The Statesman

Sunday January 08, 2012

Mashriq Group of Newspapers Editor-in-Chief Syed Ayaz Badshah

08/01/2012

Letdown by Asma Jehangir

I was stunned to watch Asma Jehangir speaking against the judicial commission inquiring memogate scandal. I was a real fan of her because of her role in restoration of judiciary but felt really sorry when saw her maligning judiciary and doing contempt of court. She has no right to defame the judiciary and other institutions. If she has reservations on judicial commission's decision on memogate she can go to the higher courts but should not at any cost make fun of the courts and the judiciary. She is a lawyer but behaving childish when she failed to get decision of her choice.

She remained president of Supreme Court bar but lacks maturity. Even a common man like me feels that judiciary is playing an excellent role in saving the country by keeping a check on the worst government in the history of Pakistan.

S K Aurakzai,

Peshawar.

Ignorant Americans

I would your readers to enjoy the American lack of understanding on political and social dynamics in Pakistan. The New York based CNN correspondent, Julia Whitehead, who was supposed to interview PTI chief Imran Khan, ended up interviewing Bollywood actor Imran Khan instead under a case of mistaken identity. Julia had been recently assigned to the South Asian bureau and was working on an upcoming article on politicians from the subcontinent. Unfortunately, her knowledge of Bollywood, cricket and South Asia in general was very sketchy, which led to her interviewing the wrong Khan. An Indian colleague had casually mentioned that Bollywood actor Imran Khan was in New York shooting for a movie and the unsuspecting Julia promptly scheduled an interview with him before he left. Bollywood Actor, Imran Khan, in turn gladly agreed to the interview hoping it would fetch him some publicity and enhance his image with Indians living in America.

This article could be a spoof and not real but so many weird things happen in this part of the world. In fact Americans are narrow-focused people with information limited to their cities, states and profession or trade. One of our friends made the following tongue-and-cheek comment on it, "The next PTI jalsa should be held in New York. The many innocent and ignorant here need some spot fixing!"

Fozia Niazi,

Mianwali.

Upcoming election a long distance

The two main political parties are in hot waters nowadays, as PTI gives them a hard time. The main difference between those parties and PTI is that the latter knows the psychology of the nation while other parties seek reconciliation in every matter. The fact is that the Pakistanis are undergoing through the worst condition of the era.

Though this is a good sign that Imran khan has said time and again that after March we expect general elections, but the existing circumstances reveal something extraordinary, i.e. the intervention of black boots.

Black boots may announce that, the government has failed to solve the basic problems of the helpless nation and it may push the government aside.

So Imran Khan should not ignore the interference of martial law, because unfortunately Pakistan is a country where true democracy cannot be established in a true sense. In other words, we are unable to digest true democracy. We by our own actions invite third power in our country. We should not blame it on others, rather we may start from ourselves. Only through this we may able to have the fruits of true democracy.

Saeed Ahmad Shami,

Akora Khattak.

Beware India machination

Fanatic Hindus on January 5 set on fire a mosque in Sindgi town of Bijapur in the Karnatka state as a result of the raising of Pakistan's flag intriguingly stage-played by a Hindu fanatic group called "Sri Rama Sena" following bloody riots; torching of houses and manhandling of Muslim women and girls. Six members of the Sena were reportedly arrested for raising Pakistan's national flag on a government building. The flag was raised in Sindgi, near Bijapur, on 1 January, leading to angry protests by Hindu organisations and the stoning of a Muslim prayer hall. Police say Sri Rama Sena was trying to create "communal disharmony" in an area with a sizeable Muslim presence. Sri Rama Sena is a fringe group that claimed responsibility for attacking women outside a pub in the coastal district of Mangalore in 2009, saying that allowing females in pubs was against Indian culture. But analysts believe that the Rama Sena is a cover organisation to be used by the agencies to flare up riots against Muslims, as part of the plot to initiate the 2002-Gujarat like massacre ahead of a possible showdown with Pakistan as the Indian forces are amassing the Pakistani border in the name of war exercises. Pakistan needs to be vigilant.

Samina Mullah,

Karachi.

Personal accountability

The slogans of accountability are becoming very popular. Innocent people in the stage of euphoria are thinking of having a system where every department would be working in a way that all their problems are solved. Let's not live in a fool's paradise and make ourselves emotional victims of political gimmicks.

Accountability is an everyday affair. It is accepting responsibility for the actions taken and giving explanation for how much they are fruitful and why there is a failure. It further leads to adopting a new strategy to minimise the negative effects and seek success. The first step in having a good working system is holding ourselves accountable. This is where we are always reluctant. We exclude ourselves from the process and start criticising and blaming others for all the wrongdoings happening in the environment.

A change will only come and things will only improve when we as Pakistanis become aware of our role and take hundred percent responsibility for our actions. When we think of having a control on our immediate actions, our approach would be positive. When self is involved, we are more cautious. Such attitude would help to improve the relationship and working environment. When self esteem increases people would show respect leading to achievements.

A simple formula for accountability is to understand our goals, take action, have feedback and then take responsibility. Accountability is a commitment to utilise our potential and knowledge for the benefit of self and others. A good person is the one who sets a personal example, learns from the past, optimises the present, and perceives the future as well. Today what we need is personal accountability first which would open doors to credibility and transparency.

Anwar Parveen,

Islamabad.

Where are Taliban residing?

The international media is kind enough to further promote the theme of the Afghan Taliban from "enjoying safe sanctuaries in Pakistan" to "leisurely residing in Pakistan". They say most of the Taliban leaders have in the past been arrested either from Quetta or Karachi or elsewhere in the country, which solidifies the idea that most of their leaders reside in Pakistan. Whereas the facts, which need to be highlighted by our media and think-tanks, are contrary: (a) When Karzai says he has held talks with the Taliban, it doesn't mean he came to Pakistan but met the Taliban leaders either in Kabul or elsewhere in Afghanistan. (b) Mullah Zaeef, the former ambassador to Pakistan, Mullah Wakeel al-Mutwakkal, the Taliban regime foreign minister and other Taliban leaders are residing right in the middle of Kabul, under the nose of Karzai regime and playing the role of conduit between the Mullah Omar and Americans and the Taliban's new office in Qatar. (c) A foreign agency report containing the recent statement of Mullah Omar endorsing the talks with the US and furnishing two conditions to Washington was originated from Kandahar, not from anywhere in Pakistan, which means the Taliban supreme commander is residing in Afghanistan, not Pakistan. (d) Mullah Jalaluddin Haqqani had recently announced that he and his network were safe in Afghanistan, which means he too is living in Afghanistan. (e) Just two weeks before a number of Taliban leaders were killed in an ambush in Afghanistan, which confirms their presence there. (f) Americans are confirming and the Taliban are admitting opening office in Qatar. No Taliban leader reached Qatar from Pakistan, but Afghanistan, which is on record. (g) Recently a female member of the Afghan assembly has claimed to have met the Taliban leaders, obviously in Afghanistan, not Pakistan. (h) The Karzai regime has its writ in and shortly around the walls of Kabul. Elsewhere in the entire Afghanistan there is unannounced rule of the Taliban who are operating under their command and control within their areas, not Pakistan.

The facts further reveal that not only the Afghan Taliban leadership is in Afghanistan, but due to massive operations by Pakistan army, most of the Pakistani Taliban leaders have fled to Afghanistan and are enjoying 'state-guest' status in Kunar and other areas. The Swat warlord Mullah Fazlullah, Waziristan's Mullah Nazir and others have fled to Kunar province where the governor is reportedly known to this fact and their presence is being officially ignored. A number of attacks being launched in Pakistan are being spearheaded from inside Afghanistan and the training facilities to Pakistani Taliban from FATA, KP, Punjab and Balochistan are being provided there.

The international community must be cognizant to this fact and come forward to help Pakistan and diplomatically push Kabul to end their patronisation if they seriously want peace in the region.

Eschmall Sardar,

Peshawar.

More provinces

PML-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that how can a party (MQM) which has never had a single councillor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Punjab ask for new provinces in these regions with its leader (Altaf Hussain) sitting in London. ANP Senator Afrasyab Khattak has said that MQM is only involved in political gimmick and scoring points over new provinces issue.

Any political party which wants to grow further in the country can take positive steps and if MQM which has never won a single councillor seat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Punjab can now present people a better plan for them then this is not a bad way of politics.

Chaudhry Nisar says that PML-N is in support of creating new provinces like Bahawalpur and Hazara. Afrasyab Khattak says that his party also supports a Seraiki province in Punjab.

If PML-N and ANP are serious in creating new provinces then why they have not tabled motions for so many years in provincial assemblies?

It looks that PML-N and ANP are afraid of the latest MQM move which has surely struck a chord among people who want new provinces.

MUBASHIR MAHMOOD,

Karachi.

Gas loadshedding and hunger

"I am not having lunch these days though I am too hungry," I overheard a man speaking to his friend. After listening to the conversation for sometime, I asked him why he did not eat when he feels hungry.

His answer did not surprise me because he was not the only one who was facing the situation.

"When, in the afternoon, my mother lights the stove to cook food, there was no gas available," he said. It is sure that many people, today, are suffering from gas loadshedding.

A few days ago, I came to know that it is in the Constitution if a province produces 70 to 75 per cent of natural gas, there cannot loadshedding of electricity in the province. Also people of the province firstly exploit or benefit from the gas and then the gas will be delivered or distributed to other provinces. By the grace of Allah, Sindh produces approximately 72 per cent of natural gas but on the other hand, not only people suffer from loadshedding of electricity but also gas loadshedding, unfortunately.

It is misfortune that previously the government squeezed every drop of blood of the already poor people. The government by doing gas loadshedding is compelling people to be hungry. They are being deprived of their basic need even every morsel of their mouth is being snatched by the politicians. People, in every way, are greatly disturbed in every season. Electricity loadshedding, gas loadshedding, inflation, terrorism and other crises have broken the backs of people and they are either committing suicides or immolating themselves.

There is totally anarchy in the country. Various types of scandals are being disclosed and the politics of allegations or blaming one another is on its peak. Rhetorical speeches are being made publicly to be elected in the coming elections. In this regard, it is the duty of the people not to cast their votes to already elected politicians, who did nothing but rhetorical speeches.

Muhammad Noman Rao,

On email.

06/01/2012

PTI and culture of discipline

Past few weeks, I happened to attend the anniversary celebrations (Yaum-e-Tasees) of Insaf Students' Federation (ISF), the student political wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at their Central Secretariat, Islamabad. I was invited by my friend who is currently amongst the office bearers of ISF. Speaking on the occasion, the founder head of ISF; Islamabad Chapter, said that the thing which differentiates ISF from the student wings of other political parties is 'culture of discipline.' He added that they have introduced discipline amongst the ranks of youth. His statement was widely hailed amidst cheers and slogans of young blood present on the occasion. Afterwards when the cake was cut to mark the celebrations, the same person asked the participants to come forward and help themselves with refreshment. This announcement ushered in a scramble. Typical of our people who forget everything when it comes to eating, our youth attacked the cake and fought their way to get a bit of it. In all this period, nowhere the culture of discipline could be observed. Discipline literally vanished from the scene.

This is the awful state of our youth which is currently very eager to bring change in Pakistan. But they themselves remain unchanged at large. What does our young generation think? By rallying around Imran Khan and supporting his party, will they be able to stir a very change they often talk about and want to see in their country? Never at all! This is the height of folly. Anyone, who wants to bring change, must remember that change comes from inner being. If we do not change ourselves, our attitudes and our mindsets then we cannot bring any sort of change.

Badar ul Islam,

Islamabad.

US is synonym with enemy

One was surprised to read an American scholar's article in a leading English daily. For a while I asked myself, is he an American? An American today is synonym to an enemy, thanks to their being superpower, all in all, the merchants of death, the contractors of destruction, the harbingers of trouble everywhere. I had the impression that all Americans are out against Pakistan, thanks to their media that is purposefully playing the role of instigator.

Brian Cloughley, the American scholar and South Asian expert, wrote a column "Blaming Pakistan" some weeks back, saying: "Let's get this straight, once and for all: if the United States of America had not invaded Afghanistan 10 years ago, Pakistan would not have been subjected to the appalling violence that has plagued the country ever since. It seems to have been forgotten that the invasion drove hundreds of vicious barbarians across the border into Pakistan where they motivated like-minded fanatics to help wreck the country. Their aim is to establish a regional regime of fundamentalist bigotry, supposedly in the name of religion."

He said: "The crassness of Washington in blaming Pakistan for having suffered 38,000 of its own citizens killed in terrorist attacks is mind-boggling. There is frenzied expostulation about militants entering Afghanistan from Pakistan and creating havoc - which they undoubtedly do - but rarely a word about what happens in reverse."

Kudos for Mr Brian Cloughley for objective evaluation of ground realities, by calling a spade a spade and giving credit where it was due. There are like Brian, many others in the USA who raised and keep raising voices against the intransigence meted out to the people of Pakistan. For example HDS Greenway in his Boston Globe article said:

"One can only watch in horror as relations between the US and Pakistan continue to deteriorate, for there will be no chaos-free exit from Afghanistan without Pakistan. Is the military-intelligence complex striving to keep the US involved in Afghanistan longer than it might otherwise be, and getting into heedless and unnecessary confrontations with Pakistan?"

Gareth Porter, another American, commented that the Nato attack was a big loss for the US war policy. "The cross-border attack on Pakistan border posts has had exactly the opposite effect. It has united Pakistanis, both military and civilian, behind a much more nationalistic policy towards the US military role in both Afghanistan and in Pakistan. It has provoked Pakistan government to threaten to stop Nato supplies from crossing into Afghanistan permanently, order the US to vacate its drone base at Shamsi within 15 days, and boycott the international Bonn conference on Afghanistan in protest."

But the question is does the American administration lend an ear to them? It is unfortunate that Obama has not heeded to the candid advice of his old colleague of Harvard days and a seasoned political analyst Prof. William who tried to approach Obama through his open letter to him last year.

All the same for historical record, all such sane voices, do have a role to play. Mr Cloughley's warning, he gave in his another write-up for the Counterpunch, to Washington makes sense when he says that "at the moment Islamabad is desperate to find some means of registering the country's contempt and loathing for the United States, and there are very few options available to it. But it could reflect on what Washington's retaliation would have been if Pakistani aircraft had gone on a yippee shoot and killed 24 American soldiers inside Afghanistan."

F Z Khan,

Islamabad.

Say no to tobacco

The greedy multinational multibillion-dollar cigarette industry is killing people quietly without being noticed by anyone. Despite the awareness created by anti-tobacco campaigns, the number of smokers and deaths due to smoking are rising rapidly. Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of cancer death in the world today. Tobacco use is going to kill nearly ten million people each year, mostly in their productive middle ages. It is estimated that 75 percent of these deaths will occur in the developing countries mainly due to the high number of smokers and lack of medical facilities available there. Every 6.5 seconds a person in the world dies prematurely due to coronary heart disease, lung cancer, mouth cancer and severe problems relating to the throat, bladder, respiratory, kidney, pancreas or some other kind of tobacco-related diseases, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).Tobacco use will kill more than one billion people in the 21st century if current smoking trends continue. An estimated 1.3 billion people are smokers worldwide. 33 to 50 percent of all smokers die of the habit. The seeds for ensuring a healthier lifestyle should be sown in childhood itself. So why should the importance of saying no to tobacco begin from early childhood? This should be included in the academic curriculum. Good or bad, old habits die hard. We should instill good lifestyle practices in the younger generation. Smokers need to be taught stress management techniques. As a society, we hold forth the ideal of protecting the weak and helpless from harm. If we really mean that, then smoking needs to be wholly banned in public places, including privately owned places where the public goes, such as restaurants, parks, malls and other businesses centers. Mere fines, warnings and bans are not going to change the attitude and perception of smokers. Stricter laws are needed to deal with this important health issue. Your health is your best asset. Protect your life from painful tobacco-related diseases. Let smokers take a New Year resolution to quit the habit.

MUHAMMED JAMIL ATHER,

Karachi.

US-Taliban peace talks

Mullah Omar has confirmed that the Taliban have engaged in peace talks with the US. Apparently, this time round one should not expect the Taliban representatives to be imposters fooling the eager Americans. Furthermore the opening of a Taliban headquarters in Qatar with aims to engage in dialogue the West is also being welcomed.

The statement issued by the top militant factions under the command of Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar as they pledged an end to attacks on the Pakistani government's forces and are instead going to unite in fighting against Nato's troops in Afghanistan, comes in quite a contradiction to what the TTP spokesman has said, warning of an increase in attack s on the Pakistani security forces in the coming days. Ground realities also point to the fact that there is no change in the security situations as scores of Pakistanis are still dying in militant attacks.

In this backdrop it becomes difficult to accept the varied statements emanating from different Taliban quarters. Which Taliban faction is responsible for the opening an office in Qatar, does it truly represent the Afghan Taliban and how much influence does it have on the ongoing insurgency?

The announcement of dropping the pre-condition of withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan by the Taliban holding political office in Qatar does not align with what Mullah Omar has demanded as pre-conditions to talk with the US; release of Afghan prisoners from Guantanamo Bay detention facility; complete pullout of US-led forces from Afghanistan.

The peace process too might take a lot longer to actually begin where the on ground situation can also improve. To convince the Taliban foot soldiers to stop what they have been doing for over a decade will certainly be tedious job for the Taliban commander. But for the time being however all focus ought to be directed towards dialogue and a political solution of the insurgency.

Had the Americans the foresight to see that the ultimate solution to the Afghan imbroglio was a negotiated settlement with the Taliban then this step ought to have been the first rather than the last one.

Lubna Hameed,

Rawalpindi.

05/01/2012

Suicides galore

Suicides in Pakistan are on the rise with every passing day, which are ostensibly due to the in-family feuds encompassing middle and lower middle class strata of our (morally decaying), society, as some callous bigwigs in our tinpot and corrupt ruling elite make it out to be. But, in essence, the main causes in more than 80% of the suicidal cases, are wretched poverty and financial deprivation grinding the poor to the extreme and ultimately making them commit suicides.

The apathy and insensitivity of the civil administration, intelligentsia and society towards this phenomenon is deplorable. One cannot, in any way, condone these suicides as taking one's own life is forbidden in Islam. Efforts should be made to identify social and psychological factors compelling people to commit suicide.

Western societies are not immune to suicides. Their occurrence there is attributed to a breakdown of moral values, disintegration of the family unit and abandoning of religion. Not so long ago, the people in this part of the world led a life of contentment, preserved the joint family system and called for character-building of their children, who were kept under strict familial discipline and firmly coached in religious teachings. Teachers taught them by personal examples on how to become a good human being, instead of relying on rhetoric.

Nowadays, people are becoming more self-centred because of adopting the western lifestyle based on materialism. Roots of the present-day social problems lie in economic factors. Today, people are more eager to embrace get-rich-quick schemes. Moreover, the corruption and plundering by the present avaricious ruling elite, of the national kitty, are the main culprit causing the poor getting more poorer and the filthy rich getting more richer, thus making the lives of the poor embittered and resultantly leading them to commit suicides. Dire steps need to be taken to curb corruption within govt circles.

Other reasons for the prevalence of depression - a major psychiatric disorder leading to suicides - include the uneven distribution of wealth, the commercialisation of education, a desire for acquiring luxuries and dissolution of a greater number of marriages.

The public health services have always failed to provide care to psychiatric patients. While the private sector does provide some facilities in this regard, its efficacy is diluted because it is out of the reach of the common man.

Efforts are needed to create awareness about the futility of suicides. The government should ask religious scholars to issue special edicts and deliver sermons, highlighting the intensity of religious prohibition. There is also a need to highlight the issue by way of holding seminars and public discussions in this regard, besides conducting research to find ways and means to arrest the ominous trend of suicides.

Rana Tanveer Ahmad Khan,

Sheikhupura.

American arrogance

This is apropos of an article titled 'Why's it so hard to say 'sorry'?' by Irfan Husain, published on January 2 in daily Dawn.

I enjoy reading Irfan's articles because these are balanced and unbiased, based on his reading of the events. In his article, he laments as to why the Americans refuse to apologise, especially when their own report places substantial blame on them. However this is not the only thing lacking. The unveiling of the report should have been accompanied by a formal announcement to take necessary action against those found guilty but we saw nothing of the kind. Only at a later stage, some vague announcements are being made of some possible action. Just shows that the Americans are good at trouble-making but not all that proficient in trouble-shooting.

A writer with a military background whose specialty is lashing Pakistani Generals wrote in one of his articles that Leon Panetta has the strength of an elected representative plus the experience of being the chief-of-staff of a former president and Barack Obama had a brilliant career, and there is no fooling these two but the facts hardly justify this over-rating. We know about Obama's bold, firm and principled stand on settlements 'freeze means freeze' and his shameful 180-degree turn on meeting Israeli resistance, and he ended up annoying both the Israelis and Arabs. Now, this can hardly be described as a masterly stroke in foreign relations.

Unfortunately, Barack Obama and his administration try to make up for their impotence in facing up to Israel by being extra-tough with Pakistan. At a time when his lieutenants are supposedly trying to repair the damage done by their earlier folly, Obama has thought fit to impose additional restrictions on aid to Pakistan.

As for Leon Panetta, I think he has been placed in a position which is a few notches above his capability. What I have been taught is that a senior manager should strive to get the job done in a cool, calculated manner that causes minimum of friction. The operation to get Osama bin Laden, the brainchild of Panetta was just the opposite. If OBL had been dead for years as some claim, the timing of the operation was unfortunate. On the other hand, if he was indeed in Abbottabad, had been under US surveillance for some time, did not have much of personal security, and the objective was to kill, and not to get him alive, Panetta could have easily arranged a formal risk-free, minor, Pakistani participation which would have avoided the adverse fallout but instead, Panetta went for cheap thrill and sensationalism which does not establish his credentials as a clever, capable operator. He may also have some personality problems which prevents him from visiting Pakistan, and he prefers going to Afghanistan and Libya where perhaps he feels more at ease.

Irfan states categorically that Pakistani Generals' refusal to participate in the American enquiry makes it clear that they are not interested in reaching the truth but in scoring points. Among other things, he ignores the fact that it was eighth incident of its type and about fifty soldiers died in earlier attacks which were investigated by Americans but failed to come up with something significant. The present most serious incident, which ruptured the relations between the two countries and merited prompt follow-up, has not been accorded much importance by the Americans and is being treated more like a motor vehicle accident where both drivers, the foggy weather and faulty road surface have been held responsible.

Another reason for Pakistan army's refusal to participate in the US investigations was that their own investigations had proved beyond doubt that the killing could not have been anything but deliberate.

As for the conspiracy theory, prior to the attack, there had been a constant stream of US military and civilian officials visiting us, putting pressure on Pakistan to start the North Waziristan operation immediately, warning Pakistan of 'serious consequences' in case of inaction, and threatening to take matters into their own hands. Perhaps these were those threats and warnings put in action, their 'shock and awe' policy which, they thought, would paralyse and unnerve Pakistani soldiers and they would not dare resist future NATO incursions in Pakistan. This clearly seems to be a brinkmanship game taken too far.

Also, the US commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen, refused to guarantee such incidents not happening in future. So, the conspiracy theory is not entirely without justification after all.

Lastly, the public anger against America has not been engineered by the army and media but has been building up over the years, because of the anti-Muslim policies of the military-industrial complex and AIPAC-controlled US administration towards Palestinians for whom we have a soft corner, especially because of Jerusalem, and then there was the monstrous and murderous Iraq invasion, and now Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Iran and Syria among the next US targets.

The US did indeed help Muslims in Bosnia and also Pakistan following earthquake and floods but these good deeds have been outweighed by their monstrous acts which show no sign of any improvement in the foreseeable future.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

Gen Jim Jones’ affidavit,

In his affidavit sent to Asma Jahangir, Gen Jim Jones wrote, "Mr. Ijaz mentioned that he had a message from the 'highest authority in the Pakistan government' which he asked me to relay to then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen." It means he accepts that memo was from the 'highest authority' in Pakistan and that authority in terms of protocol is the president. On other side, Mansoor Ijaz is not going to take it lying down as he has repeatedly said so. Hussain Haqqani in this game becomes the bait. If one looks at his past history of being a mega-opportunist and emotive survivor, he is going to link the dots to the presidency to save his skin. Zardari realises this fact; no wonder he targeted America indirectly and Chief Justice directly in his address of 27th December.

Dr. Ghayur Ayub,

London.

