- Allowing the Competition Commission to lapse
- Assault on judiciary By Dr. S. M. Rahman
- Letters to FreePakistan
- HumorWise
- Issue of the Month: Faking the law; and, Extending it politically
- Basic social services to all
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[Claudia Rosett, Wall Street Journal (March 23, 2005)]
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[Robert Higgs, “A Splendid Essay on the Two Great Classes
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[This interview first appeared in Business Recorder on July 23, 2010.]
Chairman Competition Commission of Pakistan Khalid A. Mirza in an exclusive interview to a Business Recorder panel comprising Islamabad Resident Editor Anjum Ibrahim, staff reporters Sohail Sarfraz and Wasim Iqbal, warned that the Commission will be in legal flux if CCP ordinance is allowed to expire next month.
The following are excerpts from the interview:
Business Recorder: What would be the implications if the CCP Ordinance is allowed to lapse?
Khalid Mirza: If the CCP Ordinance is allowed to lapse (on August 18) then CCP will be in legal flux.
Business Recorder: What would stop the government as well as members of the Opposition from defanging the CCP given that there is unanimity of views on this in the National Assembly?
Khalid Mirza: CCP law could be challenged in a court of law. The lawyers, legal community or civil society may get a stay order from the courts while challenging the Ordinance. I am not sure if the 18TH Amendment would be applicable or not while dealing with the CCP case. I would strongly urge the government to push the law in Parliament and get it enacted. The Senate has already approved the law unanimously.
Business Recorder: Since the inception of CCP which government has been more supportive?
Khalid Mirza: Each subsequent government, namely Musharraf, interim and the present set-up, have been less and less supportive. I have never met Prime Minster Yousuf Raza Gilani while I used to regularly meet Shaukat Aziz, and yes I was appointed during his tenure.
Business Recorder: Have your views on a possible successor been sought?
Khalid Mirza: The government has not sought my advice though I have recommended a name of a member as I believe the new chairman has to be one of the members. Most of people in government think I am difficult.
Business Recorder: Do you have any regrets as chairman CCP?
Khalid Mirza: I have no regrets at all. I did my job. I am very satisfied with what I have done. Eight competition agencies of developed countries recently identified CCP as one of the most competent agencies among developing jurisdictions of the world. However, I do regret that I did not insist that the CCP should be governed by a law passed by Parliament rather than an Ordinance.
I also regret that I did not impose a heavier fine on cement sector. We are empowered to impose a fine up to 15 percent of turnover. For the cement sector I only imposed a fine of 7.5 percent of the turnover.
Business Recorder: Was the amount of CCP penalties appropriate?
Khalid Mirza: We have not levied fines beyond the legal jurisdiction. The credibility of the CCP is due to the fact that we did impose fines honestly and with integrity. All orders passed by the CCP were supported by evidence and logic. As a result of our forceful orders, business community voluntarily came to the CCP for advice on this. On average 20-25 businesses have visited our offices for advice.
Business Recorder: Has the impact of CCP decisions been neutralised repeatedly?
Khalid Mirza: The actions taken by the CCP have had a far reaching impact. Our orders, although challenged in courts in the form of appeals and writs, have had an impact. The naming and shaming that we do has brought integrity to the table and that has had an impact on the business community.
Business Recorder: What is your view on the current increase in price of sugar?
Khalid Mirza: Sugar shortage today is a global phenomenon. In addition there is a demand surge of sugar in Muslim countries during Ramazan. The government should have built in some stocks to deal with the coming month of Ramazan. If there is a shortage then the government can intervene otherwise it should allow market forces to decide.
Business Recorder: Do you support the establishment of an independent Appellate Tribunal for hearing of appeals against CCP's decisions?
Khalid Mirza: I support the establishment of an independent Appellate Tribunal to hearing of appeals by the high courts. The competition law has to be dealt with at a national level and it is not appropriate to deal with this law at the provincial level. The CCP has been tied up with 4-5 high courts after appeals against our decisions were filed with the high courts. I would suggest that the appeals against the orders of the proposed tribunal must be heard only in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Business Recorder: What role if any can CCP play in controlling inflation?
Khalid Mirza: The CCP has nothing to do with inflation directly, but indirectly we do through constantly monitoring for collusion in setting prices. For example when we passed orders against the cement and poultry sectors, their prices came down.
Business Recorder: Is any industry in Pakistan operating under free market conditions?
Khalid Mirza: I think textile industry is operating in free market conditions. Let me remind you that CCP is a quasi legal body and we cannot pass judgement. I can only talk in terms of concerns, but cannot pass judgement that one sector is better than the other.
Business Recorder: What are the sectors where you have serious concerns?
Khalid Mirza: Some sectors have surprised me. I thought telecom sector was a very competitive sector. However, there are issues of deceptive marketing practices and cartelization in telecom sector. We are carrying out assessment studies for other sectors. We have to keep an eye on cement as well as other sectors from the competition point of view.
Business Recorder: How do foreign investors view Pakistan?
Khalid Mirza: When global investor wants to enter the Pakistani market, he does look at law and order situation, judicial independence, etc. However one question is invariably directed at what we do at the CCP: is there any anti-trust agency working in Pakistan? Or can the investor get protection from anti- competitive behaviour in Pakistan? [Courtesy Business Recorder]
By Dr. S. M. Rahman
[This article first appeared in The Nation on July 30, 2010. The writer is Secretary General, FRIENDS.]
The judiciary is considered a vital pillar of national strength. Justice is the fulcrum that keeps people contended and ensures the respectful image of any society. Pakistan’s bleak period of military rule from General Ayub Khan to General Pervez Musharraf is a saga of utter degradation of the apex court, which ‘legitimised’ ouster of the elected leaders on contrived pleas of corruption and inefficiency, and Parliament compliantly endorsed the judgments.
The outgoing dictator, who was given a proper send-off under the civil government, as if he were a rightful ruler, was an act which shows how puerile is our political mind. A viable military is indeed a very important element of national power, but it must not transgress its obligation to remain glued to its professional acumen, and be in a state of constant readiness to take on the ‘enemy,’ should it embark upon any adventure against Pakistan. The blunder Musharraf committed resulted in the Kargil fiasco.
I once had an opportunity to visit Sri Lanka to attend a Conference on Brahimi Commission Report on UN Peace Keeping Operation (2002), which was attended by top brass retired military officers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, besides some prominent foreign scholars. Other Pakistanis attending the conference were Lt Gen (Retd) Talat Masood and Maj Gen (Retd) Jamshed Ayaz. Often after dinner we would have inter-actional sessions with several Indian army officers. Discussions mainly converged on the Kashmir issue and the so-called crossborder terrorism on the part of Pakistan. What became clear was that Musharraf was the most “hated” among the Indian army personnel. It was only after he reneged from the historical UN Resolution on Kashmir and offered a so-called “out-of-box” approach; he became relatively acceptable to the Indian Establishment. This clearly highlights the dangers of the military or in fact any other institution, taking unilateral steps on sensitive issues. Each institution must carry out its own job diligently without interfering in the working of others.
