is the umpire the star of the game.
We are all aware of how the bureaucracy has been politicised by the politicians and the dictates of repeated dictatorships. Each of the politically weak governments attempted to buy legitimacy through the delivery of economic growth. It is almost a bribe — repeated governments claim “I cannot give you freedom and liberty but I will give you some growth.” For this, “I will build dams, roads and railways!” And “I will educate everyone. Let me build more buildings!”
Interestingly, the interests of donors coincide with these governments as donors too are in hurry to write those reports claiming “literacy has improved in my tenure”, “in my 3 years here, I have done three projects on clean water”, and “I financed a project for building a dam worth 20 billion.” Donors are dumping money on development projects to achieve these ephemeral goals for better economic development.
Donor project are a godsend for the civil service. It gives them access to large funds that can easily be used for personal aggrandisement. Such funds come with nice cars (Land Cruisers), plush offices, nice allowances, liberal foreign travel and access to substantial consulting funds. Consulting funds can easily be used to benefit friends and family. Why would you want to do magistracy when the benefits are all in development?
We can all clearly see that magistracy in Pakistan has seriously declined. Governments even try to justify the decline in magistracy by arguing that development has priority. They worry that good magistracy may also develop the prerequisites for good democracy.
Civil servants are not tuned into magistracy. For obvious reasons they prefer development. That is where the money is!
Meanwhile, society is falling apart because of the lack of magistracy. No property rights exist; life and liberty are in serious jeopardy. Even your rights have to be obtained through powerbrokers. If you are not networked into the powerbrokers, even your life may not be safe. In such an environment, long term investment is very risky.
Unfortunately, historical experience is against this line of thinking. Growth without magistracy is ephemeral. Much evidence now exists to show that the rule of law, strong and fair magistracy, and solid institutional foundations are an important prerequisite for growth. Development projects and assistance have not led to the development of strong foundations of growth, often leading only to temporary improvements in welfare. In cases where the state has really lost control of magistracy and rule of law, civil war has sometimes ensued. Examples from Africa are well known.
For the development of country and society, we must develop serious magistracy. The first step is to recognise that long term development requires the development of the magisterial good — individual and economic freedom — by the government. Moreover, the foundations of society and state lie in the development of the magisterial good and magistracy. Consequently, rather than relegating the magisterial good to second place after development, there is a need to give it priority.
If we accept this line of argument, then the current rhetoric of “development first” has to be accepted as wrong.
If we accept this line of argument, the development and the magisterial functions of the civil service should be separated. There must be a bureaucracy that is totally dedicated to magisterial work and no donor project should interfere with it. True development is the development of the magisterial good first.
What about infrastructure development and social sector development? When we have the magisterial good developed, the public sector can get the private sector to get increasingly involved in developing these objectives.
Without the magisterial good, the line between development projects and organised corruption seems to be very thin indeed. [Courtesy Daily Times]
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
[M.Asif Rajpur, Mirpurkhas]
I am very thankful to you for sending newsletter. This is very EDUCATIONAL & Informative newsletter.
LIBERAL VALUE-
[Shehri, info@shehri.org]
For Market to function efficiently and be competitive it is necessary that Electric Power is provided at a competitive Rate and it should be reliable.
Karachi City the engine of industrial, Commercial, Financial center of Pakistan is plagued by the KESC and its erratic Power Supply.
We request our liberal friends to support us in this matter. Please pass on this information to other Liberals.
ADVIS(C)ES OF MR.AYYAZ AMIR TO THE CHATTERING
[Sajid Salim, Islamabad]
Mr. Ayyaz Amir is in the addiction of advising different classes of society in his weekly columns. On 10th and 17th of July his articles advised their lordships, most probably without reading Mr. Bhgwandas’s commission report on the oil trade going on in Pakistan. On the 17th he advised the chattering classes of Pakistan (to which he was part and parcel, till the time he became member of the parliament). Although he is sitting at the far end of the table in his own parliamentary party, grappling to climb up by indirectly supporting the government, has not uttered a single word against the heinous “Cyber Crime Act”, which seems to be more of a terrorist act rather than an act passed by the parliament. We felt disillusioned, reading his article of 17th July, in which not a single word was mentioned about this heinous act.
We yearn and hope to read his articles against these types of actions of the government, if in the negative, what should we think about him? It is these types of legislations and actions against the people that lead to derailment of democracy and not the chattering class, who are part of every society(playing no role in active politics) What do we expect next! the drawings rooms of chattering classes be bugged by an act of parliament, and given 14 years rigorous imprisonment for having used some fowl language in the privacy of their homes and SMS’s, against people in power, the parliamentarians and powerful collaborating journalists.
A HAPPY NATION
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
We are a happy nation -- happy at the return of electricity after hours of loadshedding; happy at coming back from shopping without being blown up by a suicide bomber; happy at returning from the mosque alive in one peace; happy at reaching home on time without having to wait for hours for some
TAX ON BABIES
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
A proposal has been presented before National Assembly for imposing tax on having many children by Minister for Population Welfare. For the last 62 years this was the only Productive thing this Nation of 170 Million souls has been doing without any Tax. Let’s not Tax the only Productive Industry we are left with. [Pakistan Observer]
[Hamood Mazhar, Faisalabad]
I applaud former information minister Mohammed Ali Durrani for taking up the needless issue of making another province. After all, this is exactly what the country needs. Well done, Mr Durrani! [The News]
THE BEGGAR ANIMALS
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
During a visit to the Lahore Zoo, I witnessed an interesting phenomena which somehow stems from the influence of our leaders on the Animals and their keepers. In most of the cages the animals have been trained to beg from the visitors and the amount so collected is being kept by the Zoo staff as “bakhshish”. Surely the “begging” instincts of our leaders have made it’s influence on the poor animals. [Pakistan Observer]
GREAT RATS TO FLY WITH
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
Dozens of big rats were found in PIA Boeing-777 flight no PK-792 when it started its journey from Birmingham to Islamabad. The PIA management desperately used mousetraps and fumigation to get rid of the rats without much success. A much better option to get rid of the rats would have been to simply have fed them with the food PIA offers to its passengers. That would have done the job.
[The News]
CHANGE OF CITIZENSHIP
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
I was born in 1967, four years before the breakup of Pakistan in 1971. Keeping in view what has been done to the western wing repeatedly by the successive Governments, one wonders why the constitutional option to the Pakistani people was not given in 1971 to choose if they want to be part of the eastern wing (named Bangladesh) or the western wing (named Pakistan). I for one would like to be part of Pakistan (now Bangladesh), a state progressing educationally, economically and above all existing peacefully. [Pakistan Observer]
CREDIT
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
A female member of the provincial assembly of Punjab has been caught with the help of CCTV footage allegedly using a stolen credit card to purchase jewellery worth thousands of rupees. Are we to expect her to get a reprieve as well, courtesy the National Reconciliation Ordinance? [The News]
BELOW HER STATUS!
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
It was a sad spectacle to watch the unfolding of the Credit Card theft committed by the Punjab MPA Ms Shumaila Rana amounting to Rs 80,000 only. The “innocent” lady seem to have forgotten the fact that she is living in an interesting country where Billions of rupees are stolen every day and sent to foreign banks without the leaders being prosecuted. Her only crime seems to be that of stealing a small amount which does not suit her status. Ms Shumaila please do not take this incident to heart, “Yahan Par Sab Choor Hain.” [Pakistan Observer]
COURSES IN CORRUPTION
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
Keeping in view the prevailing situation in Pakistan, may I request the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to allow for the establishment of "National University of Corruption & Management" offering Masters in Social Crimes (MSC), Masters in Theft (MIT), Masters in Bomb Blasting Science (MBBS), Masters in Bank Corruption Arts (MBA) and Masters in Corruption Sciences (MCS) degrees in addition to six-month diplomas in Commission Management, Advanced Robbery, Safe Account Transferring and Advanced Corruption Techniques. [The News]
“MUFAHMTI LOLLYPOPS”
[S.Cheenabi, Gujrat]
Yet another luncheon meeting between Mr. Gilani and Mr. Shahbaz Sharif after the recent between MrZardari and Mr Nawaz Sharif. However, people believe, such meetings can be only termed productive should these take place under the inhuman load shedding that nation has has gone through for last seventeen months. What good these meetings will bring is for people is hard to believe but bitter memories of broken pledges, flip flopping on CoD, Bhurban, Murree agreements, depoliticizing Punjab politics through partisan Governor, obstructing restoration of judiciary till
They also mishandled, deteriorated Swat and Fata situation which was only saved from total collapse after our defence forces intervened. Mr Galani is the prime minister of Pakistan and nice man. He has every right to meet any one, anywhere and anytime.Nevertheless, he should refrain offering “mufahmti lollypops” to PML-N and much rather quit Punjab government to offer tough, positive opposition to PML-N in Punjab and similarly PML-N should offer bitterest constructive, positive opposition to PPP-AZ government to save Pakistan and poor people. Any closing ranks in Centre with PPP-AZ would severly damage PML-N which could be a PPP-AZ “mufahmti trap.” Nation would advise Mr Galani to not buy time for his chairman and partisan president to keep delaying undoing of the 17th amendment, 58-2B through “so-called committees” which is weakening federation. Last but not the least, it would not be out of place to mention that these meetings should not be used to protect Musharraf for his unconstitutional acts (SCP hearing his case) that will put nation to constitutional course.
[The Frontier Post]
DOCTORATES, ALREADY
[Ali Shah, Rawalpindi]
This is with reference to Dr Irfan Zafar’s advice to the HEC to establish a “National University of Corruption and Management”. I don’t think offering master’s degrees in such subjects will be of any use since our leaders already hold doctorates in all these fields. [The News]
THE PICKLE
[Mahabat Khan Bangash, Peshawar]
Gen. Musharraf had put different politicians, sycophants and some of the armed forces "Nephews" in an earthen jar and made a pickle out of them, called PML-Q. This pickle has now become fusty for use. Instead of PML-Q it should be called "Achaar party." [The Frontier Post]
MASSAGE!