Talking to the Taliban

This is with reference to a report of January 3 titled "'Secret talks' with Taliban reach decisive phase". The report says that the Taliban have split into several factions compared to the past and stand considerably weakened. It also suggests that TTP chief Hakeemullah Mehsud is not part of the talks and that the government and the military have cornered him in one part of South Waziristan. Given this background, why would the government or the military even want to talk to the Taliban? Isn't this the best time to crush them? Doesn't our past history of failed deals and agreements with the Taliban and other militants tell us that we shouldn't be repeating such mistakes? After all, the only thing that they will do with this is to reorganise and regroup, and emerge stronger.

Hisham Iqbal,

On email.

04/01/2012

Dubious activities by US embassy

It is nice to know from a report published in The Statesman on Jan 2, that 42-hour lectures by a moderate cleric, Fazalur Rehman, who runs a 400 student madrasa in Okara, reformed a solid supporter of militancy, Sultan Mehmood Gujar, who is now fully convinced that militants' dubious activities are in fact against Islamic teachings. The cleric has made DVDs of the lectures which he wants distributed widely but lacks the resources to do so. I think the government should step in and after thorough vetting by religious leaders of repute, separating genuine Jihadist activity like trying to oust foreign occupiers, from anti-Islam activities like blowing up girl schools, killing own soldiers and civilians, murdering innocent people of any nationality and religion through suicide or other violent acts, etc, arrange large-scale distribution of the DVDs in their original or modified form, if necessary. I hope our government takes it up as a top-priority job.

The worrying thing is that the efforts, which should be wholly indigenous, have heavy American footprint, which must not be allowed at any cost.

According to the report, in the first-ever American move anywhere in the world, a three-member public affairs section, under Tom Miller, was established in the US embassy in Islamabad in July last year, to work with moderates to counter violent extremism at grassroots level, by arranging TV shows, documentaries, radio programmes and posters. The report did not mention print media where I already see pro-America articles financed, if I remember and guess correctly, through a US$50-million fund announced by Hillary Clinton long time back.

The newly established US unit also intends to ramp up exchange programmes for religious leaders and public outreach to conservative people who previously had little contact with American officials. Fazalur Rehman and other clerics are reported to have met US ambassador Cameron Munter already.

I think American involvement in these activities is a very serious matter which would definitely fall outside their permitted sphere of activity. Surely, after dismantling US spy network in Pakistan, we do not want them to re-start their nefarious activities under a different name. Somehow, I had a feeling that Mehran base attack had American involvement and the fact they eliminated Ilyas Kashmiri so soon after the incident just confirmed my suspicion.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

Imran ignoring old party workers

PTI is an emerging power in the history of Pakistan. Conditions are favourable for PTI to clean sweep in upcoming elections. But the question arises that whether it is possible that the former cricket captain will be able to bring the change with the aid of those leaders who had played their turns in different governments.

It is no doubt that Imran Khan is a fair man himself, but how can he achieve his targets in the presence of those seasoned politicians who are known to the whole nation?

Most of the old workers who had struggled for uplifting PTI, are behind the screen. They, though, are loyal to the cause till date, it is seemed that Imran khan ignores them time and again.

So this is the trial of Imran Khan and his party and he should recognise his fellows who spent their precious fifteen years to stabilise the party and now they are being ignored.

Saeed Ahmad Shami,

Akora Khattak.

Population bomb

Rapidly increasing population should be treated as a matter of prime concern in Pakistan. Regrettably, neither the government nor civil society is focusing on this side of Pakistan's problems. Everyone is talking about the rising trend of inflation, poverty, illiteracy, food shortage; violation of basic rights, etc, but nobody seems to take into consideration the factor that is leading us to further disillusionment very speedily. The Pakistani nation has to control its rising population rate if it wants to survive in the decades to come. Overpopulation has been our problem since long but now it has reached to the level where it starts destruction. The politicians in their areas should discourage the birth rate by involving the religious clerics, especially the imams of mosques at the local level. If they think population growth in their areas as an increase in the number of their voters, they are wrong. When these young ones would not be able to access basic necessities of life, they will eventually adopt criminal activities to feed themselves. There will be chaos and anarchy across the country and at that time, no one would be able to control them. Regrettably, it has already started. The government is already facing issues of lack of food, water, shelter and fuel. At this time, the media, especially the electronic media, should shoulder this responsibility and start creating awareness among the masses about the hazards of overpopulation. The government should discuss this serious problem with religious leaders immediately and ask for their help to make people understand the seriousness of this crisis-like situation.

HIRA JALAL,

Sukkur.

Pak, US at a crossroads

America and the coalition forces enter the exit stage in Afghanistan and the route leading to political solutions thought to be possible through mutual efforts of coalition partners and Afghans have once again come under tremendous pressure. The conflicting US policies by Pentagon, CIA, and White House have failed to come up with any solution for the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Happenings at the end of 2011 after NATO attack on Salala checkpost in Pakistan killing 24 Pakistani troops has further compounded the problem as Pakistan and US trust deficit has turned into total non-cooperation from both sides. US has gone for unannounced stoppage in the aid with Obama signing a bill to make it a law as the new year starts and re-imbursement of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) is also held up since Jun 2010.

On Pakistan's end supplies for the allied troops fighting in Afghanistan have been suspended through Pakistan. According to sources the US cargo, stranded in Pakistan, is worth millions of dollars and US authorities have serious concerns over the safety of the cargo as it includes Hummer vehicles, dumpers, anti-aircraft guns, special carriers of anti-aircraft guns, vehicles specially built to jam communications, cranes and sophisticated weapons along with perishable items including special food for soldiers. This is apart from the fuel tankers which carry all type of fuel for burning as well as vehicle use and has become a rare and much more expensive commodity in Afghanistan after route block. Moreover news of 2 more vessels carrying NATO goods in first half of Jan 2012 is likely to further compound congestion at Karachi port.

The bitter history aside the solution still lies in looking inwards and not in blame games, more accommodation and understanding of others national interests. WOT in Afghanistan needs a systematic transition towards political solution. The above shows mistrust amongst America and Pakistan at this crucial stage which may lead the region to disaster. Leadership on both sides must understand the implications of Pak-US relations for the regional and global peace. However the super power has to play a dominant role to defuse the situation. The NATO attack inquiry and its findings need a cool deliberation to find a reasonable way out.

Hamid Waheed,

On email.

03/01/2012

Dubious activities by US embassy

The worrying thing is that the efforts, which should be wholly indigenous, have heavy American footprint, which must not be allowed at any cost.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

Imran ignoring old party workers

It is no doubt that Imran Khan is a fair man himself, but how can he achieve his targets in the presence of those seasoned politicians who are known to the whole nation?

Most of the old workers who had struggled for uplifting PTI, are behind the screen. They, though, are loyal to the cause till date, it is seemed that Imran khan ignores them time and again.

So this is the trial of Imran Khan and his party and he should recognise his fellows who spent their precious fifteen years to stabilise the party and now they are being ignored.

Saeed Ahmad Shami,

Akora Khattak.

Population bomb

HIRA JALAL,

Sukkur.

Pak, US at a crossroads

Hamid Waheed,

On email.

01/01/2012

Blair blares again

This is apropos a new report titled 'Support liberals or face Islamist regimes: Blair,' published on December 30 in Dawn.

The born-again (and dead once, because one can't get born again without dying at least once) fundamentalist Christian, mass murderer and war criminal Tony Blair, the 'Butcher of Iraq' who, together with a like-minded beast, George Bush, invaded Iraq on fabricated charges and created circumstances that saw nearly a million innocent Iraqis men, women and children killed along with around 5,000 American and British Christians of presumably born-once type, after remaining quiet for a while, is spitting venom against Muslims again. Prior to this, the hyprocite had been busy holding sessions to promote inter-faith harmony.

Regretting earlier hesitancy, Blair is now advocating that Britain and US had to be clearer to put dictatorships on path to democracy because in his view "the trouble really in the region (Middle East and North Africa) is that more religious and extreme elements are very well organised and liberal and democratic types basically aren't." That means instead of the costly and naked aggression against Iraq, the beast is now advocating intervention of the type that we saw in Libya which would have been followed in Syria, had not China and Russia opposed such moves.

The man, if one can call him that, is apprehensive of Islamist movements coming to power in the region and establishing a type of democracy which will not be to his liking for the simple reason that these will not be as pliable as he would like them to be. The blinkered visionary is basically dreaming of ruling the world again and not having enough resources for that, wants to attain his objective playing a role of US poodle.

The British leaders indeed hold themselves in very high regard. I remember when after a long wait, Britain was finally allowed entry into the Common Market, a precursor of the European Union, the British leaders blurted "Europe take heart, we are coming to teach you democracy." They are creating problems even within the European Union.

This nuisance of a man Tony Blair is dreaming of ruling the world again despite the fact that his country Britain is finding it increasing difficult to manage its own affairs well. With rising poverty levels, shrinking social services and benefits and increasing costs of higher education which, according to British reports, are forcing some of the female British students to resort to prostitution in order to finance their higher education, Tony Blair better concentrate on the home front instead of messing around the world, over and above the death, destruction and misery he has caused already in Iraq and in Palestine where he has absolutely nothing to show as achievement despite having been Peace Envoy for years, representing the quartet comprising United Nations, European Union, USA and Russia.

It is also time for the quartet to find at least a less-inefficient if not exactly a more efficient envoy to represent them.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

Promoting institution of marriage

A few days ago disclosure of a grave-digging incident in Karachi still terrifies citizens. It is appalling that moral degradation has reached such an extent that even dead people are not safe in graves. At the same time, it is heartening that at least Shirkat Gah in Quetta, a woman resource centre, in a seminar took stock of the above incident, but participants largely restricted their discussion to the rights of women/survivors of violence.

How social scientists would look at these kind of issues keeping in mind our religious, social conventions, and economic environment? But a silent observer of our class society, divided in classes, would expect that folks coming from lower levels, who cannot observe/soleminise marriage out of financial difficulties should be given due care.

In this connection role of Iran in providing assistance to marriage seekers is worth noting. Some time back President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged youngsters to marry at 16 years age. This indeed had immense moral impact on Iranian society. Also it amounts to promoting institution of marriage, thus preventing adultery.

The institution of marriage in free world is diminishing because larger section of the population is fed up with religious and social conventions. Therefore, men and women living together without marriage bond is no more considered act of immorality, consequently birth of illegitimate children is on the rise, which is causing identity problems.

The government of Iran has sanctioned large sum to help out marriage seekers. A well thought-out move though popular in Iran was however not commended by the West, for fear of population explosion.

The intelligentsia in our country can be expected to persuade the government to emulate this kind of welfare scheme, of reaching out to the needful as at least economic reasons should not cause delay in marriage.

It may not be ignored that every soul born legitimate or otherwise and the amount of care or neglect one receives it builds the character of an individual who will assume responsibilities, and would likewise contribute to virtues/vices.

The population growth should not be deemed as a curse as in present times the example of China is before the world - how efficiently it has been turned into an asset with planning and training.

S. BUKHARI

Karachi.

Health deportment

Restructuring and bifurcation of health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into two administrative departments is under discussion in the print media. As a matter of fact, health department has become un-manageable due to its size and number of institutions, projects and employees. Routine matter of one hour takes 6 months in the office of DG health these days. In the secretariat it seems, there is a mess all around. Senior analysts and stakeholders have suggested, that like home, C&W and education departments, the health department may also be re-structured and bifurcated in two departments, i.e. health education and health services. Two administrative secretaries will manage the separate entities. Moreover quick re-shuffling of staff in the health directorate is also must because some doctors have established monopoly for the last 18 years without any performance. Many donor-funded projects in health department have failed due to the monopoly of this group. A re-structuring and re-shuffling exercise will ensure smooth functioning of the health department.

Bashir Hussain Azad,

Chitral.

The Vice President

In reply to a TV reporter's question as to who was the President whose Vice he was, Dr. Babar Awan replied that there was only one President in the country. An obvious hint to President Zardari. Does it mean that Babar Awan has been appointed as the Vice President of the country? If yes, under what constitution? And if not, then what is the answer to the TV reporter's question?

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

29/12/2011

Talk and build in Afghanistan

Being such a significant player in the ongoing war it is correct that a lot depends upon Pakistan's response towards reconciling with the Taliban. It must be realised however that Pakistan has always maintained that a political dispensation of the conflict in Afghanistan is the best way forward. Thus, talks about need for lesser military operations and stress upon reconciliation and peace had always dominated the Pakistani discourse. The infamous 'strategic depth' paradigm too has lost its appeal inside Pakistan as it takes a backstage in comparison to the overriding war trends that requires us to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan towards our western border instead. The aftershocks of a turbulent Afghanistan have been felt most intensely by Pakistan due to its geostrategic proximity.

A strengthened Afghan security force and a subsequent transition into a functioning political system is what interests Pakistan the most. The unanimous Pakistani stance of engaging groups into talks instead of continuing with the ambivalent US policy of talk, fight and build is pretty well known and Pakistan has had quite some spanking for going against the tide. Apparently, the fighting phase is over with the Al Qaeda group reaching near extinction in South Asia after ten long years and surely all the players have had enough of fighting thus leaving the only two options of talking and rebuilding as the most favored in the current scenario.

Pakistan too needs to make its peace objectives and policy in Afghanistan very clear and transparent. How it aims to engage groups into talks, who are the groups and factions that need to be brought to the table more urgently and what incentives it aims to provide them for negotiations. Also what needs to be kept into consideration is the position from which the process would begin. Although equal significance ought to be given to the negotiating groups, yet who holds the cards should be made amply clear so that agreements should benefit the state and the people as well instead of favoring just a few.

Dr Safa Rahman,

Islamabad.

Partition: Are we ready for it?

Just as the writers and artists of Pakistan had put the predominant theme of 'Partition' on the backburner to concentrate more on current issues such as militancy, terror, abductions, paranoia, law and order etc, we see that events force us back to where we had started from. Partition, first came with a cause to celebrate as the Muslims of the sub-continent got what they wanted was followed by another that brought nothing but ignominy to the nation, its leaders and armed forces. Again, a prospective third episode of the recurring theme is surfacing in the national discourse, but somehow fails to wake up the authorities from a protracted peaceful slumber.

Balochistan is in chaos, people are being brutally killed, the provincial government is completely impotent in dealing with the situation and not a single group can be said to have any immunity against the turmoil. Starting from the Sardars, the innocent citizens, the settlers, the various ethnic groups, nationalists and nationalists and ending at the security forces all are being killed viciously. A perpetual mistrust among all these groups fuels the insurgency and makes conflict resolution an impossible feat.

In this backdrop, themes originating from the West are suggesting and surely supporting yet another partition for Pakistan through which the Balochistan province can achieve the much talked about liberty from a perforced allegiance with Pakistan, so to speak. So, according to American analysts, the South Asian kartography needs an appraisal along ethnic and historical lines that could aid the American objectives in the region which include becoming a buffer state between Pakistan and Afghanistan, provide transportation and pipeline for Afghanistan and central Asia, solve all Nato's logistic problems, allow US to root out militants and provide access to Waziristan. Quite an American-centric formula isn't it? So how does Balochistan benefit from it? Who such plans of redrawing maps will aid is pretty obvious.

But what hurts most is the indifference of the authorities that keep on claiming and vowing never to let history repeat its course, but are dangerously on the verge of doing so.

Voices from Balochistan indicate that time is not on our side and that we need to act urgently in order to save the country from disintegrating and fragmenting. The current trajectory of events is blatantly obvious. We are heading towards another partition. A much more dangerous and detrimental blow to the country is not far from sight if things are not corrected immediately.

Ayaana Malik,

Islamabad.

Memo scandal

At a time when Pakistan is passing through its worst energy and economic crises and the government wasting its energies on non-issues, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's fiery speech against the powerful army has widened the gulf between the military establishment and the civilian government in the country.

Despite Gilani's harsh criticism, the army chief assured that the military is not willing to derail the democratic process in the country. As the controversial memo case is still being heard in the Supreme Court, the government finds it hard to defend its position before the court and the nation. After writing a controversial memo to the US authorities, former ambassador to the US Hussein Haqqani lost his position and now is facing tough questions from the media as well as the judiciary.

Controversial memo case is also showing real intentions of country's ruling class. Unfortunately, Pakistani ruling class always tried hard to make good relations with the US against the will of the citizens. The ruling class always believes that only good relations with big powers can secure its rule but the realty is very different. Despite striking several secret agreements with big powers, former dictator Pervez Mushrraff could not save his rule.

KHWAJA UMER FAROOQ,

Jeddah.

Imran’s sudden rise

A number of people including youngsters have pinned their hopes on Imran Khan. But this is the same hope which swept ordinary Pakistanis when the military dismissed democratic political setups in 1950s and 1990s; only to be disillusioned shortly afterward.

In the unipolar world no one favours military coups, therefore, Pakistan military and its intelligence agencies have resorted to other ways to go for "covert" coup practices. They are promoting Imran as the saviour who can get the country out of present crises wherein inefficient governance, nepotism, terrorism and corruption have gripped the country.

Regardless of the big crowds Imran drew in Lahore and Karachi, his party is not in a position to make a big show in a free and fair election. There are a few factors which Imran's supporters must think before getting disheartened (for another time). Imran claims to eliminate corruption in 90 days, solve persistent electricity and natural gas shortage problems, go for unified education system for the whole country, address widespread joblessness, terrorists and extremists to be brought in mainstream - well, no one will object to these goals, but where are the practical plans and team to implement the same (the otherwise hollow promises)?

Sensing the military establishment's nod for Imran, a number of opportunists, left-out politicians, former intelligence officers are joining Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) bandwagon. PTI has no following in rural areas, therefore, it has to depend on feudal lords who will enforce their own agenda in return for their support for any party. Imran's desire to win back extremist elements by merely talking to them is a foolish dream. Talks for the sake of talks from a weak position will only result in boosting of terrorists' morals.

At present, PTI is only depending on Imran's personality; his arrogance has been taken as a positive sign. Perhaps same qualities are being injected into his supporters who are intoxicated with big crowds in their rallies. Sadly they prefer to ridicule their opponents rather than argue and win the argument. Not a good sign for an emerging democracy in a country which has been repeatedly ruled by military dictators.

MASOOD KHAN,

On email.

28/12/2011

A two-front suicide

This is apropos of an article by Muhammad Ali Siddiqi, titled 'A two-front suicide' published on December 25, in Dawn.

Referring to a US think-tank's assertion that a conflict with Pakistan was one of the many potential threats facing the US in 2012, the writer expresses surprise over this sort of trend developing in America, which he describes as a bastion of reason, free thought and scientific research. I think he has forgotten the propaganda against Iraq unleashed by the US leaders, their media, think-tanks, stink-tanks or whatever. Also, a country which earns the animosity of over one and a half billion Muslims with more than fifty states to please about fifteen million Jews worldwide with a tiny state Israel, can hardly be termed to be a bastion of reason, free thought and scientific research. Even retired US Gen. David Petraeus referred to this anomaly in American foreign policy.

The writer's talk of the 'embedded' and its ability even to force the US government to works against its own interests is a real threat but it has definitely lost steam after the disastrous Iraq invasion which caused 50,000 US casualties, including 4,500 dead and the economy brought to the point of bankruptcy. This is why, while announcing additional troops for Afghanistan, Obama was forced to give a withdrawal time-table. So, US options are not that unlimited, especially in view of growing poverty at home and precarious financial situation.

Americans' scaled-down plans for Afghanistan, as conveyed in Joe Biden's recent statement 'Taliban is not our enemy' clearly indicate limits of US power.

The writer talks of two positions like an all-out war with the US, or an abject surrender, ignoring the fact that there is a whole range between the two extremes. What Pakistan wants is a middle course that reasonably looks after our interest. The writer's thinking is amply portrayed when he says "Then there is the clichéd nostrum: we don't want a conflict with America; we want friendly relations on an equal footing. Nonsense! You can have friendly relations with Congo and Chile and Mauritius; in America's case you have to fall in line. This is the demand of realpolitik. India has already fallen in line: it has abjectly surrendered on the Iranian pipeline project."

What the writer forgot to mention is that India got an attractive nuclear deal from the US which was rudely refused to us. Also, that Iran is right next door to us while India is too far away, and might even be apprehensive of us having control over the pipeline.

Further words of wisdom from the writer "For the 'embedded', a conflict with Pakistan is desirable and useful for several reasons: it will inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences for Pakistan. First, the world's sole Muslim nuclear power would be put in place, and this will, second, lead by default to an accretion of strength for India, which will emerge as a stronger regional power free from the Pakistan menace."

The embedded will of course love to neutralise us but they can succeed in their plans only if we cooperate with them in our own undoing, which the writer suggests we do, as a measure of realpolitik.

The writer has not taken note of the recent trends. In response to our firm stand, the Americans are toning down their rhetoric and in place of their threats like "we will take matters in our own hands," State Department spokesman expressed a desire to have a closer, more productive relationship with both civilian and military authorities. Americans favourite weapon, drone attacks, which involve no US casualties, have also been suspended. Remember, at the peak of Vietnam war, Americans had 550,000 soldiers there and compare that with the present position when, even while announcing a limited 'surge', President Obaama had to give a definite withdrawal schedule which he is sticking to. Just shows that American power is declining and its options are decreasing with every passing day.

An article by Eric Schmitt titled 'US prepares for a curtailed relationship with Pakistan,' published in New York Times on December 25, clearly indicates US inability and unwillingness to escalate confrontation with Pakistan. After all, there is a limit to how long a country can go on fighting wars on borrowed money.

The writer concludes his article saying "The Bonn conference Boycott, the supply squeeze and the Shamsi evacuation were basically political steps designed to mollify a public that is exposed to ceaseless anti-American hysteria in the print and electronic media Nevertheless, these actions served to express our anger and register a point But where do we go from here? Are we going to remain victims of rhetoric or are we capable of displaying geopolitical common sense and moving ahead, keeping Pakistan's interests?"

I take it that the writer wants us to resume NATO supplies forthwith and revert to old America-friendly policy to help the US in our own undoing because that, in his view, would be demonstrating 'geopolitical common sense.'

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

The captain and tsunami

Imran Khan the PTI's chief has turned tables on opposition with tsunami of mammoth crowd on 25th December 2011. Those who considered Imran Khan an eyewash are taking his advances as eye-opener. The hackneyed, trite and redundant language full of hollow slogans and promises that have never been fulfilled of our so called leaders have annoyed the masses. People, especially youth, are looking forward for some change in this corrupt political setup. The change that could bring back affairs back on right track. When life of everybody is at stake round the clock and there is no safety, whatsoever, for anybody, Imran has come forward as a rayof hope. He has smartly pointed out many flaws and menaces in our social, political and economic systems. He has always been a charismatic figure and has achieved his targets successfully. However, he must know that politics is a different field and he is playing with different players and stakeholders. Here the rejected leaders of other parties may fire back and produce more harm to his mission than benefit.

The well-orchestrated speeches of Imran are being welcomed by people by and large. At the same time, the major lacuna in PTI is absence of its detailed agenda which the party will follow after winning election. The soft corner for Taliban may isolate him from radical people. Similarly economic policy and suggestions plus road-map for improvement in literacy and employment rate will give him more boom. He should also announce his foreign policy, dependency on foreign loans and relationship with United States so that doubts, if any, in some people's mind are cleared forthwith. This will give momentum to his success and he will become hero of politics like cricket.

IFTIKHAR MIRZA,

Islamabad.

CIA in Balochistan

The problems in Baluchistan including its poor governance are all the work of CIA to facilitate CIA's active involvement in drug trade and massive smuggling operations to generate funds for its covert and illegal operations within Pakistan, all with the share and patronage of our ruling clique. Please check on its detailed account from Syed Talat Hussein of Dawn News. Our superior courts owe this to the nation to halt all of this menace costing the country approximately a billion rupees every 24 hours.

Shuja R. Khan,

On email.

PTI’s Karachi jalsa

PTI's Karachi jalsa at Bagh-e-Quaid adjacent to the Mazar-e-Quaid was successful in a way that a large number of people were present. PTI leaders were claiming for the last few weeks that a large number of people would attend the jalsa and they were proved correct.

More than 225000 people from all over Karachi was present in the jalsa. A large number of Urdu speaking and Pathans were present at the jalsa and it was after a long time that Urdu speaking and Pathans were in a same political gathering. Security arrangements in the jalsa was not fool proof as public was not checked while on the stage security was strict and fool proof. There were also no arrangements for drinking water, toilet and also no space for namaz.

The unique thing in the jalsa was that high and elite class of Karachi was also present in the jalsa. These people do not go to political jalsas but like Imran's Lahore jalsa Tehreek-e-Insaf remained successful in bringing these people to Jalsa.

