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Commercialism in sports

The Champions trophy tournament in Chennai, apart from presenting us with a disappointment for the performance of our hockey team offered yet another strange sight as well.

That was the German team sporting the Korean Hyundai logo on their chests. One could understand the third world countries yielding to promoting a foreign brand in the absence of a worthwhile industry of their own, but for the Germans having the world renowned Mercs, BMWs, Audis, Volkswagens, Opels and Porsches only to name a few, it is strange for the national team to promote a foreign auto industry. Or, does money matter more in these days’ sports than the national pride?

Col. Riaz Jafri ®
Rawalpindi, Pakistan 

Desire to undo the damage

There have been much degeneration in Pakistan in the field of basic human rights, socio-economics, education, etc., but the plight of women is the worst. Without going into any controversy and taking sides, I want to show my disgust and a desire to undo some of the damages.

There has been news of Mai and now Sonia. I am an ordinary working man and a provider of my family, who literally ran away from Pakistan in 1979. I don't have lots of cash and power, but am willing to adopt Sonia's kids. In this adopted country of mine, they will have never any problem or question regarding their past. I will show them that I am a man enough to undo the damage to their lives. I myself have two great daughters, who are now out of college and I can provide the same for these kids.

I am willing to apologize to both Mai and Sonia for the crimes inflicted on them by my kind of people. Believe it or not but thankfully all men are not the same. Without much fanfare, I am willing to listen any suggestion in this regard, I can be contacted at: hmirza@rcn.com

H. Mirza
Andover, MA, USA 

Parliamentarians need to show some maturity

What went between the honourable members of the national assembly –ML (N)'s Kishan Bheel and MMA's Qari Gul Rehman the other day was most unfortunate. 

However, still more unfortunate is the way the concerned political parties and a few other mediators in between are behaving. Despite PML (N)’s unconditional apology, MMA is giving the incident a religious taint without caring much for the communal disharmony that it could arouse. Qari Sahib wants the matter to be decided according to Shariat and has avowed not to forgive Bheel.

Qari Sahib being a learned scholar of Islam must have also come across the Quranic injunction in such matters saying, ‘forgiveness is better for you’.  And I am sure he also knows about the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) towards the people of Taif and Makkah who had tortured him in the most severe manner and the way he pardoned them all. Are we as Muslims not required to follow the Sunnah?

Politically too, MMA needs and would need in time to come ML (N) and vice versa. Please show some sense of maturity and preserve the sanctity of the parliament.

Col. Riaz Jafri ®
Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Release of Canadian hostages in Iraq urged

I don't know what to do when I heard about two Canadian hostages in Iraq. As whole world knows that Canadians have nothing to do with Iraq's war. Canada didn't go on war with the USA.

I appeal to the Govt. officials of Pakistan that please do your part to help free those Canadians. They are innocent and I think as a Muslim we have a responsibility to save an innocent life. Most of Canadians have lot of sympathy for Iraqi people who are suffering.

Tahir Ahmad
Canada

Depriving Pakistan of competent doctors

I am a girl, 18, domiciled NWFP. I achieved top class marks in F.Sc pre-medical from one of the top colleges of Rawalpindi and later appeared in the entrance test for AMC in NUST without any proper preparation. I did not qualify for MBBS, but I was on a high rating, which made me sure that I could qualify for medical colleges in NWFP.

I was quite wrong because I did not know that you do not get things right if you go the right way. Some of the deserving but dropped candidates filed a case against the authorities of the medical and dental colleges of NWFP on the basis of unfair checking and sub-standard entry test paper in the Peshawar High Court and overwhelmingly a stay-order for admission was given. But then those admissions were allowed because the authorities said that "they had already taken admission fees from 488 students". Isn't this a flimsy reason for depriving the deserving students of a better future? I had thought that they knew that undeserving students would malign their institutions' names. They are not only depriving deserving people of their rights but also depriving Pakistan of competent doctors.

I was left behind with many others who worked hard and got nothing but a bad impression of our country. You cannot blame us if we study here in Pakistan and go abroad to serve because the 'guardians of our nation' have themselves created a bad impression on our minds. So we, the future generation would not be responsible if they mourn over 'brain-drain' in the coming years.

You know how it feels when you try so hard and get a kick in the back for a reward! It doesn't really matter to anyone- neither the Justice of the High Court or the Principal of the medical colleges because they do their jobs, get paid and go to sleep and we wake all night-first trying to study and later crying over the injustice done to us!

Ayesha Akhlaq
Rawalpindi

What do I do?

My phone numbers 5397704 and 5397705 have been out of order since last 2 months. I have lodged numerous complaints, visited the Defence Exchange DE Kamalluddin at least 4 times, but no one at the exchange seems to be taking the complaints seriously.

What do I do to have the numbers working, contact the Prime Minister or the President?

Kashif Siddiq
Karachi, Pakistan

US has no friends, but interests

It has been said several times before that America has no friends but the interests. These people believe in survival for the fittest. They believe in the law of jungle, where only those survive who are strong and are able to defend themselves. They killed all the American Indians to have their own majority in USA. They are the ones who promoted slavery more than 1000 years after Islam had discouraged slavery. They gave the blacks rights go be free Americans only about 40 years ago. The blacks had to fight for their rights.

They have aggressive design to conquer the whole world and to control resources of other countries and believe it is their right and they have learned from British to let the bought people to fight their countrymen to keep their occupation. They know and believe that every person has a price. Therefore, the real uncle did sell out for children of Saddam Hussein and still have price on heads of Osama and Zarquawi.

 I am sure that we have number of Pakistani agents working for USA. They speak about Islam with great respect but they celebrated their Thanksgiving Day in Iraq with cakes with figure of guesses and cross. George Bush has called himself the crusader. But we have short memory and we still are out for almighty dollar. We instead of having in faith of God are forced to have faith in USA.

Are we going to say that it is will of God and we are paying price of our sins what happened in Kashmir, or God is testing for our evils.

M. Akhtar
Ashland, USA

 What a cruelty!

It was brutal that the Taliban terrorists killed one Indian civilian working as driver in the border roads organization in Afghanistan. What did they achieve by this inhuman act? Did they get praise from any quarters? 

The victim was a poor uneducated Indian civilian who was just working as the driver to earn. And the crooks killed him by slitting his throat and dumped the body on the wayside. What a cruelty! No religion can permit such a barbaric act. God alone can give sanity to these unworthy elements.

Jabbar Sonna Seri
New Delhi, India

Feminine heroes

When Shahid Afridi was called in to bowl in Faisalabad-test, I could not help noticing ‘streaks’ in his hair, the latest fad with our so-called heroes. On the one hand he sports a ‘manly’ beard  (thanks to Saeed) and on the other he gets his hair ‘femininely’ streaked!  What kind of neuter gender our heroes are? 

Not before long Samee used to dye his hair and Wasim Akram wore a ‘koka’.  Of course, wearing of gold chain– inline with aping the African cricketers–was once the order of the day.

What a role model do our heroes present for our young ones to emulate? Or, is there some hidden feminine instinct taking the better of them and urging them to behave like women in public?

Col. Riaz Jafri ®
Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Pakistan--Israel ties

Well, it was a major foreign policy departure when Kasuri met his Israeli counterpart in Istanbul. Bilateral relations between nations are the corner stone of world peace and if the meeting between the foreign ministers considered anything but substantial, then it would be really naive on our part and the many opponents of this development.

Sure, it would open up further ties and the emphasis should always be on equality rather than dictates from one of the major Middle Eastern powers, in fact the only. Pakistan being a nuclear state, it enjoys a front state status in the Muslim world and any such foreign policy change would go a long way to establish peace in the region. Past should be buried and new relationships built so that a lasting peace can be achieved in the world.

Naveed
Pakistan

Civilian awards for foreign rescue teams proposed

First of all I would like to appreciate the efforts made by the government of Pakistan artillery, the governments of NWFP and AJK in most crucial time of earthquake.

I am writing this letter in your good office for recognizing the services rendered by the Ukrainian medical team at Basham. There were numbers of teams from different countries working at NWFP and AJK and we as a nation on the whole respect them for timely help.