Unfortunately, during the military rule, the bureaucracy provided full support to the dictators and in return, they got a freehand in the governance of the country. Both the armed and civil bureaucracy gravitated as natural allies, which has resulted in a culture of corruption and that ironically makes a mockery of the republic, particularly when its parliamentarians are expected to be the lawmakers rather than lawbreakers, as at least a very sizeable number of them have fake degrees. Especially when the Law Minister of the country, degrades a doctoral degree, by affixing his name Babar Awan with ‘Dr,’ which is considered to be the highest intellectual achievement. Besides this, Mr. Baber has embarked upon an unethical practice, quite unbecoming of a Law Minister, of doling out governmental funds to bar councils and some lawyers, in order to create a wedge between the CJ and the members of the bar; a very vicious move indeed. It is aimed at creating a force of defiance against the Supreme Court which is going to give the judgment on the review petition submitted by the government on the infamous NRO.
Furthermore, Parliament is in essence one of the most sacrosanct institutions, tasked with the responsibility of framing laws and making necessary amendments in the Constitution. Whilst Parliament is a supreme body, it must also realise that it has certain limits, and should not interfere in the working of other institutions. Indeed, the legislatures have often exhibited irresponsible behaviour, personified by “knee-jerk” reactions. For example, the 1973 Constitution represented the true ethos of the people, a liberal and modern interpretation of Islamic laws. However throughout its tenure it has been constantly desecrated, particularly during the rule of General Zia, who changed the very spirit of the Constitution. The concept of “basic structure limitation” on the powers to amend the Constitution - a revolutionary concept - was propounded by Prof. Conrad, who was the head of the Law Department of South Asian Institution at Heidelberg, in Germany, and initially implemented in India. The concept states that the “basic structure” of a constitution cannot be amended. The “basic structure” is the “the relative functioning of Parliament, the executive and the judiciary, and that these must operate within their specified domains.”
Also in the 18th Amendment, this principle has been violated as formation of the Judicial Commission and the Parliamentary Committee, which consists of the Law Minister and the Attorney General, is tantamount to giving political representatives a role in the appointment of the judges of superior courts. Will it not amount to politicising the onerous body of the judges? The incumbent government had to yield to the vox populi (the voice of the people) during the lawyers movement. Nevertheless, the present attempts to defy the SC may ignite another revolutionary step by the people for the preservation of the dignity of the higher judiciary. The Law Minister must essentially symbolise as the upholder of law and not its killer.
[Courtesy The Nation]
IS REFORMING THE WORLD BANK POSSIBLE?
[David Shaman]
In April 2009, the G-20 pumped funds into key international financial institutions (IFI) such as the IMF and Bank to mitigate damaging effects of the global economic downturn on the most vulnerable developing countries. Estimates from international organizations, including the Bank, indicated the crisis was returning tens of millions of people back into abject poverty. The G-20’s decision and the impact of the crisis have heightened pressure on the Bank, both from a political and a humanitarian level to achieve results. It has also provided a new opportunity for critics of the Bank to call for reforms.
For years, developing countries have wanted more say in Bank decisions. External watchdog groups have urged the Bank to reform its internal governance and information disclosure policies. One outcome of the global economic crisis has been to successfully pressure the Bank into implementing internal reviews for both areas. The results have been mixed. In July 2010, the Bank implemented a new “Access to Information” disclosure policy. The new policy has been praised by key external stakeholders as an important step forward, but these same actors also suggest the journey to make the Bank fully transparent is far from complete. During the 2010 spring meetings, the Bank officially gave more voice and vote power to developing countries but the change was incremental and the 50-50 split sought by many development think tanks and NGOs remains years away. Other reform initiatives have stagnated.
These developments suggest change can happen. When it does it is usually the result of large forces pressuring available fault lines. However, when change does occur, it tends to be incremental, moving with sudden lurches and equally sudden periods of stillness. My experiences in the Bank suggested drivers of change were opaque. From my vantage point as an internal reformer, operating from within the organization offered opportunities not available to outsiders. On the other hand, it also imposed limitations. There were times when I came to believe true change must come from external forces. As it turns out, both suppositions may be wrong. Perhaps the will or efforts of internal or external reformers is not enough. Only some Teutonic shift of the world order can force the Bank or any IFI to reform. The lesson of the global financial crisis may be that it may take an international crisis of some magnitude to shift the Bank’s thinking about its internal governance and accountability mechanisms.
I expand more fully on these observations at The World Bank Unveiled blog at:
This is the fifth of a series of blogs on the World Bank and transparency, accountability and reform issues. I invite you to share your own opinions with a wide community of international development practitioners and interested readers.
(David Shaman worked at the World Bank for 12 years. He was the architect and manager of B-SPAN, the World Bank’s webcasting station for development. He is the author of The World Bank Unveiled: Inside the Revolutionary Struggle for Transparency. For information about the book, please visit www.worldbankunveiled.com)
PAKISTAN'S PARLIAMENT FULL OF FAKE DEGREE HOLDERS
[Q. Isa Daudpota]
Pakistan's Parliament Full of Fake Degree Holders
Cut and paste this url in your browser to view the video:
Starting in the second quarter of this decade I wrote almost 20 articles (see http://tinyurl.com/266gl9s) highlighting institutions and the fake degree holders who held high positions in Pakistan.
The Chairman of Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Atta-ur-Rahman was provided evidence about people and institutions that were involved in this racket. He and the HEC turned a blind eye to the problem. The Election Commissioner did the same; he failed to respond to my two letters that asked for all parliamentarians be asked to have their degrees verified by the HEC.
This appeal has been repeated in a recent joint letter that friend Naeem Sadiq and I wrote to both the Supreme Court and the Election Commissioner. Neither has so far responded. The lack of responsiveness of the courts to public interest issues and the emasculation of their power by successive governments is a key impediment to Pakistan's progress.
Today the issue has come to a boil, not because of the appearance of higher ethical standards but due to internal rivalries among those who seek power and their use of the media and the courts to expose the fake degrees of their potential rivals.
It is ironic that a deposed dictator unwittingly created a litmus test that has now exposed the crooked parliamentarians in Pakistan! We have now seen the smoking gun.
The question now remains whether the courts and the political system is willing to throw out forever all those who managed to enter parliament by duping the system.
YES
[Atif Shamim Syed]
A few days ago someone sent me a quote by James Joyce.
James Joyce had the privilege of writing Ulysses which is considered the finest book of the previous century. Joyce ended Ulysses with what is perhaps the best literary affirmation in the history of English language; when the main character of the book, Molly thinks about her answer to Bloom’s marriage proposal. Yes! The “Yeses” stretch for the next several pages until the book ends. Yes. Yes. Yes .Yes ……..
We are nothing but our words. Because the words we use will tell you who we are. What we have seen, what we have learned and how we have learned it.
I did say yes a few days back. I don’t know what the question was. Who asked it. When. and why. I don’t even remember answering. But I did say yes to someone or something. And in that moment I realized that existence has a purpose, that my life, in self surrender, has finally found its meaning.