MUBASHIR MAHMOOD,

Karachi.

27/12/2011

Imran and Musharraf

Imran and Musharraf are both promising to ameliorate the lot of the common man if returned to power. Both seem to have honest intentions in this regard. Both also seem to have some following though Imran's tsunami is gaining momentum day by day. This trend must be giving many a sleepless night to the major political parties' leaders who would be devising all kinds of strategies - fair and foul - to combat the situation. Unfortunately, they are capable of doing so through their genuine as well as captive and coerced voters. If the PTI and Musharraf's APML also field their individual candidates contesting against each other in a same constituency it would split their votes to the advantage of the other political party(ies). The PTI and the APML are also not likely to get some clear or coalitional majority by going for some mutual seat adjustments either as again it will divide the number of seats that each party will get.

As right now Imran looks to be in a better position, I would suggest that Musharraf steps down and not take part in the elections - not as a measure of boycotting them - but by announcing its support for the PTI that has the same aims and objectives as those of the APML. The aim is to better the lot of people and not to be in power. This noble aim can also be served by remaining out of the power. The APML workers and voters should, therefore, be asked to work and vote for the PTI to ensure its success with a solid majority. It will thus achieve Musharraf's aim of good governance also and at the same time the country would get rid of the professional luteras and plunderers.

That's the only way to get a government that would improve the wretched lot of the common man.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

Nur Khan

I am writing to express my profound grief and shock over the sad departure of an illustrious son of the sacred soil of Pakistan, Air Marshal Nur Khan, for his final abode on December 15. He lives and will continue to live in the hearts and souls of all Pakistanis. He was truly an exemplary personality, however seldom recognised for all his greatness during his lifetime. Surely, his loss is a great setback for Pakistan and for all those who had the pleasure of knowing him personally.

Besides being the commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Air Force - an institution proud of its achievements and progress - Air Marshal Nur Khan increased the prestige of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and brought fame and laurels to its name the world over. The aviation industry certainly owes him a debt that can hardly be paid back. In business, too, his share in the introduction of the chains of international hotels cannot be forgotten. In the field of games and sports, the world recognised Pakistan through his untiring efforts. It was his dynamic guidance alone that Pakistan was prized with the Hockey World Cup. His contribution to the promotion of cricket, squash and other games also cannot be overlooked. He himself was a very keen tennis player. It was solely through his patronage that many sportsmen and players in Pakistan were given due recognition and respectable employment.

He was a thorough gentleman in the truest sense of the word and spirit. His awe-inspiring, smart, courteous, confident and determined personality with his tenacious attitude was enough to overcome any obstruction or obstacle in his positive orientation in life. In spite of all his laudable achievements, he was a very humble, charitable and God-fearing individual.

Another one of his most remarkable traits - something missing in almost all leaders and commanders today - was his patience. He listened to suggestions and recommendations even from the most insignificant individuals. He paid full attention to advice, listened carefully and reflected on it, and if he found it to be reasonable, he accepted and implemented it in reality. Moreover, he was all ears for the genuine grievances of his people and did his best to solve them in all earnestness.

I have personally known him and had the honour of working under his command. Although many incidents and anecdotes can be quoted on various aspects of his life, if I were to continue recounting his many fine qualities and accomplishments, I could write a whole book on them.

Lastly, I just want to add here that my heart bleeds at the loss of such a fine soul. He was my mentor, benefactor and a very tough taskmaster. May Allah, through His Infinite Mercy and Kindness, bestow him the highest place in paradise.

SYED BARKAT ALI,

On email.

Govt-army relationship

This is apropos of the statement by the ministry of defence that it has no control over operations of the army and ISI. This comes in the backdrop of the chaos that follows the Memogate controversy, another national faux pas in a never-ending list of blunders.

This apparently life-saving confession is enough to understand why we are the way we are, entangled in a web of complex problems and having no survival strategy to make our way out of it.

All over the world armed forces are subservient to the civilian establishment and act in line with decisions taken by elected government officials.

Pakistan is perhaps the only country in the world where the 'elected democratic government' openly pleads its inability to rein in the armed forces it manages (or is supposed to manage) with its extremely scarce and meagre resources.

If the government was so helpless, why wasn't this irony pointed out earlier and why did the government wait for almost four years before pointing out the same?

Isn't the service chief supposed to report to the defence secretary whose boss happens to be the defence minister and then the prime minister and, finally, the president, the supreme commander of all forces?

What are these gentlemen doing if they exercise no control over their subordinates? It is extremely unfortunate that the civilian setup is incapable of handling the affairs of the state and this is used as an excuse by the military establishment to continuously meddle in the affairs of the state.

As a forced (salaried) taxpayer may I know who decides to channel my tax rupees through the sacred and uncompromisable defence budget and who decides the sub-allocation of this mammoth bounty amongst the sister forces? Will this vicious circle ever end?

ALTAMASH LONE,

Karachi.

Whither democracy?

Nobody disagrees with the prime minister when he said there could be no state within a state. In a democracy, people elect a government to strictly provide good governance, act as custodian of national exchequer, enforce rule of law, make decisions strictly on merit, provide equal opportunities, cater to their welfare and provide security to life, property and fundamental rights.

They do not elect a government to grind the state-owned railroad and air transportation industry to almost a halt, protect the corrupt, deprive the industry of energy, make appointments in violation of merit and usurp the right of equal opportunities, patronise a culture of tax evasion, encourage creation of cartels and large-scale illegal allotment or occupation of private and state lands by a mafia, while billions are transferred to foreign banks.

The army and its intelligence agencies have no authority to interfere in internal politics or indulge in real estate or other business, but this cannot stop our sensitive agencies from undertaking surveillance to protect vital national interests in accordance with their specified role as defined in the Constitution.

If a government fails to protect the life of its citizen, as it has failed in Karachi and Balochistan, it loses its ethical and moral high ground to retain public office, because they have violated the oath of office, through which they occupied it in the first place.

Similarly, security agencies have no unlimited powers to arrest citizens without judicial authorisation and due process of law, as has been happening in Balochistan.

No elected or paid public office-holder has the right to abuse his powers in violation of laws depriving a citizen of his fundamental rights, without due judicial process as defined in our Constitution.

A state within a state exists when other than the authorised tax collectors a group is being allowed to extort money from citizens, as is happening under the full knowledge of the establishment in Karachi and other cities and towns.

MALIK TARIQ ALI,

Lahore.

24/12/2011

Turmoil in Syria

Killing of 111 people, in addition to over 100 casualties among army deserters in 48 hours, if not vastly overstated, would indeed be a massacre. However, responsibility for all this lies not with Bashar al-Asad's forces alone but also with protesters who are becoming increasingly violent, with agents of states opposed to Syria having infiltrated their movement. With Iraq up in flames eternally, and Libya destabilised, the agents of United and Israel, with their kith and kin in Europe and elsewhere are after Syria now. If Syrians are not careful, they could end up in an Iraq-like situation and I do not think that would be to their benefit, but of course their enemies will be jubilant, and will gladly supply them arms and ammunition to kill each other, while they will be watching all this with great satisfaction. Bank Ki-moon, the most obedient servant of US and its pack of hunting dogs would indeed be strenuously trying to arrange some Libya-like UN resolution but luckily Russia and China are unlikely to allow these forces to repeat their mischief, having seen how US, France and others in the pack violated and went far beyond their mandate in Libya, becoming actual combatants

A silver lining in the cloud is the statement by Arab League Secretary-Geneal Nabil Elaraby that an advance observer team would go to Syria on Thursday to prepare the way for 150 monitors to arrive by end-December in order to oversee the implementation of the peace accord. Surely an orderly transition to democracy would be in the best interests of Syrians but that would require exercise of restraint and patience by all concerned. A sudden and violent dismantling of existing state structure would just create chaotic conditions with killings that are described now as massacre becoming routine matter, just like Iraq.

I hope and pray all Syrian people, including the rulers, make honest efforts to bring about an orderly transition to democracy which is coming anyway.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

What a democratic govt?

I was going through a news item quoting an American newspaper that the then president General Pervez Musharraf used to give permission before each and every drone attack but after the so called democratic government took over the American never felt any need to seek permission from the government. How unfortunate it is that the other countries don't respect our political leadership. I never supported Musharraf regime yet I felt happy at least he had some sort of leverage over US drones.

The present government unfortunately opened the doors of hundreds of Americans giving visas without any security clearance and the doors of drone attacks as well. Democratic government's permission opened the way for Blackwaters and killing of many of Pakistanis by drones. Can this government claim to be the saviour of the nation?

Yes we need democracy in Pakistan but not the one we have these days.

S K Aurakzai,

Peshawar.

Asma on DG ISI’s role

Asma Jahangir besides being a human right activist is also a leading lawyer of the country. Whatever she says publicly carries weight. However, her recent statement questioning the role of DG ISI was irresponsible and immature.

On December 19, while speaking to the press after appearing before the Supreme Court that is hearing Memo case where she is defending the main accused former ambassador, Hussain Haqqani, Asma questioned as to why DG ISI, Lt General Ahmad Shuja Pasha went to England to investigate the man behind initiating the case, US citizen, Ijaz. She also asked as to who authorised the DG to undertake the trip. It is understood that since she is defending Mr Haqqani, she has every right to plead before the honourable judges to save her client from any harm. However, pointing accusing finger towards the initial investigator, DG ISI, on the premises of the court in a press conference is against legal ethics besides attempting to dent the image of the country's premier spy agency.

Asma should be aware of the fact that the ISI, like India's RAW, Israel's Mossad, UK's MI6, USA's CIA is assigned by the government the primary task to gather information that serves the country's interest, from any corner of the globe. The ISI like all other spy agencies need not get specific permission to gather information in any country or parts of their own country.

Asma's second question as to why the DG ISI went to UK to probe what Ijaz had alleged, the answer is that the allegations had directly affected the national security and hence it was to be investigated.

I must shower kudos on the DG who is an extremely busy man but spared time to personally travel all the way to London to undertake initial investigation since it was of paramount national importance.

Sayed GB Shah Bokhari,

Peshawar.

Memo-gate

The Memo crisis has taken a very serious turn after Prime Minister Gilani accused Armed Forces of creating a state within a state. The worst indictment levied against the forces was "Who issued visa to OBL?" It was said in response to the allegation on government for issuing visas to Americans without following due process. These developments have presumably drawn battle lines between civil government and the Army. Political leadership has failed to realise that it is not the Army that wants to seize power rather the agents of our foes have managed to pitch institutions of state against each other. A situation has come up, which our enemies wished for.

If we look at the events a clear pattern emerges. Osama Bin Laden was assassinated on May 2, 2011. Reportedly the memo was sent on 9th or 10th May 2011. ISAF started buildup on Pak-Afghan border in October 2011. Mansoor Ijaz leaked the information about the memo through an article published in Financial Times on 10th October, exactly five months after it was supposedly initiated by Pakistan's ambassador to USA Hussain Haqqani. The issue was made public with a purpose. It created wedge between civil government and the army. The case was filed in the SC of Pakistan on 19 November 2011. Once every body had filed their reply and stood committed, on 15 December 2011, Mansoor Ijaz came up with the story of DG ISI visiting Middle East to seek assistance to oust the sitting government. Naturally, that further widened the rift between the institutions and pushed the country towards destabilisation.

Pakistan is already in a state of deep crisis. Our relations with Americans are at the lowest ebb after the Salala incident. In fact they are knocking at our western border. Economy is downsliding, prices are sky-rocketing, unemployment is on its peak and we are surrounded by our enemies. This is no time for infighting. Memo-gate issue is sub judice; we should let SC handle it. Instead of making provocative statements civil and military leadership should rather work to bridge the differences to create national unity. We should not fall prey to the instigations of our enemies. In these circumstances national harmony and cohesion can steer the country out of crises. I am sure the leadership is cognisant of this reality and would work for the achievement of this objective.

Zafar Alam,

Islamabad.

Parliament and the Army

PM Gilani very rightly said, "Nobody is above the law and all the institutions are subservient to the parliament." He was hinting at the army for taking up a position on Memogate different to that of the government. Generals Kiyani and Pasha say that memo is a fact and its authorship should be probed. Whereas the ruling elite dubs it to be a non-issue and that the government had nothing to do with it. If it is so, why not let the higher judiciary probe it and prove the generals to be wrong? And, if the memo is a fact then why should someone ask a third power to rein in an army subservient to the parliament? Why can't the parliament do the needful itself?

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

23/12/2011

Cell phone use while driving

Evidence is mounting that using a cell phone while driving is not just distracting, it is deadly. Eliminating such distractions will save lives. Motorists will never stop using cell phone or "texting" while driving but I urge those, who find it is urgent or important, to simply pull over and park, send their messages and then continue. Being behind the wheel I challenge that none can concentrate on both jobs at the same time. I express my appreciation to a few who politely tell me, when I call them, "I am driving!" Driver's seat is no place for multitasking. Please keep your eyes on the road!

MUHAMMED JAMIL ATHER,

Karachi.

Nawaz demands early elections

During his recent visit to Karachi, while castigating PPP-led government for lack of good leadership, as a result of which national institutions are on the verge of collapse, Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif inferred that things would get from bad to worse if Pakistan Peoples Party insisted on completing its tenure. He also referred to the precarious situation in Balochistan and ruled out any interference by the establishment in political matters.

MNS suggested fresh elections as a solution to the problem and asked all parties to sit together, evolve an agenda for the future of the country and deliver on it, no matter whosoever wins the election. So far so good, but going by PPP statements, it seems unlikely to call early elections and in these circumstances, it is incumbent on MNS, being the leader of the second largest party, to take some practical measures to put into effect what he seriously believes in, and thus prevent the country from the oncoming disaster that he sees just round the corner. As suggested by some, there is nothing to stop his party from resigning national and provincial assembly seats, which will necessitate fresh elections because in order not to spoil their chances at the next elections, other parties are also likely to jump off the sinking boat and make the demand irresistible.

MNS also stated that had his party been voted to power for five years, a journey from Peshawar to Karachi would have been covered in 8 hours. I believe given a bit of luck, subject to availability of a plane, and it's not developing a fault during flight, it could still be possible to travel from Peshawar to Karachi, even in less than 8 hours, though not by road as meant by MNS. Outpacing South Korea would seem a bit far-fetched, because we simply did not have the resources to build and / or expand the network of motorways and other infra-structure required for the purpose.

I remember at the time of abrupt end of MNS rule, the forex reserves of the country had virtually been exhausted and even foreign exchange held legally by Pakistanis in their foreign currency accounts was confiscated by the government and rupee equivalent given later. The government had even opened bank accounts at home and abroad for Pakistanis to give donations for Pakistan.

No doubt all parties exaggerate their achievements and potential, but a sensible thing would be to keep these within reasonable bounds.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

Proud of Bushra Gohar

About one century ago, a poet in the time of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan (Bacha Khan Baba) had rightly said in Pukhto language "Ka da zulmo na poora na shuwa, fakhri Afghana jenakai ba de gati" meaning "if the men failed, pride of Afghan nation (Bacha Khan), women would support you."

I am proud of being belonging to District Swabi to which also belongs Bushra Gohar MNA. In the Parliament she was the only member who demanded the resignation/removal of DG ISI Mr. Ahmad Shuja Pasha being under the allegation of Mansoor Ijaz. But the whole ANP party declared her desire as her personal view and did not support her.

The sister of Pakhtunkhwa (Bushra Gohar) is very shrewd. She has no personal enmity with DG ISI but she wanted Nawaz to go to Supreme Court in the matter of DG ISI as well. Either it may be a contrivance of ANP to push forward Bushra and then declare her demand as her personal desire or it is really a voice of her conscience. Any way, it is the first drop of rain in the desert of hopelessness and despondency.

I also expect some response from Imran Khan who has undertaken the job of removal of every sort of evil from Pakistan. If he remained silent on this matter then the suspicion of people against him would find ground that he is also being supported by the Establishment but in different form.

Nawaz placed the matter against Haqqani in the Supreme Court and Imran Khan supported him. Now Imran Khan should put the matter against Shuja Pasha and Nawaz should support him.

Manzoor Ahmad Yousafzai,

On email.

Take rest, Zardari

According to news reports, in Dubai doctors had advised President Asif Ali Zardari to restrain from air travel for the sake of his health.

Accordingly, our worthy President stayed there for a while. Being the

constitutional head of our country and the custodian of "democracy" we want to see him in robust health for the well being of Pakistanis. It is hoped that he will cut down his foreign visits and avoid going abroad personally for the sake of his health and smooth sailing of democracy, instead staying home would help him to serve his nation.

IFTIKHAR MIRZA,

Islamabad.

22-12-2011

Biden on Afghanistan

As reported in the Statesman on December 21, the US spare wheel, Vice President Joe Biden had this to say "We didn't invade Afghanistan. We did not send US military personnel into Afghanistan because the Taliban were in power. They had been in power. We went into Afghanistan because al Qaeda had launched an attack against the US from Afghanistan." Just shows how stupid some people can get. If that was really so, with Osama bin Laden already dead, most of the top al-Qaeda leadership eliminated and the rest in disarray and on the run, there seems to be no good reason for Americans to plan a stay there up to 2014 and beyond.

Obviously, Taliban had no intention or means to take on super power America and had even offered to hand over Osama bin Laden for trial in a neutral country, which the US did not accept. Now, with Osama dead and al-Qaeda nearly eliminated in Afghanistan, as claimed by the US, and Afghans having gone through what they have gone through, only a fool could assume that Taliban will prop up al-Qaeda and similar anti-America forces in their country, and invite the wrath of the US again.

Biden's other statement "If, in fact, the Taliban is able to collapse the existing government, which is cooperating with us in keeping the bad guys from being able to do damage to us, then that becomes a problem for us," is just as stupid as the earlier one.

If Taliban are resisting the US and its accomplices, it is because like all freedom-loving people, they want to oust the foreign occupiers.

The other cause of conflict is the US attempt to impose on majority Pashtuns, a minority Northern Alliance government headed by their Pashtun puppet Hamid Karzai, whom the Americans themselves have been calling corrupt and not up to the task.

The best way for the US to avoid losses in men and materials, is to leave Afghanistan, and to concentrate their energy and resources on solving problems like Palestine, Kashmir, etc instead of creating new conflict zones. However, American leaders are not exactly known for taking on sensible options, perhaps because of intense pressure exerted on them by their sponsors, the military-industrial complex, AIPAC and other pressure groups, for whose benefit they run the country.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

ISPR clarification

The Pakistan military's public relations department, ISPR, has issued a statement that the December 18 telephone conversation between President Asif Ali Zardari and Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani lasted for no longer than one minute and during which time the latter asked about the president's health and that no other topic was touched upon. This statement itself speaks volumes of civil-military relations in Pakistan and which side holds the greater weight.

What was the harm if the nation misunderstood what transpired between these two gentlemen, because that could have helped stabilise the ongoing political uncertainty in the country? This is the same country whose central bank has just said in its quarterly report for 2011 that the GDP growth rate for the current fiscal year will be no more than 2.4 per cent and that much of the reason for this is political uncertainty and institutional weaknesses relating to governance.

One thing is clear: in Pakistan, the bullet is definitely more powerful than the ballot.

Masood Khan,

On email.

National Savings

National Savings has got a portfolio of roughly three trillion rupees. Its offices are spread throughout Pakistan. But so far only 90 of its branches have been automated. These are some of the small branches. Service in the large branches is poor and inadequate.

The Gulberg branch of Federal-B Area is one of the largest branches. Daily about 200 to 300 investors attend the branch to collect profit against the Bahbood Pensioners' Benefit Scheme. There are seating arrangements for hardly 40 people. The rest remain standing.

All of them are above 60 years of age, suffering from various ailments. But who cares? When the cashier is absent, nobody else at the branch knows how to handle cash!

The director-general, National Savings, lives in a posh bungalow in the hills of Islamabad.

He never feels the need to visit the branch to interact with the investors waiting there.

When the branch opens at 9am, there is so much hullabaloo that it resembles a fish market.

Banks, in general, remain open throughout Pakistan up to 5pm. However, surprisingly this branch closes at 1.30pm and the doors are locked at 11.30am for fresh arrivals.

To improve its working, it is suggested that at least three more counters are set up so that, till such time it is completely computerised, four investors can be served simultaneously.

Besides, working hours should be extended up to 5pm. Last but not least, there should be at least one counter with a woman cashier for dealing with women only.

I am sure the director-general is not waiting for two or three old, weak and frail investors to die in the lounge of the branch. After all, railway pensioners got a better deal after the death of a pensioner.

Investors need a shaded area where they can comfortably wait for the branch to open at 9am. Besides, they also need water and toilet facilities both inside, as well as outside, the branch.

ABDUR RAHMAN,

Karachi.

Memogate quandary

As a part of smear campaign against Pakistan Army and ISI, some human right organisations in collusion with anti-state element are trying to defame Pakistan Army by appealing people on twitter/facebook to launch 100 such petitions to Chief Justice, thus forcing him to take suo motu notice of ISI as a threat to Pakistan. The conspiracy to create an atmosphere of confrontation between the civil and military leadership and then exploit their vulnerabilities to achieve personal agenda, is meant to destabilise Pakistan and furthering the objectives of enemies. At this critical juncture, the civil-military leadership needs to tread cautiously and stay united and not allowing such incidents to vitiate the ambiance of trust between the sacred state institutions.

Pakistan is confronted with challenges of enormous magnitude that require unity, harmony and mutual respect among all segments of the society and state institutions. Our well-aware politicians must exhibit greater responsibility and avoid preferring their narrow political gains over the national interests. As the memogate case is in the Supreme Court and the parliamentary committee is also looking into the matter, it is the duty of a mature and responsible media to avoid speculations about the episode.

Let us defeat all the conspiracies hatched by our enemies and provide fair ground for the Supreme Court to decide the credibility of the memo.

Fakhar-e-Alam,

Islamabad.

20-12-2011

Sunday’s anti-US protest

That the tens of thousands gathered in one of the biggest-ever protests in Lahore on December 18 to condemn the November 26 NATO and US attack on Salala check post that killed Pakistan army's 28 soldiers, why the protestors were mainly from Islamic groups alone and not the masses of this country? Was the killings at the hands of "our own friends" is the matter of concern for only the religious groups? Obviously the West and rest of the world would take the huge protest and growing anti-Americanism the other way and the likely impact of this huge protest would be marred by anti-Islam propaganda, or there is the possibility that they would call it the agencies' sponsored show of strength only to prove it counterproductive. Their promised long-march towards Islamabad would only indicate the return of religious parties that may pave ground for the reasons to come down hard on Pakistan, its security forces and agencies "sponsoring" extremist elements.

Whereas the fact of the matter is the entire nation is enraged over the killings from time to time and through drone attacks by Americans and Nato, they must have come out in their entirety; all the roads of all the cities of Pakistan should have become Al-Tahrir Squire, giving a strong message to the world "enough is enough".

The people are really ready but the problem is the masses of this poor country, beleaguered by the corrupt rulers, have gone so hard-pressed due to the day to day sufferings, load-shedding and price-hikes that they are not able to come out.

It is my message to the American people, the western and European countries, especially the NATO members and coalition partners that please do not misread from the "religious" parties protests in Lahore on December 18, 2011, but read the writing on the wall, feel the anger and sentiment of the entire nation. If the American leadership is wise enough to hold its breath and restrain any flagrant response to these protests a kind of self catharsis of seething feelings against brutal killing of Pakistani soldiers on its soil in an entirely unwarranted attack, any repetition of unwise way-headedness like Obama's public refusal through a spokesman to offer apology for the so-called collateral killing that had to be covered through a direct call to Zardari for apology, would be like adding gasoline to fire under current boiling environment. The Obama administration should undertake some sensible move to mitigate the feelings of resentment and anger as far as possible.

Marya Mufty,

Lahore.

President is most welcome

President Asif Zardari is back, most welcome! Amazingly when he suddenly went to Dubai hospital many wished him no good luck and when they came to know the President was coming back, their tone changed. I don't know whether or not this nation of over 180 million prayed for his fast recovery and comeback, but since he has recovered and come back, he owes to Allah Almighty to start a new phase of leased life. It is a clear indication of God giving him another, 'maybe last', chance to start delivering good to the people who have been played havoc during the last many years.

It would be very magnanimous of the President if he announces to end load-shedding, CNG and gas shortage, stop raises in power tariffs and reduce the prices of petroleum oil, etc. If he is a bit more magnanimous, he can bring back the looted money, deposited in Swiss and other countries' banks and set the economy on the track, mitigate the sufferings of Balochistan people, end the war against terror and resolve the issues pending with neighbouring countries.