I spent couple of days with Ukrainian medical team, which was fully equipped with most modern medical staff including leading doctors and paramedics from emergency relief department of Ukraine. This team treated 11,000 patients; they conducted 160 operations including major operations of serious nature. 7 children were born at this camp. Local people were very happy and satisfied for the services rendered by the team.

I suggest the government of NWFP to pursue with federal government for awarding national and other civilian awards for the rescuing teams of various countries and particularly Ukraine. I believe this will gesture a good to increase Pakistan's image among friendly countries.

It is also suggested that prominent places and streets should be named per names countries that are participating in rescuing operation.

Dr Shahid Hassan
Islamabad, Pakistan

Bleeding heart

It is sad news to learn that international communities did not fulfill their promise for the help of victims of earthquake. Unfortunately, there is no recognition by government of the contribution of Pakistanis at home and abroad.

If a proper credit is given to Pakistanis, I feel that will be encouraged to do the impossible. And we will have no attached conditions as are required by the West. We do have a bleeding heart for our country even though we are considered as foreigner.

M. Akhtar
Ashland USA

 Hajj quota

I would like to draw the attention of people and government authorities that Ministry of Religious Affairs has limited the Hajj quota for Shia sect of Sindh including Karachi to only 300 seats. 

According to government figures, we are 20-25% in population in this country. Saudi government allots 1% of country's population to perform hajj. So, it is requested that we should be given the quota according to our population in this country. Many people are still willing to go but could not make it because of the limited number of seats.

I would like to ask the Ministry of Religious Affairs and especially the President of Pakistan Mr. Pervez Musharraf to solve this problem and give justice to Shia people of this country.

Kazim Raza
Karachi, Pakistan

No clemency for Indian spy

Indian Television networks, members of parliament, children, film actors and war widows rallied to save Sarabjit Singh, an Indian spy of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), who is sentenced to be hanged in Pakistan on the charges of espionage. The rallies began in India when Sarabjit Singh’s sister Dalbir Kaur received a telephone call from a Pakistani lawyer Rana Abdul Hamid, who confirmed that Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence. 

The family of Sarabjit Singh is pleading for his life, proclaiming his innocence and saying they will commit suicide if he is hanged. According to Sarabjit Singh’s relatives, he is a simple farmer who was arrested after he strayed across the Pakistani border from his northern frontier hometown of Bhikiwind in Punjab state while he was drunk in 1990.

According to the information available through press reports of Sarabjit Singh alias Manjeet Singh's case, it clearly show that the man was handed down death sentence by the Pakistani courts on the basis of both official witnesses and the independent civilian eyewitnesses, who saw the lately discovered Indian hero bombing different places. Here is a list of terrorist activities which Srabjit Singh has conducted in our motherland - Pakistan:

In Chowk Bhatti Gate, Lahore Sarabjit Singh exploded a bomb that killed nine people and injured 54. A total of 18 prosecution witnesses appeared before the trial court. They included official witnesses comprising members of intelligence and security agencies, police officials, magistrate, doctors, etc, and the civilian eyewitnesses of the bomb blast.

This case was registered on the complaint of Muhammad Munir, a prosecution witness, who told the trial court that on the evening of May 18, 1990 he was going to meet his uncle M. Ashiq, who was employee on a van dealing with medicines outside Bhatti Gate near Malik Theatre Cinema, when all of a sudden an explosion took pace and he fell on the ground. On gaining consciousness, he came to know that 6 to 7 persons had been killed. 

According to another four eyewitnesses produced before the trial court, Sarabjit Singh came to the Malik Theatre Cinema with a bag in hand and got into the cinema without search while pretending to be a police havaldar. He remained in the hall for more than two hours and came out along with the bag. Outside the cinema, he went to a person selling medicines on a van and requested him to keep his bag for sometime, so that he could go to pay respects at Data Darbar. The man was reluctant, but on Singh's insistence he agreed. Sarabjit Singh put his bag near his van and went towards Data Darbar.

After sometime, there was a blast that injured the medicine seller, who besides the chowkidar and gatekeeper of the cinema appeared before the trial court as eyewitnesses and also recognized Sarabjit Singh. Another eyewitness, a vendor, told to the court that he also stood near the medicine seller and overheard Sarabjit Singh's conversation with the medicine seller. He said he had heard 'tik, tik' coming out of the bag left by Sarabjit Singh.

Another man Abdur Rehman appeared as witness to pointation, in whose presence Sarabjit Singh stated before the police about various bomb blasts. Later Sarabjit Singh led the police party to Malik Theatre Cinema and point out the place where he had planted the bomb. Police officials told the court about what Sarabjit Singh had admitted before them.

In the Bhawana Bazaar Faisalabad bomb blast case, four persons were killed and 23 injured, a total of 17 prosecution witnesses were produced before the trial court. According to the statements of the eyewitnesses, Sarabjit Singh was seen with a bag that he left near a 'rehri' (cart) at Bhawana Bazaar. After sometime, a bomb explosion occurred leaving people dead and injured. One of these witnesses said that he was at the 'rehri' of juice when Sarabjit Singh in army cut with moustache came there carrying a bag in his hand. Sarabjit Singh ordered a glass of juice and put his bag on the ground. The witness said that after taking his juice he left the place but after sometime heard a sound of blast.

Another man Muhammad Yasin, who was running the juice 'rehri', came to the court on wheelchair to record his evidence. Yasin told the court that after Sarabjit Singh had left, he noticed the presence of the bag near the 'rehri'. The bag, he said, contained some iron pieces. He thought somebody had forgotten his bag that remained there but after half an hour a bomb explosion occurred, which also injured him.

In a bus bomb blast case that killed an eight-year-old child at Nizamabad Chowk, Lahore on July 28, 1990, a total of 11 prosecution witnesses were produced before the trial court including crew of the bus. According to the witnesses, as soon as the bus (LEM-3252) arrived in Chowk Nizamabad an explosion occurred that completely damaged the vehicle and killed a boy instantly besides injuring others.

Shaukat Ali, the conductor of the bus that was plying between Railway Station and Ghaziabad, Lahore, told the court that on July 28, 1990 the bus was parked at the Railway Station to lift passengers at 12 noon and there were 20 to 25 passengers in the bus. A man entered the bus and took a seat. Ali identified Sarabjit Singh, present in the court, as the same man, who then got down the bus on the pretext of buying cigarettes. After its usual stop, the bus left for Ghaziabad and reached Nizamabad Chowk at 12:40 pm.

He said since he was busy with other passengers so he could not notice the absence of Sarabjit Singh. At Nizamabad Chowk, he said, all of a sudden there was an explosion as a result of which he also got injured. Police witnesses told the trial court Sarabjit Singh admitted before police that he was involved in the bomb blast. Sarabjit Singh also took the police party to a latrine where he had prepared the bomb and then led the police where the bus was standing for going to Ghaziabad near Railway Station.

Sarabjit Singh alias Manjeet Singh, the so-called victim of mistaken identity as claimed by New Delhi, had confessed in 1990 that he was paid Rs 36,000 by Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to conduct multiple terrorist bomb blasts in Pakistani cities, killing 14 innocent persons, including children, and injuring 89.

Sarabjit Singh, who has exhausted all available legal remedies to overturn the death penalty imposed on him by the trial court, in his confessional statement had admitted he was an Indian spy and was hired by RAW for terrorism acts in Pakistan. According to the confessional statement, which makes part of voluminous Supreme Court record, made under Section 164 of CrPC before a magistrate, Sarabjit Singh said: "I was born in the Matha district of UP and was brought up in Agra by my uncle. We came to Bhikhi Wand Tehsil Patti, District Amritsar, Punjab (India) in 1972 and I studied up to 9th class. I was recruited by Indian Military Intelligence (IMI) in the year 1987. I was sent thrice to Pakistan for spying on Pakistan Army. Then RAW recruited me and I was sent for espionage on Pak Army.

"During this process, I came to Pakistan 14 times and what information I got I told them. In January 1990 I was called by RAW Deputy, Shri Wastey, and he trained me for doing terrorist activities in Pakistan. I was trained in explosions and detonators in Kotli of Chowk Rattan Singh. I am also trained in bomb-making. I was sent to Pakistan in April 1990 after training".