EXTREME OF SYCOPHANCY
[Mahabat Khan Bangash, Peshawar]
There is no dearth of sycophants in this country, who do not miss any chance in taking lead to surpass others. The other day in a seminar Law minister Babar Awan declared before the audience that Bilawal Bhutto would one day become PM of Pakistan according to “custom and merit.” This reminded me story of a Nawab and his sycophant courtiers who surpassed each other in catching the spit of the Nawab in their lap, when ever Nawab Sahib had to cough. One day when the Nawab started coughing, a cunning sycophant immediately ran towards the Nawab with open mouth to catch the spit in it.
FOR YOUR COMMENTS!
[Anwar Jalal, Peshawar]
The ongoing militant movement is termed as terrorism by many muslims. However it has nor been proved that it is un Islamic as the principles and doctrines on which the movement is based have never been challenged.
Till date no such counter movement has emerged, on ideological grounds , in the whole Islamic world or in this region( Pakistan ) which has dared to call these doctrines as un Islamic
The doctrines on which the militant movement is based are not challenged because in view of every muslim. they are parts of faith .Those who differ with the movement, too do not reject the doctrines as un Islamic . Such people simply claim that Islam is religion of peace. It never teach terrorism. It is moderate. It teaches tolerance and endurance. However except such few sentence they do not come forth with any proof or reference from Islamic literature in support of their such claims . Neither they suggest any alternate description for changing the minds of muslims. Nor the supporters of moderate Islam have such command over religious knowledge through which they may contest the religious scholars or convince the followers (of the movement) that what they consider as service of Islam has never been ordered by Islam.
One another question --------- If those muslims who differ with the doctrines of the militants then why they do nor express it. If there is alternate interpretation available with them then what hurdle prevents them from bringing it forth. Is it because of expediency or fear?
ELECTION COMMISSION IS ALSO ANSWERABLE
[Mahabat Khan Bangash, Peshawar]
Thanks to free media and independent judiciary who exposed many parliamentarians for cheating this nation with fake degrees. But the real problem is with the Election Commission (EC) whose primary duty is to verify the documents of candidates transparently at the initial stage. In that way the Election Commission essentially smell rat and stand responsible in the crime committed by the fake degree holders. Many of the candidates who lost in the 2008 elections might have submitted fake degrees and accepted by the Commission, which should also be verified and the culprits be barred for next elections. Since decades we have been witnessing that election results are manipulated and changed overnight by rigging and other juggleries by the EC.
Again it is confusing as to why the Commission is frequently visited by the top foreign leaders, particularly the Americans diplomats, who have interests in our internal politics which is against international morality and ethics.
The degrees submitted by the losing candidates of 2008 elections should also be verified and those found fake graduates should be barred for the next elections. People only want transparency at the initial stage, and the Commission is bound to deliver for the sacred cause of true democracy.
RESOLUTION AGAINST MEDIA
[Anwar Jalal, Peshawar]
Judiciary and Media are two institutions which are seen to be great rays of hope in today’s Pakistan. They may not be perfect however they are playing worthy roles in the interests of common people , justice , human rights and democracy etc. The recent resolution of Punjab assembly is considered as attack on Media. In such situation is it not the responsibility of civil society and democratic minded people to raise their voice in support of Media?
CYBER SECURITY
[M. Shahjahan Bhatti]
We demand our cyber rights as well as real rights to be protected by our constitution. We demand fully automated interactive facility we condemn any state agency to violate our rights under any pretext. Every citizen of Pakistan has a indigenousness right to know the real truth.
FOR YOUR WISE COMMENTS!
[Anwar Jalal, Peshawar]
1- Is US against only Al Qaeda or Taliban too?
2- If Taliban govt had not sheltered or supported Al Qaeda would US have attacked Taliban govt in Afghanistan on the eve of 9/11? (here it needs to be in mind that US had stated that if Osama bin laden was handed over it would not attack Taliban govt)
3- Suppose if US get succeed in dismantling Al Qaeda( which is its stated aim ) and get assured that it will be no more threat to its (US ) interests would it be still much interested in the elimination of Afghan Taliban or will least care about it?
4- What will be the grounds / intersts on which US will continue helping Afghan govt agaisnt Taliban?
5- If US withdraw after achieving its target( dismantling Al Qeada ) what will be the scenario of the Afg-pak region?
6- Would the local Taliban be pacified and defeated or they will continue their activities with strength after US and NATO withdrawal ?
7- Would Karzia govt hold up to the Taliban resistance or not after US/ NATO departure ?
8- If Karzia govt opted to hold talks with Taliban what will be the agenda of such talks and its outcome?
9- As in talks some compromises and concessions are given by the partiers to each other so some demands of Taliban will be definitely accommodated.,---- what can be such demands and what be its impacts in case of its acceptance by Kabal govt ?
PANACEA FOR ALL ILLS
[Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd), Rawalpindi]
It was really startling to see Gen. Hameed Gul say on a private TV talk show that 70 per cent of Pakistan’s problems will be solved the day Gen. Musharraf is put on trial. What a simple solution and one wonders what is stopping the whiz kids in the government from making use of this sure shot panacea to country’s ills? Imagine, all the sceptres of load shedding, unemployment, price inflation, terrorism and bombings, lawlessness and disorder, corruption, poor governance et al will all suddenly disappear and the milk and honey will start flowing from all rivers and canals of Pakistan. Or, is it that those who matter dismiss the know-all General as someone too fond of hearing his own voice – ever ready to proffer unsolicited advice on any matter under the sun.
Probably the General has good reasons to dislike Musharraf but still it would do him good to recollect:
“A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?!”
FEW QUESTIONS
[Anwar Jalal, Peshawar]
1 - What are the main reasons due to which Pakistan is interested in pursuing strategic policy in Afghanistan?
2- To what extent India factor / fear is significant and justified on the part of Pakistan in this regard?
3- What Interests India has in Afghanistan for which it seeks influence there?
4- Is it possible that with out removing India factor Pakistan may opt to discard this policy?
5- What can be such reasons / incentives or pressures (internal or external) which may lead Pakistan not to pursue its strategic depth policy?
6- If till Indian influence Pakistan is reluctant in abounding the SDP - can there be other solution to it?
7- Can India be persuaded not to interfere in Afghanistan?
8- If both Pakistan and India do not show any elasticity in their policies towards Afghanistan can their be some other alternative way?
9- Do you think that durable peace in Afghanistan and for that matter in the whole Sub Continent mainly depends on good relationship between Pak and India?
10- Is establishment of good relationship between both these countries possible in your view?
11- Do you agree with the view that majority of masses and lot of intellectuals of both Pak and India wish to have friendship between them
12- If it is so then apart form the controversial matters- are there some classes which create hurdles in resolving the controversies And (if it so) what can such classes etc and what can be their interests for marinating tension and hostility (though of mild nature) between the two countries ?