[Dr Samia Khan, Karachi]
I am sure the Pakistan Railways advertisement which appeared in your newspaper on July 23 was not proof-read by those whose job it was to make the ad. What was supposed to be a "Message of Public Interest" was printed as "Massage of Public Interest." Or maybe that is what Pakistan Railways is offering? [The News]
THE SMALL
[Mahabat Khan Bangash, Peshawar]
A long list of costly wrist watches, jewellery items, carpets and many other items have been published in the media, which were gifted by different heads of state and their Army Chiefs to former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and President Musharraf during their tenure. Most of these high prized gifts have been taken away by the two governing elites, either free of cost or at throw away rates. I remember, when a former governor of NWFP (an Army general from Punjab) took away more than 200 kalashnicov rifles and herds of sheep to his home, which was presented to him by the tribal elders during his visits to FATA. As a tradition, the visiting governor only touches the presented sheep as a token of acceptance, and after his departure it is slaughtered and its bar-b-que is enjoyed by the Maliks. Another former governor of NWFP, late Gen. Fazl-e-Haq once said that he had been presented such a big quantity of “Kulla Lungis” by the elders that his wife advised him to sell them out in the market. That is what it speaks of the pettiness of these small elites. The great saint poet Rahman Baba says “Da Sarri Pa zahiree Libaas Ma Za Aey Rakhmana, Manz Key Gora Che Chaghzi Da Ka Mataak,” meaning, don’t get impressed by the outward dress of a person, try to recognize his inner person. [The Frontier Post]
HE TOLD ME!
[Miangual Aurangzeb, Swat]
Some time ago, a fast-driven van hit a man on the Islamabad Highway. When police apprehended the driver, he said that it was not his fault and that a passenger was telling him to drive fast. The police arrested the passenger. Musharraf should appear before the Supreme Court and tell the Court that the NRO was not his idea, but that a man by the name of Pirzada had told him to go ahead.
[The News]
Issue of the Month: Mismanaging the electric power supply
POWER CRISIS: IS IT
[Zain Mankani, Karachi]
Following recent power riots, the President and Prime Minister issued statements expressing their resolve to end the power crisis in Pakistan. Pakistanis have heard tall tales before and no one in this country is impressed. There is no rocket science behind the power crisis faced by Pakistan and if the leadership was interested in solving the problem they could do so by taking a few concrete steps. The solution is simple: We have a shortfall in energy production and we need more power plants. So why doesn’t the government stop talking and set up new power plants? We have no shortage of fuel reserves - especially coal, which could be used to run the plants. If our leaders stopped selling our resources to foreign companies and pocketing the money, we could solve our problems in no time.
Recently, the Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf came on TV and informed us that the government has ‘inherited’ a shortfall of 3,500 MW. Listening to him, one would imagine that this was a big deal. What is 3,500 MW in this day and age? This entire shortfall could be met by a single mega power plant! The Government of India is in the process of setting up 9 ultra mega power plants (UMPP) in order to meet its growing demands, each of which has the capacity to produce about 4,000 MW. Why doesn’t the minister inform us of the real reason behind the crisis? The reason can be summed up in one word: corruption. There is no dearth of investors in Pakistan who have the capacity to set up and operate power plants, and no one minds making a handsome profit. The problem is that by the time a potential investor is through paying the bribes to the relevant ministers and his subordinates, the project feasibility has gone through the roof! Therefore, this crisis is not going to end with verbal commitments. It will persist until our self-serving government officials, ministers and leaders are replaced by people who are interested in the long-term development and welfare of the nation. [Pakistan Observer]
WHY
[Shakir Lakhani, Karachi]
The government’s plan to rent power plants looks like another big scam. Under the plan, the government will give away 15 million dollars — the cost of the plant — even before it is brought to Pakistan. Then, WAPDA will pay 110 million dollars as rent. Wouldn’t it make more sense to use that money to pay what is owed to the Independent Power Producers (IPPs)? The fact is that WAPDA, KESC and the IPPs can produce enough power to end load shedding, and there is no need for rental power plants; unless, of course, kickbacks are involved! [Daily Times]
THE ENERGY
[G Wahab, Faisalabad]
The energy crisis ever since
I would request high powered judicial enquiry conducted by learned Justice Baghwan Das or whom learned CJP appoints to thoroughly probe the reasons of load-shedding, on payments to IPPS,affairs of Wapda, Kesc, privitisation deals selling national assets on peanuts,the cost and profit structure and how they butcher poor etc. [Pakistan Observer]
MQM AND LOADSHEDDING
[Zafar Mahmood, Nowshera]
I am sure that load shedding problem could easily be solved if our Altaf Bhai directs his believers working in KESC to declare, with Holy Quran on their heads, that none of them would directly or indirectly allow, abet, help, use of kunda system, tempering of meters etc to any one even in their homes. I can assure all of a sudden from 14 hours a day load shedding it will come to 2 hours a day and there would need not be any tariff increase. [The Frontier Post]
ENERGY CRISIS
[Haleel Sarwar, Islamabad]
The country is facing a power deficit of roughly 28-31 per cent in the current quarter — this is excluding the disruption at the Mangla power station of 1,100MW. As part of my work I come across reports of numerous independent power producers (IPPs). Additionally, I have a general interest in the energy sector and conduct proprietary research and analysis. A large proportion of the power generators are furnace oil- and/or gas-powered. It is the fiduciary duty of the government, through the ministry of power and ultimately WAPDA, to ensure that the IPPs are provided with the furnace oil and payments on a timely basis to ensure continued power generation.
It was reported in the papers of July 2 that the prime minister and others have expressed increasing concern around the current energy crisis especially the lack of direction from the ministry of power. Capacity utilisation at a majority of the independent power generation companies is in the low ‘teens’, meaning a power generation company with a capacity to produce 100 MW is currently operating at a capacity to produce only 15 or so MW. If the IPPs are run at 70-80 per cent of capacity and line distribution losses are reduced from the current 38 per cent to the industry norm of 25 per cent, Pakistan will be able to curtail the energy deficit to a manageable 12-15 per cent. I appeal the prime minister to take appropriate action in this regard. [The News]
A QUESTION OFTEN IS RAISED
[Mohammad Javed, Karachi]
A question often is raised, that while load shedding keeps increasing as to how then bills keep increasing instead of decreasing. I discovered the answer last week. For about six months the so-called-foreign investors of KESC sent me inflated bills without any meter reading. I filed a complaint with the MD KESC. The professional MD did not give any response. I filed a complaint with the NEPRA in November 2008. But there was no response. Then I filed a complaint with the Consumers Protection Council and Sindh Governor Secretariat but never to get any response. I filed a complaint with the Federal Ombudsman. Where the KESC adopted two-point defence. The first is that there was a "mad dog" in the area who prevented the meter reader from taking reading. The second KESC defence was that due to "low consumption trend" compared to previous months it billed at an average on higher side. When there is 10-14 hours load shedding then naturally less consumption. The Government and electricity companies keep on advising people to switch off unnecessary lights to help overcome load shedding. Acting on this advice is thus a punishment in shape of excessive billing for unconsumed units on the ground that consumption was less. I request and appeal to the Chief Justice to take note of this mad dog to save Karachiites from this mad dog and being billed higher for low consumption. [The Frontier Post]
PROTESTS AGAINST OUTAGES
[Zainab Ihsan, Lahore]
Violence erupted in various parts of the country recently in response to long spells of power outages. No doubt it is the fundamental right of the public living in a democratic state to protest against severe electricity outages that have paralysed their lives and brought everything to a standstill. Unscheduled loadshedding and its undue prevalence in certain localities irk the public most. However, no matter how hard hit and frustrated the public is, it has no right to take law into its hand and play havoc with the public and private property. Burning of tires, which is a trademark of any protest or rally in our country, is a futile activity as it does more damage than good.
The high-ups are hardly budged by this foolish behaviour; rather it is the environment that has to take the brunt of the protester’s wrath as fumes of poisonous gases are released into the atmosphere. Similarly, causing distress to fellow citizens by blocking roads is also deplorable. Burning of the train in Faisalabad by the rioters needs to be condemned in the strongest possible manner. Protesters should stage sit-ins in a peaceful manner. After all, the restoration of the Chief Justice is also the result of demonstrations and sit-ins. However, we must recall that the demonstrations and sit-ins in the case of the judicial issue were relatively disciplined in spite of the presence of a larger crowd in the latter’s case. [Dawn]
LOAD-SHEDDING SCHEDULE
[Shahryar Khan Baseer, Peshawar]
We all know that our country is facing acute electricity shortages and therefore to cover the gap WAPDA has to conduct load-shedding in all areas at different times. The people of Pakistan has accepted that and have adjusted their lives to compensate for such black outs. But it would be nice if WAPDA could issue monthly schedules for these black outs for all the areas. And if WAPDA would then follow the schedule during the month. Recent notification by the electricity companies regarding the Mangla Dam reduction and the problems faced by KEPCO are greatly appreciated by everyone in Pakistan. The consumers (Pakistanis) felt that the suppliers were treating them like customers for the first time. Now we hope the electricity companies would continue this good gesture and also inform the customers about the scheduled load-shedding in their areas, instead of the customers trying to guess the timing themselves. [Pakistan Observer]
THE ‘QUAIDEEN’ DID WHAT THE QUAID DIDN’T
[Ahyan A. Panjwani, Karachi]
While viewing a programme being aired on a local news channel, I realised that while one of the most developed provinces of the country — Punjab — is being wrecked by power outages and consequent riots, the Quaideen or leaders of the country in general and Punjab in particular are having a good time in London. We have heard many a time the statement: “We will make this Jinnah’s Pakistan” by these very Quaideen, but I guess Nawaz Sharif does not remember that the Quaid did not go to London for the treatment of his life-threatening illness. On the other hand, Mr Sharif is in the UK, nursing his better half, as the country and his province fall to pieces. Amazing! [Pakistan Observer]
POWER CRISIS
[Rasheed Akram, Karachi]
The power crisis in Pakistan is reaching crippling proportions, with the supply-demand deficit reaching a record level. Further, technical problems at key generation points, such as Mangla, have meant that supply has been haphazard, with some areas facing up to 22 hours without electricity. There are valid criticisms against the government and its energy policy, and also against its predecessor administration. There are also valid criticisms against the power authorities who are managing the national grid.
However, in the short term, given the scale of the crisis, immediate relief is not possible. Rioters in various cities across Pakistan have been demanding a complete end to load shedding, which no administrator or politician can manage. It will take at least till the end of the year to eliminate electricity. What can be done in the short term is for citizens, businesses and government departments to conduct energy audits immediately. By gauging and reducing as much consumption as possible, the overall load of electricity will be reduced and thus load shedding hours will be curtailed accordingly.