The report of President insisting on Pak-Iran gas pipeline despite US pressure is a good omen. The life he spent so far may be of great value to him, but the life has got saved can be of great value for this nation. Can we expect from him some greater good? Mr President, qasam say bahut ho gia!

Alya Alvi,

Rawalpindi.

Kayani’s order on drones

I am writing with regards to a news item, 'Pakistan decides to shoot down US drones?' (December 12). This report talks about the recent orders by the army chief, General Kayani, to shoot down any US drone that intrudes Pakistani airspace in the aftermath of the NATO strikes on Pakistan military checkposts. Moreover, the military establishment forced the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase used by the CIA since 2004, from where it is known to have launched more than 300 drone strikes on Pakistan's tribal regions.

I would like to raise some points regarding these recent developments. Firstly, our armed forces are India-centric - the PAF and IAF both operate comparable 4th generation fighter aircraft whereas the US Air Force operate the latest 5th generation fighter aircraft such as the F-22. Therefore, we do not possess the technology and munitions to engage the US forces despite the numerous claims made by our Air Force and army chief. We have a defensive force - not offensive - as is evident from Pakistan's wars with India. Also I believe that Pakistan should not have boycotted the Bonn Conference as by doing that we did not earn anything; rather, we lost an opportunity to voice our concerns at a global forum.

Secondly, the NATO supply routes have also been blocked, which according to me is the biggest mistake as the US will sooner or later find alternative supply routes thus adding to the diminishing importance of Pakistan for the US. Therefore, instead of increasing hostilities with the US, we should work on strengthening our relationship and move towards resolving issues through bilateral talks rather than taking actions that will only prove detrimental for Pakistan in the long run. I wish my thoughts on the subject are proved wrong, but I feel that with Pakistan's current stance we are only bound to see a surge in the number of US drone strikes in the coming months and the overall situation is going to worsen.

ANEEQ AHMED SIDDIQUI,

Lahore.

19-12-2011

South India separating from the north: ‘What a delicious thought!’

From afar, it sometimes seems as though all of India is in flames. But in fact, the world's second most populous nation increasingly is a country of two solitudes: the overpopulated and impoverished north, where religious tensions are giving foreign investors pause; and the go-go south, home to the majority of the nation's technical institutes, an educated workforce, and progressive legislators. The unrest is only deepening the national divide. For while New Delhi remains an island of investment in the north, states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, once magnets for investment, are starting to lose ground to the south. Says Subir Gokarn, chief economist at Credit Rating Information Services of India Ltd. in New Delhi: "Informed foreign investors will look at India not as a whole but as islands of prosperity and poverty."

The growing divide between the four southern states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala - and the rest of the country is prompting the south to become increasingly independent. Angry that the region's economic health has provided the central government with an excuse to limit federal funding, southern leaders are pushing for more decision-making power over education, employment, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure. "There can be no meaningful economic liberalization without decentralization," says [former] Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. There are even murmurs of secession. "Our India, with no Ayodhya temple talk, no Pakistan, no Delhi, no rabble-rousing politicians," muses an influential south Indian executive. "It's seditious, but what a delicious thought!"

Muhammad Abd al-Hameed,

Lahore.

US aid freeze: Who wins?

The US Senate passed a bill that freezes roughly $700 million in aid to Pakistan, pending assurances that Islamabad has taken steps to move against militants who use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against ISAF, NATO and US forces in Afghanistan. The IEDs are used by insurgent for both land routes explosions and explosive belts for suicide bombers. This is the deadliest weapon of the Taliban in its fight against troops fighting War On Terror. However, the State Department has tried to downplay the Congress' move by suggesting that the legislation does not actually cut $700 million in military aid to Pakistan but it includes a reporting requirement. This speaks of the disinformation and disconnect between US law-makers, their public and their understanding of Pakistan. The new development will reinforce the delays already resulting after Obama administration's decisions to deliver large fractions of the funds through the American contractors.

Strict U.S. rules in the disbursal of aid slowed the effort considerably and this was coupled with difference between announced and actual assistance reaching Pakistan, which more than compounds the problem. Anti-American sentiment in Pakistan is coupled with frustrations over the failures of the Pakistani government, which is losing credibility among its own people and political allies. A common Pakistani perception is that Pakistan has suffered enormous losses financially, economically, socially and psychologically and the compensation being paid by the US for this colossal damage amounts to peanuts. Moreover linking IED to deaths of NATO and US troops in Afghanistan only speaks of a state in which the US public and their law-makers are being made to live in by hostile group and their media.

If you see the statistics of Pakistani forces sufferings in form of dead and injured in IED attacks in Pakistan from 2005 to 2011 the upward trend shows that they have been continuously suffering and with passage of time and the trend is of systematic increase. If we just see the figures of Frontier Constabulary alone in 2005 Pakistan suffered 32 deaths and only one injured was reported. In 2006 the figure of deaths in FC rose to 66 and subsequently in 2007 it was 101, in 2008 it was 58 , in 2009 139, in 2010 140 and in 2011 till now FC has 195 dead soldiers from IED attacks. The last seven years have seen 233 injured and 741 deaths from FC alone. The civilians and regular troops casualties must be much more.

The logic of US for freezing aid and linking it to IED attacks due to inflow of fertilizer from Pakistan where they themselves are suffering enormously seem fighting for the problem and not with the problem.

Hamid Waheed,

Rawalpindi.

Plea to CDA

Capital Development Authority (CDA) is considered to be the best municipal services provider of the country. This institution has earned accolades from foreigners living in Islamabad for its outstanding performance. Presently, the premier institution has reserved its services for VVIPs and VIPs. An ordinary man suffers a lot.

On 15th December graveyard service bus was called to G-11/1 for carrying burial of my friend's spouse to H-11 graveyard. The graveyard service bus bearing number IDN 8498 came 20 minutes late. The driver parked the bus on roadside. He heaped great amount of frustration on the people present there by announcing that the brakes of the bus had failed and he was unable to move the bus back to graveyard. He added that two buses had already gone to workshop and no alternate bus could reach there. An ambulance was called in to cope with the situation. One can feel the aggravated pain and agony of mourners who were already aggrieved on the death of their relative.

The gross negligence of graveyard transport management is abominable. I would like to request chairman CDA to take personal interest and ensure accurate and technically fit transport fleet for graveyard service lest people face same situation again and again. The indifferent attitude of graveyard service should also be checked and some educated and well-versed people be posted there to facilitate citizens of Islamabad.

IFTIKHAR MIRZA,

Islamabad.

United stand against US

The US has once again shown its true colours by freezing $700 million military aid to Pakistan. The US will never learn from the past, present and so it continues to indulge in stark selfishness and blackmail even if the results are not conducive for whatever it is that they call 'US national interests'. In the past also the US has tried to impose punitive sanctions against Pakistan depriving millions of people of even their legitimate right to medicines, clean drinking water and sanitation. This continued for well over 10 years but the resilience and resolve of the Pakistani people allowed it to endure that punishment with the result that Pakistan is now the only Muslim nuclear-armed state in the world. The US has carried out its highhanded policies because for most of the time there were military dictators in our country, who succumbed to American pressure like the famous call made by Mr Collin Powell to General Musharraf. As a young undergraduate studying at LUMS, I am pleased to know that with all its weaknesses and drawbacks the democratic dispensation in this country has finally stood up to protect the critical national interests of the country. The army and the civil administration, which includes all those who believe in the will of the people, have united to thwart illegal American pressures on this country. I hope that this sense of unity that has emerged during the worst adversity faced by Pakistan will continue and that the same unity will be utilised to resolve Pakistan's economic and administrative woes that are eating away into the body of our country. The US must understand that the death of 24 young soldiers at Salala checkpost was the last straw and that until and unless adequate remedial measures are taken - as someone representing the young generation of my country - I expect that the various actions taken by all the institutions of this country will remain in place so that all young Pakistanis can walk with their chins up.

AAZAAN AZAM KHALIL,

Lahore.

Memogate, army and govt

It is not strange to see that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is talking weird. Now Mr. Gilani has said that after James Logan Jones' affidavit there is now no worth of memogate issue and he also said that there is no rift between government and army. If there is no rift and both government and army are on same path then why in Supreme Court the army responded that memogate issue should be investigated whereas government is not interested in the investigation.

MUBASHIR MAHMOOD,

Karachi.

18-12-2011

BISE for Chitral

Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti while inaugurating Bacha Khan Campus of Abdul Wali Khan University in Chitral announced that under his scheme, "Da Pakhtunkhwa Stori" twenty top students of SSC and FA/FSc will get scholarships every year. The CM is well aware that the district of Chitral is affiliated with Peshawar Board and the top twenty scholarships go to the District of Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera.

The Chitral district has 25000 students in SSC and 15000 students in FA/FSc in every session. The schools and colleges of Chitral deposit 60 million rupees in Peshawar Board every year. In return Peshawar Board spends not a single penny in Chitral and no student from Chitral gets any relief incentive from Peshawar Board. If the worthy CM considers the students of Chitral in equal footing with other students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he must approve the establishment of a separate Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education for Chitral.

Bashir Hussain Azad,

Chitral.

Medicines price hike

According to the ministry of health regulation, the price of a medicine can be increased only once in 12 months provided the increased price does not go above the maximum retail price granted by the ministry. To increase the price once in 12 months, the company must inform the ministry in writing in advance about this price increase.

The ministry has a right to refuse or ask for justifications but in reality companies do not bother to get the approval from the ministry and increase the price after submitting the letter. The ministry, on the other hand, does not bother to ask for any justification. In this way companies tend to get better profit margins. This is yet another burden on customers.

Now everybody wonders how the company gets the maximum retail price. That is the real story behind the ever-increasing prices of medicines in Pakistan.

When drug manufacturing or importing companies submit their applications for drug registration at the ministry, they have to provide information of sources of materials and their prevailing cost.

Therefore, every company tries to compare their product with any of the top class company and mentions that they get all materials from top-class companies of the world with highest prices like in the US, the UK, and Japan. Thus they claim a very high price for their products. Approval of the high maximum retail price from the ministry of health is very easy due to high level of corruption at the ministry.

When the drug company starts manufacturing the products, then they source all the material from the cheapest source (China and India) of the world, even low-grade, and market the drug sometimes at 50 per cent of the maximum retail price granted by the ministry or even less and still make profits at this price.

So at the time of approval of material, the ministry of health is well aware of the source and price of the material. It also knows what sources and prices have been mentioned by the company in the drug registration application.

If you ask ministry officials, they say they have not given any price increase approval to any of the medicine companies. Now you can well imagine how much profit they make at the time of drug applications for registration. There is a drug mafia in our country.

ASAD ALI,

Karachi.

Bank robberies

Bank robberies have become common, especially in Karachi. Every month, a couple of bank robberies are reported in the press, but in none of these cases has anyone ever bothered to question the bank managers and their staff about their roles in these bank heists. Generally ill-trained guards from private security companies, who have no idea how to perform their duties, are hired by the banks. Moreover, bank guards are often used by the bank officials for various other tasks such as serving tea, passing files from desk to desk and sometimes they are given clerical work if they can read and write. Bank workers also socialise with the guards and engage them in gossip while they are on duty. Such practices divert the attention of the guards from their actual security duties.

On various occasions, I have talked to different bank managers and have asked them to formulate security standing orders for their banks and make their staff follow these orders, but they say that there is no need for wasting time on such matters because the cash/valuables of their banks are protected and so the bank managements do not take security concerns very seriously.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) should direct all insurance companies not to provide insurance coverage to any bank unless it produces a comprehensive security plan and security standing orders of the bank, which should be vetted by the home department and approved by the SBP. It may be noted that so far there has not been a single case of robbery in a foreign bank either in Karachi or anywhere else in the country and that is because they adhere to the security standing orders of their bank and follow security discipline exhaustively.

It is utterly ridiculous that after so many bank robberies in the metropolis, the police have not been able to apprehend any criminal involved in these bank robberies.

S AUSAF HUSAIN,

Karachi.

Political turmoil

In view of the memogate case, the third and fourth weeks of December seem to be crucial. The evergreen Muslim leaguers are reported to have started making new suits for the future setup.

MOHAMMAD USMAN,

Peshawar.

17-12-2011

US owes $6b to Pakistan

This is apropos a news report "US panel links $700 million aid to fight against IEDs". It's very unfortunate that the US never treated Pakistan as an ally, friend or partner. We were always considered or treated like subservient state which is working only for dollars. But the fact is that no country on earth has suffered more than Pakistan from its own ally in last 60 years. The incorrect information by the US is given to press to put pressure and defame Pakistan.

As per BBC correspondent, "Pakistan is one of the largest recipients of American foreign aid and Washington has provided about $20bn in security and economic aid to Pakistan since 2001", which is incorrect. As per Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, available on the net, the US allocated $20bn in last 10 years but reimbursed only $12bn, in cash and kind. The actual figures available are that $8bn were reimbursed in the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) by US and roughly $4bn have been held back as the services and training charges.

As per record bills of expenditure of more than $18bn have been forwarded to America but $6bn are still outstanding. Moreover, no payments have been made since last one and half years. America is spending more than $10bn a month in Afghanistan, but Pakistan that has deployed more than their forces and bearing the burden of 3 million refugees is not paid back its expenditures.

Similarly, $7.5bn under Kerry-Lugar Bill were allotted for five years i.e. $1.5bn per year for the development of the poor people of FATA and uplift of remote areas but less than $500m came in last two years. There is not even a single mega project which America established for the Pakistanis. I think instead of adopting sheepish attitude, we must guard our interests and demand the correct information.

The most important point to understand is that it's not the aid but a fraction of our expenditures which are reimbursed by the US as per the CSF agreement. The problem is that we didn't ink the agreement properly. The champion of democracy always prefers to support and deal with dictators. It's due to the poor policies and misleading the people by the leaders that the situation has reached a point where more than 60% masses of both countries consider each other as enemy.

The end game has started and Pakistan is being made an scapegoat. The arrogant superpower is afraid of accepting the ground realities and the rift between the State Department and CIA is confusing the whole issue. Killing of 28 Pakistani soldiers and then putting the blame on Pakistan was a turning point which forced every Pakistani to shed all the differences and say unanimously, enough is enough. The ambassadors' conference urging to revisit the agreements with the US and NATO is a step in right direction.

There is of course no wisdom of breaking the relations with the US or any other country but as PM Gilani said, "the relations should be on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial". It's a testing time for both the countries and any miscalculated step will further destabilise the already volatile region. The solution lies in sincere cooperation, respect of sovereignty and inking new terms of engagement which suit both the countries.

Bilal Shahid,

Rawalpindi.

Reko Diq project

It is said that "investors are like migratory birds" and wherever they find the best environment, they fly away. There is no denial to the fact that FDIs play a vital role in boosting up an economy. Any country that want to prosper and be economically stable, should pave the way to attract foreign investors in their country by pursuing open economic policies.

But in the case of Reko Diq Mining Project, the phenomenon is quite different. This is a US$3.3 billion investment project that promises to build and operate a world class copper-gold open-pit mine in the northwest area of Balochistan. The project has an estimated mine-life of 56 years along with immense opportunities of employment and business. This project has the potential to kick-start the mining sector in the province.

It is sad to note that the government of Balochistan, with its shortsightedness, has rejected the mining licence application of TCC that has invested so much time, money and resources to bring Reko Diq on the map of the global copper mining industry.

According to media reports the provincial government did not even bothered to negotiate with TCC on their feasibility report and backtracked on the Chagai Hills Exploration Joint Venture Agreement (CHEJVA) that was signed 17 years ago and was even endorsed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its hearing of the case this year.

CHEJVA offered 25 percent equity share to the Balochistan government without any financial responsibility in the risk investment of the exploration. The Balochistan Mineral Rules 2002 only require mining companies to pay royalties and taxes to the government with no obligation of equity sharing. Hence, the CHEJVA deal seems to be more beneficial for the government and people of Balochistan and I think it should have been treated as a model for other investors.

I fail to understand why, and on whose behest, the chief minister of Balochistan and the nuclear scientist Dr. Samar Mubarakmand are bent upon tarnishing the reputation of Pakistan in front of foreign investors by sabotaging a seventeen-year old joint venture agreement by creating false propaganda against the investor and creating legal and quasi-legal hurdles in its way to mine copper and gold in the area which was allotted to it seventeen years ago and where it has invested more than $220mn on exploration in partnership with the provincial government of 25 percent equity which has not invested a single penny in it so far.

Now the company has gone for international arbitration to safeguard its legal rights which are in line with CHEJVA Agreement and Balochistan Mineral Rules 2002. The need of the hour is that the government should take some serious and immediate steps to resolve this matter impartially and on merit. This is high time that the government can set an example and ensure its credibility to promote investor friendly economic policies which will energise our economy and will have a positive impact on socio-economic development of the country as well.

Shahzad Ali Gill,

Rahimyar Khan.

Uzma Ayub tragedy

It is a matter of great embarrassment that Uzma Ayub was gang-raped in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. She was crying for help, but government, judiciary and police were deaf to her crying. When her brother was killed in front of judicial complex, the chief justice of Peshawar High Court took action by suspending the DPO Karak. Though it is a poor consolation, it would be a sigh of relief for her and her family.

Uzma is a courageous woman because instead of being raped continuously for more than eight months by our protectors (police), she still wants to live and fight for justice in this land of injustice. She is the heroine of Thomous Hardy. She is a pure woman. At the end I can only say that if the Chief Justice of Pakistan had given stringent punishment to the guilty people, who had publicly raped Mukhtar Mai, this incident would never have happened. Rape and gang rape would have stopped in this Islamic country.

Najeebullah,

Swat.

New promotion rules

We are the employees of Technical Education and Manpower of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the first week of December our department issued a new rule for promotion to next scale, the current rules were based on purely seniority basis, i.e minimum of 3 years for non-gazetted officers/employees depending upon vacant seat in next scale. But now they amended these rules and made a one year on-job training for promotion to next stage, for improvement of education quality.

We are all in favour of this rule, because we also want to improve our skills and knowledge and it well be in the interest of students and teachers as well but the main problem is that the nomination for training is the discretionary power of head of institute/department, and as we are the subordinates so we can not propose nor recommend their names.

Many times in a year directorate general of Technical Education and Manpower Training Peshawar sends letters to concerned heads of institutes for nomination of relevant employees for training but majority of the heads of institutes do not oblige and file these letters. We have nearly 5 years in this department but did not avail any chance of training.

The second issue which may lead to injustice is that the authorities concerned may nominate those employees who are related to officials.

Through this letter we request that such rules be made through which each and every employee has the option to go for training.

A CONCERNED,

Peshawar.

16-12-2011

Welcome PTI new info secretary

When a storm grips a lake, new and fresh water replaces the old and stagnant mass. So is the case with PTI. It is in a state of tsunami, the old is being replaced by the new. With this spirit in mind, we welcome the new Information Secretary to his new onerous assignment.

Mr. Mahmood carries with him rich experience from PPP where he remained its information arm. He is a propagandist par excellence and knows best the art of defending his party and its leadership. In 1996 when he was a PPP Senator and visited Chicago as a member of an official delegation, Pakistanis living in this city confronted him with a barrage of complex questions especially about the involvement of Mr Zardari and the royal couple in the national plunder. He strongly contradicted any such move by Mr. Zardari or anyone else in PPP government and termed it false propaganda of the detractors of the PPP. But three months after his rejection of such charges, Mr. Leghari dismissed PPP government on corruption charges. Mr. Mahmood was quick enough to eschew his words and jumped on Leghari bandwagon to secure a slot in federal cabinet.

He has been advocating democratic values all along, during his association with PPP and later on as columnist. But he had no qualms to join Musharraf's autocratic dispensation at the first available opportunity.

Now that PTI is assuming the size of a bigger party, it certainly needs a Goebbels to propagate its voice and policy at the proper levels, at the proper pitch and tone. With old wine filling in the new bottles, there must be someone of the calibre and wisdom of Mr. Mahmood to justify the march of the party towards change. After all he is himself so discreet in changing postures.

I have been a passionate reader of Mr. Mahmood's articles. His writing style is excellent. No other writeup coming from his pen has influenced me as much as his "We Punjabis". The contents of that article may not be true about Punjabis in general but they do apply in toto to the writer himself.

RAIS KHAN,

On email.

Journos-spies synergy

Journalism and intelligence are twin sisters, helping each other in professional work. Intelligence agents give inside dope to journalists to help them write exclusive stories out of them. In return, journalists may meet people and get the information that an intelligence agent cannot get directly and on his own.

At the highest levels, top editors of news organisations meet heads of intelligence agencies and work out strategies and their implementation. Then they write inside stories to enhance their credibility. Some examples:

a) In 1977, Edward Behr was the Europe Editor of Newsweek, based in Paris. A few days before the imposition of martial law in July, he was in Islamabad, even though Pakistan came under the Asia Editor, based in Hong Kong. Within three days after Bhutto government was dismissed, Newsweek came out with a cover story on Zia. The speed was extraordinary in view of the logistical problems that the magazine faced in those days. Obviously, somebody in CIA had told Behr about the big change coming in Islamabad.

b) In 1987, The Economist, London, allowed Andrew Knight, its editor for 12 years, to write under his byline whatever he wanted to say. (In those days, the editor's name was not even printed in the magazine, not to speak of allowing him a byline.) Under the heading, "The self-indulgent article," (February 7, 1987) Knight wrote in his final writing just one sentence on Pakistan but gave the secret plan for the country for many years to come. Remember that Zia was then firmly in saddle, Muhammad Khan Junejo was the prime minister and Benazir Bhutto was in political wilderness. "After bad General Zia will come another Bhutto and then worse."

c) In 2007, Time magazine, in its issue of June 25, wrote, "It was possible for George W. Bush to run for President in 2000 without knowing the name of the President of Pakistan; the next President will have to know the history, politics and tribal leaders of Waziristan, the Pakistani province that the Taliban and al-Qaeda are using as a safe heaven." Time must have been told about the secret American plans for Waziristan, when it was then hardly in the news even in our own country.

Muhammad Abd Al-Hameed,

Lahore.

Revolt against capitalism

Year 2011 can be called as the year of change: mainly due to disappointment of the people the world turned into a boiling point. It started from Tunisia and this wave of change spread like a forest fire in Arab world and turned into Arab spring, rioters in Britain and revolt against capitalism in Europe and USA. The Occupy Wall Street movement that began in New York City on September 17 is a kind of protest against economic inequality, corporate greed, and the influence of business and lobbyists on government. The most important thing in this change is that the youth is the central point.

The anti capitalist movement in the western countries means people are displeased and they wanted to change their system with equal rights for all. The most interesting thing in this uprising against capitalism is that American protection of this system for which it has spent huge amount in cold war to crush communism. But they didn't know that capitalism would end at the hands of their own people. Now after twenty years after the cold war the situation is very different, the survival of capitalism has become a challenge.

Rabia Bibi,

On email.

What US needs to do

It needs no mention that US has certain vital interests in the Muslim World, natural resources especially oil. Petroleum produced in the Middle East is of greater strategic interest to the United States and its allies, the European countries. The ability to control a space that is abundant with natural resources is central to the logic of the colonial enterprise. This economic logic is also reflected in a USAID (2002) document that discusses the importance of 'public diplomacy' in creating accessible markets for US in Middle East, stating that such strategic relationship "opens new, more dynamic markets for US goods and services".

US is focusing more on using tactical 'public diplomacy' tools including US international broadcasting operations. The emphasis is on messaging the minds of the public, on building an image and reorienting public opinion about the United States and its policies. Because US officials believe that the mistrust between US and the Muslim world is just because of the media which gave birth to anti-American sentiments in Muslim masses and to cope up with this issue, it is vital for the US 'public diplomacy' to succeed. That's the reason US is spending a lot on media worldwide and in countries such as Pakistan, in particular.

Through these efforts of public diplomacy, US policy makers believe that the favourable atmosphere and image will be created towards modernity and American way of life. But the opposition towards the United States and its policies has continued despite billions of dollars spent on international public relations efforts targeting the Muslim world. This is due to the dual policies of the United States in Muslim world.

Bombs and dollars together cannot win sympathies and good will. It is time that US policy makers put their heads together and if a good image of and goodwill for America is really desired, they will have to stop their duplicity and start thinking about mutual interest, instead of their own alone.

Saba Javed,

On email.