OCTOPUS & BLACK GOAT
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
Paul, the psychic octopus, correctly predicted the result of eight matches during the recently concluded World Cup and has become a global sensation. It will not be a bad idea by the Government to get out of the mess pertaining to opening of the Swiss cases and instead divert that money for buying the octopus thus saving the black goats from being sacrificed every day at the Presidency for good luck. [Pakistan Observer]
LOIS THE CORPSE FLOWER
[Dr Ghayur Ayub, London]
An interesting budding flower named "Lois the Corpse" is an item of attraction these days for thousands of visitors at Houston Museum of Natural Science. This is one of the rarest flowers in the world to bloom. When the flower finally unfurls, they may want to hold their breath because of its powerful rotting meat stench meant to attract flies for pollination. After that, Lois might never bloom again. We should open our parliament to those inquisitive visitors to show them a few bouquets of such flowers blooming gloriously in our Senate and Parliament. Some of them even grace the cabinet. The good news is that they keep on coming back to blossom; thanks to our generous Election Commission, which provides them a fertile soil to bloom again and again. [Business Recorder]
BAB-E-BENAZIR
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
The Prime Minister recently formed a committee to work out on the plan of constructing monument of Benazir Bhutto at Liaquat Bagh. The committee has recommended the construction of the “historic monument” whose plan envisaged ‘Bab-e-Benazir’ to be constructed at 4,900 square ft (Rs 39.595 million), ‘Dewar-e-Awam’ to be constructed at 26,243.45 sq ft (Rs 212.68 million), podium to be constructed at 16,900 sq ft (Rs 136.565 million), monument tower to be constructed at 25,582 sq ft (Rs 206.726 million), library building to be constructed at 15,992 sq ft (Rs 58.740 million ), library parking area to be constructed at 12,008.69 square feet (Rs 44.109 million) and monument parking area to be constructed at 65,751 sq ft (Rs 531.326 million). In total an area of 167,378.33 sq ft was requested by the federal government from the Punjab Government for the construction of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial.
It is ironic that such a noble project has come to a halt because of the Punjab’s Government’s refusal to allocate the requested land. The speed by which the number of “Shaheeds” is increasing since our independence, a much bigger space should have been earmarked so as to build monuments at the cost of Tax Payers money as and when the need arises. This is the least our public can do for the leaders who have done so much for the welfare and the well being of the poor masses.
[Daily Times]
WHAT DEGREE?
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
Chief Minister Balochistan Aslam Raisani has said that “a degree is a degree whether it is authentic or fake”. Hats off to the honourable chief minister for his unmatched vision and academic acumen. A step forward in this direction will be to introduce a uniform policy in our educational institutions, whereas a choice should be given to each student at the time of admission to either go for a regular degree or a fake one. We are sure that in future, this policy, if implemented, will put an end to the controversy that is haunting our parliamentarians. [Daily Times]
BUSINESSMAN PRESIDENT
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
During his visit to China, President Asif Ali Zardari has said that he is the”’First businessman President of Pakistan”. Nothing wrong with being a businessman however the real problem is the “Nature of business” one is involved in. [Pakistan Observer]
YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!
[Dr. Ijazul Hassan, Rawalpindi]
Prime Minister's speech on TV on July 22 was a joke. On issues like the Kerry Lugar Bill or APTTA agreement, leave alone the people of Pakistan not even their Parliament was taken into confidence.
What was so special about the extension of General Kayani? Another joke came from our federal Minister of Education, Assef Ahmed Ali. He said in a TV interview that the HEC has no right to check degrees of the cheats. Instead of supporting the HEC and supporting checking of fake degrees, the minister is trying to save the corrupt parliamentarians who have fake degrees. Yet another joke is the Law Minister Babar Awan.
The HEC must tell the nation what is the status of his doctoral degree and if that is fake, the nation must be told of this and Babar Awan should be made to resign. A fourth joke is Senator Raza Abidi. About four months ago in a TV program, he had openly announced that the culprits of Benazir Bhutto's murder will be arrested and shown on TV. Four months have passed since but there is no clue of BB's killers. Hillary Clinton, who was recently on a visit to Pakistan, can also cut a joke or two. She had once said that in case of an attack on US by terrorists of Pakistani origin, Pakistan will have to suffer serious consequences. Well, if US can arrange a 911itself, it can also arrange a mock attack on US to punish Pakistan. India too is quite capable of doing that. It seems the present aim of both India and US is to target Pakistan, by hook or by crook. [The Nation]
THE “SHAHEED” SYNDROME
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
Traveling via the International Flag Career (PIA) one hears the announcement before landing that we are about to land at the “Benazir Bhutto Shaheed International Airport”. While traveling via “Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Road”, one passes by the “Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital”. Just wondering what a traumatic impression a foreign tourist (this year only one has been cited so far) gets of Pakistan with so many “Shaheed” inscriptions at every corner. [Pakistan Observer]
FAKE DEGREES
[Waqas Munir, Lahore]
The rain of fake degrees seems to have surpassed the amount of rainfall in the country this year. The PML-N is moving very fast towards the victory stand while the PPP seems to lag behind in the second position. Unfortunately, instead of being ashamed, both parties are pointing fingers at each other. The question is whether these fake degree holders will be punished or allowed to get off scot-free? How can a nation, whose leaders are not even formally educated, progress? Pakistan needs strong, determined and intellectual statesmen who can face foreign pressure and curb conspiracies. The public will also have to change their priorities and put national interest first by electing candidates who can represent us on the international stage. [Daily Times]
MAKING HISTORY
[Dr Irfan Zafar, Islamabad]
Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan in response to the forecasts of the fall of the PPP Government is quoted as saying “Keep giving us dates, we will continue making history’. Respected sir you are already making history by shuttling all across the country distributing huge sums of money among bar councils to seek their support against the judiciary and illegally using PAF plane for visiting various cities. We do not have to give any dates for the fall of the Government for this noble task is expedited by your own great efforts. [Pakistan Observer]
CLEVER ‘TAXTICS’
[Mubashir Mahmood, Karachi]
The government has reduced the rate of Capital Value Tax (CVT) on immovable property from four percent to two percent by applying a uniform rate on all plot sizes in the recent budget. Superficially, it looks ideal. However, there is more to it than meets the eye. The authorities have cleverly increased the value of property three times from what it was before. Consequently, a person now has to pay more tax because the worth of the land has increased. I appeal to the concerned authorities to look into the matter for the convenience of the public. [Daily Times]
HATIM TAI OF ISLAMABAD
[Hashmat A Khwaja, Islamabad]
Kind hearted Mr Babar Awan could not hold his tears rolling down his lightly bearded cheeks seeing the apathy of lawyers of Pakistan. He therefore decided to rush for immediate relief. He also decided to do this noble act himself, he immediately chartered a PAF aircraft to deliver the much needed cash relief personally to the deserving lawyers through the bar councils (of his liking). How nice of him. Some of the lawyers were so much moved by his goodwill gesture that they promised to stand by him in his hour of need, even if majority did not. They must have also assured him that with the money that he dolled to them, they will get hundreds of black coats made and provide these to fake lawyers, to show their strength. When so many things are fake even in parliament, so few hundred fake lawyers won’t matter.