Further, the issue of power theft can no longer be ignored, this is a crime against the entire nation. One wonders why no one is cracking down on illegal connections and thieves, as freeing up this ‘free loading’ will go a long way in easing the burden on the national grid. These thieves should either pay up or suffer. In the longer term, however, the government must ensure that there is enough electricity to meet demand in not only homes and offices, but also in industries. [Daily Times]
SANITY NEEDED
[Naveed Sheikh, Lahore]
Finance Adviser Shaukat Tarin has stated that the government will not increase the power tariff until load shedding ends. While the increase in tariff is going to happen sooner or later, it is a welcome move by the government to wait until load shedding ends before doing so. While details on what this will cost the exchequer are not clear, it will certainly help calm the situation. At the same time, one must also raise a critical voice against the various managers of power companies and corporations that are saying that there is increasing consumerism which is causing load shedding. These sages should be informed that with a growing population and a growing economy (at least till last year), demand is going to increase. Did these managers really expect people and businesses to say “let’s not expand as that will mean power planners and managers will actually have to do some work”?
Some sanity is required in our administrative and policy circles, else we will continue to have brainless back-and-forth discussions on TV and useless riots on the streets. The only way to solve the power crisis is through shrewd management and fast-tracking of the power plants that the government announced last year. [The News]
KUNDA CONNECTIONS
[Ashfaq Sharif, Karachi]
I want to convey a message to all concern through your esteem newspaper that why KESC or power ministry are unable to detect those consumers who are using kunda connections ( unauthorised connections)? Perhaps KESC feels that such consumers are the real assets and goodwill of the company that is why we never saw anyone getting fined or punished. Perhaps those who are using ill-legal connections have more influence, power and are above the law. I totally condemn this attitude and urge KESC management to take action against all defaulters. Regret to say that honest consumers are facing very high KESC bills yet the company never realises how they treat and give torture to those consumers who never think for kunda connections and are forced to pay for their honesty? [Pakistan Observer]
CATCHING POWER THIEVES
[Shakir Lakhani, Karachi]
The power authorities in Pakistani should do what their counterparts are doing to eliminate electricity theft in India. Power theft across the border is now a non-bailable offence, and punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a hefty fine, or both. Authorities inspect premises to match consumption indicated with the number of appliances. Master meters are installed outside the premises of those suspected of stealing electricity. Readings of these master meters are them compared with the meters installed inside to check for theft. Something of this sort used to be done by the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation many years ago. It’s high time to resume this practice. [Daily Times]
POWER CRISIS
[Wg-Cdr (r) Bahre Kamal, Peshawar]
Is it not a shame that despite being a nuclear power, we are made to suffer hours of loadshedding everyday? According to reports, our previous government earned a whopping Rs1,032 billion from the oil sector only, but spent no funds to generate even a single KW of additional power. Shouldn't those responsible be held accountable for their neglect? [The News]
UNSCHEDULED LOAD-SHEDDING
[Shahryar Khan Baseer, Peshawar]
These days the employees of WAPDA are the most hated government servants for not performing their duties. WAPDA or any of the DISCO’s have not issued any schedule for the load shedding for any areas. Even if they start following a certain schedule for an area and the people get used to it, then WAPDA would suddenly change the schedule and start irregular load shedding. Even recently the government has announced the increase in power cost for all consumers. This increase of 17-31% only proves the inefficiency of WAPDA. For the past one year WAPDA has been claiming that they are working on reducing the load shedding for Pakistan and reducing loses. But they have not been able to even make their own working efficient.
More then 50% of DISCOs are showing losses for the past 2 years. WAPDA itself has not shown how they have reduced their own administrative loses and I am sure if a detailed audit is done on their accounts we will find a number of “consultants” hired by WAPDA during the past year. Unfortunately, as a citizen of Pakistan and a customer of WAPDA, I can only request WAPDA and the Government of Pakistan to at least issue a schedule of load shedding for all its areas and then follow this schedule without any deviations. [Pakistan Observer]
WAPDA SEEKING TO RAISE PRICE
[Shahryar Khan Baseer, Peshawar]
WAPDA has asked the government to allow it to increase by 17 per cent the price of electricity supplied by it. It is resorting to about six to eight hours of load shedding in different areas of the country, which is around 25 to 33 per cent of the time. This just shows that though Wapda has reduced the sale of its electricity units by 25 to 33 per cent (no electricity means no sale), it has not reduced its costs at all and now to cover its costs, it is planning to increase the cost of electricity for consumers by 31 per cent. Why are consumers being charged for the incompetence of Wapda? [Pakistan Observer]
ANOTHER DIMENSION
[Shahid Naqvi, Lahore]
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has barred any increase in electricity tariff by the authorities. The bench has sought a detailed report on generation, and the Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, has said that the Supreme Court cannot sit silently on this matter of immense national importance. Further, the Finance Adviser, Shaukat Tarin, has said that there will be no increase in the tariff until load shedding ends. The pricing issue is yet another dimension in the power crisis that is showing no signs of going away. The Supreme Court is absolutely right in demanding a full report, as that will clarify for the people exactly what is going wrong where. It will also prompt demands to act where we can, so that the crisis is reduced in the short term, and eliminated in the long term.
The country’s commercial, domestic and industrial activities are crippled today because of this power crisis. The government needs to act quickly to resolve this problem or it will morph into an even bigger crisis, involving deterioration of law and order — a preview has been offered in the form of riots in major cities — and citizens losing trust in the government. [Daily Times]
ELECTRICITY CRISIS
[Brig (r) Usman Shah, Rawalpindi]
The entire country is going through miserable times. No electricity in the burning heat of summers. There is more than twelve hours of loadshedding in Lahore; the headquarters of WAPDA. Textile mills in Faisalabad and garment factories have packed up. Hundreds of thousands of workers have been laid off. But have a look at our ministers, bureaucrats and chairmen of corporations. They display their designer suits, all tied-up at the neck. Obviously they have their offices very well-chilled. This also shows that they don’t leave their offices and do not visit project sites and other works on the ground. They are absolutely out of touch with the plight of the poor and hungry masses. If you try to display prosperity in a sea of misery, you are asking for trouble; real trouble. [The News]
POWER SHORTAGE CRISIS
[Malik T Ali, Lahore]
The public demonstrations protesting electricity breakdowns cannot be a solution, when there is not enough electricity generated to meet requirements. As long as power theft through kunda connections is allowed in major urban centers like Karachi, these cities will continue to suffer and so would the State. Line power losses in excess of 9% are always power theft, and to classify them as line losses, shows the lack of will to stop this theft. Alongwith this is the non-payment of bills by various government organizations and major business houses. The present government must however ensure that it does not allow second hand power generation units imported from other countries,to be installed by errant entrepreneurs, who have been given all sorts of incentives and financing. These units will hardly deliver for two to three years and their owners would have benefitted by then and abandon these units as has been the practice in the past. The state must ensure proper regulation, which is only possible if the intention is to resolve the issue without any kickbacks.
The solution lies in providing adequate compensation alongwith provision of lands for their resettlement. Unfortunately in Pakistan, state owned land is kosher only for paid servants of the establishment and has rarely been used for welfare of poor in this country. Choice of site location for building dams also has to be near the upstream of water flow and this choice cannot be left solely at the discretion of politicians. One of the main causes for our non-development has been the tragedy that highly technical matters are left to sole the discretion of non-technical political nominess or babbos in civil or uniformed bureaucracy . Pakistan faces a very severe water and energy crisis, which needs to be resolved on war footing and not be allowed to be left at the mercy of adventurers, be they from the political parties or the bureaucracy. [Pakistan Observer]
POINTLESS PROTESTS
[Nazish Sultan, Lahore]
Numerous protests, some violent, have been taking place across the country against the increased hours of load shedding. The anger of the people is understandable, it is indeed unbearable to have no electricity in this heat. However, these protestors are demanding an end to load shedding which is impossible. How is the government supposed to produce electricity to meet demand when it does not have the capacity? Instead of damaging property and disrupting life, protestors should make realistic demands, such as accountability, transparency and swift action on this matter. [Daily Times]
[Major (retd) Raja Saleem, Rawalpindi]
The article by Farrukh Saleem titled ‘Rental power bonanza’ (July 25) is thoroughly alarming to say the least. The government, the writer says, has contracted to rent electricity at the rate of 18 cents per unit from private parties who will install power plants of 100 MW costing $15 million each – and an amount of $110 million is to be paid as rent over a period of five years. The government has also agreed to pay 14 per cent of the total rental charge, i.e., $110 million (which comes to $ 15 million) as “mobilisation advance” to each party. One does not need an economist to work out that the amount of $15 million given to each operator as ‘mobilisation advance’ for installation could have been used by the government to install the power plant itself. [The News]
[Sehrish Maqsood, Islamabad]
I am writing with reference to the protests that have been taking place in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Jhang against persistent and unscheduled load shedding, which in some areas is reaching up to fifteen hours a day. Much public and private property has been destroyed by protestors, and many innocent people have been injured. In their infinite wisdom, protestors have been beating up officials and destroying government property, which will only end up costing them more money; after all, it is either international handouts or tax money that funds such infrastructure.
However, it is criminal that our planners and officials remained aloof from the growing demand for electricity in the country and allowed things to come to this stage. And it is not just the power crisis where such behaviour is found. Successive governments sat on their hand as far as energy, economy, social development and international relations are concerned, and we are facing crises on all these fronts. And when things get to a stage where either the public can’t take it anymore or the political opposition sees fit to exploit public anger against the government, the entire country spirals towards chaos. One hopes that the government, especially the power authorities, find ways to ease the power crisis and contain public anger. [Daily Times]
Issue of the month: Marching along
SHARIFS' ACQUITTAL
[Muhammad Amir Khan, Karachi]
Given the recent spate of judgments in favour of the Sharif brothers, it seems that prison is only for poor people who can't hire big lawyers or who don't have money. Why can't the superior judiciary also give the same kind of relief to the poor public entangled in false cases or wrongly confined and/or accused? [The News]
DISBAR THEM!