13-12-2011

Iran downs US drone

It is nice to know that Iran, which downed a US spy drone with stealth capability, has categorically stated that it will not return it to the US. That makes a change from our people who dutifully returned the crashed stealth helicopter used in Abbottabad operation, in violation of our sovereignty.

Iran's claim that it used advanced electronic warfare measures to detect, hack and bring down the RQ-170 Sentinel drone is very interesting indeed and quite plausible in view of the fact that the drone appears to be nearly intact and Iran does have Russian made truck-mounted electronic warfare system called IL-222 Avtobaza with excellent capability to detect drones and intercept their data communications.

While vacating Shamsi base, Americans said it will not affect their drone operations. I hope our forces also acquire this IL-222 Avtobaza electronic warfare system to stop this drone nuisance.

I also wish our people stop clinging to the US and its poodles who are no friends of ours and instead increase our economic and defence collaboration with China, Iran and Russia whose interests coincide with those of ours, in addition to our other traditional, trustworthy allies.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

Curse of unemployment

Unemployment is one of the biggest problems affecting Pakistan today. Every person who has the ability to work and is willing to work is unable to get a decent job opportunity here. Currently more than 3,000,000 people are unemployed in Pakistan with the unemployment ratio being more than 12 percent.

The biggest reason for unemployment in Pakistan is the backwardness of the agriculture sector, which is the biggest sector of our economy contributing more than 20.9 percent to our GDP and providing jobs to 44 percent people, directly or indirectly.

Unemployment in this sector is due to two reasons. First, it is due to the increased usage of the latest machinery and capital-intensive technology, which has decreased the demand for labour. Second, it is due to the backwardness of this sector because of shortage of fertilisers, pesticides and quality seeds, absence of land reforms and lack of agricultural education. It is due to all these factors that the agriculture sector is not expanding, as a result of which there is general and disguised unemployment.

The industrial sector is the second largest sector of our economy and contributes 19 percent towards the national income and should thus employ a large labour force. However, electricity breakdown and insufficiency of gas - due to which the government has ordered a three-day closure of industries - has resulted in furthering the unemployment level.

High cost and low quality are two other factors responsible for a diminishing demand for our agricultural and industrial items and because of less demand for such goods, both the domestic and international producers are losing interest and that is also why people are becoming unemployed.

In Pakistan, the education system is defective due to an absence of educational planning. Also, there is an insufficiency of technical and vocational institutions. Nobody can set up his own business without technical education and the general attitude is that people want to get their degrees in general and arts-related subjects.

Due to poverty, people are overburdened with expenditures and their savings are very low. It is said that for the reasonable growth of the economy, the saving rate should be at least 25 percent in any country, but in Pakistan it is only 13 to 14 percent, which is very low. Naturally then, low investment level is attributed to fewer savings, thus leading ultimately towards unemployment.

I would like to suggest that with proper economic planning, consistent policies of the government aimed at improvement of current conditions and welcoming investments, better law and order situation, solving of the energy crisis, and by adopting the Islamic economic system we can not only tackle the issue of unemployment but adequately address every other economic problem of our country as well.

SANA GHAYAS KHAN,

Karachi.

Feudalism

None of the social structures that were made by the imperialists can compete in its crudeness, efficacy, stagnancy, savageness and brutality in salvaging human kind when compared with the institution of feudalism.

Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf presents a crude post-colonial discourse in the political arena in its ideology as "All our national life stooges of the past and present colonial masters have led us. Their contribution has been merely to mortgage our children's future and short change our dignity by making compromises under the guise of the much-abused supreme national interest."

The analysis seems superficial and inadequate. All the emphasis is on the foreign influence and even in that case the understanding of social structures like feudalism, bureaucracy and military supremacy is absent.

Let's take feudalism as a case. There is not a single word in the ideology, constitution and manifesto about land reforms in the country.

Even the party is welcoming politicians who are themselves feudal lords who have kept their subjects captives and slaves.

Some of them hold one of the top party positions.

If Tehrik-i-Insaf really wants to bring a sustainable change by venturing a serious effort to establish a just social and economical system, it has to consider the problem at the grassroots level.

The All India National Congress developed an ideology of democratic socialism and secularism and abolished the feudal system on an emergency basis and ended the most dangerous colonial legacy. So if we think that feuds can lead us to revolution, we are mistaken and this revolution is not worth having.

MUHAMMAD WAQAS,

Lahore.

12-12-2011

Islamic army for Afghanistan

The prospects of an Islamic army when the US/allied forces have failed to achieve desired objectives of disrupting, dismantling and reversing the Taliban momentum in Afghanistan seem to be a very lucrative one for the Americans. A senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington and former ambassador, Dennis Kux has in a recent conference held in Islamabad endorsed the idea of formulating an Islamic military force led by Turkey to be installed in Afghanistan once the US/allied forces withdraw in 2014.

The idea has been floated a few times before in various conferences and platforms that such a possibility exists and may be supported by the US. Whether this need stems from a US strategic stalemate in Afghanistan is as workable as other disastrous US strategies employed so far is something that remains to be debated at length.

The fact that the Afghan national army, despite being trained for a long time have remained unable to take over the security responsibility of Afghanistan cries out for the need for such a joint venture by the Islamic nations to prevent Afghanistan from sinking into an eventual and a much predicted civil war.

A mutual configuration of the Muslim nations including Pakistan, Iran and Turkey as key players with genuine interest in the region is surely a plausible option in this backdrop. It might seem as the most perfect short term solution to the current Afghan imbroglio, but a careful analysis reveals many other factors that might transform a good idea into a bad one in the long run.

Considering the prevalent conditions of the Muslim world where ideological and sectarian differences overshadow mutual relations and prevent them from forging an association to form an Islamic bloc, a united Muslim military remains a farfetched idea. A giant stride would be required for bridging the gap between the Muslim nations prior to an agreement on a joint military establishment in the form of a shared consensus along with ironing of relations.

The best case scenario will be not a foreign military force but an indigenous Afghan security apparatus that is trained appropriately for safeguarding its own territory. A non-interference policy will prove to be most beneficial in the post exit scenario where the Afghans ought to be allowed to decide their future for themselves.

Lubna Umar,

On email.

Save rare birds and animals

Pakistan is one of those countries which have some of the rarest animals. The world's rarest mammal and the second most endangered fresh river dolphin is the Indus river dolphin. 1100 specimens of this species exist today. It's gradually declining because of various factors: water pollution, poaching, fragmentation of habitat due to barrages, stranding in irrigation canals and fishermen nets and use of poison.

Pakistan is also among few lucky countries where snow leopards can be found. This beautiful animal is now on the verge of extinction. They are hunted for their fur, bones, claws, body parts for traditional Chinese medicine. At present, only a few hundreds of these animals are left in Pakistan and only a few thousands world over. If the unabated hunting continues, a few years after they will be found in picture books only.

Balochistan hosts the Asiatic black bear which is on IUCN's red list of threatened species like other endangered animals. This bear is found in higher ranges of Balochistan.

The woolly flying squirrel vanished from India and most parts of the world but was luckily rediscovered in Pakistan.

All these animals are rapidly decreasing in number. Urgent action is needed now to save these and other endangered species.

Parkha Sethi,

Peshawar.

Pak-Afghan ties

As America and its allies move towards the drawdown date of 2014, and India continues to gain an enhanced role in the Afghan affairs, it raises very serious questions and indeed holds multidimensional implications for Pakistan. What will be the future of Pak-Afghan relations under the Indian shadows is a mind-boggling question. It becomes even pertinent in the backdrop of Mohmand incident and resultant Pak-US tension.

Developments in Afghanistan have always affected the region in general and Pakistan in particular. Stability across both sides of the borders is, indeed, compulsory for peace and security in the region. There are several factors likely to affect the course of Pakistan's future policy towards Afghanistan. US President Barack Obama declared withdrawal of NATO/US troops from Afghanistan by 2014. With that withdrawal responsibility of security and governance moves towards Kabul government. This announcement awakened the hope of peace in Afghanistan but also provides new theatre to Indo-Pak tussle and proxy war in Afghanistan where both countries compete for political influence and a friendly government in Kabul. Issue of Durand Line, changing dynamics of Pakistan-US relations, increasing India-US strategic ties, Indian encirclement, interests of other countries like China, Iran, Japan and other states in the region are some of the elements effecting Pak-Afghan relations.

Will India gain more prominence in the wake of Pak-US tensions after the Mohmand attack on November 26, and Pakistan's refusal to attend Bonn Summit? Likely yes. It is, therefore, time for Pakistan to plan and play its cards effectively, campaigning for more regional and particularly Chinese and Russian involvement in the affairs of Afghanistan.

Zernish Javed,

On email.

Biased western media

Recently a crispy article 'Calling Pakistan's boycott bluff' by Jennifer Rowland appeared in Foreign Policy Magazine. To Jennifer the killings of 24 Pakistani soldiers proved as a 'face-saving bluff' on the part of the country's security establishment. A 'bluff', which allows the military to dictate its terms to the United States, provides a strong stance against Americans by avoiding the Bonn conference, gives an opportunity for Pakistan's army to muzzle the chattering mouths accusing them of willful neglect in missing bin Laden's presence in the garrison town of Abbottabad and grant a chance for pursuing a double game in fighting some militants in the tribal region of the country while giving others safe haven.

The way Ms. Jennifer has analysed the incident, the atrocious attack seems more as an American 'blunder' than any other bluff, if it offers Pakistan that much ways to make a move. Nevertheless in fact it is neither an American blunder nor providing Pakistan a face-saving benefit; it is plainly a calculated move of US. As it was a deliberate attack so obviously the aftereffects will be a result of plan as well. If US would have sought Pakistan to be present at Bonn conference it must have apologised to Pakistan for killing its 24 soldiers. Hence the 'bluff' was well designed.

As far as the incident of May 2 is concerned, the facts about episode are still dubious and after memogate issue it's quite perceptible that the incident was essentially materialised to defame Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency. Hence the prior incident itself was a double game and so the recent one is.

Pakistan Army is not playing a double game in fighting the militants, its sacrifices in so called war on terror are well known to world and even at the time of topical Nato attacks, ISI had given specific information to Isaf about reports of 40 or so terrorists planning to mount an attack in the Salala region or trying to slip farther inside Pakistan. What good NATO attacks did to these militants, puts a big question mark on its own credibility.

Things are greatly messed up and Pakistani nation especially, is in a sheer need to watch and understand the situation carefully before digesting the biased views by western media.

Momina Ashier,

Islamabad.

Russian, Indian, Chinese, Iranian plan

If the Chinese, Russian, Indian and Iranian plan to contain American influence in the South and Central Asia succeeds, which we seriously doubt, it is time for them to tell what is their plan about Pakistan in this grand scheme of theirs. It appears that they don't have any solid plan for Pakistan once they succeed in driving America out of the region and would simply ignore its needs and interests.

Mohammad Salim Khan,

On email.

11-12-2011

Picture culture

A picture in a section of the press on 10 December shows the Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Ghadeer calling on Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani. Two things caught my immediate attention. First, the ambassador looked real smart attired in a designer western suit complete with what must have been a pure silk stripped necktie with a matching kerchief. Second, the presence of a framed picture of the Saudi monarch perched conspicuously on a table that seemed to have been placed deliberately between the visitor and the senator. There was also a standing standard in the background that looked like the Saudi flag. The senator had certainly created an aura of Saudi atmosphere for the occasion.

It all reminded me of a comedy movie "Hotel Sahara" of my young days. The hilarious story of the film revolved around the Second World War hotel in a city of African desert which came under the alternate occupation of the Allied and Ax is forces a number of times. At the advent of each occupation, whether by the Allieds or the Axis, the hotel manager had to change in anticipation the entire décor of the hotel, the pictures (of Hitler, Mussolini, Churchill or Roosevelt) and the countries' flags and buntings etc. to welcome the occupying force. The tantrums and the panic were real hilarious when the occupying troops turned out to be other than what the manager expected and everything had to be altered covertly to meet the changed situation without its being detected by the invader.

Pray the Senator doesn't face a situation ever like that.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

Reducing waste at weddings

It would certainly be more of a killjoy for the current corridors of power to pay heed to the feedback from civil society.

However, I feel it to be my responsibility to knock on the door of luck.

Generally, the people of Punjab want all weddings in their family to be over by the start of the holy month of Muharram.

Thus, by that token, it is called 'the season of marriages'.

Recently, I too happened to be a part of many ceremonies.

Earlier on Eidul Azha, I noticed that the administration of Karachi took control of the slaughter of sacrificial animals itself and did it quite efficiently under its supervision.

Although there seems to be no apparent link between the weddings and the step by the administration of Karachi, I found one.

I noticed that a lot of money, time and energy are wasted during marriages which are privately organised.

A lot of food items find their way to the waste-bin at the end of the day. There is celebration with the display of fireworks and as such no '10 o'clock' and 'one-dish' policies seem to be followed.

The government should make laws to regulate wedding affairs and make people follow all rules or set up a government institution to supervise weddings by allocating certain places in cities where such ceremonies could be held under the supervision of the government so that no food is wasted.

MAHBOOB MOHSIN,

Lahore.

Don’t fear Islamists

I am convinced that the Western world should not fear Islamists who are on the road to electoral victory in Egypt and elsewhere. An opportunity such as this comes very rarely for Muslim nations not because the West stands in the way of Islamists (albeit Hamas and an Algerian party who were blocked from reaping fruits of mandate by the West are an exception) but because some of the Muslim leaders are corrupt to the core. The post 9/11 era saw an unprecedented assault on Muslim faith and the faithful with the Western media going berserk with vilification of Islam. It is ironic that the more the West tried to malign Islam, the more the Islamists stand to gain. They are on the verge of winning a mandate in countries that exploded with Arab Spring. This has obviously rattled the West. A lone man in Tunisia has rewritten the Arab history, much to the chagrin of the West. One hopes that the new regimes, Islamist or otherwise, don't fall into complacency and would take steps to address the problems of the people.

MUHAMMED JAMIL ATHER,

Karachi.

Odd man out

The photograph that was flashed on the first page in most newspapers on December 8, showing a PPP meeting chaired by the 23-year-old Bilawal Bhutto where senior party members both in age and party standing listening to the wisdom of a "made in England" lad, reminded me of the medieval monarchy system: the heir apparent (king) irrespective of age or experience sways absolute authority over his wazirs who stand before him with folded hands.

In eastern tradition normally a man as young as 23 years is not allowed to sit in a gathering of "buzurgs" (old men). Is the PPP striving to establish democracy in the country or reviving monarchy? Is the party bare of any suitable politician to lead it and was obliged to import a youth that has lived all his life abroad and is alien to the life-style of the people whose destiny is to be assigned to him?

Sayed GB Shah Bokhari,

Peshawar.

Way forward after attack

Severing ties with the US at this juncture when the endgame is dangerously close, when Pakistan needs to be acknowledged as a major stakeholder and significant player in the war against terror as it has played a pivotal role that stretches over a decade with greatest possible commitment and resolve, serves only to undermine Pakistan’s role. Incidents such as these where the sovereignty of an ally is violated, territorial rights breached and terms of engagement flouted, not once but with an alarming continuity, serve only to disregard the contributions made by Pakistan to highlight failures and flaws. By glancing back at the May 2 raid on the compound of OBL resulted in the capture of Al Qaeda’s number one, one can easily predict the outcome of such an adventure. The Pakistani security forces failed to either intercept or prevent such an eventuality, thus they need to be taken to task by all and sundry.

Thus, the debate that followed focused primarily on what we could not do for our safety rather than what has already been done. Expectations are exceptionally high when it comes to our armed forces and intelligence agencies. One reason for this is that we do rather exalt them unnecessarily to a pedestal from where flawlessness and perfection is expected. In case of deviation from this excellence, the whole image crumbles and dreams of the entire population are shattered. Why is the entire globe banking upon Pakistan to fight terrorism in the entire region? Is there not the need to devise a joint strategy to be adhered to by all regional powers and stakeholders? Where the failure of one ought to be shared by all? And similarly success by one should be attributed as success for all? Like in the case of the capture of key suspects and high profile militant leaders, Pakistan has been generous enough to give credit to the shared intelligence networking between the agencies of the two allies. Then why don’t we experience a similar generosity from the American side?

The American desires are exposed through their responses in such episodes, thus making it clear that Pakistan is considered as a stepping stone that must buttress, at all times, the Imperialist supremacy of the US. A dysfunctional government and a demoralised military (working in collusion with the terrorists) are the best ingredients that fulfill these US needs. Thus, the current Western tirade against the Pakistani forces and its capabilities ought to be looked at in this backdrop.

We need to come out of our emotional and fantastical overdrive to accept that despite being the dominant force that calls the shots inside Pakistan, it doesn’t have much of a voice in the international circles. For that to happen, we need to cover a large distance where the economical, political and social degradation would be reversed and we can call ourselves a nation.

When we talk about flaws and failures it must be known that we have them aplenty, but what is significant is that despite all odds, Pakistan, its people, its security forces and the media have been making great progress against terrorism in the region and that is what matters. The US response to Pakistan’s posture is far from mature as it fails to address each country as a monolitithic structure with divergent views that need to be taken into account.

It needs to be realised that both Pakistan and the US had been following a similar strategic goal that leads to a secure and peaceful South Asia where a slight difference at tactical level is being blown out of proportion.

This time round, however, things have certainly taken a trajectory that clearly defies all possibilities of a reconciliation in the near future. Every likelihood of the Nato assault being a mistake has been ruled out by the military spokesperson, Major General Athar Abbas as he states that the air assaults that claimed lives of at least 24 soldiers were certainly not quick strikes. These attacks lasted almost two hours and cannot be termed as logistic mistakes. Furthermore, the fact that the strikes continued even after the Nato officials were contacted exemplifies that it was a conscious and deliberate attempt to pressurise and undermine the Pakistani security forces. The footage released endorses the claims made by the Pakistani security officials. The huge white flag still flying at the mountain top symbolising peace is where the 24 Pakistani soldiers were fired to death by the Nato airstrike.

This “indiscriminate, highly callous and irresponsible” attack surely warrants a formal apology from the Nato chief which has not been issued so far. A promise of a thorough probe into the matter and a guarantee that such an incident would not be repeated is what the Pakistani authorities are expecting from the US and Nato Officials. The level of rage and resentment is on the high rise inside Pakistan with all political and religious parties striking a unanimous stand that calls for extricating Pakistan from this war that has almost consumed the entire nation, not just economically, but socio-politically too. Prolonged military presence in post operative areas that are still threatened by militants from across the border where terrorist sanctuaries hold the peace of Pakistan captive.

What needs to be seen in this backdrop is that for how long can the Pakistani authorities resist the American pressure that has started to ooze in after the decision of blocking the Nato supply routes and the demand of vacating the Shamsie air base with in a deadline of 15 days. The decision that the Pakistani leadership both civilian and army agreed upon during the defence committee of the cabinet held soon after the deliberate Nato assault on the two Pakistani check points after penetrating at least 300 metres inside the Pakistani territory. The President has clearly told the foreign minister of UAE, Abdullah Bin Zayed that the verdict reached by them is final and that there will be no display of leniency from the Pakistani side. Letters from the civilian and military leadership have also been issued to Washington. Relations are definitely on their lowest ebb, exhibiting a tendency to sink further into an irreversible mode.

Surely this calls for the need to reevaluate the relationship between the two allies, if they can be termed as such in the current circumstances. Pakistan needs to make itself and its stance very clear to both the US and the international community and to be accredited as a significant member in the region. Thus, boycotting the upcoming Bonn conference would serve the purpose of showing this immense displeasure at the deviant path the current war is taking. In fact, it is high time a comprehensive policy needs to be made to redefine the rules of engagement for the war under the civilian government, something that ought to have been done four years back. The only way forward for us is the one that aligns with our own national interest and not anybody else’s. This ought to be made clear to everyone, including the Americans.

Lubna Umar,

On email.

10-12-2011

The Bonn bluff

The new world order takes us to new heights of bluffing the world community in an international Afghanistan Conference in Bonn held on 5 December. The concluding statement says "Today in Bonn, we solemnly declare a strategic consensus on deepening and broadening the partnership between Afghanistan and the International Community founded at the Petersberg ten years ago. Building on the shared achievements of the past ten years, and recognising that the security and well being of Afghanistan continue to affect the security of the entire region and beyond, Afghanistan and the International Community strongly commit to this renewed partnership for the Transformation Decade".

The deepening and broadening could have come through practical steps of international community to support its economy and security through funding for establishing Afghan National Army which has been structured to never operate without foreign support having no air cover of its own along with other problems.

Moreover the broadening through absence of Pakistan the most important neighbour? The shared achievements can be summed up by quoting United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who warned in Jan 2010 that there is a risk that Afghanistan's deteriorating situation could become irreversible. His observations appeared in a UN report on Afghanistan where he noted that the country has been rocked by rising violence and political turmoil in recent months. This was further confirmed by a report by an independent body that collects and analyses information on current human rights situations and issues in foreign countries. The reports produced by Landinfo are based on information from both public and non-public sources.

The summary of the report issued in June 2011 says that the security situation in most parts of Afghanistan is deteriorating, with the exception of some of the big cities and parts of the central region. The situation is particularly tense in the southern and south-eastern provinces. The insurgency has expanded far beyond its traditional strongholds. Parts of the central, western and northern regions experience a significant level of conflict-related activity and violence on a more or less regular basis. The number of civilian casualties is rising and a growing number of people experience severe problems caused by deteriorating security and an environment marked by corruption, war economy, drug traffic and crime. Attempts to combat the fragmented insurgency seem so far not to have contributed to a more stable security situation. Let me also sum up by saying what a world class bluff.

Hamid Waheed,

On email.

Winning over electable candidates

While the PTI chairman's speech may have been a side show at the impressive Ghotki rally organised by Shah Mehmood Qureshi and he indeed stole the show with his eloquent and some times thunderous speech, the fact remains that the first electable candidate joined the PTI at the rally calling himself a part of PTI.

Qureshi has a constituency and a vote bank which will serve to put him back into the National Assembly when elections are held and provide the PTI with a respected and experienced political leader in the battles that lie ahead.

Much of what Qureshi said provides food for thought as well as some degree of controversy or inconsistency but a politician is entitled to change his mind on issues as time goes on and circumstances change.

Other politicians who are unhappy with their parties are likely to follow in Qureshi's footsteps. How Imran Khan and his party cadre will accept and embrace such politicians into party positions and how well these politicians will work under the the PTI chairman remains to be seen.

The PTI may not be a family-run political party but the fact remains that in Pakistan it is politics of personalities. If political leaders could work under Gen Ziaul Haq, Gen Musharraf, Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari, they can work under Imran Khan if they choose to join. The heavyweights with political ambitions of their own will be the ones who may pose a problem or have difficulty in adjusting.

Pakistanis who have swung over to the PTI and those who are on the fringe of politics are waiting to see how Imran Khan and Qureshi turn promises made at public meetings into genuine change and reforms. We wonder if they have answers to all of Pakistan's problems but this combination has come one step closer to converting PTI popularity into votes and seats at the next election.

Whether it will be at the cost of the PPP or the PML or both only time will tell, but there is no doubt that Qureshi has provided Imran Khan with a political base for the party in Sindh, so we now wait for the other electable candidates who decide to switch parties, which is not uncommon in Pakistan.

Events are unfurling at a fast pace in Pakistan. Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi must spell out the PTI manifesto as well as their views on grave national and security issues facing the country. This has precedence over politics.

LIAQUAT H. MERCHANT,

Karachi.

Revival of drama

The Pakistani drama industry is one of the most powerful industries in South Asia. It is remarkable that Pakistani dramas have recovered their lost charm with a team of devoted and skilled writers, producers, directors and actors.

For a long time, the Pakistani drama serials enjoyed tremendous international viewership, so much so that many dramas were also translated into other languages. Our dramas were admired not only in Pakistan but across the border in India as well.

Those dramas represented a typical Pakistani society and the social issues surrounding the common man with light romance and humour. The dramas left such a deep impact on the minds of the viewers that to this day the characters of masterpieces like 'Alpha Bravo Charlie', 'Dhoop Kinaray', 'Dhuan', 'Waris', 'Tanhaiyan' and many more that touched our hearts and souls, are remembered.

Unfortunately, a few years ago, a dark period began for our drama industry when Indian drama serials captured viewership and attracted much attention with their female-oriented and glamorous dramas, which included rich families, expensive jewellery and dresses. The situation worsened when Pakistani dramas also started copying the Indian dramas in their unsuccessful attempt to regain viewership. As a result, our drama channels started broadcasting the Indian drama productions, which caused a further setback to our already dwindling drama industry.