"I was asked to place a bomb in busy area of Delhi Gate. I placed the bomb in a fruit rehri in Masjid Chowk, Delhi Gate. After that I returned to Shri Wastey. I was paid Rs 9,000 in Indian currency for this blast. After that I was asked to cause explosion in Bhatti Chowk. I placed the bomb in a Suzuki pickup used for selling the vitality medicines, etc, at about 6pm in May 1990".

"On return, I got Rs 10,500 in Indian currency for this explosion. After that I was asked to cause third explosion in Multan. I placed the bomb in a Faisalabad bound bus. This bus was present in Adda Multan. I got Rs 9,000 Indian currency for this explosion. I caused the 4th blast in a bus going from Lahore Railway Station to Ghaziabad and was paid Rs 8,000 in Indian currency for this blast".

"I caused the fifth and the last explosion in August 30 in Faisalabad in Bhawana Bazaar, Ghanta Ghar Chowk in a juice rehri. The same night I was arrested by Pakistan security personnel."

Indian government before making an appeal to government of Pakistan to spare the life of Sarabjit Singh on humantarian ground should ask the question from US President George W. Bush whether he would spare the life of Osama Bin Ladin and his accomplices, who killed around three thousand innocent people in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon? Whether British Prime Minister Tony Blair would spare the lives of 7/7 and 21/7 mastermind(s) of terrorists attacks in London, due to which more than 50 innocent people have died? 

Since Sarabjit Singh alias Manjeet Singh had confessed all the terrorist acts he had conducted on the instructions of RAW, had he returned back to India after successfully conducting terrorist activities in Pakistan, he would have been decorated by the Indian government. Fortunately, he got arrested in Pakistan. 

Pakistan is fighting a war on terror with its allies. President General Pervez Musharraf on number of ocassions have said that without eliminating terrorism from Pakistan, we cannot achieve our ecomonic goals. Putting pressure on Pakistan for sparing the life of the Indian spy, India cannot stand in the queue for fighting terrorism with international community. No terrorist in the world, who take lives of innocent people, should be spared on earth. The world has to fight terrorism with an iron hand, without which global peace cannot be achieved.

Sarabjit Singh do not deserve any clemency and should be sent to gallows in order to do justice with the innocent people of Pakistan, who got killed and injured due to his willful acts and terrorist activities after having been paid for doing that by RAW. All actions had been conducted by Sarbjit Singh willfully. If the Indian spy is pardoned by the President of Pakistan, it would encourage more terrorist activities in the country.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

High ups and violation of law in Pakistan

Federal Law Minister Wasi Zafar travelled last week from Karachi to Islamabad on a PIA routine flight along with his son Umair. When the law minister and his son reached the security barrier of the Jinnah Terminal departure lounge, they crossed the reporting counter without being physically checked at the security point, where Airport Security Staff (ASF) was deputed for frisking the passengers.

It is a routine matter for the ASF personnel who are deputed at the departure lounge to physically check all passengers before they board on an aircraft in order to make sure that the passengers are not carrying any objectionable items with them on board. But the law minister and his son crossed the security barrier without being frisked by the ASF staff. 

Another law abiding traveller Mr. Mujeeb Khan who was standing behind the law minister and his son, waiting for his turn for the body search, raised objection and asked the ASF staff that why the law minister’s son have been cleared to board the aircraft, as he is required to go through the process of body search at the security point. 

The law minister’s son Umair started arguing with Mr. Mujeeb Khan who was then severely beaten by him in the presence of his father and several other passengers. Mr. Mujeeb Khan received multiple injuries and was rescued by the ASF staff deputed and had to be given first aid by the doctor called in by the Civil Aviation Authority. 

Mr. Wasi Zafar being the federal law minister also has limitations. When the fellow traveller objected on Umair as why has he been exempted from the body search, the law minister would have told his son to go back at the security point and get his body searched by the ASF staff. At the same time, the federal law minister would have also told to his son that he is a public servant and his salary is drawn from the tax payer’s account. The law minister did not stop his son when he started beating another passenger Mr. Mujeeb Khan. This proves that the law minister was of the opinion that whatever action has been taken by his son Umair against the fellow traveller Mr. Mujeeb Khan was correct. 

It is really unfortunate that in our country people who are influential enough misconceive that they and their family members are above the law and are exempted form all sort of routine checks, as these checks are only meant for the ordinary citizens of Pakistan and not for them.

The Government of Pakistan should institute an inquiry against the federal law minister and his son as why they have intentionally bypassed the rules and regulations of the country, and influenced the ASF staff to let the law minister’s son go on the aircraft, without the proper procedure being followed of the body search.

The law minister should be immediately suspended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan until the inquiry is completed by the federal government. If the law minister is found guilty of abusing his authority, then he should be immediately relieved off from his duties. For, the people of Pakistan do not want to see a law minister who disrespects the law of the country. 

By sacking the law minister, the government of Pakistan will make a precedent for the other ministers and influential people, who are well habitual of breaking the rules and regulations of the country. Meanwhile, a case should also be instituted by the state against the law minister’s son Umair, for manhandling a law-abiding citizen and creating nuisance and distrubing law and order situation at the Karachi Airport. 

The ASF staff deputed on that particular PIA flight on which Mr. Wasi Zafar, his son Umair and the passenger Mr. Mujeeb Khan travelled, should also be suspended and should be asked as to why they have failed in performing their duties  and had allowed the federal law minister’s son to proceed on the aircraft without the body search, when there was no prior written permission from the federal ministry of interior that law minister’s son Umair is exempted from the personal body search. 

The government should also issue a fresh notification in this context, along-with the names and designations of the government officials, who are exempted from the body search before boarding a flight, so that such an incident should not be repeated again in future. 

Syd A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

In defence of Mullahs

The topic seems to evoke widespread participation with full throated and thundering reviews from many. Technically, the views are pretty tangential with respect to the subject. Most tend to blame Mullah for religious extremism. If someone were to pose a question "Can you lead a prayer, perform Nikah, recite ayahs on the occasion of death or burial or any social event?" And the honest answer would be no. Everyone seems to have divested this domain to Maulvis.

Today over 1.4 billion Muslims - about one-in-four ratio - constitute a gigantic number, with command to influence production, consumption and profitability of the world markets. Many Muslim countries have control over important energy resource, oil, yet the unfair distribution coupled with clever kickbacks and commissions diminish the wealth. Majority of Muslims live under or at par with the poverty line.

Those who blame mullahs for all the present predicament easily forget the carpet bombing, the bunker busters and cluster bombs that are unleashed on innocent population to force quick military victories, without ever caring to ponder the catastrophe, death and devastation it leaves in its wake.

They are marauders all the same. The only difference is the scale. If kids, women and elderly are the casualties, it is mitigated as collateral damage. These ruthless, wicked and barbaric acts are totally unjustifiable, whether by individuals or states.

Also the worthy antagonists of mullahs should remember that in Islam, there is no place for papacy. It is the Christians who have derived a system wherein a pious bishop, as representative of God, can absolve its faith members of their wrongdoings. They have a separate state and control. In Islam, every individual is responsible and liable for his/her conduct. With Taqwa as yardstick, Islam has done away with inequalities in race, colour or creed.

Those who are in foreign countries for their degrees or dollars, I can empathize with their views that are sure shot enactment for the gallery. But those who are within and around Pakistan and yet deride the religious beliefs, they are the meek and should wait their turn to inherit the earth.

S. Nasrullah
Pakistan

What is wrong with Ghotki?

Train accidents near Ghotki are becoming a routine matter, fashion, or a curse. This is third large train accident near Ghotki. First one (more than 250 died) in 1990, second one, (more than 100 died) in 1991 and now third one (more than 170 died) in 2005. 

What is wrong with Ghotki? Somebody must ask these questions and investigate Ghotki phenomenon. Surprises will be unveiled if local administration honestly conducts and does the business of investigation with conviction that someday they will also die and are also accountable. These inquiry commission members must not be related to, friends of, or in any way known to the local waderas, local admin officials including the police. Only then the results of inquiry will generate positive results and recommendations to improve safety of Pakistanis.