[Junaid Akram, Lahore]
A few unruly lawyers in Lahore beat up a police official in Lahore, in a disappointing and embarrassing incident on Wednesday that was caught on camera and broadcast on TV. After a great period where the lawyers’ community was leading the movement for rule of law and an independent judiciary, it seems that some segments of the community have lost their way a bit. There have been several incidents over the past few months where they have misbehaved with each other, with judges, with the media and with the police. This only damages the image and credibility of their institution, and therefore senior leaders of the community should take action against any such elements and disbar them. Because unless the lawyers operate by the principles that they preach, they will not be taken seriously. And after the great success of the Long March, it is the responsibility of the lawyers to improve, not destroy the image of their community. [Daily Times]
RETD JUDGES PACKAGES
[Murad Ali Mohmand, Peshawar]
Through your newspaper I would like to bring in the notice of general public and opposition and specially Chief Justice of Pakistan about the package announced by the President Zardari for the Retired High Court Judges i.e. retired judge shal be entitled at government expense to a driver or an orderly 800 free local telephone calls per month, 800 units of electricity per month which almost will cost Rs. 10000/- per month, 25HM3 of gas per month, free supply of water and 150 petrol liter and all these will be free taxed. My question is why? Is zardari going to please the judges to favour him in his right and wrong decisions of country. I also request the Chief Justice of Pakistan to please declare this package of President Zardari null and void if he is really honest. Once a person is retired from the government service onwards he does not entitled any package, if the judiciary is going to get so high package then all the people of Pakistan will do LLB and will prefer the judiciary job because it is spending the government treasury with the will of Zardari.
On one side Mr. President is imposing the carbon and etc taxes to cover his deficit budget and on the other hand is providing so high packages for the judges to pleased them to favor him in his decisions. I request the great Zardari to please don’t make any discrimination with the civil servants of our nation because there is not only judiciary which is working in this country but there are thousands of civil servants who are working for the same country for same purpose i.e prosperity and development of our nation. I am sure the President will postponed his package and Chief Justice will take his desire action against it. All the people in country needs the prime attention of Zardari not only judges or specific politicians. [Pakistan Observer]
NO ONE TO DEFEND THE GENERAL
[Aziz Akhmad, New York]
When the Supreme Court asked around, last week, if anyone would defend General Musharraf, no one came forward. One wonders, where are all those people who were willing to elect him president in uniform, "not once but ten times"? Or those who praised his dapper looks, in uniform as well as in civilian suits? Values and mores differ in different cultures, but there are certain human traits that are universally despised --- or admired. Disloyalty to your benefactor when he can no longer benefit you is a trait that is despised across all cultures. Musharraf's supporters, particularly of the Q variety, who were seen wagging their tails around him throughout his eight years in power, are now not only distancing themselves from him but are openly criticizing him. The former federal minister of religious affairs, in an article on these pages last week, had this to say about Musharraf: "The former president, in his lust for continued rule, felt no remorse to become a partner in the despised game plan and despicable deal through the notorious NRO". Doesn't the former minister himself have any remorse on being a partner in the regime that he is now criticizing? [The News]
NATION THANKS
[A M Ali, Sahiwal]
Nation is deeply indebted to
It would be also worthwhile mentioning here that some of the TV channels are tarnishing the image of SCP by maligning their role to make pro nation decisions by suspending ‘carbon tax’ as one foreign Karachi based business TV channel put it ‘ flexing their muscles’ and some analysts-channels presented it as extending their domain of jurisdiction to create wedge in public and judiciary to serve vested interests to create divisions in psyche of civic society and devastate the poor. [Pakistan Observer]
INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
[Muhammad Arif Shafi, Peshawar]
Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended carbon tax on petroleum on July 7th which resulted in cutting the prices of petrol (up to Rs10 per liter), diesel (Rs8) and kerosene (over Rs6) from the following day. It might be the first fruit of independent of Judiciary for public. (Supreme Court had already announced a Judicial Policy for the provision of speedy Justice, which will take some time for benefiting masses.) It was the President on the very next day after the POL prices reduced who became a hurdle to it. The President on the morning of July 9th signed an Ordinance named The Petroleum Development Levy Ordinance 2009, which increased the prices of petroleum again up to its previous level. All this was done with the advice of our democratically elected Prime Minister.
Government might have it own justification in the name of so-called public interest but the Ordinance has certainly disappointed people who are already scared of price hike. It is our bad luck that the governments in our country have always taken the decisions against the will and demand of people and a lways looked the interests of ruling or privileged class. [Pakistan Observer]
Issue of the Month: Reforming Pakistan
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM
[Samina Raja, Islamabad]
This is with reference to Nadeem Ul Haque’s excellent article on civil services reform. (“CSR — do it right!” Daily Times, July 13) We need to completely revamp our civil services structure to improve its efficiency and also the attitudes of officers. Right now, most are satisfied and content with the many perks that they have been guaranteed for the rest of their career, without any kind of checks or performance reviews. This obviously leads them towards corruption and inefficiency. The government must put its words into action and conduct a civil service reform at the earliest, as this affects, like Dr Haque put it, all aspects of society. [Daily Times]
JUDICIAL REFORM
[Junaid Khan, Islamabad]
The recently launched drive to reform the judiciary is a most welcome move, especially because it seeks to put in place checks and balances within the judiciary, especially at the lower levels, to curb corruption, and also seeks to increase the efficiency of court functions. The real contact between the judiciary and the common people is at the level of the lower courts, not the superior courts, and therefore the lower courts are where one hears the most complaints about inefficiency and corruption. While a vigorous and principled movement led to the restoration of the superior judiciary that was deposed by Musharraf, it is heartening to note that the judiciary is working for the betterment of the people by bringing about real reform that will be felt by the common person. One especially commends the judiciary for setting a target for quickly resolving cases and reducing the backlog. [Daily Times]
THE MAGISTERIAL GOOD
[Nasir Sultan, Karachi]
This is with reference to Dr Nadeem Ul Haque’s excellent analysis of the civil service. (“Return to ‘magistracy’!” Daily Times, July 24) I absolutely agree that the civil service should have its duties separated so as to ensure not only efficiency in its functions and service delivery, but also to ensure that it implements the rule of law without any interference from outside elements and with reduced chances for the bureaucrats to indulge in corruption. And for this to be achieved, the bureaucracy must remain detached from the political circles. That is why the recent decision by the two largest parties to do away with the local government system implemented in 2001 is so disappointing. We are going to return to the previous system, where the political governments controlled bureaucrats in a highly unresponsive system. The government should read Dr Haque’s analysis and realise the folly of what it is about to do with local governments. [Daily Times]
Issue of the Month: Resolving the terror tangle
NO MORE 'PEACE DEALS', PLEASE
[M S Hasan, Karachi]
This refers to a report titled "Army facing tough choice after NWA ambush" by Rahimullah Yusufzai (June 30). One does not know if the assertion of Mr Yusufzai about 'tough choice' is conjectural or factual. In any case, if going after one at the relief of the other has become a dilemma for the army, then it certainly defies common sense since both Baitullah Mehsud and Hafiz Gul Bahadur are terrorists who along with their respective marauding bands of terrorists must be eliminated at any cost. It is not a matter of choice to spare one and go after the other only.
As far the existence of the so-called peace accord is concerned, time and again it has been proved that all such accords made under the expedient doctrine of "path of least resistance" have been counterproductive and have benefited only the terrorists who became strong. In this context, attention is drawn to the letter "No good or bad Taliban (June 30) by A Pakistani from the besieged town of Bajaur. The writer, with firsthand experience, has rightly stated that there are no good or bad Taliban, they are all the same terrorists and murderers, and hence should receive equal treatment. If the army is actually is in a state of dilemma and considering selective military operation against one faction of the Taliban by letting the other off the hook, giving space, respite and opportunity to regroup, rearm and get stronger as a threat, then most definitely it will be a daft decision.
[The News]
PROMOTE CULTURE!
[Umair Bhatti, Lahore]
It has been reported that a prominent folk artist in Lahore has been banned from performing in or near the premises of a popular shrine. Authorities are citing neighbourhood complaints as well as charges of drug sale and abuse. While this is one particular case, similar ‘shut-downs’ have been taking place across Pakistan for several years now, and are symptomatic of a larger ‘Talibanisation’ of society. We seem to be turning a blind eye to the extremism that is creeping into our societal norms and behaviour, while at the same time cracking down on whatever cultural, academic and entertainment outlets and institutions we have left. We should instead be promoting culture and entertainment as they are the best defence against extremism. [Daily Times]
WHERE DO THEY GET THE MONEY?
[A Z, Islamabad]
Let's take the case of Sufi Mohammad -- I know him personally, he is neither a landlord nor an industrialist, and he is certainly no Nawab of Dir. So how does he keep five or six vehicles in his personal use? I have been working for four years now and I am not able to even afford a motorcycle so I wonder how the Taliban and their leaders can afford such a regal lifestyle.
[The News]
[Shaheen Mehmood, Lahore]
According to TV channels, Sufi Muhammad of the TNSM, one of the people involved in the Swat crisis, resurfaced in Peshawar on Saturday, but left his location when he realised his presence had been discovered by the media. One wonders how someone connected to the Taliban of Swat could roam around so easily and find his way to Peshawar. Were the security agencies sleeping? Sufi Muhammad’s statements against Pakistan and our institutions, after the shaky “peace” in Swat earlier this year, indicated that he is no friend of Pakistan. Let us also not forget that this is the terrorist leader who lead hundreds of innocent, impressionable teenagers to death in an ill-fated attempt to aid the “jihad” against America in 2001. If Sufi Muhammad is indeed in Peshawar, he should be arrested and tried for crimes against the state and the people of Pakistan. Security agencies need to keep a tight check on people like Sufi Muhammad, as if we allow them to sneak out of the warzone unchecked, they will cause trouble for us in the future. [Daily Times]
DETAINED MILITANT RELEASED IN BUNER?
[Bilal Khan, Mardan]
I am a resident of Buner currently living as an IDP in Mardan. I have relatives who are still back in the district and today I came to know through them that a dreaded local Taliban commander arrested by a police SHO some ten days ago was released upon payment of Rs500,000. If this is true, then the objective of the military operation to dislodge the militants from Malakand and rid it of the Taliban will have been compromised. One can only hope that such things -- which have happened in the not-too-distant past and which are etched in the minds of many a Swati -- are not happening again.
[The News]
TERRORISM LINKS
[Kadar Khan]
Interior Minister, Rehman Malik’s statement to the Financial Times is not new in a way delayed confirmation of the article published by the New York Times few months ago identifying South Punjab as a future hot bed of terrorism. The article went on quite in detail linking extremist activities in Waziristan and Swat to that of South Punjab. In other words, Interior Minister, Rehman Malik is announcing the “expansion of attrition” a primer leading to the implosion that some brought to discussion previously. Mr. Malik’s advance confirmation to the possibility of developing terror link in Punjab invokes grave concerns and raises many questions.