However, after a long desperate struggle our drama industry is finally heading towards quality standard production due to a sudden change in format. Pakistani audiences have switched from Indian channels to the healthy entertainment that represents our culture and norms, which are highlighted through Pakistan's new social programmes. Once again the time has come for our dramas to rule the roost.

Our drama industry deserves appreciation and a huge applause for this successful struggle. With the success of the drama industry, our film industry can also compete internationally if they struggle sincerely. I wish them all the best!

ASFIA KHAN,

Karachi.

Sehwag’s feat

Sehwag's ton of 219 in just 47 overs against Windies in 4th ODI was a real marvel. West Indies cricket team has been struggling for the past few years, however Sehwag's double hundred surpassing little master's 200 is a monumental achievement. His batting skills were at best when he scored 25 fours and seven sixes in his 149-ball blitz. Pakistani cricketers must learn some tips to bat aggressively in one day form of cricket.

Congratulations to Sehwag for achieving a great feat.

IFTIKHAR MIRZA,

Islamabad.

Veena Malik

She is in the news again and this time with more glitz and glamour. She denies the nude shoot, while the editor of the concerned magazine insists on its authenticity. The controversy has deepened with Veena Malik deciding to take the magazine to court and filing a lawsuit against FHM India for damages worth Rs100 million, for allegedly morphing her clothes-on images into nudes for its December 2011 issue. Let us wait for the truth to come out.

Television channels are airing this story as breaking news just for ratings. Where is the 'breaking news' in this story? Why is not the rape of hundreds of girls daily in this country breaking news for these channels? Simply, it will not increase viewership or ratings! On the other hand, an entertainment industry professional, who is supposed to do things like this, has become breaking news.

Will the television channels mind saying why child sex abuse, lack of educational facilities, killing in the name of culture is not breaking news? Are there not thousands more important issues they should highlight in priority to Veena's nudity as responsible media? The country is faced with serious economic and security issues, but the media is inquiring whether this photo shoot was real or not. The media is behaving like a court of justice and passing judgements. Let Veena deal with what she did or did not do.

ASAD UR REHMAN,

Via e-mail.

09-12-2011

Diplomacy that matters

Pakistan is one of the most import geopolitically located countries in the world. It serves as a transit gateway to landlocked neighbouring countries. We may not be rich in food but we are never short of it, making us self-sufficient. Unfortunately, at present we are not making full use of our natural resources and raw material; however, we are in possession of those blessings which many countries can only dream of. We not may be at the peak of industrialisation yet, we have a sound base of industry capable of competing in the world market. We may not have the ideal size and quality of population yet, we have the manpower that holds the potential to excel in the global world.

What we lack is the management of our state affairs inside and outside the country. The weakest link in the chain of governance has been our diplomacy that has not been in commensurate with the favoring circumstances that we have in geography, food, raw material, industrialisation and population. Had we followed a better diplomacy harmonising the foreign policy with the available resources, it would have given true bite and direction to the national power to skillfully conduct our war on terror. The situation which we are confronted with today would not have been there, had we worked on the basis of long term results, not for the short terms, and considered cumulative gains. The beauty of diplomacy revolves around avoidance of conflict yet gaining in the ultimate. "Diplomacy thus refers not only state-to-state relations conducted by officials -overt or covert negotiations by individuals - in the name or interest of the state". Unfortunately our diplomacy orientations digressed from the nationalistic approach and got confused with the individualistic preference devoid of interest of the state.

Though not of a small country, yet our diplomats could compensate for this disadvantage by their sincerity, composure, learning, and scholarship and built a sound bridge to connect the two countries on the principle that all states are equal and the 'weight of a microstate compares with that of a great power'.

M Nazir Shams,

On email.

ZAB & Imran Khan

Comparing the recent sudden rise in Imran Khan's popularity to that of ZAB's similar performance four decades ago, a lot looks common between the two, only ZAB was more theatrical. Both are (were) promising more than they could deliver. Imran needs to be more watchful as he might lose the popular support - particularly of the younger lot - if the old heavyweight turncoats - the very embodiment of corruption - keep coming into the party. The very basis of his charm - elimination of corruption and return of the plundered national wealth - will be affected beyond repair.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

Myth of US aid

This is with reference to a news report "Bill blocking US aid likely to be vetoed" (3 Nov). As per report, the White House said last Friday that it may veto a Senate bill for blocking aid to Pakistan until Islamabad takes the aggressive steps to curb the use of roadside bombs that kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. There is always a drumbeat that a huge amount is given as aid but Pakistan is not doing enough, is playing double game, is supporting terrorists and American taxpayer's money is not free for all, etc.

Similarly, our media in the race of breaking news publish and broadcast these reports without verifying. Moreover mistrust among the institutions also give wind to this type of propaganda. Once again American media, their law-makers and think tanks are active after the brutal killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers in a NATO attack. Gen Jones' statement that Pakistan is moving on the path of self-destruction and any Mumbai-type attack on India will have the grave consequences is not out of context.

The pressure tactic is being used to subdue the Pakistanis. I think we reached this condition due to the Americans. We made a grave mistake by joining the USA Club after independence. India extended the hand of friendship to the Soviets and they proved to be the real all-weather friends, whereas we were always being deceived and ditched at all forums by US. Sanctions are imposed every now and then and no efforts or help is given by the American to the people of Pakistan. They didn't establish even a single mega project for the welfare of the people and only less than $500m given out of $3bn under Kerry-Lugar Act, whereas USSR gave us the steel mill.

They never gave us the aid; whatever is given is taken back in shape of consultancy charges, payment of the weapons and services charges. In last ten years America paid only $8bn in Coalition Support Fund, and more than $6bn are outstanding since last one and half years. Pakistan has already expended this amount from its meagre resources. On the other hand, more than $10 billion per month are being spent in Afghanistan. The losses of Pakistan in this war on terror are more than $70 billion but still we are blamed.

We need to put everything in black and white and reconsider what we gained and what we lost with the friendship of Americans. If more than 60% of Americans and 70% Pakistanis think that we are enemies not friend then something is wrong somewhere and leaders of both countries should dilate upon that why it's so?

Shahid Zahur,

Rawalpindi.

Whither Amn ki Asha?

Indian FM Krishna's diatribe at Bonn that "Pakistan is responsible for all crises in Afghanistan" is highly provocative, instigative and out of traditional hatred. It will breed nothing but acrimony between Pakistan and India and derail all the progress achieved till date towards normalisation between the two neighbours. If I were the Indian PM, Mr. Krishna would have been immediately dismissed for spewing poison to kill the Pakistan-India peace progress. Good relations are built painfully in ages and destroyed in moments of folly. Moreover, Pakistan never expected this Indian response after grant of Most Favoured Nation status. It seems Mr. Krishna has deliberately sabotaged the efforts of peace towards Pakistan initiated by Manmohan Singh.

Whither Amn ki Aasha?

Faryal Farooq,

Sargodha.

Timidity more dangerous than weakness

One would like to know as to what is the level of aggression after which Pakistan will counter attack the enemy, with nuclear weapons. They came to the heart of Pakistan at Abbottabad and we looked the other way. They killed 28 of our soldiers and officers; and we are telling them, now try again and then see. What to say of nuclear response, we have still allowed their boots at other places like Jacobabad. Remember, the aggression of an enemy will continue till such time they know we mean business. The way some of our learned writers and commentators are telling the nation, how weak we are and how strong they are, it is clearly playing into the hands of the enemy. This will not be called a surrender to allow the enemy to hit us as per his choice and then make noises of all types. God forbid, this may be known as an abject surrender of a nuclear power, first and may be the last time in history of mankind. It must be remembered that once Israel told the USSR to mind its own business or be ready for Moscow to be nuked. OK, we can't give this threat for Washington, which is out of our range, but lots of their assets are in our range, including their most prized jewel and asset i.e., Israel. Timidity is more dangerous than weakness, because like a magnet, it invites aggression. Till such time courage is in your mind, which must be known to the enemy, victory can't be achieved on the ground.

Saima N Ahmed,

Karachi.

08-12-2011

Joint investigation

Is Pakistan's refusal to be part of the Joint Investigation (JI) into the NATO attack on Salala post a correct one? I think not.

Being on the JI would have provided Pakistan with the firsthand opportunity of:

a. Monitoring the proceedings closely.

b. Taking/suggesting corrective measures to the JI where needed.

c. Peeping into the minds of NATO/Isaf/US/Kabul etc. and getting to know some real inside facts.

d. Excluding the possibility of 'Not Accepting' the findings later on, which probability would always be there.

e. Providing an opportunity of rapprochement between the otherwise estranged fighting partners on some equitable terms.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

Who is he?

Mansoor Ijaz, the person who is now all over the place. Ever since his controversial op-ed in the Financial Times he came to prominence, this memogate has well boosted his publicity. The person who is entertaining people with new stories periodically has not yet provided any valid clue about his dubious identity. Isn't he playing quite smartly like any Hollywood spy-movie agent!

Anyhow the history about his social circle is quite interesting; he has links with elites and top nerves of US, he drafted the memo for US top military and political brass, so is it that easy for an ordinary man to do so and if not then who dictated him the memo? If Haqqani dictated him memo so it means Mansoor worked for US postal service as a postman for delivering memo plus all told by him is right and they all were working for defaming Pakistan military and intelligence agency in 2 May incident.

However here is another query that why Mansoor is out of bag now, why he is revealing secrets about Haqqani now and who is backing him at this instant, obviously there is a mastermind behind controlling all the strings.

Nevertheless the recent revelation about him also demands consideration, why he approached RAW to broker a peace deal between New Delhi and Jihadists and who drove him to meet Hizbul Mujahideen chief. How is he able to able to approach the key intelligence agencies?

All these question marks demonstrate that he is having brawny backing. Most of the facts indicate him a CIA product but the possibility of being double agent cannot be ruled out; he can be a part of dangerous coalition or troika having anti-Pakistani sentiments. Whatever the truth is we should keep in mind the potential traps which can be possibly designed to ignite mutiny in our imperative institutes. Beside serious efforts should be made to know his dubious identity and game plan, the truth should come up as quickly as possible.

Momina Ashier,

Islamabad.

How far can we trigger nuclear?

As the debate on Gen Kayani's standing orders to commanders "act without waiting for my orders" against the aggressors or perpetrators continues, there comes the point what options Pakistan does have if war erupts with its neighbours on eastern or western borders. There had been consensus that the Pakistan army troops manning the borders should be equipped with should-missiles to counter aerial intrusion or ground assault. With this comes the question of the level of aggression after which Pakistan will launch a counter attack against the enemy, possibly with nuclear weapons. Some say that Pakistan has an ambiguous 'no first use' policy. They argue that our real threat is from the eastern borders and our nuclear 'deterrence' is designed to deter the Indians crossing the international borders and threatening our vital strategic points. This has worked because the Indians know that.

Others argue that the Indians have no plans of snatching our nukes, but the Americans do have. So to ignore a real threat from western border may be a big gap in Pakistan's defence policy. The enemy is taking full advantage of this policy, and now the time has come to clear any ambiguity in the no first use policy. This would obviously work to our advantage and may be, it would work as a deterrent also.

Some of the intellectuals are so optimistic that they believe that our nuclear programme and the nuclear arsenal are beyond anybody's reach and therefore extremely well-defended, and that the Americans would be fools to make any attempt or underestimate Pakistan's response. But at the same time it seems as if everyone in Pakistan expects Islamabad to launch the nukes and not get any in return. Let's launch them, and then what? Do we expect the Yankees to simply fold and walk away?

Shumaila Raja,

Rawalpindi.

Stand for sovereignty

Pakistan's sovereignty has been violated a number of times both in traditional and non-traditional ways by US and NATO, hence the ISAF heinous attack on Pakistani soil was not the first one but now the counting cannot be left on continued mode, so it's needed to ensure this violation as the last one. It's satisfying to see the military and political leadership on same page on NATO's deliberate act of aggression. Pakistani decisions about Shamsi Base, NATO supply route blockage and boycott of Bonn Conference as protest against NATO attack are all right but the territorial integrity and the blood of twenty-four soldiers demand more than mere 'protest'. This lethal action has no reason to get buried easily while the US attitude for not saying 'even an apology' needs to be brought up before the international community. This is the sixth time when NATO forces have committed a stark violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and international law. Hence the right tonic to treat this toxic is through the international courts.

A strong message is required for US through legal and diplomatic channels, this mechanism will not only strengthen Pakistani claims in international community more forcefully but will also unveil many local black sheep for permitting the national sovereignty violation by signing secret deals.

Maimuna Ashraf,

Rawalpindi.

Peace a dream

'Aman ki asha' is something of a pipe dream of India-loving pseudo intellectuals. While Indians build the Aqua bombs, 12 dams only on the River Kabul to stop water flow to Pakistan and 125 dams, barrages and bunds on the water courses meant for Pakistan under the 1962 water treaty with India, how can we have peace with them?

Jiya Lajja,

Wazirabad.

Rubbing salt on wounds

What a tragedy! Obama called Zardari, Hillary called Gilani, Kabul rang up Islamabad, White House talked to Foreign Office, Pentagon contacted GHQ - all expressed regret that the Salala attack should not have taken place, but the fact is it took place, and 28 of Pakistan's best soldiers, including many officers, were killed. The fact is NATO-ISAF helicopters and jets came, attacked and went back. This could have been accepted as a mistake. But the attackers came again with more lethal weapons and ammunition. They did not stop despite the Pakistani commanders' continuous contact with the NATO-ISAF counterparts. But the relentless attacks reportedly continued till 5 in the morning.

Yet they say it was not deliberate. Yet they say it was unfortunate and regrettable. Yet they are not ashamed of. The US ambassador, Cameron Munter, said in a press conference in Islamabad that those responsible for the NATO attack would be punished and that it was being investigated. Who is going to investigate it? They themselves? How can those who attacked the Pakistan post, who are ashamed of their act of aggression, who are going to investigate it themselves, be wise and just in their judgement in the end? How can they apologise then?

It seems the Salala attack was engineered to stop Pakistan from its participation in the Bonn conference. It is clear that the Mansoor Ijaz article revealing the memogate scandal has its linkage with the Salala aggression. It seems the memogate scandal was to establish Mansoor Ijaz's credibility, his actual sixer came out later on 8th of Muharram that President Zardari and Gen Kayani were onboard prior to the May 2 OBL operation.

It seems the design has been made in the Pentagon and the government of Pakistan as well the security establishment must not expect any kind of apology from Washington. Even if it tenders an apology, would it all serve the purpose? Would Pakistan restart its cooperation in terms of offering more lives of its people and fauji jawans and officers in their war on terror?

The need of the hour is to review and revise our strategy, undoing the earlier one and go ahead with the national consensus agenda on the war against terror role of Islamabad. Do not please press for apologies. It all would be a sham, a farce and a drama. They are going ahead with their calculations. They are after our nukes and our army. The problem is to identify as to who are they. The answer is they are even among us, among ourselves. The Bonn conference speeches by Karzai, Ban ki-Moon and Hillary Clinton are nothing but to rub salt on our wounds. They do not care for us, let us not care for their war.

Alya Alvi,

Rawalpindi.

Industrial pollution

The concept of industrial pollution came after industrial revolution. Any harmful emission from the industries damaging air, water or soil is termed as industrial pollution. It is the major source of global air, water and soil pollution and refers to all pollutants which can directly or indirectly be linked with industry. It is becoming a major problem in developing as well as developed countries. Fossil fuels particularly coal on which our economies are built are usually the main culprit behind the excessive industrial pollution. Climate change is also directly linked to this as by globalisation industrial pollution can reach every part of the world and its effects are widespread.

In the last couple of decades due to rapid global industrialisation this pollution has even spread to Earth's poles leading to Ozone layer depletion. Scientists have already found traces of industrial pollutants in samples of ice cores from Antarctica and the arctic. Many industrialised nations have already realized the seriousness of this issue and have imposed very tight restrictions that regulate industrial pollution. Developing countries argue that the responsibility for current environmental issues lies primarily on the developed world so they are not slowing down their activities. Efforts are required not only on global level but also on national and regional levels to fight against industrial pollution in every country. Environment doesn't demand us to stop development, it just requires us to care for it so that it can remain healthy for our coming generations.

SIDRA-TUL-MUNTAHA,

Peshawar.

So cute & touching; so cruel & callous!

A French photographer's pictures of two birds made the headlines across Europe and America the other day. A female mate was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road, and the condition was fatal. Her male mate brought her food and attended her with love and compassion. He brought her food again, but was shocked to find her dead. He tried to move her - a rarely seen effort. Aware that his mate was dead and would never come back to him again, he cried with adoring love... and stood beside her with sadness and sorrow. Millions of people were touched after seeing these photos in America, Europe, Australia, and even India. The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to the most famous newspaper in France. All copies of that edition were sold out on the day these pictures were published. Many people think animals and birds don't have brains or feelings. We have just witnessed love and sorrow felt by God's creatures.

We are the best amongst all creatures. One wonders where such feelings of us have gone, when we the people of civilised world resort to kill the mankind with our weapons of mass destruction. Millions of people in America, Australia, Europe and India, cried after seeing these photographs but for most of these countries, 3000 Americans' lives are worth more than 1,325,000 Iraqi people and almost half in number of Afghans.

The story is not ending here, now they are eyeing to kill equal or may God forbid, more Iranians and Syrians. America's then president, George Bush Junior used to say that these Muslims are burden on the global earth, they must be eliminated. The blood of the weak is cheap and they are born to suffer.

They kill 28 Pakistani soldiers and do not repent. They perpetrate hundreds of 9/11s in Pakistan everyday and kill 45,000 people and soldiers of Pakistan on the name of war against terror, yet it does not touch the hearts and minds of the people across Europe, Australia and America. Are they not the worth of those birds?

F Z Khan,

Islamabad.

05-12-2011

Indian war games on Pak border

Indian designs are obvious. In fact India is in the habit of using its deference measures as pressure tactics against Pakistan. That's why immediately after the NATO attack in Mohmand agency it has announced to conduct war games "Sudarshan Shakti" in Rajasthan sector. America has provided India space to behave like a bully. On one side India is seeking trade opportunities, on the other it is not ready to spare any opportunity to keep Pakistan under pressure.

India knows very well that there is tension on Pakistan's western border where terrorists from Afghanistan are attacking Pakistani posts.

In the exercises more than 50,000 Indian troops along with T-90, T-72, Arjun tanks and BMPs are expected to take part. 500 armed vehicles and fighter jets and combat helicopters of the Indian Air

Force are also going to participate.

Pakistani nation has to understand that India has hegemonic designs and no 'aman ki asha' sort of resolves are going to be successful in such environment where Indian army's exercises are being conducted to keep Pakistan under pressure. If this is the case then what was the fun to declare India an MFN state.

S K Aurakzai,

Peshawar.

Is it part of Amn ki Asha?

The other day India's Sikh leader Sham Singh held a press conference and disclosed that the torch-bearer of Amn ki Asha, India, through its media collaborators have refused 500 Indian Held Kashmir Sikh yatris visa for Pakistan. The Sikh community in Jammu & Kashmir is highly sensitive and to create a softer image must have been the priority of Delhi sarkar, but they are habitually mistreating the minorities in order to create a chaos in the area. Despite frequent calls of IHK Chief Minister Omar Abullah, New Delhi has not budged to withdraw the draconian laws which give lease to Indian security forces' prolonged stay in the held Valley.

The Kashmir Diaspora Alliance has in consonance with Omar Abdullah demanded India to repeal the black laws, withdraw troops from the Internationally Disputed Areas of Jammu and Kashmir, release illegally detained Kashmiris, stop HR violations without delay.

More than 2500 unknown graves have been discovered in the valley so far and it is believed that Kashmiris abducted and killed by Indian security forces were buried in the unnamed graves. It is reported by various HR organisations, e.g., the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Educational Development, International Tribunal that 110,117 Kashmiris have gone missing. International Criminal Court of Justice is, therefore, requested to initiate an enquiry of unnamed mass graves discovered in occupied Kashmir. The court should also inquire into the location of the remaining missing people if they are still alive and inform their families. The Kashmiris should not be held unlawfully; thus, warrant immediate release without any further delay.

Marya Mufty,

Lahore.

NATO strike

A very heartaching incident happened when on November 25 the NATO struck two of Pakistan's check posts and took the lives of 24 of our soldiers and injured 14 of them. This was one of the deadliest incidents of its kind. Since the very beginning of the war on terror Pakistan has been the target of terror attacks from terrorists and also from its most trusted ally, the NATO alliance. We have lost precious lives since the war on terror has come to our doorstep. Terrorists have struck nearly every city of our country in which we are not only losing human lives, our economy is also affected very baldy. We are losing in billions. Every coming day is very threatening both for our economy and our security. Let it not make us hopeless as our highups know how to deal with the situation and let us hope they will do the needful for the good of our country.

H. Noor,

On email.

Beware of rogue group

The statements of regrets coming from the top leadership in US after Pakistan's strong reaction against Salala attack shows that possibly the operation was not ordered at their level. At the same time it has a food for thought for the coalition partners to identify the ROGUE GROUP from within which has become powerful enough to play with Pak-US relations. The inquiry report scheduled for 23 December will carry a strong message for future relationship. The US must understand that the forces operating far from their borders though have lesser regard and relevance to violation of laws and ethics but great powers have to keep international laws in consideration for future strategy. An approach to bypass the laws may give quick tactical victory but will certainly bring strategic defeat. Where small nations like Isreal can get away by breaking international laws to protect their rogue individuals, it's difficult for US to go scotfree. Raymond Davis will keep haunting Obama for his false statement that he was a diplomat and US promises that he will be tried in USA.

A nation is recognised by its values and not by name. The civilisation has come a long way from the dark ages. We must not give into ROGUE GROUP which wants to take away our rights, liberty and mutual respect for each other.

Hamid Waheed,

On email.

Veena’s vulnerability

Those who believe India is interested in normalising ties with Pakistan through its soft image and cultural people-to-people contacts, must remember the fate of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's India sojourn, Adnan Sami's Dubai saga, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's dollar scandal, Meera's film mania and now Veena Malik's Indianisation. By closely observing all such events one can easily conclude that such are deliberate attempts to psychologically degrade Pakistanis and target the premier institutions of the country. All such incidents carry well thought-out plot engineered by RAW. Why I call it RAW is because the Indian media reports establish it so. The ISI's name is being used a joke across India. The Star Plus plays and programmes on other channels specially targeting Pakistan are not only sponsored by RAW's Pakistan-specific cultural wing but the authors of those dramas are directly selected and employed by the Indian intelligence.

Recently a row has erupted over an image of Pakistan's Indian actress Veena Malik sporting the initials 'ISI' on her arm, with FHM India insisting it is not fake. This has caused a sensation across Pakistan for both the nudity and the initials of the 'spy agency'. Analysts say the image, which is the cover of the December issue of the Indian edition of the global men's magazine, has caused a storm with many people expressing outrage over the nudity and the boldness of the photo. Many Pakistanis on the micro-blogging site Twitter are also expressing bemusement at the image. A newspaper said a representative of Ms Malik had denied she posed for the shoot. She has been at the centre of controversy before. She also caused outrage for appearing on the Indian reality show Bigg Boss in 2010. She hit the headlines again in March this year by challenging the views of a Pakistani scholar on television.

What to talk of Veena Malik, it seems there is a whole network that is all out to bad-name Pakistan one way or the other. It would not be surprising at all if one day she would be the recipient of national award from president the great. She might even qualify for both Pride of Performace and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. After all she is promoting "roshan khayali" and "amn ki aasha". And she would be unanimously voted for if likes of Rehman Malik, Babar Awan and Meera are to be taken as benchmark.

Our heads hang in shame.

Jiya Lajja,

Wazirabad.

Rotten recipe - ignorant chef

The Vietnam War lasted for 20 long years from November 1, 1955 to the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The involvement of USA in Vietnam began in the early 1960s, with troop level tripling in 1961 and tripling again in 1962 whereas her role in the war peaked in 1968. Later on, US ground forces were gradually withdrawn which completed in 1973.

The flash point of defeated US Army's withdrawal plan from Vietnam was to portray, a neutral neighbouring country, Cambodia, as villain which was blamed for harbouring anti-American forces in Vietnam-Cambodia border area, and who, according to them, were responsible for attacks on US forces across the border. These cross-border incursions were described as the major reason for their defeat. This blame game laid the foundation of 'Operation Menu' which was the code name of a covert United States Strategic Air Command (SAC) bombing campaign conducted in Eastern Cambodia and Laos from March 18,1969 until May 26, 1970. The campaign failed in its objective of preventing North Vietnamese offensives, which also continued during this un-justified bombing. The reasons of US failure were, later, known to the United States Congress and the public, leading to dire consequences for the Nixon administration.