Now million dollar question is from where all this money came from? Possibly could from his and his boss’s amassed fortune. No no not from there, it will deplete. There are other resources for such philanthropic work. Say BISP, Zakat fund, poverty alleviation or could it any source as long as money is available. One really shouldn’t bother about it’s source. No doubt Mr. Babar Awan with such a goodwill gesture will earn the title of “Hatim Tai of Islamabad”. Mr. Awan a piece of advice from an elderly man, don’t fly so high and fast lest you run out of speed (money) & height (ideas) and then fall flat with hardly any reserves available. Think and act about it. [Pakistan Observer]
Issue of the Month: Faking the law
FAKE DEGREES
[Pervez Hoodbhoy, University of Maryland, USA]
Currently on a short visit to the University of Maryland, I am taking this opportunity to inform readers about the impression created overseas by the fake degree scandal in Pakistan. Major newspapers here, including the New York Times, have carried stories of the scores of counterfeit degrees possessed by Pakistani parliamentarians. The US media has underscored the unwillingness of the government and society to punish this scandalous behavior. Also reported is that the Sindh government has attempted to intimidate and threaten the chairman of the Higher Education Commission, who had been charged with verifying the degrees.
With outright cheaters and crooks sitting in parliament under government protection, it is no surprise that most people here - Pakistanis, Americans, and Indians - feel that Pakistan is headed nowhere. Expatriate Pakistanis, who live in a society that places a premium on personal honesty, are hanging their heads in shame. They have no explanation for why their country has fallen so low. If a state cannot enforce even minimal ethical rules, and if it can live in equanimity with corruption that is starkly visible, then it rightly deserves to be called a failed state. No foreigner is going to think of Pakistan as anything other than a Somalia or Nigeria, lawless and corrupt nations with which we seem to be competing with.
Fortunately, there do seem to be people of conscience in Pakistan who will not let the scandal die and the country sink yet further. It is also fortunate that the HEC, with which I have had strong differences in the past, is apparently holding up against political pressures. One wishes that these forces for good could prevail. I am sad, however, to see some well-respected columnists argue that the fake degree issue is being used to derail democracy and prepare the ground for army rule. This is a specious argument that, carried to its logical conclusion, will allow the grossest and ugliest of crimes to go unpunished.
HEC’S MANDATE
[Noorejehan Bilgrami, Member HEC, Karachi]
As a member of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), I wish to express my full support for the principled stand that the HEC has taken over the fake degrees issue. It is indeed the only body that has the mandate for certifying the authenticity of post-secondary (i.e. university) degrees. I also condemn the unethical tactics being employed to pressurise HEC’s Chairman Dr Javed Leghari and the covert involvement of the education and law ministries. The HEC must follow the ruling of the Supreme Court, and act speedily and to the fullest extent. Fear of corruption or destruction of data should lead to the immediate sealing of records and help of external and civil society experts should be sought. To reinforce its credibility, the process should be carried out in a transparent manner. Conflicting press reports should be avoided and the HEC should consider posting updated details of its work on its website. The Election Commission should take necessary action against those found guilty. [Daily Times]
WELL DONE, RAISANI
[N M Abbasi, Zambia]
The Chief Minister of Balochistan has expressed his enlightening thoughts on the issue of fake degrees. People should understand that getting a fake degree is no easy job. While it’s very easy to get your degree once you complete your studies, getting a fake degree requires a lot of efforts and money. Those who have acquired fake degrees should be praised for their efforts to get these degrees. Well done, Nawab sahib. Keep it up! [Pakistan Observer]
FAKE DEGREE HOLDERS
[Naeem Sadiq, Q Isa Daudpota, Karachi]
A bachelor’s degree was required of those who contested the 2008 parliamentary elections. The Election Commission failed to properly scrutinise the degrees of contestants. This enabled some 150 suspected fake degree holders to become legislators. Thankfully, the courts have disqualified about 20 of them. Many more fake degree cases are still being contested in the courts. Who knows how many will remain unexposed if nothing is done by those with the power to act? The failure of the chief election commissioner to ensure proper scrutiny has resulted in an enormous loss of funds in the form of salaries and perks paid to the bogus parliamentarians. Appropriate judicial action is, therefore, requested against the following:
The Chief Election Commissioner Mr Justice (retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq for his failure to scrutinise the credentials of contestants and prevent fake degree holders from contesting the 2008 election. The Chief Election Commissioner Mr Justice (retd) Hamid Mirza for failure to scrutinise the credentials of contestants in the 2010 Muzzafargarh by-elections. This enabled Mr Jamshed Dasti, who had admitted his fake degree in the Supreme Court, to once again stand for elections and become an MNA, which is a travesty of the court’s judgement. The interests of Pakistan and the common interest of its citizens have been hurt by the failure of the Election Commission. There is ample evidence of the Commission having been rendered dysfunctional, principally due to the inept leadership of its commissioners. [Daily Times]
MEDIA AND THE FORGERY
[Syed Sayef Hussain, Karachi]
It is heartening to note that, the media of Pakistan has taken clear and concerted stand on the fake degrees of so-called parliamentarians of Pakistan. The media of today is as unambiguous on fake degrees as was on the issue of subjugation of judiciary by the then government of Pervaiz Musharraf. The politicians, and the parliamentarians, of all camps are trying to give every sort of twist and turn to this fake degree issue according to their sweet will, one of which is it was the result of antidemocratic law of unpopular, dictatorial government of an army general which has since been scrapped. But hats off to today’s media which has taken this issue as pure and simple forgery, which is unpardonable in any walk of life. I only wish, a clear consensus should evolve on this issue of forgery in the nation, and a concrete step should be taken at the earliest against these high-flying fraudsters. All the elements of the nation should learn the value of bowing before national consensus! [Pakistan Observer]
AN UNEDUCATED NATION
[Lubna Umar, Islamabad]
The words of Balochistan Chief Minister Raisani indicate the level of importance given to education in our country. He said, “A degree is a degree whether fake or otherwise.” It is a great shame that our political leaders are justifying themselves by the downright rejection of the word of God that clearly refutes any similarity between an educated and an uneducated being, and of the significance of education. Acquiring counterfeit degrees is one thing and legitimising them is another. This humiliating act should not be surprising as the current allocation to the education sector in the annual budget for the fiscal year 2010-11 speaks volumes about those who carefully fashioned it in such a manner that none among the public dare excel in any field, and the supremacy of the political elite should remain intact.