Punishment to the fullest extent of the law must be prescribed when found guilty. No mercy…. They, or these safarshees, who got employment because they knew somebody big in the region does not give them the right to take lives. It must be their own which should be taken, not innocent women, children, old and young. How many bread winners, how many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives and children have been torn to pieces. Somebody is (many are) accountable, answerable and required to pay the dues.

Is it that there are incompetent staffs manning the station, traffic, signals etc? Blaming the dead train conductors or drivers is the easiest way out. They are not there to speak out or defend themselves. Is it that we have relatives of some local chieftains working as railway staff who are not technically qualified? Is the railway station staff in cahoots with perpetrators? Is the railway signal system defective or tampered with? Do we have just namesake maintenance staff in railways who do not understand the urgency of rectifying a fault? Do we have lack of safety knowledge or proper training? Are we so careless towards value of human life? We forget that we also will die someday and pay for our unpardonable sins?

People of Ghotki, wake up. There is still time. Bring in the change. Change the corrupt incompetent people who play with your lives and the reputation of your town. Bring in the change to Ghotki by introducing schools, hospitals, libraries and industries to your town. Do not come on the world map as the cursed town of the dead.

Shahid Bashir
New Jersey, USA

Why God didn’t make any Muslim country strong?

I can’t believe how one sided some of our elite respondents on this site are? They make Muslim countries such as Iraq under Saddam Hussain and Talibans under Mulla Omar sound like fairy tale nations who this brute USA attacked.

Not a leaf shakes without Allah’s permission. God has given USA the role and strength to carry out his commands, why didn’t he make any Muslim country strong? Because they haven’t contributed one thing after 1300 AD, so what do they deserve? We haven’t learned from history that religion and politics cannot mix.

Iran is on the road to self-destruction because of these mullas and their narrow thinking. Look at any advanced Muslim country who are progressive such as Dubai, Malaysia, they are good Muslims and cooperate with the west to give not only their people but of surrounding countries jobs and put food on the tables of thousands of hungry Muslim families. God bless the moderate Muslims of the world who are tolerant and progressive.

Arif A Khan
California, USA

Learning lessons from history

No one seems to learn a lesson from History, when from 4th century Europe was ruled by Christianity to the 1750 A. D there was nothing but turmoil, Protestants fighting Catholics and the crusaders fighting the Muslims for 300 years and no development in Europe.

It was 1757 when the Europeans separated Christianity from politics that the industrial revolution began in Europe and America after 1776 and the world began to prosper and enjoy new inventions and easy life for the whole universe. The Muslim Ummah haven’t contributed one cents worth to the world after 1300 A. D so why follow a failed path of religion in politics, which failed for 1300 years in Europe. Come on wake up Muslims.

Arif A Khan
California, USA

Status quo cannot continue forever

Unfortunately, Pakistan has been plagued with too many problems. These problems are direct result of self-interest of those who governed this country for the last fifty plus years. I don’t think present general or for that matter any successive generals can clean this Aegean's stable. However, media can play a significant role by educating masses about their rights and responsibilities. Let us hope that masses may open their eyes soon.

One of the problems that need attention on a priority basis is redistribution of wealth. Those who have say in government would not let it happen because it would directly clash with their own interests. But at least, they should let the poor masses keep the soul and body together by giving some minimum financial relief so they can have two square meals, health care, education of their kids and a measure of financial security when they are retired.

If things are allowed to linger on for few more years, it is quite possible that these big wigs may end up as great losers, one way or the other. The status quo cannot be continued forever, the sooner they realize the better for the country and for themselves. I would end this letter by reciting an Urdu verse that has just occurred to me.

M. Farooq
Canada

CDA: Efficiency or Effectiveness

I am living in sector I-8 Islamabad, one of the posh sectors of the capital where mostly retired government servants and the rich reside. Obviously, The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has to display their efficiency in such a sector. Every 3-4 months, CDA tractors and dozers arrive to make aesthetic changes to the landscape. Rooting out small trees and bushes and leveling grassy road dividers and similar other activities are performed.

After they leave, the whole sector is covered with dust and roads inundanted by mud. With every passing vehicle, plumes of dust rise to settle in the lungs of the residents. There is no schedule whether this activity is to be performed before spring or autumn. I have been seeing this exercise for 2 years now and failed to recognize the purpose behind it. With broken roads, damaged infrastructure and poverty everywhere, what is the purpose of this activity? If this activity had based on effectiveness, the sector would have had reduced pollution level and had been more greener or if this money had been wisely spent on poverty alleviation, infrastructure and like, the effectiveness of CDA would have improved.

But unfortunately, CDA believes in efficiency only and not effectiveness. I would like to plead with the Chairman CDA to stop such activities, which are damaging rather than constructive. For example, concentrate on providing clean water in such sectors!

Tariq Jalal
Islamabad, Pakistan

Democracy is not perfect

In case of Pakistan democracy is government of a group of people, who are elected again and again. It is for the same group of people to help each other to loot the country, and to make the poor people poorer. In USA about 98% of servants of people are re-elected again and again, by the big corporations to reward them to keep sucking blood of poor.

USA wants different kind of democracy for other countries. That is made to serve the USA only. Like Afghanistan and Iraq. Iranian president won by landslide, but is not acceptable to Mr. Bush. Saudi Arabia was a great servant of USA, but now time has changed and is threatened with democracy so that kingdom intensifies its services.

Our intellectuals will do anything to have a democracy in Pakistan. But they do not understand that will never be elected and are in fact are supporting the politicians, who know how to lie and manipulate the innocent people. Elections in Iran and India have shown, what a true democracy is? It is not in USA or Britain. Where people are manipulated with lies and threats.

In Pakistan, we have choice of electing the same corrupt people again and again, who get votes by threats, not by persuasion. The people are afraid of worst corrupt politician and vote for them out of fear of their life and safety. 

M. Akkhtar
Ashland, USA

All that needs to be done

Public wants relief from high taxation and dual taxation. Particularly, prices of property and general utilities should bring down.

An ordinary Pakistani is paying a lot for electricity, sewerage and water supply and he is getting nothing in return of that security, peace of mind, good education, good roads, good water, good medical care, good travel facility, cheap accommodation, respect for ladies, old, kids…………all needs to be done.

Abdul Nasir Mughal
Ruwais, Abu Dhabi

We are faced with a crusader

I read lot of opinions published in Jang. Some one has described a stepwise approach by Americans. That their next adventure will be against Syria then Iran and then Pakistan.

I do not know what ever our leaders they say about the defence of country impregnable. It always bothers my mind that we have no deterrence or defence against America. They can destroy Pakistan by air without having their soldiers on the ground then let India to mop up.

America wants to prepare India for control of South Asia. Can we respond that if Pakistan is attacked by America, we will use our nuclear assets against India? Even this seems illogical but we are faced with a crusader.

M. Akhtar
Ashland KY, USA

Need to revise wage scales

Hundreds of thousands people in Pakistan are working in private sector who despite of their employment could not meet their end needs which leads to domestic violence. There are uncounted stories of the families who are living below poverty line in the country.

Despite the tall claims made by the present government, people are living in pathetic conditions. But who cares for the poor people? They are only born to pass on their lives in slavery. Every time general elections are held in the country and our politicians beg for the votes of these poor people in order to win the seats from their respective constituencies to form a government.

I went to a gas station to fill the fuel in my car. While the person was filling the fuel at the gas station, I asked him a question. What salary the owner of this gas station pays you? He said Rs.2000/- per month. I was shocked to hear that. Then I asked him that what your duty hours are? He said eight hour a day. I drove my car after filling the fuel and thought how this poor man would be managing to meet his expenses on day to day basis, when the inflation in the country has gone so high? 

Now the government is about to announce the annual budget. The government would adjust and fix the prices and duties on number of items. And it will be called as a balanced budget that has been made keeping in view of a poor man’s miseries. But on the contrary, it will increase the agony of the poor people.