The recipe of USA to blame some other nation for their own failures, failed, and left many lessons for chefs to follow.

The US and allied offensive on Afghanistan began in 2001 and is aimed to terminate by 2014 with projected withdrawal of US forces during the same year. History is repeating itself with expected defeat of US forces in mountains of Afghanistan. History is also re-telecasting the drama of hero & villain with Pakistan replacing Cambodia as villain and neighbouring Pakistani belt of Afghan-Pakistan replacing Cambodia-Vietnam as area harbouring enemies of USA. Pakistan Army that has many successes to her credit in this decade-long war on terror and has lost thousands of its brave soldiers in this war alone is being blamed by USA for patronising anti-US and anti-coalition elements in tribal belt of Pakistan. The bombing of Pakistan border post by NATO forces on Nov 26, killing 26 Pakistani soldiers, may also be an action on the lines of 'Operation Menu' that had brought worst results for USA four decades ago.

The ignorant US appears to be trapped again and is trying to cook same old rotten recipe which had let him to lose against much weaker nations like Cambodia and Vietnam.

Asif Jehangir Raja,

On email.

04-12-2011

Ban on BBC

The association of cable operators has banned BBC for its anti-Pakistan bias. It has also urged PEMRA to cancel the landing rights given to the British channel. The association took a good step to make BBC realise what it is doing. No doubt, America exploits the reputation of BBC for projecting its views. (The early BBC stories quoted Americans to give the impression that the attack on our posts was due to some mistake but the Pakistan version was ignored. While BBC devoted recently a whole week to glorify India, it broadcast an hour-long anti-Pakistan documentary.

The British government used to bear the operational expenses of BBC World television channel. No longer. Now that BBC will have to run it on its own, it is not inconceivable that it may seek assistance through donations from American corporations and commercials of U.S. multinationals, if not cash. That will make it more vulnerable to U.S. influence and pressures.

As replacement for BBC, the cable operators may give us other English language free-to-air news international channels, such as Al-Jazeera, France 24, RT (Russia Today), which are not sympathetic to the U.S. That will also balance CNN, which obviously has to project the views of the U.S. government. Like its ultimate boss, the British Prime Minister, BBC also has to behave like a poodle of the U.S. (Tim Sebastian, host of "Hard Talk" for years, would often get his questions unashamedly from the U.S. State Department.)

However, much more needs to be done on the domestic front. The Information Minister and PEMRA Chairman may call owners of television news channels and major newspapers and ask them to

a) rein in their anchors and columnists, who invariably plead the cause of America at the cost of our own, openly or in a subtle manner.

b) blacklist talk show guests and commentators, who are apologists for the U.S. For example, a retired general is not supporting the cause of his country when he wants us to do nothing until NATO completes its inquiry (which will take three weeks and may be no different from the previous ones in similar cases).

c) refuse cash and favours, offered by the U.S., India and other countries to media owners and their employees. If proof is available for acceptance, the government should suspend legally the offending channels or newspapers long enough to cause them substantial loss of business. Do it in a few cases and the rest will fall in line.

d) stop American and Indian propaganda, which is being fed through paid programmes, live interviews, news reports and other content. Ban completely the Indian films and all other content of Indian origin on television channels.

Meanwhile, the cable operators should take another step in the national interest: stop feeding Indian entertainment channels and Indian films on in-house channels. Our own television channels offer a wide variety of entertainment, enough to meet the needs of our people. Why allow India's cultural invasion into our homes? In Bangladesh, Indian films are never shown, even those in Bengali language, despite the poor state of D(haka)ollywood, the country's own film industry.

MUHAMMAD ABD AL-HAMEED,

Lahore.

Shoulder missiles for troops

Pakistan troops will fire if the NATO attacks again, Pakistan Army has authorised local commanders on the Pak-Afghan border to retaliate to any future attack. Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on December 1 suspended command and chain system to counter any aggression on borders. This was in order to enable the senior officers on the posts to take appropriate action if Pakistani forces come under attack.

The Chief of the Army Staff issued these orders Wednesday night. According to which, the Pakistan military officers in the area will be responsible for retaliation against any aggressors in that particular area and he will be provided all kind of assistance that he will ask for. The decision would, however, be applicable to eventualities involving NATO troops.

Gen Kayani also ordered the troops to counter any aggression with full force and defend the motherland against any assailant and for that they do not need to wait for any orders from the high command.

He also said that the PAF should have taken action when NATO helicopters violated the Pakistan airspace and attacked the check posts in Mohmand last Saturday. He further said the Air Force could not be called in as the communication system at the check post was destroyed in the Nato attack.

Kayani ordered officers to utilise all resources at their disposal to give a befitting reply to the aggressors and they should not be spared. The Army Chief also praised the jawans of the Azad Kashmir Regiment deployed at the border check posts.

This was the first time after occupation of Afghanistan by allied forces that a Pakistani army chief, fed up with continuous border aggression, has issued such orders I will suggest that if PAF can't give air support then our missiles should help the soldiers under attack. We have missiles, both types i.e., nuclear, tactical or strategic and non-nuclear, which must be pressed into use rather than keeping them as showpieces. If one recalls, once Israel told the USSR that Moscow can be nuked by Israel. Though Pakistan is not Israel and it'll be insanity to suggest anything like that, however the troops need to be given non-nuclear missiles for protection and counter attack.

Alya Alvi,

Rawalpindi.

US becoming a police state

A bill has been passed in 93-7 US Senate vote that declares the entire US to be a "battleground" where the US military forces can operate with impunity, overriding Posse Comitatus, unchecked power to arrest, detain, interrogate, assassinate US citizens. ?

In a stunning move that has civil libertarians stuttering with disbelief, the US Senate has just passed a bill that effectively ends the Bill of Rights in America. This bill, passed on December 2 in a 93-7 vote, declares the entire USA to be a "battleground" upon which the US military forces can operate with impunity, overriding Posse Comitatus and granting the military the unchecked power to arrest, detain, interrogate and even assassinate US citizens with impunity.

It's being called the most traitorous act ever witnessed in the Senate, and the language of the bill is cleverly designed to make you think it doesn't apply to Americans, but toward the end of the bill it essentially says it can apply to Americans "if we want it to." Even WIRED magazine was outraged at this bill, reporting: "...the detention mandate to use indefinite military detention in terrorism cases isn't limited to foreigners. It's confusing, because two different sections of the bill seem to contradict each other, but in the judgment of the University of Texas' Robert Chesney - a nonpartisan authority on military detention - "US citizens are included in the grant of detention authority."

The passage of this law is nothing less than an outright declaration of war against the American people by the military-connected power elite. If this is signed into law, it will shred the remaining tenants of the Bill of Rights and unleash upon America a total military dictatorship, complete with secret arrests, secret prisons, unlawful interrogations, indefinite detainment without ever being charged with a crime, the torture of Americans and even the "legitimate assassination" of US citizens on right here on American soil!

If you have not yet woken up to the reality of the police state we've been warning you about, I hope you realise we are fast running out of time. Once this becomes law, you have no rights whatsoever in America - no due process, no First Amendment speech rights, no right to remain silent, nothing, said Alex Jones in an interview. The mainstream media is engaged in a shameful and conspiratorial news blackout of this entire issue. The rule of law is about to be utterly destroyed. No due process. No legal representation. Not even a right to know what you're being charged with when you are (indefinitely) detained.

Shumaila Raja,

Rawalpindi.

Economic zone offer to Korea

President Asif Ali Zardari on November 1 offered Korea to establish its economic zone in Pakistan to boost trade ties between the two countries. But, given the past records of such activities, it is likely that it will be revealed in due course of time what was the covert deal, behind this overt deal, pedalled by Salman Farooqi and Saleem Mandviwala, in the presence of ministers as showpieces.

Samina Mallah,

Karachi.

PTI’s anti-PML-N politics

Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesman Omar Sarfaraz Cheema has criticised PML-N on memogate issue and said that the duo of PPP and PML-N has created confusion over the memogate issue. He also said that Tehreek-e-Insaf was demanding from day one to establish a commission by the Supreme Court to probe the matter. As now Supreme Court has established a commission, why PTI is criticising PML-N?

PML-N has done the right thing by going to Supreme Court and in an interview with private TV channel Imran Khan said that PML-N made a good move by going to apex court.

It seems that PTI spokesman Omar Sarfaraz Cheema only wants to criticise PML-N for the sake of criticism that is why he does not support this move of PML-N which PTI also wanted to do.

MUBASHIR MAHMOOD,

Karachi.

Al-Zawahiri

Yet another video of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has come to surface. Again al-Jazeera TV channel has managed to get the video. And this time Ayman al-Zawahiri, who had earlier been giving 'fatwas' of jihad against Pakistan Army, has deep love for Pakistan. And of course every time the man in the video gets escaped. Isn't he, if real, is really the agents of the real perpetrators?

In his new video Dr Zawahiri claims that his al-Qaeda is holding hostage a US development worker kidnapped in Pakistan four months ago. Warren Weinstein, 70, country director for US-based consultancy J.E. Austin Associates, was snatched after gunmen tricked their way into his home on August 13, days before he was due to return to the United States. Zawahiri claimed responsibility and demanded that Washington end air strikes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, and release the 1993 World Trade Centre bombers and relatives of Osama bin Laden, to secure Weinstein's release. "Just as the Americans detain all whom they suspect of links to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, even remotely, we detained this man who has been neck-deep in American aid to Pakistan since the 1970s," the SITE Intelligence Group quoted Zawahiri as saying in a 31-minute video sent to jihadist forums. The video showed no proof of life for Weinstein, but the message appears to be the first significant lead in the case in weeks.

It is clear now the Pakistan is the target, not to be made by al-Qaeda but those who would react against al-Qaeda. The game is clear but the question is why don't such videos go into the hands of other agencies of the world, or other electronic media outlets? You can get the video, you can't get the man in the video? How long would you continue to fool the world?

Fozia Niazi,

Islamabad.

02-12-2011

Endless crisis

We have had an endless series of crises -- not so long ago it was 'memogate', now it is the callous Nato attack on Pakistani checkposts that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. There will be others. There will be much frothing, high oratory and fist-waving, and then the current crisis will be replaced by another one. One of the facts of war is 'friendly fire,' trigger-happy, nervous youngsters attacking their own or allied forces in some kind of 'play-safe-when-in-doubt' mode. The Americans have the worst record, which shows that they'd rather kill the other, with or without reason. At least four possibilities exist. First it was a genuine mistake, although one cannot see why army check-posts with concrete structures should be mistaken for militant camps -- if it was a mistake, we must deplore the ignorance or stupidity of the NATO commanders -- they should be removed and an official apology be issued along with a guarantee that the matter will be probed immediately. Second, it was deliberate, intended as a 'lesson' to those 'duplicitous' Pakistanis, a warning that we cannot play both sides with impunity. This image has been developed and nurtured carefully by some of our great 'friends' and it may have affected the decision to mount the attack. Or it might be a way to get even with the Pakistani forces for not doing enough to stop the Taliban attacking the American embassy in Kabul last month. Our position is that we are allies, we will help, but don't think we have to be your' most obedient servants' all the time, especially when our long-term interests are involved. There is nothing wrong with that, but the mentality of some people, bloated with unreal nonsense about race, or super-powerism, or touchy militarism, or national arrogance, stands in the way of accommodation. Third, the Americans who, till recently, were voicing pious promises about their commitment to this region, are now looking for justifications to withdraw from this muddle -- the best way is to put the blame on the other side (us, mainly). We are the convenient Aunt Sally at the moment. And fourthly, it serves as a prelude to what we can expect in the future. Since a strong Pakistan does not aid the US interest in the region, a continuity of similar episodes is something we must expect if Pakistan does not take a firm stand right now. We need a unified and renewed resolve.

Professor Kabil Khan,

Peshawar.

American highhandedness

NATO's brutal and unprovoked attack on Pakistani posts at Mohmand on 26 Nov killing 24 soldiers and injuring many has put the whole nation into grief, shock and, of course, in great anger. The statement of Gen Dempsey that "attack wasn't deliberate and what in the world would we gain by attacking a Pakistani border post" can't be justified for the cold-blooded murder. A mistake is for a minute and not for hours. Two hours continuous bombing and killing the soldiers, in spite of clear knowledge of the posts and more so not hearing Pakistani voices on wireless are the proof of another American lie. What Raymond Davis gained by killing two Pakistanis, what Americans gained by killing thousands of innocent people in Iraq, Afghanistan and through drone attacks in Pakistan should be answered by them.

It seems that world has been hijacked by the Americans due to its sole superpower status and military might. The UN has become hostage due to funding from USA and it doesn't take independent decisions. The other so-called major powers, except China also dove-tail to USA due to economic, social, religious and some other reasons. Now, the big question is, how long the rule of "might is right" will prevail?

If the US, which is behaving like a monster, is to grab the world resources and killing the innocent people, including women and children of third world countries is not stopped, then there is a danger that this fourth generation war may engulf the whole world.

Destroying Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, economy of Pakistan and now hovering over Iran are few examples of US barbarity. The American leaders have always told lies to their nation and the world for their misadventures. Bush and Collin Powell destroyed Iraq on the pretext of weapons of mass destruction, Afghanistan has become the country of widows, orphans, and graveyards.

Now killing own allies, who are providing them the life line, who are being killed by terrorists due to being coalition partners, who have suffered the most in the war, who have sheltered more than 6 million Afghan refugees, and who have been plunging deep into poverty due to hefty economic losses is another gift for their so called strategic partner and non-Nato ally. But following Hitler's path, the American leadership is not only destabilising the world but their own country also.

Shahid Zahur,

Rawalpindi.

Civil-military imbalance

This is with reference to an editorial in an English daily on the above subject. I totally agree that the "civilians aren't getting any closer at all to truly being in charge." Had the government worked to strengthen democratic institutions, the situation would have been much better. It's very unfortunate that after 63 years of independence, we are still struggling for survival. The blame can equally be put on civilian and military rulers. The economies of other countries in the region are thriving well due to the focused policies of their governments but we continue to ditch each other. China, India and even Bangladesh are progressing fast but we are hell bent on ruining our institutions and organisations. Democracy is the best form of government but people now ask what the democratic forces have given to them. The consensus politics for corruption, collaboration for killings, ministries for loot and democracy for protecting the plunderers has become a norm. Terrorism has engulfed the entire country, devastated the economy and killed thousands of civil-military personnel - including women and children - but we are still not clear whose war is it. Indians are active in Afghanistan and Balochistan we are being encircled but still hesitant to get them exposed. The 4.5 million Afghan refugees must have now increased to 6 million have not only proved to be an economic drain but many of them happened to be natural sympathisers of the Taliban. Nobody is bothered. The provision of jobs must be ensured but not at the cost of overloading the already sinking ships, like PIA, Railway, Steel Mills, WAPDA and KESC etc. Let's be honest and reflect that where this coalition course will take us. We need to put our heads together to find out the solution. The dilemma in Pakistan is that democracy is used only to rule the people and subdue the opposition but not for the development of the country and its people.

The way forward is to strengthen our institutions and make parliament supreme through our deeds and not with words. The accountability across the board should be carried out of all, may they are civil or men in uniform. Let's kill the politics of confrontation within institutions, work for the betterment of the people and they should not be treated as slaves but the stakeholders. If institutions are made strong, Policies are laid out, no hidden agendas are persuaded and people are appointed on merit then there is no reason that we can't progress.

Bilal Shahid,

Rawalpindi.

MFN to benefit whom?

The MFN status is no big a news, but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's claim that Pakistan army was onboard about the decision of granting it is certainly an explosion. It is not that the military establishment does not want it to, but the bigger news is the government seems to have played the best shot of its political career by creating the impression reportedly through its pre-conceived statements, saying the army was taken into confidence before the GOP decision of granting the GOI an MFN status. No one amongst the journalists' community, nor could the political circles gauge, as Sheikh Rashid has perceived, that the factual position can be other way round. To him the government is doing blunders after blunders, and this time the big blunder is of disinforming the public that the army was onboard. Probably before anyone could discuss it, the enthusiasm was really noteworthy. All newspaper editorials and most of the TV talk shows discussed the merits and demerits of the decision to grant MFN status to India, and as a result it seemed 95% votes went to the favour, except one group of newspapers, which had valid reasons to object. That's why PM Gilani said on the floor of the House that the decision had not yet been made and the Foreign Office tried to clear the air, saying the federal cabinet had only agreed to the proposal 'in principle'. However in India the lead has caught the headlines, that too it was attributed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This is being exploited by both electronic and print media in India and other countries and the mum on the side of military adds to the confusion. Some believe that the army has reason not to speak, so to avoid giving wrong impression that there exist differences between the government and establishment, at a moment when deliberate attempts are being made to drag the army in, go impatient and react. The Zardari-memo issue is another such example. The cool heads must evaluate as to who wants it to exploit to what extent. This must also be evaluated as to whom this status is going to benefit the most?

F Z Khan,

Islamabad.

01-12-2011

NATO attack

The unfortunate thing with us is that in reaction to any grave violation of our sovereignty or an act of extreme barbarity, like the killing of large number of our soldiers by NATO, we initially show lot of anger but soon start softening up and within days or weeks, it is all forgotten, and we get back to our familiar, subservient mode. It is exactly because of this that our enemies, whom we mistakenly refer to as our allies and friends, do not take us seriously and continue taking liberty with us, fully assured that they will get away with it.

I therefore hope that the statement by Federal Interior Minister Rahman Malik that the process of NATO supplies going through Pakistan has been stopped permanently and not just suspended, is firm and final. Also hopefully, the decision to get Shamsi airbase vacated in 15 days will be implemented this time, and not to left to die its natural death, allowing American forces to continue occupying it like before.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tehima Janjua's statement that Pakistan's participation in the Bonn Conference on December 5 was still being evaluated and no decision has yet been taken, also sounds a bit odd. Surely, boycotting the conference would have conveyed a strong message and discomforted the thugs, scoundrels and murderers who have done it not for the first time, but have surely exceeded all limits on this occasion. In any case, a conference being attended by foreign ministers of 90 countries would be nothing but a crowd, and unlikely to produce any tangible results so missing it would not be a great loss to the mankind anyway.

I hope our leaders will show a bit of spine this time.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

US/NATO attack in Pakistan

The recent attack by the NATO forces on Pakistani military check post, which killed 28 soldiers, is unacceptable and intolerable. The people of Pakistan have had enough of this war on terror; it is not doing anyone good to the country except perhaps achieving American objectives, which are dubious in nature anyway. Pakistan reserves the right to respond in kind at any time. Pakistan is supposed to be an ally in this war, and there is also a hotline established to avoid these types of situations. One wonders if this is provocation for other reasons? This attack went on for two hours. The drone attacks on Pakistani territory must also end. They are killing innocent people. The ratio is one terrorist for 10 civilians killed. Pakistan must cut the NATO supply route for good now. Furthermore, our government and president have said nothing so far. When will they act? What are they afraid of; they have the support of the people. They must send a strong message to America and NATO as this attack is a violation of the UN Charter.

MUHAMMED JAMIL ATHER,

Karachi.

Warnings by Savings Centres

The Bahbood Savings 10 years' maturity scheme was launched by the government on July 1, 2003. Initially, it was meant for widows, but later it was extended to senior citizens of age 60 and above with effect from Jan 1, 2004.

Its minimum investment limit is Rs5,000 whereas the maximum limit is Rs3,000,000. The profit earned on the investment is exempted from withholding tax and Zakat.

The prevailing profit rate (per cent per annum) on the Bahbood scheme effective from Oct 1 is 14.40 per cent, which works out to be Rs1,200 per month on investment of Rs100,000. The rate has been reduced from 15.36 per cent prevalent from Jan 1, 2011.

Three years back on Dec 1, 2008, the profit rate was 16.80 per cent but it was slashed down to 16.10 per cent on April 1, 2009, soon after the present government took over in February 2008. Such reductions are quite disappointing and unfair to senior citizens when compared to the ever-rising inflation rate.

The inflation rate in Pakistan is reported at 11.50 per cent in September. From 2003 until 2010, the average inflation rate was 10.15 per cent, reaching the historical peak of 25.33 per cent in August 2008.

In January 2003, when the Bahbood Savings scheme was effective, the inflation rate was as low as 1.41 per cent, while the Bahbood Savings profit rate was 10.08 per cent. Hence, there is a pressing need to improve the profit rate to a respectable level in order to give some relief to widows and senior citizens and to offset the adverse effects of inflation.

It may be mentioned here that the profit rate on Regular Income certificates was 18 per cent from Jan 7, 1997 to May 13, 1999. Automatic reinvestment of profit facility to earn further profit may also be made admissible at the scheme rate and all profits may be directly deposited in the investors' bank account. This will help the investor of the hassle to collect his profit as well as resolve the overcrowding in centres.

As regards the investment limit of Rs3,000,000, I would like to suggest that it may be reviewed because a monthly profit of Rs36,000 is not sufficient to meet accommodation expenses, utility bills' payment, home and medical expenses, conveyance and education expenses, family obligations, etc., even for the lower middle class.

Almost all investors are either retired senior citizens or widows who have no additional income. The upper limit may at least be raised to Rs4,000,000.

SHAMIM SAGHEER,

Karachi.

Reject US aid

"We pay, so we intrude," was the reply of Cameron Munter, US ambassador to Pakistan when asked about US intrusion into Pakistani territory a few months back. Similarly, a tragic incident took place on Saturday morning when NATO helicopters broke into Pakistani territory and killed more than 25 soldiers and injured many others.

The US has often affronted Pakistan's sovereignty and killed civilians and military personnel through drone strikes and attacks by gunship helicopters. The Raymond Davis episode and Osama bin Laden's killing were two such events over which the Pakistan government lodged serious protests with US authorities this year. Pakistan stopped NATO supplies from reaching Afghanistan by closing its supply routes when NATO helicopters attacked a mountain post manned by Pakistan's military in September 2010. Later, the US apologised and the border was reopened to allow the passage of supplies.

Now, it is time for Pakistan to take appropriate action to be liberated from the US's hegemony. Mere apologies are not enough to compensate for the loss of precious lives. Pakistan, being a sovereign country, must not tolerate the killing of its civilians in return for dollars from the US. Our leaders should ponder upon the safety of citizens rather than getting lured by money. Pakistan should act like an independent state rather than a banana republic.

If our army is attacked by other countries, it will further create a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty among the people. What to think of our security when our saviours themselves are vulnerable! Our forefathers never wanted a country where the lives of the people would become less precious than a few dollars; they dreamt of a fully independent state for the Muslims where they could feel secure and safe. It is about time we reject aid from the US so that we can recognise anti-Pakistan elements and take action against them to protect our national interests rather than fight a war on the behalf of the US and waste our time, military, money and civilians in fighting their enemies.

MAMOON AHMED,

Rawalpindi.

30-11-2011

Istanbul initiative shattered

The trilateral summit of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey concluded in Istanbul on a positive note with the three countries signing agreements and MoUs for cooperation in different areas and expressing willingness to join hands to build a combined partnership to ensure peace and security in the region. Though the summit went well in pinning expectations and raising hopes for the future of this area, and the upcoming December 5 Bonn conference in Germany was being considered to be a culminating event towards formulating a final strategy for the post-withdrawal Afghanistan, yet the November 26 US-NATO attack on Pakistan's Salala check post in Waziristan put at risk the peace process in the entire South Asia.

Director-General ISPR Major-General Athar Abbas told AFP the air assault that claimed 24 Pakistani soldiers were not quick strikes, which could be chalked down to logistical mistakes, but attacks that lasted almost two hours. While the jets and helicopters pounded the installations, Pakistan army contacted their NATO counterparts. They asked for ceasefire, but it continued. Islamabad made a strong protest to the US, NATO and Afghanistan, and told the world that the NATO chief's 'regret' was not enough.

Analysts believe that this attack "can have grave consequences." The Guardian observed, it is "the costliest strategic mistake the United States has made in the war in Afghanistan."

Reports say the already scheduled official visits of high-level Pakistan military delegations to the US have been cancelled while Washington too has been told that its military officials are also not welcome in Pakistan, at least for now. Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan would reassess its arrangements with NATO and ISAF, and "its relationship with the US can only continue with mutual respect and mutual interest".

However, those who plead for adopting a pragmatic approach, opine that our national stakes in the situation as it tends to evolve are so critical that the recent DCC decisions, though quite tough as they appear to be, are essentially symbolic in nature and may not seriously impact the emerging Afghan endgame scenario.