Such as, In case of containment failure would that lead to the counter insurgency actions in certain parts of Punjab? Secondly, does the mentioned above statement pre-empt the drone attacks? Thirdly, if those conditions are created where the locals will migrate this time? One can imagine pretty soon situation will be beyond political parties. They might as well continue what they are good at! Bickering! Mostly these events were expected but the political leadership has wasted precious time. Now this is the time that citizens must play an important role in warding off these dangerous developments. Moreover, citizens should demand that the salaries of legislators, ministers, Prime Minister, President, Governors and advisors should be made available for the immediate expansion of intelligence and security agencies to cope with this accelerating threat to the country.
[Pakistan Observer]
MENACE OF TALIBANISM
[Dr Fareeha Khanum, Mardan]
This is with reference to a recent news report according to which the army has captured a terrorist named Hazrat Karim who, besides butchering common people, also cut the throats of two children. The crime of those children was that they took ‘halwa’ made in their house to two army jawans. I am shocked as to how inhuman these Taliban can be. I ask the people to see the real, cruel face of the Taliban. Our army is doing a noble job by cleaning up the menace of the Taliban. [The News]
DOUBLE STANDARDS
[Shahzad Salam Kasi, Lahore]
Shah Abdul Aziz (MNA of MMA) has been arrested on the charges of kidnapping and beheading of Piotr Stanczak, a Polish geologist. Why haven’t anyone from JUI-F or Jamat-e-Islami condemned Abdul Aziz act and have disassociated from his act? MMA was called as the party of Islamic unity, are these type of people given tickets by Islamic party? Jamat-e-Islami has been calling for Mr. Musharraf’s trial, what about their’s? [The Frontier Post]
NORMALCY IN SWAT – MYTH OR REALITY?
[M Aurangzeb, A forced IDP of Swat]
It is both amazing and frustrating to read and hear news of Swat as put out by the government and the ISPR. They say Swat is becoming normal. This I bet will not happen in 50 years. If the prime minister is so satisfied, is it not his duty to visit this part of Pakistan as well. The IDPs did not leave Swat because of the TTP. I was in Swat for months. It was on the orders of the security forces that they left. Orders were given to villagers to vacate their village at once. Knowing that next would come the bombardment they had no alternative but to leave. What normality are the IDPs now returning to? Destroyed homes, no electricity, no gas, and no phones working yet. Also no transport is allowed on the dilapidated roads and one must walk long distances, even if one is over 80 years old like I am -- and above all the never-ending curfew. Foreign visitors should be allowed to visit Swat as tourists to see an area going back to the Stone Age.
It is claimed that Mingora the largest town, has been cleared of terrorists, yet in the same breath it is said the there is trouble at Malukabad, Faizabad, Amankot and Sangota. These four places are not in Waziristan, they are all part of Mingora municipality. Talk to any IDP and they will confirm what I have written. [The News]
PEACE OR TYRANNY!
[Jasmine, Mingora]
On Wednesday a radio message was heard from supposedly Mister Fazlullah in which he said: "My innocent brothers and sisters, peace cannot be restored until Islamic Shariah laws are enforced. Our goal is only to implement the Shariah laws and we're ready to sacrifice the last drop of our blood." If it is true and it was his voice on the radio, then I have a couple of questions for him. One, how can you expect any one of us to believe you truly want peace? The government signed a peace treaty with you, and implemented Shariah laws. It was you and those who follow your version of Islam, that did not hold up your end of the bargain. You could not and did not lay your arms. You did not give any of us in Swat and neighbouring towns and villages any form of peace. You gave us a nightmare instead. You forced your version of Islam on to those living in Mingora, Kalam and so many other cities and villages. Two, how much of our blood have you spilled? How many of our children have died because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? And that place was school?
We all remember a young girl being flogged in Swat. Is that your version of peace? Peace is a two way street. Each side must work towards it. Each year for the past three or four years, the government has bent and agreed to your demands. And at what cost... many innocent people, men, women and children hurt, beaten and killed. And at the end of each "peace" agreement which you and the others have broken, the army comes back in, and more innocent people are killed. We live in fear for our safety. We live in fear for those we love near and far away. We wonder if today will be the last day we see our children, because we wish them to have an education. We worry for our husbands from the moment they leave for work in the morning to the end of the day when they come home. We worry if they go to the Masjid they might not come home after prayers. This is not peace. This is tyranny. We are innocent Mister Fazulallh, and too many innocent husbands, fathers, mothers, wives, daughters and sons have been buried in Swat these last three years. You want to sacrifice your blood, but it is our blood that is being spilled. It is our jobs, our way of life, our rights to live as we want to and still be faithful to Islam, that is being sacrificed. [The Frontier Post]
Issue of the month: Strengthening the elitist state
IF TRUST IS LOST!
[H Shah, Jhang]
Let me quote one part of old saying that ‘ if character is lost, everything is lost’. I may add that that ‘ if trust is lost, the world is lost’. Unfortunately,PPP-AZ from day one is caught in this vicious syndrome after agreeing to NRO deal blessed through USA,UK, Musharraf to execute USA,UK regional agenda, subservience to India ,Afghanistan etc etc.No one in country and world trusts them excepting Hoolbrooks,Hilary and Millibands under stringent conditionalties. Coming to immediate domestic issue of power-energy taking PPP-AZ,its president closer attention now ,I would not dilate on grueling load shedding for eighteen months, worst ever economic straits, I am only shocked on ever changing reasons of power crisis.
IPPS do not function , previous government did not add up power capacity, sometime it was circular debt [why it happened, where were ten BNS dollars spent in first six months of PPP-Z assuming government-needs thorough probe], Mangla Dam wires getting fire [why-did someone order to put optimum load despite warnings of worn out life of cables and who did ] etcetc.But the most important point is; IPPS,the first and last world in the political scriptures of
“IF I AM ASSASSINATED”
[Khurshid Anwer, Lahore]
B A Malik in his above letter of July 7, tries to relate what Bhutto had said about rivers running red to the present situation in Pakistan. It will take a very wild stretch of imagination to do so. We all know the present situation is as a result of Musharraf joining hands with George Bush in going to war against the friendly Taliban. Bhutto had no way of knowing about this. Bhutto, a clever politician, was given to making attention grabbing statements. “We will fight for a thousand years and eat grass.” “I will let the Tashkent cat out of the bag.” When Rafi Raza asked him to reveal the Tashkent secret as a diversionary tactic, Bhutto had said: “There is nothing to tell which is not already known.” After Kissinger’s visit Bhutto said: “He threatened in private to make a horrible example of me if I carried on with the nuclear programme.”
Rafi Raza says this was not borne out by the speeches made in public during the visit and by what Bhutto has told him about the private meeting with Kissinger at that time. This was obviously an afterthought for propaganda purposes. It is amazing how educated, well placed people continue to wallow in the Bhutto myth. B A Malik might as well have said that Bhutto was responsible for the birth of Pakistan. No wonder Bhutto’s portrait is replacing Quaid’s portrait. Then he goes on to say: “I am convinced that
[Ali Hassan, Lahore]
I was amused to listen to the arguments on the question of the 17th amendment by
[The News]
DISTRIBUTION OF BOUNTY BY PRIME MINISTER
[Gheewala, Karachi]
Our honourable Prime Minister deserves felicitations for his out of procedure announcement to double the MNAs' funds from rupees one crore to two crore according to a news release. Our rulers seem simpletons that they throw away people's money as if it had been a distribution of bounty out of a captured ship. A number of people have expressed their dissent against rather comparatively paltry prize money of about rupees five crores for our players who brought a shining name to Pakistan after a long time. On the contrary what these 342 MNAs have done for the country except that their five years tenure is to live a world class life at the cost of the tax payers money. The legislative history of the country is there to show the performances of the elected public representatives with the exception of the initial period of ZAB with whose tireless and historical efforts the 1973 Constitution was enacted.
There is news that IDPs camps will run out of essential drugs in two to three weeks for want of funds. If wisdom had been applied rupees 6.84 billion for 342 MNAs with added amount for 100 Senators should provide relief for IDPs medicines as well as cater the shortage of money in the government hospitals like those of Karachi hospitals. [Business Recorder]
KAIRA’S BEHAVIOUR
[Khurrum Shaukat Yusafzai]
The behaviour of Information Minister Qamur-uz-Zaman Kaira, is very rude, and shocking as he behaves like a school monitor. The journalist asking questions would be cut short very rudely and harassed by the minister. After all journalists are doing their duty and they are not being deriving any personal gains from it. This behaviour of his was evident with Peshawar journalists during PM’s visit. [The Frontier Post]
INCOMPETENT RULERS
[Shahbano Z Alam, Scotland]
While the country burned in sweltering heat, its streets were inundated by sewerage mixed rain waters, undergoing server load-shedding of 12 hours daily for over half an year.
YES, MINISTER
[Tanveer Chughtai, Lahore]
Governance is one of the main issues in Pakistan simply because after decades as an independent country, we have still failed to come up with an efficient model of governance. This has meant that poverty, corruption and mismanagement has been rife, leading to serious disillusionment and underdevelopment. One key aspect of good governance is the contact between the people and their elected representatives. In Pakistan, this too is missing. Politicians only go to their constituents when they need votes; once they have been elected, they concern themselves only with enjoying the perks and power of public office instead of serving the constituents that elected them. Hardly any ministers or legislators are accessible to the people, and few regularly visit their constituencies to update themselves on the conditions of the people and listen to complaints and suggestions. We have a ridiculously large cabinet, with dozens of ministers for various unnecessary portfolios. The very least they can do is maintain contact with the people and do whatever they can to assist them.
[Daily Times]
PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION
[Syed T Hassan, Texas, US]
There is a thin line between perception and reality, which loses relevance when majority of people start believing in their perception, of people or events. This assumes the force of reality, when the majority shares a common perception. It is unfortunate for the Zardari government, that vast majority of people perceive the government to be incapable, corrupt and patronizing either cronies or those who had been in prison with Mr Zardari or had helped him in getting bail or seen to be supportive of him, or had been with him in school, irrespective of the controversies surrounding such people. The other unfortunate situation is the association with controversial individuals of Musharraf era, who have access to the President, This perception has gained momentum with each such controversial appointment, of which there are many. These appointments range from his choice of advisors, provincial and federal ministers, law officers and key appointment made in PIA, Steel Mills, National Highway, National Bank, State Bank, Evacuee Property, key diplomatic assignments etc etc. People blame the government for deliberately delaying the installation of vital power generation units, by selectively giving them to parties which pay handsome kickbacks. The other charge is that instead of installing Hydro Power generation units, the emphasis is on installing old second hand thermal power units, which have already exhausted their productive life.