Unfortunately, this new trend of obtaining a ‘fast track education’, which does not require the person to study for years, attracts the attention of our youth. Why waste precious years when there is another equally lucrative and far more trouble-free option that enjoys the same legal status? Whatever happened to good old-fashioned hard work and dedication? How did we manage to reach a point where the distinct clarity between right and wrong morphed into an indecipherable haze? We have to steer away from this foggy path and start looking for a track that can define our direction and our destination for us. [Daily Times]
PROTECTING THE FAKERS
[Shanawaz Soomro, Larkana]
Our education minister seems to have sold his last ounce of conscience. As expected of a feudal, he is doing his best to protect the fake-degree holders. The real joke is that he wants his incompetent ministry to verify degrees; the ministry which does not even know how many of its schools are actually ghost schools. Perhaps the minister does not know that the HEC Ordinance authorises only and only the HEC to be the final authority for degree verification. We salute the HEC chairman and appeal to all sections of society to stand by the HEC and demand ouster of the education minister. The VCs and registrars of universities who are delaying or falsifying the results should also be removed. All records should be sealed and a committee of citizens and HEC staff should be asked to oversee the verification process. [The News]
LAW MINISTER’S DEGREE
[Kadar Khan]
Some coincidence! Lawmakers either go to the University which does not exist in our three dimensional world or find themselves getting a degree from an institute already banned by conventional education systems. The law minister, Babar Awan went all the way to get his PhD or perhaps got it through mail whatever the case may have been but according to media sources the court of the country where he received his degree says “university is banned from representing, directly or by implication, that they offer real learning, real achievement, real recognition, real accreditation, real degree and real value.” Apparently, Law minister seems to have a different view of his degree. Since, he has not proved differently which indicates that he seemingly proud of his achievement. The US court does not see a real value to his degree but obviously it worked enough to get him a law ministry. How ironic, minister of law has killed the law with a fake degree! Amazingly, he is still at work doling out money! [Daily Times]
FAKE DOCUMENTS
[Shahryar Khan Baseer, Peshawar]
I find it hilarious the way these elected MPAs and MNAs, who have been caught with fake degrees, are telling everyone that it is no big deal and we should not pursue such matters as degree requirements do not apply to any elected representative any more. Well if the rules for election have changed, I hope this does not mean the rules for submitting fake documents have changed as well. If I am not mistaken submitting fake documents for any Government post is considered a 420 FIR case. What I don’t understand is how come the police have not arrested these MPAs and MNAs. They say that they can only arrest them if the Election Commissioner registers a case against these people. But I believe that the Election Commissioner should also be booked under the 420 FIR because he is equally and fully involved. All in all, this is one of those things that only happen in Pakistan. Where incompetent and cheaters are elected to Parliament and when these people are found to be cheating, then the Police and in this case the Election Commissioner, all look the other way. [The Frontier Post]
UNIVERSITIES AND FAKE DEGREES
[Sanita Rao, Khairpur Mir]
A news piece, though unconfirmed at the moment, has raised anxiety amongst everyone. It has been reported that Shah Abdul Latif University is guilty of issuing over 80 fake degrees to parliamentarians. This unprecedented level of corruption suggests that many rural universities are likely the institutions providing fake degrees to corrupt and influential people of the country. Sindh University, on the other hand, is an urban university near Hyderabad. It is however led by Dr Nasir Mughal who has a shady past. He was the member of the International Students’ Office at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where he openly obtained money from the students in exchange for fake certificates.
Abdul Basit on the other hand has managed to set up dozens of campuses of a fake university that has succeeded in gaining ‘legitimacy’ by offering easy degrees for armed forces personnel near retirement to allow them to get jobs easily. Abdul Basit gained prominence and influence because of his friendship with Dr Atta-ur-Rehman, who was a minister in Musharraf’s government and later headed the Higher Education Commission. Atta-ur-Rehman allowed Mr Basit to get two of his campuses chartered by the HEC. As the country wakes up to the corruption of its parliamentarians, it is important that people like Nasir Mughal and Abdul Basit be dumped in the dustbins of higher education; they have been significant reasons for its decline and waste. [Daily Times]
THE EDUCATION MINISTRY WAKES UP
[Prof M. Zafar Iqbal, Washington]
With the fake-degree issue in the news for several weeks now, the ministry of education, headed by none other than a resident of the city where the likes of the great Bulleh Shah, who held high the banner of the truth in the face of tyranny and forces of coercion, belonged to has suddenly opted to join in the fray. Alas, the ministry of the Sardar of Kasur has opted to do so by joining the side which is the antithesis of the very values on which that great dervish built his edifice of selflessness. It took me just a click at my computer to know that the Higher Education Commission, thus far entrusted with the task of verification of degrees, is included in neither the ‘attached departments’ nor the ‘allied organisations’ of the ministry of Sardar Saeen!
How does the minister then suddenly wake up to the supposed reality that the HEC must conduct its business through the ministry of education? In what capacity, dare I ask? It is high time the establishment division, or some other authority of the government, clarified the relationship of the two offices of the government. All that the hapless public of this country knows is that Prof Attaur Rehman, the first chairman of the HEC enjoyed the rights and privileges of a full-fledged, independent minister and attended the cabinet meetings as such, like all other ministers, including the minister of education. [The News]
SUPPORT THE HEC
[Junaid R Qureshi, Lahore]
I appeal to citizens and members of academia to come to the aid of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which is under intense pressure not to give out details regarding the fake degrees of parliamentarians. The recent arrest of the brother of HEC’s Chairman Dr Javed Laghari on corruption charges smacks of intimidation and harassment. I salute him for his courage and uprightness. These were methods used by the German Nazis to prosecute their opponents. Pakistan must not be allowed to become a fascist nation. It is suggested that the vice chancellors and professors of all universities register their protest against the arm-twisting techniques being used by the government against the HEC. We must agree on clear principles of merit, fairness and honesty. All those parliamentarians who have fake degrees, double nationality or false asset declarations should, therefore, be tried in the courts and duly punished. [Daily Times]
A DECREE ON EDUCATION
[Malik Tariq Ali, Lahore]
The shameful and hollow stance of federal Minister for Education on the issue of fake degrees reminds us of the moral and ethical retardation of our ruling elite. The danger it poses to our way of life, our education and the future of this country should be obvious to all. There is a growing disconnect between the large majority of people of Pakistan, who through voluntary donations to charity have enabled organizations like Edhi Welfare Trust to run efficiently, and the political elite and bureaucracy of the country which has been busy pilfering state funds through rampant corruption. Whatever the political repercussions of the fake degrees saga, the country's education system is under strain. Its credibility is being sacrificed at the altar of just one sinful short term objective, that of saving a political system dominated by greed, corruption and lack of principles.
Years of neglect of the education sector, largely due to paucity of funding, have already dealt a death blow to it. Education has become a money-making business for a few private entrepreneurs instead of long term investment in future of the nation by our government.
The religious fanaticism that haunts Pakistan today has grown on diet of ignorance caused by the state shying away from its primary obligation of investing in education. The void caused was filled by madressas. What else would you expect when three-star generals are offered the political bribe of becoming Vice Chancellors of universities? No wonder we are placed in category of failed states along with the likes of Somalia. This should not have been the fate of a country which achieved independence after a constitutional and political struggle led by men of virtues and integrity like Quaid-e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah & Allama Iqbal. [The Nation]
CENTRAL ISSUE
[Ilyas Khan, Abbottabad]
I have been following the fake degree furore in the assemblies through your esteemed paper, and the subsequent and shameful outburst against the media. It seems to me that despite all that has been said so far, our parliamentarians, regardless of party affiliations, seem to be missing the central point. The issue is not whether a degree condition/requirement should be there or not, nor is it about proving the degrees/qualifications of other professions, which can be also done at any time. The central issue is when a law exists and demands certain eligibility criteria, then (a) why did so many people deliberately defraud the nation and (b) how and why did the Election Commission officials let them do it?