All problems of a poor family are related to the economy of an individual family. If the PLM (Q) led government is serious in solving the problems of the masses, then it should make it a point that a person whether he is employed in a government job or in a private company irrespective of his grade and educational qualifications and experience, his minimum carry home wage should be at least 6,500 rupees per month. 

The government should abolish the system of a middle man from the country which is called a “contractor”. The employers hire the services of “contractors” who are sucking the blood of poor people by paying the "contract employee" the lowest wages. To end the “slavery system” from Pakistan, there should be set criteria and definition of the jobs and the hours should be fixed which an employee has to work. 

There are number of other co-related issues which are still unsolved between the employers and the employees. For instance, overtime, annual leave, medical leave etc. Unless, the present government will not look into the affairs of the poor employees, how can we reduce the crime rate in the country? So, if PML (Q) wants to return in power in the next general elections, then it should announce the "minimum wage" and that should be minimum Rs.5000/- per month for an employee and that too with "direct employment" with the employer, where the employer should directly stand responsible by covering him with an insurance policy in case of a death of an employee.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

America’s Humiliating reward for Pakistan 

After the terrorist attacks on World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, US President George W. Bush in his first televised speech while addressing to the world leaders had asked them a question: “you are either with us or against us”? 

President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf was the very first head of the state, who opted to cooperate with the Bush administration. Hence Pakistan became the America’s first ally in US-led war on terror, although it was a very difficult task for the General himself to fight a war for US in Pakistan. 

The war on terror was first started began from the soil of Pakistan and President Musharraf took the risk of his life by extending his help to the US government in order to further save the lives of innocent Americans from any future possible terrorist attack on the US soil. 
All of us also know as to Al-Qaeda network tried to assassinate twice the Pakistani president and similar assassination bids were also carried out on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz when the terrorists tried to blow his car while he was going back after addressing a gathering of the people who came to support him during his election campaign. 

Since then many Al-Qaeda terrorists have been arrested and handed over to US government for further interrogation, just few days back, Al-Qaeda’s third-in-command Abu Faraj Al Libbi has been arrested by the Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. He is at present under severe interrogation by the intelligence agencies, who are also updating US intelligence officers time to time presently stationed in Pakistan.

After the arrest of Abu Faraj Al Libbi, Washington Times published a cartoon in which a US soldier patting a dog that holds Abu Faraj Al Libbi with his mouth and saying "Good boy… now let’s go and find Bin Ladin". The cartoon has ignited an intense public outcry and that form the Pakistani government.

These are the sentiments of the Washington Times newspaper for our beloved country. I think that no sane person will ever regard a country like this that is helping US government in fighting US war against terror.

After publishing the humiliating cartoon, what should Pakistan do now? Recall the Ambassador from Washington, until US President George W. Bush tenders his apology, or immediately stop Pakistna’s continuing cooperation in the US-led war on terror in Pakistan. 
Let me make it very clear to the Editor of Washington Times that today America is prospering which is directly attributed to the highly skilled immigrants from all across the globe including Pakistan, who are working their hard day and night for the prosperity of the US economy. And if today immigrants leave US and go back to their respective countries, the story of US economy will not be different from an Africa State. 

So, do respect Pakistan, as it will be only the sleuths of Pakistan, and no body else in the world who can nab Bin Laden. If today Pakistan leaves its efforts of searching Bin Laden, you people - including your soldiers - will not be able to sleep, as everybody knows in the world - how coward you people are. So don't treat us like a dog. Give us respect - as it will be only Pakistan, who can save your skin from Al-Qaeda and Bin Laden.

SYED A. MATEEN
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

Get rid of the evils of mullahs and corrupt politicians

Pakistan was created in the name of Islam. It will Insha Allah survive. Pakistan has two main evils i.e. the mullahs and the corrupt politicians. If President Musharraf can get rid of these two main evils, rest is fine with Pakistan.

Quaid-e-Azam also faced the same two evils. But he understood them well and crushed them and was successful in creating Pakistan in spite of the bitter oppositions of these mullahs and the politicians like Khan brothers of NWFP and others in all over Pakistan and India. And today, he is remembered as the father of the nation.

If President Musharraf wants to do anything for Pakistan, he has to take a page from the political life of Quaid-e-Azam and tackle it the way Quaid did it. I am sure, if President Musharraf follows in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam, he will also be remembered like him. If he does not do it, Allah will bless Pakistan with another Quaid-e-Azam to take care of.

Rahmat Ali Chawdhry
Calgary, Canada

Creation of Muslim state-a decision for all time to come

Great strategist and military philosopher Sun Tzu said a great general wins the war without waging it. And to win such wars, one has to place himself on moral high ground from his enemy. India has fought wars with Pakistan, only to frustrate itself and the issues became more complex rather than being resolved. Take example of 1971 War, Indian strategy failed to prove false the "Two Nation Theory" when an Islamic State of Bangladesh emerged from the ashes of East Pakistan, exemplifying that the creation of Muslim state in sub-continent was a decision for all the times to come.

Wars therefore are no solution to the ailing problems between the two countries and we have come to realize it. Present government in Pakistan is intelligently handling the manifestation of this conceptual change in the strategy. Strategies of peace are time consuming but long lasting and enduring. The need is that we do not loose direction in the middle of no-where. And most importantly, we must remember what we are, what our ideology and stick to the notion of being proud independent Pakistanis with our own rich heritage and culture. 

Adnan
Pakistan

Why can’t sports coach/manager be Pakistani

Well, unfortunately, we are bound to serve people of other nations. This is the reason we have success on current cricket with a coach from outside.

I don't know why, but it seems true that we listen very carefully to other language (English) instead of our own country languages.

This, I am sure is the only reason that our players are not comfortable with own coaches. If Pakistan can bring world-class sport players, why can't sports coach/manager be a Pakistani?

Turning stolen cell phones ineffective

Sindh Home Minister Mr. M.A. Rauf Siddiqui has announced that mobile phones stolen from any area would be rendered ineffective from April 15,2005 for use by any other person under a precision device introduced by cellular phone companies. 

In fact, it was the prime responsibility of cellular phone companies to make appropriate arrangements to make the stolen cell phones ineffective right from the day one when they entered Pakistan’s market, in order to protect the interest of their customers. But the cellular phone companies were more inclined towards boosting their individual sales targets for yielding more profits from the customers.

Every day reports of snatching cell phone at the gunpoint from general public are published in all the newspapers. After more than a decade, the government has now come into action when thousands of cell phones throughout the country has been stolen and then sold in the open market to such customers who were willing to buy used cell phones on cheaper rates.

I differ with the process which the provincial ministry of interior is adopting in reporting the snatching of mobile phones complaints, as it involves t00 many people in reporting the matter and a deprived person of cell phone has to first find out his or her IMEI number and then go through with a lot of hassle in order to block his or her SIM or mobile phone set after it has been snatched or stolen. 

There is no need to involve Madadgar-15 or CPLC for registering such complaints, as the government should utilize the services of Madadgar-15 in maintaining the law and order situation and CPLC should be asked to organize effective community policing in the city.

A cellular phone company normally asks for a copy of CNIC of Pakistani citizen, and copy of passport in case of a foreign national and note down complete details of cellular phone set that also include the IMEI number before activating a cell number. 

Instead of reporting the matter to Madadgar-15 or to CPLC, the affected person should directly report the matter to the cellular phone company by quoting his or her cell phone number, and after proper identification, user’s SIM and cellular phone set should be blocked directly by the concerned cell phone company, who initially activated it. 

PTA should ask all cellular phone companies operating in Pakistan to install toll free numbers which should work as “24 hours help lines” in each city to listen to such complaints of the affected people, who should have access to make a telephone call either from a PCO or some body's else cellular phone without paying any charge. 

Moreover, the federal ministry of interior and its provincial headquarters should be linked with the main data base and listing of all subscribers of cellular phone companies, so that in case if a law enforcing agency would like to keep a watch on a dubious cell phone number, officials of the law enforcing agency should be able to know by entering the CNIC number of a particular in computer in order to determine that how many cell phone numbers are in use by an individual terrorist.