It is also being alleged that inspite of major financial crunch and IDPs problem, alongwith insurgency, the priority of this government seems to be to buy expensive aircrafts for PIA, valued at $2b, which is substantiated by reports that the Zardari nominated MD has held such negotiations with Boeing And Airbus, without any approval from the Finance or Defense Ministry. As if all such controversies were not enough, the Quaid’s photograph seems to be missing in photo-shoots with members of the public visiting the Presidency. In a recent meeting chaired by the President of the PPP Executive, the stage was dominated by Zardari’s children, instead of the senior party members, which was never a practice done by either ZAB or Benazir. This
KINGS, QUEENS, PRINCES, PRINCESSES
[Shahbano. Z. Alam, Scotland]
While the country burned in sweltering heat, its streets were inundated by sewerage mixed with rain waters; country undergoing grueling load shedding of 12-18 hours daily for over half an year, half or full starved, half clothed, the RNOed,
PRESIDENTIAL ORDINANCE
[Salam Shah, Haripur]
Practically striking down the carbon tax suspension order of the Supreme Court by promulgating a presidential ordinance, Mr Zardari has virtually pitched himself against the public sentiment. This speaks volumes about the economic policies of the current ruling junta. The government's moral bankruptcy is evident in a report by Dr Furrukh Saleem published in your newspaper on July 9 which says that the imposition of carbon tax is actually to finance our rulers' extravagance and needless foreign trips. Somebody should tell the government that in these times it cannot hide anything from the public and such blatant disregard of the public sentiment would result in its ouster sooner rather than later. [The News]
PLAYING WITH PRICES
[Faraz Inayat, Karachi]
The POL prices fiasco has taken yet another turn with the presidency issuing an ordinance restoring prices to the level prior to the Supreme Court’s decision against the carbon tax. Now references have been filed against the presidential ordinance, with opposition parties saying the president had no right to take this action. The presidency, on the other hand, argues that the decision was within the limits set by the constitution. Behind the scenes, there is still no indication of how the government is dealing with POL prices; transparency is needed on this delicate subject and the government is making a mess on that front. Instead of bickering and starting another crisis, the various arms of the state should work together to ensure the betterment of the citizens and of the economy.
[Daily Times]
CONSCIENCE-SMITTEN
[Kadar Khan]
Quite thought provoking, but little too late for any real benefit to the people of Pakistan! The question is why not this disclosure while working for Musharraf’ cabinet? That is how it works isn’t it? Come out later once all said and done! When you knew the damaging result of NRO why didn’t you stand up? “The former president, in his lust for his continued rule, felt no remorse to become a partner in the despised game plan and despicable deal through the notorious NRO”. You were part of the government! What did you do to make anything better? You didn’t even inform the people of Pakistan what is going on! “The economic decline is due largely to poor economic and fiscal policies of the government. The billions looted and billions written off as a result of the NRO. The big loans unaccounted for and waived off by various regimes of the recent past over the years and similar fat amounts wasted on the endless war on terror is a sufficient factor for our economic decline.” [Pakistan Observer]
OUR RIGHT TO SMS
[Saiqa Khan, Lahore]
I am amazed and disappointed by the lack of public reaction (beyond a few letters in your esteemed daily) regarding the recent draconian measures imposed on the nation to curb its freedom of expression. Where are all the human rights’ groups? Political parties like the PTI and others which supposedly champion us? Where are the lawyers who swore to protect the constitution and citizens’ rights? Terrorism control is one thing — we have now, in this day and age, lots of advanced technology to separate and identify such activities online or on communications networks — but even denying the basic public right to criticise and ridicule is extremely bad. What sort of democratic setup is this that we are denied our rights, under threat of such dire retribution? And who will decide who is guilty or innocent? It’s a black law, whichever way you look at it, akin to the Rowlatt Act which was designed to stifle public freedom under colonialism. [The News]
[Murad Ali Mohmand, Peshawar]
The government has once again hit the feelings and emotions of people by increasing the prices of POL. Chief Justice of Pakistan has failed to take any serious action against the government miserable actions and policies. The POL prices were recently reduced by the Chief Justice orders but now the President and Prime Minister have increased them with out any valid justification and they also faced much criticism on Carbon tax. We don’t know what they do in Parliament. They first decide and then later on change their decision and they don’t even feel guilty on their poor policies which they admit in Parliament too. One day would come when the people would come out on the streets and will Inshallah through this poor government who has failed many times in all of their actions. They have not given any relief to the people of Pakistan and what they have given are poverty, illiteracy, load shedding, flour crisis and terrorism. God save our country.
[Pakistan Observer]
AN ATTACK ON CIVIL LIBERTIES
[Hasan Jamil, Karachi]
The recent announcement by the government regarding monitoring of SMSs and internet activities for 'indecent' and 'ill-motivated messages' is a reprehensible assault on civil liberties and a step towards morphing the country into a police state. Proving the charge of 'ill-motivation' has never proved easy in any court and is most often found to be a guise for hiding behind shameful inclinations of those perpetrating such measures. The government should not make the mistake of thinking of this country and its citizens as its personal fiefdom.
It may also be noticed that the track record of the government in curbing propaganda by those most directly affecting the security of the state, like Baitullah Mehsud and his cronies, has been largely ineffectual to say the least. Similarly, those elements who are deeply entrenched in criminal activities against the state and the government would easily escape the bureaucratic eyes of the
[The News]
WHERE IS THE PAK FLAG?
[Dr Ikram Azam, Islamabad]
Pakistan Observer columns had recently alerted the readers to the mysterious disappearance of the Quaid-i-Azam’s portrait from the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Now we see the
ATTACK ON PERSONAL
[Ali Shah, Rawalpindi]
The
[The News]
WRIT ESTABLISHED
[Mir Tabassum Mairaj, Islamabad]
President established the writ of the government by issuing an ordinance to neutralize the impact of the Supreme Court order on prices of petroleum products. Nobody from his advisers remembers the impact of a slight increase in the cost of sugar during the ‘golden era’ of Ayub Khan and how that accelerated the anti-government movement. [Pakistan Observer]
CURBS ON SMSS/EMAILS
[M S Hasan, Karachi]
The proposed issuance of a notification to implement the so-called Cyber Crimes Act to punish the members of civil society for criticising the government for its policies, the ruling junta, political leaders and beneficiaries of a crooked system, is reflective of an incompetent government, lacking in confidence, weary of transparency, scared of accountability and adverse public opinion. Rather than defending itself against public opinion, accusations and mismanagement of affairs of state in a rational, candid manner and democratic way, the government instead has decided to take the route of gagging public opinion and suppression of information. [The News]
DESTINY IN IGNORANT HANDS
[Dad M Baloach, Canada]
The Minster of State for Finance and Economic Affairs while talking to media man during Prime Minster’s visit to a Girls College in Rawalpindi made a startling revelation. She in reply to a question of news reporter (in the presence of PM) said that recent increase in the price of petroleum products would not give rise to cost of consumer goods. When she was informed about given statistic of increase in the prices of consumer goods after each hike in petroleum prince she just expressed surprise. Unfortunately a Minister holding portfolio of finance and economic affairs who is required to prepare and implement financial and fiscal polices of the country is oblivious of the basic working of economics. It appears those who are sitting in the cool and salubrious environment of capital have lost touch with the majority of people who are groaning under the unbearable burden of ever increasing prices directly result of increase in the cost of petroleum prices. In order to understand the miseries of people I propose to Prime Minster that the legislatures, especially the members of Federal Cabinet and the Provincial Cabinet should be directed to live at least pass two days of each month in some remote village where they should live with a poor family to understand what poverty is and how the increase in petroleum prices hurt people who voted them to power. [Pakistan Observer]
FLAGS, FLAGS EVERYWHERE
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
The federal capital these days is flooded with
CARBON TAX
[Salam Shah, Haripur]
Practically striking down the carbon tax suspension order of the Supreme Court by promulgating a presidential ordinance, Mr Zardari has virtually pitched himself against the public sentiment. This speaks volumes about the economic policies of the current ruling junta. The government’s moral bankruptcy is evident in a report by Dr Furrukh Saleem published in a national English daily of July 9 which says that the imposition of carbon tax is actually to finance our rulers’ extravagance and needless foreign trips. Somebody should tell the government that in these times it cannot hide anything from the public and such blatant disregard of the public sentiment would result in its ouster sooner rather than later. [Pakistan Observer]
Issue of the month: Strengthening the elitist state PML (N) style
MINISTERIAL MISCONDUCT
[A disgusted citizen, Karachi]
It was simply disgusting to see the provincial minister for prisons, Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor, erstwhile darling of the Sharif brothers, to shamelessly manhandle a female legislator of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly -- and lest he denies it, it was recorded and shown on several television channels. The honourable minister for prisons is clearly very dear to the Sharif brothers or else by now he would have been sent home packing. Obviously, had the Punjab chief minister taken commensurate action against his minister when he so blatantly abused his authority and office to get two of his friends exempted from customs checking, and had the Punjab government not merely slapped the minister's wrist (warning him to 'be careful' in future) and had it not bought his obviously unbelievable story that he wasn't aware of the law that customs officers can check anybody's luggage regardless of the existence of the so-called 'green channel', the minister wouldn't have become so emboldened to do what he did in the assembly.