It seems that a criminal complicity was certainly at work, whereby these people wilfully submitted fake degrees with intent to defraud voters/public and the EC personnel, either through negligence or connivance. By these actions, they have deprived the citizens with legitimate degrees of the opportunity of contesting in the 2008 general elections and have also, over the past two years, taken millions of rupees in salaries, allowances, benefits, perks, development funds, etc, from the state under false pretences. As a tax-paying Pakistani citizen, I ask that the accused should be tried as per law, and if found guilty, removed from office and criminal proceedings instituted against them, so that they get proper punishment and public money may be recovered from them. [Daily Times]
DEGREES FOR SALE
[Shanawaz Soomro, Larkana]
In a society where degrees are for sale, the prime minister is a promoter of fake-degree holders and the federal education minister is an apologist for them, it is futile to worry about the standards of education or the literacy rate. Students and academics must raise their voice against parliamentarians holding fake degrees before the whole education process in our country becomes a laughing stock. It is surprising that VCs of the universities keep on raising their voice on the lack of funds but none had the good sense to make a public statement on the fundamental issue of fake degrees, the intervention (most probably illegal) of the education ministry and the delaying techniques of the incompetent Election Commission. [The News]
Issue of the Month: Extending it politically
ARMY CHIEF’S EXTENSION
[Saira Rehman, Islamabad]
People might see the three years’ extension of the COAS as part of another political game. Nonetheless, I would like to point out the positive side of this step. It can be looked upon as a bridge between the civilian government and the army. Irrespective of who instigated or propagated this step, we should look into its constructive outcome. It might help march us towards a stable Pakistan. Additionally, we need to praise the army’s achievements under General Kayani’s leadership. The extension might induce a stronger collaboration between major institutions of the state. The political leadership and the army have to jointly solve the plague of terrorism that threatens the entire country. Crucial decisions such as these need to be welcomed instead of being cynically criticised. [Daily Times]
…IN OURSELVES THAT WE ARE UNDERLINGS
[Muhammad Azhar Khwaja, Lahore]
Many comments and views have been heard on electronic media on the three years extension of General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, the present Chief of Army Staff. His extension was so important that the PM had to come on TV to announce it with the plea that he was “taking the nation into confidence on the matter”. There are many presumptions on this legitimate or illegitimate extension. One, the other generals in line are not competent to ensure continuity of the present government policies. Two, the three years tenure of COAS is extendable to any number of years, subject to discretion of the PM. Three, the present incumbent is indispensable. Four, the next senior generals aspiring to become the COAS have no ambitions and have (may be) volunteered to retire in good faith or in “greater national interest”. Finally, the key appointments, especially in the Army, are made only after getting a green signal from White House in America. In this case, Hillary Clinton approved extension of the COAS, doubtless in the American interests.
If these presumptions are correct, it proves that we are not a sovereign country and all our major decisions are dictated by the USA. The Viceroy of AFPAK region, Mr Richard Holbrook, is here to oversee the American interests and advise our ruling junta in framing their policies. This is definitely a wrong decision by the PM and would create frustration amongst aspiring generals who were perhaps more qualified, if not equally qualified. In three years, many outstanding and brilliant generals would be retiring. It appears the rulers have seen it to be in their personal interest to give Mr Kayani an extension so that they can complete their tenure of 5 years with a ‘friendly’ COAS.
[The Nation]
ARMY CHIEF’S EXTENSION
[Zahid Rashid, Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir]
Getting employment in the government is an impossible task for those who do not have the necessary contacts. By giving an extension to General Kayani, the person who was supposed to replace him has been deprived of his right. Secondly, it has been made obvious that no one in the army is capable of replacing him. If so, why spend money to prepare an army officer? On the one hand, we seem to be against army dictatorships, while on other hand we request the army chief to stay for a longer period. This extension will eat at the fragile architecture of democracy because the message being sent out is that without General Kayani we cannot control the menace of terrorism. [Daily Times]
GEN KAYANI’S EXTENSION
[Dr Azhar Mukhtar Sindhu, Shorkot]
As expected, the media has behaved stereotypically, rather interestingly, regarding the extension given to the chief of the army staff. The reasons given by media professionals for the extension of Gen Kayani’s term were his ‘professionalism’, his apolitical stance regarding the democratic set-up, his role in the war on terror, especially in Swat, and a few other achievements. Unfortunately, this analysis was incomplete. No one from the independent media raised the question whether all the abovementioned achievements were due to the general’s generosity or his professional duty, for which he is paid by the state. If a doctor saves a person’s life, did he do something rare, or did he actually do something his profession demands of him? The same is true for the professionalism of the COAS; it must not be portrayed as exceptional behaviour. [Dawn]
EXTENSION IN SERVICE
[Zahid Rashid Khigala, Poonch]
Pakistan is a poor country where getting a government job is next to impossible for a person who do not have any connection in echelons of the rulers. While giving the extension to Army chief for three more years mean that you have deprived the person who was supposed to replace the Army chief even at very basic level. And secondly it is obvious that no one in army is capable of replacing him. If so, why we are spending millions of rupees to prepare an officer in army. At one side we are against the army dictatorship in Pakistan and we always discourage it. On other hand we are requesting army chief to accept this extension for the sake of this country. I suspect this extension will eat the fragile fruit of democracy in Pakistan because we are inviting Army chief that without you we cannot control the menace of terrorism. [The Frontier Post]
GEN KAYANI’S EXTENSION
[Lt-Col Javed Ahmad (Retd), Multan Cantt]
Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has proved to be a capable army chief during a difficult time in our history. There are no two opinions on his personal conduct in leading the Pakistan Army and ensuring continuation of democracy in the country. But a three-year extension in his tenure as army chief is definitely not welcome due to the violation of a specified system in the armed forces. No serving officer can or will object to this step because of discipline-related norms of the army. But it will have a negative effect, especially on the officers hoping for promotions.