All shop keepers who sell the SIM’s in the open market normally pass on the information to the respective cellular companies and it will be easier for the affected person to report lost or stolen cell phone SIM to that particular cell phone company instead of going through in circles. 

The ultimate authority of activation or deactivation of a cell number or mobile phone set should be the responsibility of that particular cell phone company and not of the Madadgar-15 or CPLC, as people would prefer to report such incidents to a particular cell phone company instead of reporting the matter to police or CPLC, as there are number of such cases of snatching and stealing of cell phones, which goes without reporting to the police in the country.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

Mobile Phone Company irks users 

Users of the mobile phone company - Mobilink - have been irked as the company suspended its services for the whole day on the 5^th of April 2005. 

The mobile phone users have to face great difficulty in sending messages and making a call through there mobile.

In spite of making several calls at the Mobilink offices the company has failed to give a concrete reason behind the suspension of its services for a whole day. I request the authorities to kindly look into the matter and resolve it as soon as possible so that the mobile phone users of the city can be relieved from this irking situation. 

I think that Mobilink should be packing there bags from the market other wise the people will lose there patience and trust on Mobilink and I think it is better for the company to quit from market instead of annoying its users.

Zahid Mustafa.
Karachi
zahid.mustafa@gmail.com

Impact of writing to President Pervez Musharraf

President’s website [www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk] contains General Pervez Musharaf’s vision, news and events, speeches and other relevant information related to daily activity of the President. 

The most important link is “send a message to the President” through which General Pervez Musharraf can take a lot of “feed back” on collective problems and complaints of the masses. For example, President will directly know working of the City Governments, suggestions as how to improve working conditions of the Provincial and Federal Ministries etc. 

On the same web page there is another link which says “the President Responds”. This contains President’s replies e.g. about increase of Indian Defense Budget, a question related to National Security Council and response to an allegation made by one of the MMA’s leader Mr. Munawar Hassan. 

People are not interested to see such write-ups on the President’s website, as similar information is available on the electronic and print media. People will be more interested to see the action of the President of Pakistan for quick disposal of complaints received from the general masses through his website.

Before sharing my views with the general public, I use to write directly to the Head of the State concerning complaints and hardships faced by the masses. All of my correspondence received at the President and the Prime Minister’s offices was given due consideration and prompt action has been taken to sort them out. The only way for me to know what happened to my e-mail or the letter was to see government’s action/response in the newspapers. But neither the President, nor the Prime Minister’s staff had the courtesy to respond to my e-mails or the letters to at least say to me “Thank you for your e-mail/letter etc”.

President Musharraf’s web site should not be only used by the concerned quarters to take “one-sided feed back”, which will not sort out the problems and the issues concerning a better Pakistan. 

The President or his staff should respond directly to the masses on the queries raised by the general public to satisfy them, who in turn will get the support and that will increase the level of confidence in the masses in the President’s regime.

Despite all the bad which Uncle Sam is doing in this world, one thing good he is doing and that is that he respond to each and every letter e-mail which he receives at the White House in Washington DC. 

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

US to target Pakistan after Iran, Syria 

Director of the Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Professor Dr. Mohammad Islam delivered his keynote lecture on “Foreign policy of the USA in the second term of President George W. Bush” which was organized by the Department of International Relations, Shah Abdul Latif University, said that Americans wanted to see “tyrannical” regimes like Iran and Syria to go and its next target would be Pakistan, as Bush Administration is waiting for an appropriate time. Because the US government has not recognized Pakistan as nuclear state. 

In the light of aggressive US foreign policy adopted by the Bush administration it is quite clear that now George W. Bush in his last term is preparing to attack on Iran. After Iran US will target Syria, as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has already warned Syria to stop its support for Anti-Israel militants. Meanwhile, the US government will keep on engaging North Korea in a dialogue, until US will first sort out and isolate before attacking Syria.

After 9/11 terrorist attacks, George W. Bush made it clear in his televised speech to the world that “you are either with us or against us”. President General Pervez Musharraf opted to cooperate with the Bush administration in war on terror and, thus, Pakistan became US first ally, which has not only strengthen the general’s own position in the country, but his role has been appreciated in the world.

The administration after evaluating all pros and cons and cooperation from Pakistan’s side decided to defer all other “matters” concerning with Pakistan until the arrest of Osama Bin Ladin. The Congressional Research Service which advises US Congress has recently pointed out that both Osama Bin Ladin and Al-Zawahiri escaped 2001 invasion of Afghanistan and, according to most of the assessments, fled into Pakistan where they have continued to elude capture by Pakistani forces and agents. 

On the other hand, the US government is also pressing Pakistan to allow an American representative to directly question Dr. A.Q. Khan for determining the extent of his network’s activities, as American CIA believed that Dr. Khan would have passed secrets and equipments to a host of “rouge nations”. 

In another move, the Bush administration has taken a clear and straight position on the uniform issue of President Pervez Musharraf, as US State Department wants Mr Musharraf to end his “dual role” as president and chief of army staff. US State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, in a statement has expressed the hope that 2007 elections in Pakistan would be open and meet international standards with full participations of all political parties, as US want to see the transition towards a fully functioning and stable democracy in Pakistan. 

Bush administration is keeping a “close eye” on all the political developments that to take place during 2005-2007 and at the beginning of 2008, US would like to see General Pervez Musharraf to quit from one of the offices. 

In case Pervez Musharraf prolong his tenure beyond 2007, then there is a possibility that George W. Bush may turn his gun towards General Pervez Musharraf and may target Pakistan on one pretext or the other, as US does not want to see an Islamic State to remain as a nuclear state, once the Kashmir issue which is likely to be settled between India and Pakistan, in one or the other way, before the next general elections in the country. 

US has designed its own nefarious policies made for the Muslim countries, as US does not want to see Muslim Ummah to prosper. By attacking Muslim countries one by one, whether on the pretext of keeping the weapons of mass destruction or nuclear proliferation, US will keep on dividing Muslim countries into bits and pieces, so that they should never get united and use their strength against the US or one of its allies. The biggest terrorist in the world is the US government itself, who is forcing the suppressed people in the world to become terrorists, in order to exercise their right of self determination. 

Syed A. Mateen 
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

Can we follow precedence of comparatively a smaller nation?

The new 24 member Palestinian cabinet was sworn in last week. The people of Pakistan, world’s second largest Muslim country with over 150 million population would excitingly pleased to learn that half of the new Palestinian ministers hold PhDs from the United States, Europe and Moscow in popular disciplines like Nuclear Physics, Mathematics, Political science and Economics; this includes the President Mr. Mahmoud Abbas and the Foreign Minister Mr. Nasser Al-Kidwa. The Prime Minister Mr. Ahmed Qureia (Abu Alaa) is known as the specialist of finance. The remaining members of the cabinet are Law Graduates, hold Masters and are university Graduates in various fields of humanities group. 

The new cabinet has 17 newcomers - with virtually all of the new ministers being experts in the field they are to oversee. They are being described as technocrats, or a practical. Upon a question, the president Mr. Abbas said, “we had 100 individuals in the line up of the same caliber but we had to select 24”. Besides being highly educated, most of them have held multiple offices during their career in the IMF, various agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations and have life long affiliation with the Palestine Liberation Movement. The new lineup of doctors, lawyers and economists embrace reform in contrast to the outgoing Arafat cronies. 

Just for a comparison and my information, I tried to find the education and profiles of Pakistan’s 33-member Federal cabinet on the Pakistan’s official Website but could only find their names and portfolios with their color photographs as you usually see on a cheap commercial or MATCH sites on the Internet. But I didn’t have to bother myself in exertion as I know for sure that our criteria of choosing the cabinet ministers is totally different what we are talking here about Palestinian cabinet:

What community of Mir, Pir, Malik, Chaoudhry, Sardar or Syed does he belongs.

How much he could contribute towards the fulfilling of government agendas and objectives for consolidating President or the Prime Ministers power.

How many supporters or Lotas he could accompany with him in the hour of crises for the President or the Prime Minister. 

Whose son, chacha, mama or brother is the incomer. 

How wealthy or stupid is he and could be benefited for the party in the time of need.