"While the government swung into action on the diplomatic front, in private it was hinting that the incident did not spell the end of Pak-US relations as has been predicted in the aftermath of the NATO attacks." That's why the need for holding thorough investigations into the incident has been doubled as the NATO commanders must be worried about their own image and of their organisation's viability as an international policeman.

Back home their people are fed up with fighting a losing war in a distant area and their politicians agreed to bring home their troops without delay. But probably NATO generals, and lobbies that benefit from war collaterally, want to keep fighting in league with the native Afghan commanders. No wonder then most of the tension on the Pak-Afghan border is the making of Afghan commanders.

If the recently held Loya Jirga voted for foreign military bases, it is what the Afghan commanders wanted which the Loya Jirga readily conceded. Therefore the government is rightly advised that "there must be a well-conceived, concerted plan to muster international support for Pakistan's position especially now that Kabul-New Delhi axis is working strenuously to shift the blame of coalition's impending failure to Pakistan." Otherwise the Istanbul initiative would not work in its true letter and spirit.

F Z Khan,

Islamabad.

Education for voters

It is a tragedy that a majority of people is not cognisant of the significance of casting vote. Casting a vote for any one amounts to giving one's conscience. Tens and thousands of people cast their votes unwittingly and undecidedly regarding who they have to vote for.

Next, a considerable chunk of women's population is also unaware of their right to cast votes. They are just dictated to vote for any given party. So particularly women need to be made aware of the fact that they can easily cash their votes for attaining their inherent rights they have been deprived of in the state of Pakistan.

So it is only the votes with whose help the nation, if aware, can alter its fate. In reality, the votes of the nation have been cast to the wrong leaders due to which the fate of this country remains unchanged.

A few politicians have been playing with the fate of millions only because they know that people can easily be tricked.

All the successive governments have intentionally, it seems, kept the masses ignorant of the importance of vote by not including in the education of children, the information related to the voting system. So systematically people have been exploited.

Once people are abreast of the knowledge of vote and its importance, which is their inalienable right even granted by the constitution, we could then morph the present Pakistan that is plagued with the disease of corruption, poverty and many more long-standing problems into an entirely new, corruption-free and prosperous Pakistan of which our forefathers had dreamt of more than 70 years back.

Thus it is binding upon the government, civil society and the media to launch a vigorous mission of removing the rust of ignorance from people's minds; educating them and making them realise that it is they and none else, nor the cunning politicians, in whose hand lies the power, authority and the reins of the country and who can change their own condition and fate by themselves.

So it is a clarion call from the prevailing circumstances that the nation should use the vote in the best possible way to change its destiny.

ASADULLAH KHOKHAR,

Larkana.

NRO an authentic law?

If there is a world championship in the events other than sports our present government would be the gold medalists in the game of 'taking somersaults'. Never before there have been so many 'turn about' in policies, rulings, statements and opinions on important national issues as during the present regime. Our leaders including the highups say some thing on a day and go back on their words the next day not realising that credibility is one of the most important ingredients of one's personality. Recalling the Supreme Court's decision of December 16, 2009 on NRO I remember Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announcing in equivocal terms that 'all decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan will be implemented in their right and spirit'. Surprisingly the action was 'defiance instead of implementation'.

The manner in which Mr. Babar Awan pleaded the government's case during the review petition of NRO shocked the whole nation. His statement that 'NRO was not an agreement between two persons rather it was an authentic law' was atrocious. He also gave a hint that the federation may bring a new NRO if needed, also mentioning that the President has the powers to do so under article 89 of the constitution.

All those who support the present government for another term of office may please note that the present leaders are neither keen to eliminate crime from the country nor have a desire to put the country on the path of prosperity by recovering billions of rupees misappropriated by those affected by the NRO. They rather want to pardon those who have committed crimes and embezzlement of money during the present regime by promulgating another NRO. This is not the way of governing a country.

RAFI NASIM,

Lahore.

28-11-2011

Nato air attack

The Nato air strike on a Pakistani security checkpost that killed 28 soldiers and injured several others is being claimed as a conscious move made by the Nato forces from across the border. All evidence is pointing towards the fact that such a move aims only to serve a certain covert agenda similar to the one undertaken by the Americans in the form of the unilateral OBL raid. The armed forces spokesperson, Major General Athar Abbas very eloquently dispels the hypothetical claims made by the Nato commander that such an indiscriminate assault was a result of an attack from the Pakistani side. An attack where not a single person is injured surely neither warrants a physical response nor any commentary.

Pakistan, especially its armed forces and intelligence agency has been targeted for quite some time now in many ways including a physical assault coupled with an image-tarnishing media campaign. Painted through various reports and news as a rogue army with alleged links with terrorists, that have still not been proven by any substantial evidence, the US has been trying to prepare grounds for dumping all the weight of their own failures in Afghanistan to emerge as a triumphant and indefatigable superpower.

The memo scandal too has been another stark demonstration of how the armed forces of Pakistan can be further undermined and undercut to be forced and manipulated according to the US desires in collusion with the weak and defunct civilian authorities. This internal conflict between the state and its institutions becomes instrumental in strengthening external forces for bringing the axe down upon the Pakistani security forces.

In the backdrop of such gross and successive violations of the rules of engagement between the Nato/Isaf forces and Pakistan, strict action needs to be taken instead of giving the forces across the border yet another chance for repeating such a grotesque mistake. That in the past three years Pakistan has lost 72 soldiers with more than 250 injured in these cross-border attacks speaks volumes in itself, exemplifying that Pakistan had hitherto been passive about such incidents. For how long will the government of Pakistan keep quite while our soldiers are being butchered simultaneously by the terrorists and the Nato forces? After a transparent inquiry into the matter, a clear futuristic roadmap of engagement needs to be delineated so that such incidents should not be repeated at all.

Professor Kabil Khan,

Peshawar.

NATO attack & lawyers

Lawyers and Bar associations announced not to attend courts on Monday the 28th as a protest against the NATO attack killing Pak Army soldiers and officers on a border check post. While gratefully appreciating their this kind gesture of siding and standing with the army on this matter, I think such protestations should not be resorted to by closing markets, keeping public transport off roads, striking work at factories and not attending offices and courts. Such a practice apart from causing a loss of billions to the national economy also presents many with undue and untold miseries and sufferings.

A wretched litigant walking for miles from a rural area is utterly dismayed to find his lawyer not attending the court, or someone's crucial bail could not be arranged in time to attend the funeral of his near and dear one! A life is lost as it could not be taken to the hospital due to the transport strike, etc.

To spare the public of such agony and at the same time show solidarity with a cause, I think, the protestors could do their normal work and yet show their protest by wearing black armband, or displaying other visible signs, placards, banners, etc. By doing so millions and millions of productive man hours will be saved and the purpose of the protestation also achieved.

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd),

Rawalpindi.

Encyclopaedia Sindhiana

The Sindhi Language Authority (Sindhila) has recently marketed the third volume of Encyclopaedia Sindhiana, which is part of its efforts to bring out the first-ever comprehensive encyclopaedia of the Sindhi language.

Noted intellectual Prof (Dr)) Fahmida Hussain is its chief editor-cum-supervisor whereas another literary figure, Taj Joyo, is its editor.

This volume consists of 2,533 entries, based on two letters of the Sindhi alphabet. The second volume consisted of 2,571 entries, based on six letters of the Sindhi alphabet.

Nevertheless, the first volume, having about 3,500 entries based on the first three letters of the Sindhi alphabet, was already published.

Out of total 52 letters of Sindhi alphabet, three letters were covered in the first volume, six in second and two letters in third volume (total 11 letters) whereas additional six letters have been covered in fourth volume that is under print and hopefully to come in market by end of this year.

Eighty per cent entries in Encyclopaedia Sindhiana are related to Sindh, such as personalities, places, flora, fauna, archaeological sights, other life forms, tribes, castes, beliefs, rituals and rites,

culture, civilisation, language, dialects, literature and fine arts, and 20 per cent entries are about the rest.

We hope the authorities will accomplish this task as scheduled. We must appreciate the efforts of the Sindhi Language Authority in general. However, there is always room for improvement like in this case.

Once the entire set of the encyclopaedia is printed, it will not be too difficult to keep updating it from time to time.

MOHAMMAD KHAN SIAL,

Karachi.

Federal public services should not close on Saturdays

On this Eid, as on the previous one, federal government institutions were on holiday for five days. Banks were closed, with customers unable to withdraw their own money from their accounts, or deposit their surplus cash to save themselves from dacoits, while those with debit cards were running from pillar to post (ATM to ATM), desperate for cash to meet urgent needs. Along with banks, the National Savings Centres were also closed, not allowing pensioners and widows to get profit on their investments to meet family needs. Post offices were closed, with the mail neither going, nor being delivered. Similarly, NADRA offices were not issuing identity cards and passports, even in emergency cases. It was the longest denial of public service to ordinary people.

On the other hand, some public services were available, as always. Trains were running. PIA was flying. All channels of PTV were on air. So were all stations of Radio Pakistan.

What be done? Granted that the holiday for Iqbal's birthday (Nov. 9) got suffixed to two Eid holidays. However, what made worse was the holiday on Saturday. Add to it the half day on Friday. (Few return to office after the break for Juma prayers.)

If Supreme Court can work on Saturdays, why can't the State Bank and the banks under its control? Similarly, if customs can work on Saturdays, why can't the post offices?

The Big Baboos in Islamabad may enjoy holidays for 2½ days in a week if they don't want to work but they should not make the rest of the country suffer as a consequence.

The only right course would be to abolish the holiday on Saturdays for all federal offices and institutions that provide services to the public, including banks, post offices, National Savings Centres, NADRA. The provinces already have refused to have a holiday on Saturday.

Muhammad Abd Al-Hameed,

Lahore.

Questions to Kayani

The recent attacks of NATO on Pakistan military has pushed both military and civilian leadership to turn off their mute mode. NATO supplies are stopped and NATO has been given an ultimatum to vacate Shamsi airbase. All politicians are making fiery speeches that suite their agenda. Kayani has also come up with strict statements against NATO and USA. However, as a citizen of Pakistan, I have some questions for my army in general and my army chief in special.

In Pakistan, drone strikes are a routine and like poultry farm rates, weather and gold rates that contribute to daily newspapers, the number of civilians die in these drone attacks is yet another routine for newspapers now. These deaths are just numbers these days and people get a sigh of relief when the count is in single figure because all have become used to this now.

Army, which is supposed to safeguard her people has turned a deaf ear and blind eye to these attacks as long as civilians are killed. NATO attacks on border is not happening first time, but every time, uniformed guys get killed Army suddenly wakes up; there are statements about sovereignty and integrity of the country. Politicians also turn up in full volume. The so-called intellectuals who occupy the TV screens daily to provide entertainment to public from 8 to 11pm also jump in; in the name of love for country and respect for this military.

Mr. Kayani, can you please tell me why we were unable to stop NATO supplies when Raymond Davis killed two Muslims in Lahore? Would you please like to come up with a reason that pushed you not to take any action about Dr. Afia and why NATO supplies were not stopped at that time? Would you like to throw some light on 'greater benefit' of the country for which you accepted, and still accepting daily deaths of dozens of Muslims in drone attacks, and supplies remained on? Can you explain why all your 'military might' was sleeping when a handful of people kept you guys in hunt for more than 10 hours and put a couple of aeroplanes on fire? Can you justify the perks and leverages military top brass is enjoying, at the cost of civilians? And do you even care about anyone who is not uniformed?

Abdullah Ansari,

Lahore.

The Haqqani affair

The fact is that neither Husain Haqqani nor Mansoor Ijaz is an angel. What the two of them are said to have done is, to say the least, abhorrent. People who say that there will never be a transparent outcome of any inquiry are absolutely right. A couple of unanswered questions, however, remain mind-boggling. Why did the ISI chief fly to London to meet with Mansoor Ijaz?

It would be wise for Pakistan's military establishment to begin extricating itself from the affairs of the state that are not its concern. If it continues to play a major role in defining and implementing Pakistan's foreign policy, the day may come when the people of Pakistan will follow the example of the Egyptian masses a là Tahrir Square.

Noor Nabi,

On email.

Education is key to success

In 1970 I went to Winnipeg, a city in the province of Manitoba, Canada. This was in connection with promotion of a boxing match between Mohammad Ali and a Canadian fighter George Cheval which I was promoting.

My host in Winnipeg asked me if I could join him and his wife for lunch. I gladly agreed and we went to a restaurant. Over there I asked my host: 'Why are Jews so rich?' His answer was: 'Some Jews are rich but most Jews are just like ordinary people. They drive taxis, they do construction work and all other kinds of chores which ordinary people do."

At this juncture my host's wife, who was a Christian, spoke. She said that whenever her mother-in-law visits her, she advised her children whatever they do in life they must get the highest academic degree in that field. If they do that, then the world would need them a lot more than they would need the world and that would be because of their knowledge.

I agree with that advice and hope that a maximum number of our children get the highest degrees in whatever field they choose in life.

President Pervez Musharraf appointed Dr Attaur Rahman chairman of the Higher Education Commission. He also gave Dr Rahman full excess to as much money as he needed to complete his vision. Access to money was as important as the appointment of Dr Rahman.

One of the first actions which he took was to send 5,000 Pakistani students abroad for PhDs. These degrees were going to be in different fields which ranged from sciences to social issues and many other fields. The general perception is that the students were selected on merit. They were sent to internationally well-known universities with a condition that an article of these students must be published in one of the well-known magazines of the relevant field.

These students are due back in Pakistan in 2013 or earlier. We will have real PhDs in them. We already have some but not too many. I feel that even after the arrival of these 5,000 scholars, we will not have enough PhDs in every field.

In my opinion, another one or two batches of qualified students must be sent abroad to study for doctorates. I would say that our focus must remain on the fact that we stop begging and live within our means. We can't be beggars and sovereign at the same time.

AFTAB ALAM,

Canada.

President’s immunity

The Pakistan Peoples Party high command is burning midnight oil in the wake of recent judgment of Supreme Court of Pakistan to reject the appeal of government in the NRO case. It is suggested that President Asif Ali Zardari may make history as per Islamic precepts to shed his so-called immunity and act upon the judgment in letter and spirit. The Preamble of Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan states inter-alia "Wherein the Muslims shall be enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. So let the President for once in his life act as per teachings and requirements of Islam and not take shelter behind his immunity that is not tenable in Islam.

MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI,

Lahore.

Lakshmi facade

What has the Punjab government done to the façade of the remains of the famous historical building Lakshmi located at Lakshmi Chowk, Lahore, in the name of reviving its beauty? The original white colour of the building, which had turned slightly grey over the decades, has been replaced by light brown while sharp blue has been used to re-interpret the design. The new paint treatment seems to have been done by people who have no aesthetic sense and knowledge about how valuable historical buildings are. Unfortunately, the building has lost its charm and grace, which was a manifestation of its ageing.

ABDULLAH IBRAHIM,

Lahore.

26-11-2011

Operation against Haqqani

The latest 'memogate' controversy has surely made Hussain Haqqani quite popular as prior to this episode not many Pakistanis were aware of his identity as such a significant personality. With a majority of people claiming that they had heard about him and that he was someone as dangerous as OBL - a public opinion poll aired on a national TV channel - displays the fact quite perfectly.

Since the Americans were hell bent upon Pakistan for eliminating the Haqqani presence in Pakistan is surely the only reason why the poor public has linked only terrorism and deception with the name. Can anyone blame them? Surely not! Pakistan, it seems has taken the task provided by the US to heart and has opened up an honest operation against Haqqani. Well, does it matter which Haqqani network it is as long as it threatens the nation and compromises the state's sovereignty?

One thing is sure in this backdrop that an operation is launched against the Haqqani Network would become a full fledged war for Pakistan. How correct our political and security analysts had been. This is just the first part of the battle, the real show is yet to follow. Let's hope the nation emerges out of it triumphantly.

Professor Kabil Khan,

Peshawar.

Memo: Civilians v khaki

The 'memogate' controversy has been rocking the feeble Pakistani state for some time now. Who did what, how it was done, what was the rationale for it and who stands to benefit from this arrangement are questions that might unfold or might not, depending upon the answers. Haqqani had been targeted by the media due to his ambiguous role and inability to explain the situation. After his resignation was approved, the civilian authorities have taken the position of the tragic hero who bears all the brunt of a deal gone sour thus highlighting the designs of the Pakistan army. If what is being stated by the memo true, then surely there is no room for such a blame game to enter into the debate.

The only means through which the civilians can defeat the khaki is by their own faultless performance in the art of governance. Is one species better that the other in any regard? Can the politicians learn to do things the right way or keep on going in circles?

Ayaana Umar,

Islamabad.

Beware Memogate

Since the formation of the incumbent democratic government a series of conspiracies has been hatched to dislodge it and pave way for a military rule in the country as was done in the past. What to be said of members of other institutions, our own politicians are involved in this game and do not let the present politically elected government complete its constitutional tenure of five years. On one side, it has inherited terrorism from the previous military government, on the other, it is grappled with myriad challenges ranging from economy, energy crisis to social wranglings. One political party has also threatened en masse resignations before the Senate elections in March. Amidst the prevailing tension-packed scenario, Memogate scandal engineered by some business tycoons and their US as well as Pakistani masters, is a vicious attempt to destabilise the government and country.

If it has really happened and the letter has been written by Mansoor Ejaz to the US military chief at the behest of some responsible Pakistanis, an across the board inquiry be conducted to unravel them and then reprimand them severely. But if it is a US conspiracy to bring politicians and army to a scuffle and instigate the military to harm the democratic set-up, then beware of such intrigues as the enemies of Pakistan are working on a disastrous plan to trigger a civil war in the country as they did in Libya, Tunisia and some other Muslim states of the world.

Guldar Ali Khan Wazir,

Serai Naurang,

Afghan National Army

When the Soviets were withdrawing back in 1989, the politburo deemed it necessary to leave an army which can hold the onslaught of mujahideen and stabilise Dr. Najeeb Ullah's government. But as fate would have it mujahideen captured Khost within an year's time and then crept across the landscape of Afghanistan with a rapid pace. Up till 1994 the Afghan Milli Urdu (Afghan National Army) which had roughly well above 100,000 personnel, stood virtually on papers. Why? There are many factors as to why ANA almost vanished from the scene but a major one was desertion rate. More than 50,000 personnel deserted the armed forces with their fighting gear after the Soviet withdrawal. During the Soviet occupation in the decade of 80's, the Afghan army's defection rate was about 10,000 per year. So accordingly the number of inductees equaled the number of deserters almost every year.

Since 2001 US is striving hard to raise ANA once again and to one's utter astonishment US is at the same juncture from where the Soviets left. A recent report presented to the US Congress by US government admitting that 1 out of every 4 new recruits or roughly 25% of new soldiers leave the ANA. So correspondingly military brains at Kabul are spellbound just like they were 20 years ago as what to do to stop the thick and fast desertion rate because these soldiers with their equipment and the training they had switch sides and swell the rank and file of Taliban. Such a huge number of soldiers switching sides would mean that the coalition forces security plan for Afghanistan is seriously jeopardised and that's the sole reason Taliban have an upper hand in the long stretched fight. This grim situation needs to be addressed through and through by the US and Afghan government but what we see is the continuous blaming of Pakistan that they support Taliban with material and personne. Realistically thinking, is Pakistan instigating the Afghan soldiers to desert? Obviously no!!!

A strange policy devised by ANA is that they do not punish those who desert but one trusts that time is ripe now to alter this policy.

Harris,

On email.

When bowlers strike

The usual phrase "positive bating" is being used by the running and other commentators to hide the dirty and ugly parts of cricket. One can certainly talk in terms of "positive bowling" or "negative bowling", but talking of "positive bating" is utter nonsense and ridiculous. Batboys play or do not play. Some batboys throw away their bats or some specific reasons. The most important one is to gift their wicket as a bribe to appease the opposite team to let their favorites hit 100 plus (That is how Sachin was allowed to shine by some).

Some players just do not want to add more runs and let their team lose. So they throw away their wickets, while some others do so after making 100 plus. This way, the bowlers get extra free wickets to their bogus credit.

DR. ABDUL RUFF,

India.

Zardari should contine

Keeping in view the present political conditions of Pakistan along with its economic and socio-political state of affairs, especially with reference to its role in the global war against terrorism, we think that President Asif Ali Zardari is the most suitable person for the next term in office. Although he does not enjoy much popularity amongst the so called (and almost non existent) intellegensia of Pakistan, looking at his achievements like; the first ever democratic government of Pakistan which completed its full term in the office, getting unanimous support of all parties in both the Senate and the Parliament, fighting against extreme threats of terrorism both internally and externally, facing natural catastrophes of unsurpassed intensities and the list goes on, we think that there is no other better option for Pakistan other than him. Those people who are suggesting Imran Khan's name are basically living in a fool's paradise, and the mere suggestion of him being the next leader of Pakistan depicts the level of their political immaturity and lack of basic understanding of affairs.

However the nomination of Mr. Zardari comes with certain prerequisites the foremost of which is that: the money coming into the country, for the people of country, will be utilised for the people of country. No money will go outside the country. This is the most important thing. Secondly, the foreign policy will continue in the same manner with Pakistan staying as an ally of the US.

Prime Minister Mr. Yousaf Raza Gillani has been a very decent and at times tending to be a bit softer but basically a very resolute leader of the house. His noble background has been a great asset in times of peril. If he has to be substituted, we suggest that the present Minister of Defence Mr. Ahmad Mukhtar will be very suitable for the post of premiership.

AYESHA SALIM,

On email.

25-11-2011

MALIK TARIQ ALI, Lahore.

Murder in Darulaman

Murder in Darulaman According to news appeared in the press on 23-11-2011, a girl was killed in Darulaman, Chakwal by his real brother. The girl received six bullets and died at the spot. Sadly! the gory incident occurred on the premises of Darulaman and the murderer escaped easily from the place. The girl was sent there by court. Unfortunately, there was no security guard to check the assailant. Another murder in the name of "ghairat".

The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act 2011 has been promulgated by Parliament a few days ago, however, the ground realities are as sad as before. Extensive education and training of those who mould public opinion is essential to check and control murder of innocent girls.

IFTIKHAR MIRZA,

Islamabad.

Tree-planting campaign

The 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) will be held in Durban, South Africa, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, to assess progress in dealing with climate change.

The vital importance of voluntary collective action in the fight against climate change will be highlighted with the launch of a new campaign by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to plant a billion trees - The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign. Hundreds of people from different walks of life are planting trees across the globe in the latest activities to be registered under Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign (BTC) run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

BTC is a worldwide tree planting initiative. Businesses, governments, organisations and individuals are encouraged to enter the tree planting pledges on the BTC website.

While conscience-driven individuals are heeding and supporting the call made by UNEP to save our planet by planting more trees, the Israeli occupation authorities are destroying the olive groves of the Palestinians. In their hatred of Palestinians Israelis are ignoring even the teachings in their holy book. To quote Deuteronomy 20:19: "Even if you are at war with a city, you must not destroy its trees for the tree of the fields is man's life."

In this regard I support Archbishop Desmond Tutu's recent statement, at the opening of the International Russell Tribunal on Palestine in Cape Town that the suffering inflicted by Israel on the Palestinian people shows that it has forgotten the Jewish scriptures.

MUHAMMED JAMIL ATHER,

Karachi.

Balochistan

The efforts of the government to bring peace and stability in Balochistan are paying off. Baloch people are realising that there are few negative elements who are playing into the hands of foreign conspirators and creating problems in Balochistan. These perpetrators of problems themselves flee to other countries of their patrons, living a luxurious life while the common man suffers. No one of the so called leaders is there to wipe their tears and provide them justice. When the realities are known, it becomes easier to find ways to adapt and adjust. The innocent Baloch people now understanding the game plan of propagandists are trying to reject the slogans of people who are depriving them of their rights and suppressing them for their personal benefits. The Baloch understand that the development of their province is of basic importance for their prosperity. The developmental plans of government and reconciliation efforts are a solution to their sufferings. The interest of Baloch youth in joining Army is another indicator that the Baloch are going to rise as disciplined, educated and true patriots of Pakistan. The Baloch need all the necessities of everyday life. They have equal rights. Education, health facilities and provision of jobs is going to open up their minds towards positive thinking leading to unity and solidarity. The Baloch people are themselves going to be a strong defence against those who think and act negatively in Balochistan.

Anwar Parween,

Rawalpindi.

24-11-2011

Dispelling some MFN myths