The prime minister tried to justify the general’s extension saying that he did so because of the critical situation prevailing in the country. But I would like to ask: does the COAS work in isolation? Certainly the answer is in the negative. The army chief operates through his principal staff officers (PSOs) and corps commanders. The operational situation and future plans are known to his PSOs and corps commanders. Therefore the government could conveniently select a suitable replacement for Gen Kayani after getting his recommendations. No one in this world is indispensable. Gen Kayani should not accept this extension by following the good examples of Gen Mirza Aslam Beg and Gen Waheed Kakar. The general feeling in the country is that the extension given to Gen Kayani was done following the US’s directions. And the PPP government wants to have his support in the next national elections. [Dawn]
KAYANI’S EXTENSION
[Muhammad Amir Khan, Karachi]
In Pakistan, personalities are perceived higher than institutions and the state. The army chief’s services can be appreciated in different ways and his advice may be sought in adviser’s capacity like anywhere else in the world. But revolving an institution around a man is the unfortunate situation that our masters create so that the institution itself gets affected by the process. Institutional strength is the key to achieve the greater goal of a prosperous, economically sound and democratic Pakistan. Otherwise, we will keep circling around personalities and will never be able to create a system of governance where institutions are higher than individuals. [The News]
KAYANI’S EXTENSION
[Mahabat Khan Bangash, Peshawar]
I am a very small person and do not know the political juggleries and manipulations which take place at the top corridors in this country. However I am witness to all what has been happening in this country since its creation. I have been observing all the ups and downs with my sincere and impartial eyes. The recent extension of altogether three years, granted by the PM in the services of the COAS has ultimately made Gen. Kayani controversial. In my petty and humble consideration, Gen. Kayani may not accept this extension because he would lose the recognition of his worth which he earned during his tenure as COAS in restoring the image of the Army and keeping himself away from the current dirty politics in the country. In that way he would be remembered as distinguished Pakistani in our history like Dr. A. Q. Khan. Otherwise every one knows the disgrace of Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia ul Haq and Musharraf. This would also provide justice and genuine chance to his service colleagues for the right of their promotions, for which they have been waiting since long. Sir, no one is indispensable in this world. [The Frontier Post]
GEN KAYANI’S EXTENSION
[Javed Nizam, Lahore]
Without going into the merits and demerits of the extension given to the COAS by the prime minister exercising his newly found powers under the 18th Amendment, the latter has established a new tradition of addressing the nation on an issue which would have required only a press release in an established democracy. But what choices are available to the PM when his — or for that matter the survival of the entire set-up — is dependent on the relationship with the army and not with the people of Pakistan! At least one thing is clear: the present policies will continue till 2013; whether they are good or bad only history will decide. [Dawn]
It is for the people, especially for the think-tanks and NGOs, and no doubt for media also, that the big issue for the next election should be the provision of basic social services (water supply, sanitation, public transport, roads, paved streets, street lights, libraries, parks or playgrounds, and noise and pollution free environment) to all the citizens in Pakistan not only ensured in the constitution but binding on the next government also. If achieved, that will be a great step forward towards the unification of the ordinary and elite Pakistans. Is there any political party ready to take up this at the top of its agenda? [Editor]
SUKKUR LIBRARY SOLD TO BUILDER
[Raheed Mirani, Sukkur]
The Mir Masoom Shah Library is the only facility in Sukkur where students use reference books and prepare for exams. Unfortunately, the library has been sold to builders to construct residential and commercial flats on the site. Despite the repeated complaints and protests by library visitors outside the Sukkur Press Club, the administration is silent on the issue. The education system in Sindh, particularly in Sukkur, already leaves much to be desired and such acts will further cause harm to it. If this carries on in Sindh, our future generations will be unable to acquire quality education. Every year more than 15 candidates pass their CSS exams from Larkana, and one of the reasons for that is that they benefit from the Shahnawaz Library which has the support of the Larkana administration. Sadly this can’t be said about Sukkur because of insufficient facilities. Therefore we request the authorities concerned to look into the matter. [Dawn]
MASOOM SHAH LIBRARY
[Dr Abdullah K Mangi, Karachi]
The selling of Sukkur’s Masoom Shah Library to a builder in order to construct a multi-storied complex is a treacherous act. There are only two libraries catering to the city’s population of 500,000. In the 1930s and early 1940s, the wonderful Mangharam Library was one of Old Sukkur’s gems. It was located next door to Choohardas Park, a beautiful public garden. It not only provided free access to knowledge but an equally beautiful and quiet setting with a garden. Masoom Shah Library came into being in 1964, when Agha Rafique Ahmed was the administrator of Sukkur Municipal. Initially it had about 3,000 books, which was increased to 15,000. For a period of about 30 years, the library was served by a dedicated librarian named Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, who retired in 1995. Till today, Mr Shah walks from Rohri to the Masoom Shah library in Sukkur to make himself available without any charge to young people who need guidance on how to look for the books they need. I am sure many civil servants currently serving in high positions would remember him with gratitude and kindness.
The residents of Sukkur need to ensure that the democratic government is listening to their needs. Therefore, I request Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah to pass immediate orders and cancel such projects. Moreover, the library should be extended in proportion to Sukkur’s growing population. Other useful additions in the library could include different sections for adults, children and women and a computer library. [Daily Times]
SAVE MIR MASSOM LIBRARY
[Qazi Bashir Ahmed, Old Hala, Sindh]
There could be no more terribly shattering news for the people of Sukkur in particular and entire province of Sindh in general then the one that Mir Masoom Shah Library has been sold to some covetous builder, to erect a monstrous multistoried concrete structure for commercial purpose despite constant agitation by the civil society. The well stocked library with a reading room having historical significance was established decades ago in the memory of celebrated Mir Massom Shah Bakhri, who ruled Bukkhar (upper Sindh) as a Mughal Governor. At present this is the only facility available in Sukkur which also caters for the needs of Rohri, its twin city, where not only students come frequently and use reference books, preparing for exams but also thronged by regular readers of news papers and magazines etc. There is no denying the fact that reading habits have gradually vanished not only from Sindh but from the whole Pakistani culture.
Before 1970s, major factors that contributed a lot towards developing reading culture was privately owned small libraries and roadside bookshops in every mohalla of big as well as small towns, which offered books and magazines on daily rent at a paltry sum of one anna per book. The reading rooms, another very important cost-free venue available to the common man maintained by the local bodies/municipalities mostly in the community halls almost in every town not long ago have also been closed, adding more to non-reading habits. Another setback to reading habits was closure of ‘Pakistan National Centre’ (PNC) established in sixties in almost all divisional headquarters. These PNCs were not only providing the public with the facilities of good libraries stocked with the latest publications and reading rooms, where local as well as national dailies and magazines were available, but also had extended services for cultural and educational activities. On July 15th 1994, these Centers of educational and cultural activities were officially closed as ‘commercially not viable.’ [Pakistan Observer]
PARK UNDER THREAT
[M. Noman Rao, Karachi]
I would like to draw the attention of the Pakistan Steel Mills’ authorities towards Quaid Park located in the township. Quaid-i-Azam Park was founded by late Col Afzal, the former chairman of Pakistan Steel, in the mid ’90s. The park was visited by the public but as time passed decent people and families stopped going there because ill-reputed people had started to come, which tarnished its atmosphere. Now, it is a pity that the park is used by youngsters for wrong activities; they are using the park as a meeting place. There is no check on the activities and no one asks what these people are doing. Since the park is now open in the morning as well, youngsters skipping school and college spend their time in the park. I would greatly be obliged if the Pakistan Steel Mills’ authorities took some initiative in this regard. [Dawn]
MIR MASOOM SHAH LIBRARY
[Altamash Kureshi, Karachi]
It was shocking to read the letter ‘Sukkur library sold to builder’ (July 25). According to the writer, the has been sold to a builder who will construct a monstrous multi-story structure where the library is despite complaints lodged by civil society. The well-stocked library was established decades ago in memory of the celebrated Mir Masoom Shah Bakhri who ruled Bukkhar (upper Sindh) as a Mughal governor. At present it is the only facility available in Sukkur which also caters to the research-related needs of the people of Rohri. People use it for reading newspapers and magazines as well. There is no denying the fact that in our country the culture of reading books has gradually dwindled. Before 1970, some of the factors responsible for a better reading culture were the privately-owned small libraries and roadside bookshops in every mohallah.
Another setback to this culture was the closure of the Pakistan National Centre established in the ‘60s at all divisional headquarters. These PNCs not only provided the public with good libraries and reading rooms but also rendered their services for different cultural and educational activities. On July 15, 1994 the centres were officially closed down because they were ‘commercially not viable.’ If the in Sukkur closes down as feared by the writer, it will be a catastrophic loss to the people of the city. I request the chief minister and education minister of Sindh to immediately take note of the matter and do the needful. [Dawn]
Edited and prepared by
Khalil Ahmad
[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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