We must also not forget that Pakistan has been an independent country on the face of the earth for almost 58 years now. While as Palestinians are still fighting for the same independence for last 58 years! 

Histories are written to learn a lesson for the people of a nation. While as we believe, “history is just a subject to pass an exam and keep it sitting in the shelf for decoration”. 

Shafiq Khan
Canada 
shafiqkhan@rogers.com 

Photograph of Alexander Hamilton on Atm machines 

Several banks have installed ATM achines for the convenience of their customers. I am also one of the customers of a multinational bank and possess an ATM card. Once I went to one of its brach to draw some money, but when I finished the transaction, I got very much embarrassed to see that on the screen of ATM machine installed, the photograph of Alexander Hamilton appeared on a ten-dollar bill, who was killed by a former US Vice President Aaron Burr in a duel.

Alexander Hamilton was a revolutionary war hero and a leading architect of the American government. He co-authored the federalist papers and is considered as one of the most important contributors to American political thought. As Washington's right-hand man and the first US Secretary of the Treasury, Alexandar Hamilton, formulated an economic policy that got the then new American nation on its feet.

Aaron Burr was a colonel in the Continental Army and briefly served the country's Hamilton did with Washington at Valley Forge. In the election of 1800, he was in a deadlock with Thomas Jefferson for the presidency with 73 votes each. The election results went on to the House of Representatives to be decided. There Federalist votes kept the election results in deadlocked until the 36th ballot, when Hamilton's influence gave the presidency to Jefferson. Burr, a Republican who became the vice president.

Many at the time thought that the political mudslinging of Burr by Hamilton may have cost him the election. The animosity between the two men continued until July 1804 when Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel, as it was customary and was accepted. The fateful day came on July 11, 1804 at Weehawken, New Jersey when Vice President Aaron Burr and the former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton faced off and Hamilton was mortally wounded. He was dragged from the duelling area and died the next day. 

While the US nation was mourning the death of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr returned to complete his term as vice president but his success in the duel proved to be to his detriment. There was some talk of murder charges being framed against Aaron Burr, but the rules of the duel were followed and no indictment was carried forward. 

I would request to the Governor of State Bank, Mr. Ishrat Hussain, to take note and request all banks operating in Pakistan to replace the photograph of Alexander Hamilton from all the ATM machines across the country. Instead, the ATM machines should display the photograph of our founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah as Pakistani conis and currency notes issued by Pakistan's central bank.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net

Bush must be stopped

The United States of America is armed and dangerous and its aggression must be stopped. President Bush is a menace to the peace of the world. Even if he did stage manage an election, was it worth the deaths of 100,000 civilians, tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers, and 10,000 American troops killed and wounded? Was it worth the ruin of so much of Iraq? Is it worth the widespread torture and killing of Iraqi prisoners? The Americans call their enemies "terrorists" but thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians have died under the terror of American bombs. The war was made to eliminate WMD in Iraq, when there was none. Why does the U.S. believe Iraq and Iran must not have atomic bombs while it gave Israel the fissionable materials to build its A-bomb?

Please understand President Bush's political backers consider themselves a Master Race, much as Hitler claimed Germans were, and this arrogance makes them dangerous. When the phrase "United Nations" was mentioned at their Convention, they hissed loudly. The record is clear.  America rejected the global warming treaty; they will have nothing to do with the World Court; and Mr. Bush has just named his Attorney General his principal apologist for the torture and killing of Muslim prisoners. They think Muslims are a lesser species of human beings. President Bush would deny this but their actions show otherwise. Bush and Blair think they can destroy Iraqi civilians the way the British and American bombers in World War II massacred hundreds of thousands of German and Japanese civilians as if they were non-human.

The Pope has denounced the war on Iraq. The UN Secretary-General has called it "illegal." Millions of demonstrators protested it. But Bush does not listen to critics. His mind is closed tighter than the cell door of a torture chamber. The only possible way to slow the American military-industrial machine is to boycott American-made products: cars, appliances, machinery and foods. Withdraw your money from American corporations and children from American schools. Tell your friends to do the same until American troops quit Iraqi soil. The boycott is an honorable, non-violent weapon used by Mahatma Gandhi of India and the Rev. Martin Luther King in America. Non-violence is more powerful than the explosives strapped to one's body. The United States spends more money on armaments than all nations combined and is the Number One arms seller to the world. To fight the American military with military force is a grave strategic error. The way to fight fire is with water. Think of non-violent ways to oppose aggression and bask in the peace of God. 

Sherwood Ross
Coral Gables, USA

We can’t afford any other East Pakistan

I send you very important issue about Sui. For God’s sake don’t create law and order situation in the country. We can’t afford any other East Pakistan accident. Please build Pakistan, not be broken. Kindly attempt this issue through dialogues, not by force. I hope this should be solved as soon as possible.

Abid Imran
Rawalpindi, Pakistan

GEO did nothing wrong

I am angry with those mobsters who ransacked Jang/Geo office. These culprits do not understand the value of a free press. GEO TV did nothing wrong when it aired a report regarding an Israeli official.

Shaukat Khan
Alaska, USA

Robbery in the name of riba-free investment  

I would like to tell my story to general public so that they remain informed and not robbed in the name of riba-free investment, which many people like me are suffering. I have invested an amount Rs. 4 Lac in company named Kisan Supplies Services, (KSS) since 1996. KSS is directly managed by Jamaat-e-Islami. 

During a period of over five years I have found following malpractices: The profit of KSS declined gradually with the downfall of interest rate in Pakistan. To me it seems a matter of engineered manipulation rather than a chance decline in profit. During this period the assets/investment of company has increased several folds, where as profit distributed to investor is just enough to stop devaluation of money due to inflation. During last three years profit had been 12 %, 10 %, 5 %.  

KSS financial year is January to December and from last two years, KSS is not giving any profit on the money earned as profit and reinvested in KSS for January to June. I cannot understand the reason for such decision.

The personal business of people in higher hierarchy of Jamaat is flourishing day and night (Institute of Leadership and Management, Pakistan On Line, Qazi Enterprises etc), whereas the poor investors in KSS get 5-10%, which is even below the actual inflation in Pakistan.

In April 2004, when I informed KSS management that I want to sell my share, it became the most terrible event of my life, as I got reply on 6-7^th email revealing the sad news that being public limited company, KSS is not bound to repayment, however, they would try sell my share to new investors. After 9 months, I am not sure whether I will be able to get my investment back!    

The biggest worry is that Jamaat/Qazi always talk about million marches but the state of affairs is that KSS is not able to refund investment after 9 months of notice. Is it the level of trust of people for Jamaat? If these people cannot mange a company like KSS how they claim they can run a country?

In the light of above mentioned facts, I would suggest people to be cautious about “so called riba- free investment.” Even more important is that now we should consider role of “purported religious people” in politics.

Muhammad Saeed
Adelaide, S. Australia

What the Americans need to ask from their government?

Quite a lot of debate is on these days on the legitimacy of Iraq’s war, but looking back at the history of the American people, their behavior today is the same towards real issue as was decade’s ago. While people listen attentively at the live debates of their presidential candidates, sooner everything will be forgotten and the grimace of Iraq’s invasion will remain unaccountable for. To prove their moral duty towards mankind and perhaps more to prove their sanity, the American people must ask some questions at least now from their government and demand real answers rather being “boggy driven” by their media.

The tragedy of 9/11, an apparent attack by foreign extremists on American symbols of power, has to this day never been adequately investigated or explained. Most Americans have never even thought that their government has quickly destroyed evidences and never conducted a proper investigation into how those huge buildings fell and who really did it. Although government hastily named some false identities and began war on countries, which had no clear connection to the tragic incidence, facts still state an otherwise story. Intelligence failure, security failures, and even technicalities of the air strike are some questions, which should have been answered. Why were there no proper documentation, provable evidence and a thorough investigation for 9/11?