If action is not taken against the minister now, it will seem that he is deliberately playing this role to intimidate the opposition. Also, what became of the MPA who was accused of rape by a woman? Where is he and why hasn't the woman's accusation been investigated by the police? [The News]
TILL WE MEET AGAIN
[Amjad Habib Mirza, Lahore]
"Zardari and Nawaz met at Raiwind Farm" is the biggest news in the country these days. They meet as they had a long time ago, had dinner, discussed the 17th amendment and agreed to continue their deliberations on this vital issue. Is that progress? Well, it is if they have finally gone through the text of 17th amendment. Millions from the public exchequer has gone down the drain arranging for this VVIP visit and look what we have as an outcome? They have agreed to meet again. This is a joke being played on the starving public that is being grilled by loadshedding, taxed, cheated, defrauded and raped in broad daylight. This is so unacceptable. [The Nation]
LEVY ON POL PRODUCTS
[Atlaf Malik, Rawalpindi]
This is in connection with "Their lordships overstep the mark" (July 10) by Ayaz Amir. I beg to differ with the writer and would like to say that the honourable Supreme Court has all the power and authority to strike down laws passed by parliament that are anti-people. Mr Amir is himself a member of parliament and is entitled to enjoy the privileges of an MNA. I wish he could propose a bill in parliament curtailing the perks, privileges, salaries and allowances of the MNAs instead of coming out in favour of heavily taxing the poor and hapless people of Pakistan. I am sure that total funds set aside for the assemblies, the presidency, the Prime Minister Secretariat and the foreign trips of the political elite are much, much more than the proposed Rs122 billion tax collection through petroleum development levy. Instead of convincing people to pay more taxes our MNAs should change their own extravagant lifestyles. [The News]
SHUMAILA RANA
[Abdur Rauf]
Hum maien, hum behnen, hum baiteaan---- aoron ki izzat hum se hae. A poet has well described woman status. It is true that persona of a child is built up by his/her mother. If some children are doctors/engineers/teachers/ intellectuals, their fathers have least contribution to it. Unfortunately Shumaila Rana, ex-MPA of Punjab Assembly, did not perform the way, the people were expecting from her. She should proceed for Umra and seek apology and Allah’s blessing. She may recover her position. [The Frontier Post]
PML-N'S INDISCRETIONS
[M S Hasan, Karachi]
A PML-N legislator sends his nephew as a proxy to impersonate and take a university examination on his behalf. Another PML-N legislator, a sitting Punjab provincial minister, creates an unruly ruckus at the customs' counter at the Lahore airport and prevents the authorities from checking the baggage of his friends arriving from Bangkok. Ironically, the provincial law minister characterises the ugly incident and blatant disregard of rules of law as a 'minor and insignificant incident due to some misunderstanding'. The same PML-N minister, during an assembly session, manhandles a female opposition legislator, uses filthy language in the house. Then, according to the victim, a man, who happens to be a PML-N MPA rapes a woman who had sought his help in dispute of land-grabbing. Now, hold and behold, as shown on national TV, a female legislator of the PML-N steals credit cards from the bags of an unsuspecting lady and goes on a shopping spree using the stolen credit cards!
One wonders from where and how the Sharif brothers find such people to become elected representatives and make them ministers. What is equally interesting is that none of the leaders of major political or religious parties have shown the moral courage to condemn the deeds of the PML-N legislators. In all of this, the Urdu adage "Iss hammam mein hum sab nangay hein" is very apt. [The News]
OUTSMARTING PML-N
[Shahid London
It appears
WHO TO VOTE FOR?
[Rehana Rahman, Rawalpindi]
Once upon a time I was a supporter of Benazir Bhutto and decided to vote for the
After the passage of nearly one and a half year I now do not know whether I took the correct decision at that time or not and who I should vote for when the new elections are held. The PML-N now seems so petty and with a large number of criminals and immoral MNAs in it. How can any party deliver which has such members in it? The party’s MPs have been accused from everything to stealing credit cards to rape and still no action has been taken against them. As for Imran Khan, I liked him once upon a time too but does he really have the sense to govern such a difficult country like Pakistan? I feel he does not even understand how dangerous these Taliban are for Pakistan because he has developed this new love affair with the MMA and especially the JI. Who is left then? I am totally pro-democracy and against dictatorship but who should I vote for? Can anyone help me please? [The News]
HELPLESS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT
[Mirza Tuftan Baig, Lahore]
Imagine the helplessness of the Punjab government when it decides to sell thousands of acres of state land in various districts to keep it out of the clutches of land mafia. Land mafia it means is more powerful than the government. Who are the mafiaso? Are they the unruly from the tribal belt? No. They are swindlers and conmen supported by the politicians within the government. Bureaucrats particularly in the revenue department and politicians operate hand in glove to defraud the government. One is sure the CM Punjab knows who they are. But these people are so influential that no one can touch them, not even the hard driving CM. But the situation is no irremediable. Only one among the leaders of the thugs has to be sent to prison and nobody will look towards the state land with intent to grab it. It is a test for Shahbaz Sharif. People think government intends to sell the land to benefit the very mafia that has grabbed it. [The Frontier Post]
IS MERE RESIGNATION ENOUGH?
[Fawad Ali Shah, Rawalpindi]
An MP in the UK was sent to jail for sending text messages while driving. In Pakistan even when an MPA is caught red-handed on camera using a stolen credit card, she continues to insist that it’s ‘all a conspiracy’ against her and her party. And now that the lady has finally resigned, she has acted as if it is a favour she has done to the party and to the people at large. May I ask when will the law take its own course and when we will see the lady prosecuted for her action? [The News]
I DEMAND THAT MY MPA RESIGN!
[Saiqa Khan, Lahore]
With reference to a fine and lucid article by Masood Hasan (July 26), the present power crisis and the ensuing public reaction indeed give one considerable food for thought. For example, "No taxation without representation" was the famous outcry of the people of North America in 1776. They were being harshly taxed and exploited by a tyrannical British colonial regime and believed that this was manifestly unfair, when they were, at the same time, denied the right to have genuine democratically elected representatives to stand up for their rights, demands and aspirations; and this historic belief eventually led to the American War of Independence and the birth of the United States of America.
This slogan had -- still has -- vital significance. History offers us 'lessons' in various guises and nations and peoples can think over these and, perhaps, find answers to their own dilemmas. Even here, in Pakistan today, the words carry special weight and resonance. But wait. We are a democracy, aren't we? Already a free and sovereign nation – we already have a federal and four provincial parliamentary assemblies, overflowing with 'our representatives', elected by us, to voice our demands and aspirations and stand up for our rights at all levels, no? So why is it that we are not adequately or properly represented, then? Why do we keep getting exploited by our own governments, unendingly, yet without the slightest reaction, any sincere efforts on our behalf by our 'representatives', to try to stop this exploitation?
Leaving aside a multitude of other problems plaguing us today, let us just consider this: the whole nation is floundering, suffering, angry, this terrible summer, hostage to a cruel and incessant 'loadshedding' regime. Whilst we endure this torture, ironically, power rates and taxes are going up all the time to simply inhuman levels; and as we and our children and families writhe in agony 'our representatives' sit complacently, basking in their cool and privileged surroundings, far removed from the reality of Pakistan. In no substantial way are they 'representing' us at all. They are neither sharing our woes nor representing our day-to-day difficulties, problems and concerns, with regard to this overwhelming issue. They are not bringing our protests and anger to blaze and ring forth in their chambers. They are not scurrying, labouring, lobbying hard to help us -- and they are not indignant for us, for they are sadly and utterly out of touch with the tough realities confronting us, that make it virtually impossible for the vast majority of ordinary Pakistanis to go on living with any degree of comfort or ease, anymore.
What are we to assume, then, about our 'representatives', our 'representative' parliamentary bodies and our 'democratic' government? Maybe, if they can't all of them act decisively to reduce our tax-heavy bills, nor ensure the provision of efficient power supply that we are paying for, then they should simply go back home as they have absolutely lost our confidence and trust and no longer represent us. I, for one indeed, demand that the MNAs and MPAs for my area resign at once for their abject failure. [The News]
THESE UNBECOMING MPS
[Dr. Khurrum Yousafzai, Peshawar]
The present parliamentarians have become a cause of status quo in Pakistan. The civilian government has been installed but it is continuing the same rot which was present in military government then what was the need of May 12 and the Long Marches when we have to maintain the status quo. They are taxing and taxing the poor while expanding their lavish life styles without even considering the miseries they are causing to the poor. We tried the Islamist parties, which proved to be total failure after cases of their corruption and land frauds surfaced. One of the religious parties MNA’s car was found showing acrobatics in Islamabad as shown by a private TV. Then we are trying the liberal like the present setup, who continues to exhibit a strange style as many cases are cropping up with scandals and Nikah Namas with maid servants. Then the famous burying alive cases in Balochistan and all this highlights the plight of these corrupt and incompetent lot.
Then recently slapping of one of the MNA and manhandling her when she put up a placard against opposite party. All this was shown live on TV. This is shameful. Now we need to change and elect more educated and technocratic people instead of these un-educated and ill-disciplined feudals and industrialists. What can they do for us when they cannot control themselves and their behaviour? Look at many parties who are part of ruling coalition, control big territories like Karachi and Punjab, and have a large number of relatives in Parliament and Senate. They resort to come on the streets and do useless street politics and cause inconvenience to people. Their policies and their speeches are not reflected in their actions. They do not like to vote in the Parliament for passage of bills, etc. But they will prefer to burn tyres and do needless shouting and making life of people miserable. At the end one can draw the conclusion that it is our fault that we have elected these un-educated and incompetent people as parliamentarians and mullahs whose Madrassah degrees are equated to Bachelor Degree so that establishment can have share in Government through them. We do not even have a proper Opposition and as a result these parliamentarians are in unison to cause a status quo. They all are following the motto of loot and plunder. [The Frontier Post]
MY MPA SHOULD ALSO RESIGN!
[Mubeshra J Pracha, Lahore]
I write in total support of a letter published on July 28 by Saiqa Khan. She has aptly put down the thoughts encircling the minds of her fellow citizens. How is it that while we suffer at the hands of our caretakers, they themselves enjoy the luxuries of life on our tax money, our bill payments, and the fuel that we pay for. How can we justify that we are not being exploited when we have no fresh air to breathe, no electricity to carry out daily work, no honesty from our rulers and no sense of empathy for the poor by the riches. How can our politicians be representing us when they eat the best food, drive in expensive cars, live in big mansions because the people of Pakistan, the real people, who run here and there for daily bread and butter, never do all these things. Is indulgence best suited to our caretakers at this point when our present and future are at stake? Joining in with Saiqa's voice, I too demand that the MNAs and MPAs from my area resign as fast they are eager to take those posts hardly recognising that the oaths they take actually mean something to us.
[The News]
GOOD AND BAD GOVERNANCE
[Nazim F Haji S.St, Karachi]
A section of a bridge being built for the Indian Capital's Metro Rail System collapsed on Sunday (July 12, 2009). The project was particularly notable because it opened on schedule about 7 years ago an almost unheard of feat in India, where corruption-related overruns are common. Here is the interesting part:
E. Sreedharan, the head of the Delhi Metro Rail Corp, has been hailed as a modern-day hero, but on Sunday, he tendered his resignation to take moral responsibility for the collapse, which is a rare blemish in the largely successful projects. "This is a very, very serious accident," said Sreedharan, an official known for his integrity and dedication. He said he sent his resignation letter to New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who has not yet said whether she will accept it.
Let us look at a similar accident in Pakistan. A portion of the Shershah Bridge collapsed on September 01, 2007 and the enquiry committee reported "criminal negligence" on the part of all the major players in the contract. Up-to-date, nobody has accepted the legal or moral responsibility and offered his or her resignation; let alone being charged for criminal negligence. This is the difference between Pakistanis and Indians, bad governance and good governance, autocracy and democracy. [Business Recorder]
STOP ZAKAT DEDUCTIONS
[Q Isa Daudpota, Islamabad]
Nineteen years after the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance was promulgated by Dictator Ziaul Haq and nine years after the Sindh High Court had struck down its Zakat provisions as manifestly discriminatory, the Supreme Court upheld (March 9, 1999) the Sindh High Court judgement and rejected the appeal of the federal government. The Supreme Court ruled that members of all “Fiqhs” were entitled to exemption from Zakat deduction from their holdings, and the government had no power to reject the declaration on the ground that person did not belong to Fiqh-e-Jafria. Ten years on, the judgement of the Supreme Court gathers dust. To revive the issue, Mr Naeem Sadiq has brought the matter to the attention of the Justices who sit in the marble building on Constitution Avenue. Merely passing judgements is not enough; they should ensure that what they say is enforced by the government of the day.
In an open letter to the Governor of the State Bank, Mr Salim Raza, I have requested that his institution provide the remedy as outlined in the following three points, which are in the spirit of the Supreme Court’s decision:
(a) The State Bank to pay for clear ads in the newspapers and on TV for about a week and announce on Bank’s website that now onwards only those who wish to have Zakat deducted from their bank and other saving institution accounts should inform the manager on a simple form.
(b) Order banks and saving institutions to stop Zakat deduction from all accounts immediately and to have posters, ads & their websites show the directive as given in (a).
(c) In a larger context: No institution, including companies, in Pakistan should deduct Zakat at source unless specifically requested to do so by the affected person. This should be the default position.
The matter can be resolved in a week if there is a will. [Daily Times]
IS THIS MY COUNTRY TOO?
[Ashar J Khokhar, Karachi]
This is the first time in my life that I am thinking about my being a Pakistani Christian. I have lived with denied opportunities throughout my life but never in my life thought that Pakistan was not my own country -- till recently, that is. My first experience of denied opportunity came during my college years. My classmate told me that if I converted to Islam I would have more opportunities and gain a lot more in this life and also in the life after death. I was too young (16 years) at that time to think about it any further. Then there was another time when a classmate of mine told me that Pakistan was only for Muslims and that I as a Christian should be grateful for being 'allowed to live' here -- quite ironically some years later I found out that that same classmate had eventually migrated to Australia; having a mostly Christian population.
This attitude is not peculiar to uneducated or semi-literate people but can be seen in well-educated people as well. After completing my teacher education qualification, I was employed by a school located in a posh locality of Lahore. I was welcomed by all on the first day. No one knew in the staff that I was a Christian but when they found that out their attitude began to change. One day as I was entering the staff room I heard a remark that was directed against me. The person who made the uncharitable remark has a master's degree in science and was a fluent English-speaker. The same remark I also heard later from someone who is in a responsible position in the City District Government Lahore (CDGL). Both gentlemen had said that non-Muslims should be restricted to the low-level jobs such as cleaners and sweepers.
Thanks to Ziaul Haque, my classmates who have memorised the Holy Quran were given extra 20 marks when they applied for admission to medical colleges -- I was left out of the merit list of a medical college because of the same reason. Also I have not heard anything from the government about those who ransacked and burned my village (Shanti Nagar) some years ago. Added to this was the judgment in the Rimpa Plaza killing case where those accused of the murders were released. This made me think that whoever kills non-Muslims in Pakistan will unlikely get any punishment. All this now makes me wonder whether I should leave this country for good? Should I migrate to a country where I will be judged first as a human and then on my beliefs? Where what I believe in or what my faith is will have no bearing on whether I can progress socially and economically.
[The News]
NO SPACE FOR WOMEN?
[Sadia Khan, Islamabad]
While the rest of the world is moving forward in terms of social and technological development, our country still can’t provide a space for women in public. Anyone who has travelled on a bus in Pakistan would attest to that. Women are made uncomfortable not just by the shameless stares of men on the buses, but are also harassed verbally and physically if they are not accompanied by a male ‘guard’. And while there may be laws on paper against harassment, I have rarely heard of their implementation. Perhaps it is time to stand up against such harassment, and instead of fearing these Neanderthals, we should make sure they pay. This is the responsibility not just of the women, but of the men who more often than not either turn away or remain oblivious to such terrible behaviour. [Daily Times]
A FACE
[Zulfiqar Gul, A Swati living in Islamabad]
Every year 4th of July refreshes the 1999 Kargil operation's bitter wounds. It has been 10 years since we went through that fiasco but none of those made accountable who planned and executed that misadventure. As usual, our generals underestimated the strength and resilience of the Indian army operating under a democratic government, made the nation suffer both on the battlefield and the diplomatic front. Indeed, our soldiers fought gallantly but the end result was embarrassing with us retreating empty-handed. From Kargil, now to Swat, we demand that all our past and present follies should be investigated and those held responsible should be held accountable and punished. This will dispel any doubts that the public may have over such operations. This tendency of ours to brush everything under the carpet in the guise of national interest has brought us to the edge of disaster.
A joint committee of the National Assembly and the Senate comprising members of both the government and the opposition should investigate what went wrong in Kargil and how it was launched and exactly who was on board. It is the ideal time to face the mirror and see our face which is full of scars. [The News]
KARACHI KILLINGS
[Dr Bashir Solangi, Essex, UK]
It is distressing to note that target killings have become the norm of the day. It is incredible that the operatives suddenly appear from nowhere and open fire on the victims (and in one report they danced at the dead bodies) and then disappear at their sweet will. The law-enforcement agencies appear after the murderers disappear in the thin air. The question is what the hell these so-called paramilitary forces are about? It is really incomprehensible. They just wait for the murderers to complete their mission. One could argue that the police are underpaid and are corrupt to the core and are unwilling to take on the murderers armed with modern weapons. What happened to the CCTV network which the Karachi nazim has been boasting about? Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry should take notice of these killings and order a judicial probe. What Karachi needs is a rapid deployment force of trained personnel who are equipped with better weapons and paid well. They should have at their disposal copters so that they could arrive at the scene of the crime immediately and apprehend the criminals. [The News]
SNGPL DONATION TO LUMS
[Raza-e-Mustafa, Gujranwala]
This refers to a news story in your newspaper regarding the philanthropic pretentions of the managing director of the SNGPL. The gas consumers, the majority of whom consists of the poor, were robbed to the tune of Rs1.4 billion through overbilling during the last year; whereas, the SNGPL MD made good use of the money by donating Rs100 million to LUMS where only the rich can afford to study. There are a few questions which need answers. 1. Does LUMS, which already charges a large amount in fees from its students, need donations, and that too from an organisation which runs on the public money? 2. Is it fair to fleece the poor to facilitate the rich? 3. On what grounds did the MD donate such huge amount of money? 4. Who authorised the MD to dole out such huge donations? I hope parliament will look into this matter. [The News]
FUDGING THE FACTS
[Dr Sabit Rahim, Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Preston University, Islamabad]
Dr Meekal Aziz Ahmed in his letter (July 20) has unambiguously proved that cooked-up data were presented to the IMF by Pakistan for getting loans. He has cited the evidence of an executive board meeting of the IMF in which all the 23 executive directors severely criticised Pakistan. He further points out that “it was the decision of the executive board to fine Pakistan millions of dollars and ask the money back they had taken from the IMF during the fudging period.” It seems that people of Pakistan were thoroughly duped by the economic team of the previous government. Dr Ahmed deserves congratulation and his efforts to unearth this fraud are commendable. [The News]
K K AZIZ – A TRUE HISTORIAN
[Abdullah Hussein, Lahore]
It is a matter of pride for me to have known Professor K K Aziz and be counted among his friends. I met him frequently when he was living in West London, and later in Cambridge when he and his wife shifted there. He also helped my daughter, who was doing her MA in English and History at the time and used to accompany me to pick his brains. He did me the honour of asking to take a look at the Urdu diction of his late father’s essay on Heer Waris Shah, despite my protests (correctly) that I was no expert in that department. He was a man of unrivalled integrity who wrote without giving a thought to the risk of unpopularity. A giant of scholarship, he strove to uncover the truth of history when all around him its murder was taking place. If this country wants to salvage some self-respect in its own eyes it should give public salute to people like Prof Aziz instead of heaping honours on third-rate men.
Sadly, Prof Aziz suffered hard times in his last years. The third leader, “A historian’s death”, in The News on Friday (July 17) says, “Pakistan is a country where truth has never found a place... the untruths, propagated on a massive scale through the curriculums of public schools, have in turn bred a sense of acceptance of injustices”. If these are not meant to be taken as mere words, then your powerful media group should take some time off from day-to-day politics of men of straw and start a campaign to install a support system for worthy men like Prof Aziz. [The News]
FIRST PRIVATE-SECTOR HYDROPOWER PROJECT
Work on the first private sector 84-megawatt hydroelectric project located 7.5 km downstream of the existing Mangla Dam in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir will start in the next couple of weeks, Khalid Faizi, Chief Executive Laraib Energy said on Saturday June 27, 2009. The local and international financial institutions have given approval to Laraib Energy Limited and Hub Power Company to start the construction on the low head, run-of-the-river power project located some 120 km from Islamabad.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the company confirmed that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $37.3 million, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has approved a matching amount, French Development Agency (FDA) has agreed to provide $26 million and the National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited have approved Rs3.5 billion to jointly fund this project. Additionally, the World Bank’s International Financial Corporation (IFC) has too agreed to provide $35 million but the final decision is yet to be taken.
The New Bong Escape project, to be completed under Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (
Edited and prepared by
Khalil Ahmad
Email: khalilkf@yahoo.com khalil@asinstitute.org
[FreePakistan Newsletter, among other things, is a compilation of views and news taken from the national newspapers’ print and online editions. It is not possible to mention the source of every piece of news or view made use of herein; but as a matter of policy, where possible the source is mentioned with due thanks. However, no opinion expressed here should necessarily be taken as reflecting the view of Free Pakistan Newsletter.]
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