Back in 1960s the assassination of JFK, RFK and MLK were the greatest shocks to the famous democracy. Yet the people never demanded more forthright explanations of these three murders. Almost none believes the official version of what happened in the case of JFK. After 40 years of discussion, Michael Collins Piper’s “Final Judgment” probably furnishes the last thought on the matter. JFK was ruled out because he demanded for an open inspection of Israel’s nuclear facilities and he wanted to diminish the power of Fed. Reserve. So these two got together, made an elaborate plan to blame a CIA group and used a CIA hit team to do the shot while the fatal shot was actually fired by the driver of the presidential limo. Once the JFK successor took over there was a rapid rise in amount of money funneled to Israel, a trend that continues today. So the mystery of the murder still remains unsolved. Why there was no clear verdict and no real connections established?

In 1990, began the invasion of Panama about which NBC reported 45- Panamanian died but an Oscar wining documentary later revealed a death toll of 4000. That’s a big difference! Why was the truth held back?

Then came Gulf War, with large modern ammunition and, most sophisticated coalition army fighting against the conventionally equipped Iraqis, there were no body bags, no causalities from the other side. Estimates say thousands of Iraqis were killed but they disappeared in thin air?

An FBI sniper fired a bullet through the head of a young mother holding her baby and the media said government was fighting a white terrorist in Idaho. The sniper FBI later on received a medal but what about the woman and the baby, any account for that?

After 9/11 the government in their fight against terror hastily passed the lovable Patriot Act, which in true sense violates the real dream of an American, the right of freedom and privacy. Thousands face detention on the basis of individual suspicion, there has been no formal hearing, no proper procedure for handling these cases. WHY? Congressmen, many of whom had not even read the new draft of the bill, when they signed on it, passed the bill. Why was the matter not taken seriously when it shakes the foundation pillars of the so-called only true democracy of the world?

And such list of questions goes on and on. With each lie the Government gets away, and lies simply get worse every day with death toll getting higher and higher. American people simply convince themselves by saying, “well this doesn’t really affect me or perhaps some other people need to be excluded in the interests of human race”. Well dear American, whether you realize it or not someday that “some other people” could be you. The rule is if you can’t make your decision, they will make it for you. So, next time you speak to a politician or a government official, talk as if your life is on line, because it is….

S. Samya Ilyas,
Ryadh, Saudi Arabia

What is wrong with our society

About two months ago, I sent some medicines to my brother in Sialkot, Pakistan via post office. Sadly, those medicines were very urgent and life saving for my brother to take, but after 4 weeks later, I was informed 'the medicines yet to arrive." I immediately made inquiry with British Postal authorities and was told the parcel was forwarded to Pakistan next day. It is now almost 2 months since the medicines were sent.

Everybody in UK having connection with Pakistan have some grievances with Pakistan Postal Authorities. Everybody, whom you talk to about it has his/her own story to tell. Why? What is wrong with our society, don't we have humanity and sympathy for sick and old? It has been widely believed that anything you send to Pakistan, postal worker steals them. If the so stolen goods were not good for them, it is sold in the market. How shameful is this, if it is true.

S. A. Choudhary
London

Malicious tactics to put the team on pressure

Apropos the news item: "Australian newspaper carries a report of an Australian woman dishonored by a Pakistan cricketer". The woman never reported the matter to the police. Instead, she called her Senator and lodged a complaint. Wasn't the woman naive to call a politician rather than a policeman? Or is the Senator, an off duty cop?

Government of Pakistan, and above all, the bureaucrat, PCB Chairman, ought to know that these cheap, sordid, malicious tactics are used to put the team on pressure. And the ever-obedient team management readily fall a prey to this wicked ruse and dignify a lie by putting further pressure on the team.

The burden of the proof lies with the prosecution. The Pakistani camp must not loose its cool. The team manager, if he was man enough, should have spurned the concocted allegations with the contempt it deserved.

S. Nasrullah
Pakistan

VIPs traveling by ambulances 

Not only the poor but also the rich and the VIPs are supposed to obey the law of the land. What remains commonly observed here is the common practice the VIPs time and again do is breaking the traffic rules. Rather, they deliberately transgress them by cross the traffic signals when it is red.

The VIPs here who not only break the traffic rules, but also leave a bad impression which encourage others to follow the suit. 

Many times I have observed that local ministers who are escorted by the police motorcade flagrantly violate the traffic rules and cross the red light which is signaled to put the vehicle to a complete halt, so that the other vehicles coming from a different direction should cross the traffic signal without having an accident.

It is unfortunate that here in our country the ministers and other public servants, who are supposed to serve the masses, have become our masters and they hardly feel shame, when they openly violate the traffic rules in broad day light by breaking the traffic rules, just in the name of security.

I have also noticed that our people are courteous and give way to an ambulance and other vehicles. But, it’s our ministers who often breaking the traffic rules whenever they are traveling in vehicles.

I would suggest to our ministers that if they feel so unsafe and at the same time they are desperate to reach to their respective destinations and are also conscious of their status, they should travel in an ambulance instead of a traveling in a car bearing government's registration number plate. 

This way they would at least save their face value and will not bring a bad name for our government. The people traveling on the roads will give them a way, presuming that there is a "patient" traveling in an ambulance.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net 

Car snatching menace continues unchecked

Street crimes and car snatching is increasing day by day. I live in Federal B Area, block 16, Karachi and here the situation is becoming worst day by day, but nobody is giving it a dam importance. My car was snatched right in front of my house leaving me helpless. Where is law and order?

Now, the criminals have taken to a new tactics of stopping the victims, when they are entering in their home, particularly, in areas behind Saghir Centre, they take away pocket cash, mobile and car.

I humbly request the president of Pakistan, Governor of Sindh, Sindh Chief Minister including I. G and Sindh police to do something regarding this matter.

S. M. Ajmal Jamil
Karachi, Pakistan

Deadly Tsunami tidal waves

An international warning system in the Pacific was started in 1965, the year after tsunamis associated with a magnitude 9.2 quake struck Alaska. It was administered by the US based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

But, if there had been a Pacific-style alert system covering the Indian Ocean, there would have been enough time for the people in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Somalia to save their lives from the deadly tsunami tidal waves.

A tsunami is a giant wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. Energy from the quake creates the initial wave that splits into two. One wave moves out into the ocean, while the other heads toward the shore. Most tsunamis do not create giant breaking waves on shore. Instead, they generate very fast and strong tides that make sea level rise quickly. 

Officials of the affected countries failed to issue broad public warnings immediately after a massive undersea earthquake in Indonesia that could have saved countless lives from the subsequent giant waves that smashed into nine countries. The tidal waves began pummeling southern Thailand about one hour after the earthquake. 

After 2 1/2 hours, the torrents traveled 1000 miles and slammed Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The tidal waves also struck Somalia on the east coast of Africa. The death toll topped 60,000 with millions of people left homeless.

Scientists in the region recorded the Sunday's earthquake. But without ocean sensors tracking path of the waves, there was no way to determine the direction a tsunami would travel. Such a system presumes an organized communication system and widely understood procedures and discipline by the local authorities to clear the coastline quickly in case of a coming disaster.

Unfortunately, there was no international warning system in place to track the tidal waves in the Indian Ocean. The magnitude 9.0 earth quake, the largest in 40 years, shifted huge geological plates beneath the sea northwest of Sumatra island, causing a massive and sudden displacement of millions on tons of water.

After thousands of people have lost their lives and millions have become shelterless, the governments in the region should developed an organized communication system that should inform the coastal authorities in advance the true nature of tsumani tidal waves, which should determine the exact path of the waves in order to save the precious human lives from a similar disaster in future. 

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net  

Pakistani cabinet's penniless millionaires

Majority, if not all the federal ministers and ministers of state have grossly under-assessed their wealth, recently declared before the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure that they don’t look fabulously rich.

We Pakistanis knew these people got in the parliament were corrupt, but amazingly by lying to the Election Commission, they have proved it beyond any doubt. If any of the ministers reading this letter, shame on you and we Pakistanis hope that not only are you punished in the hereafter (which you certainly will) but also in this world.

Azhar Hussain
Florida, USA

Zarghoon gas field

In the present global energy scenario Pakistan being an importer of fossil fuel is under acute shortage of energy and at the same time the indigenous natural gas is compensating the demand of energy fuel in the country. Balochistan, being rich in natural resources, has contributed its share in the form of Sui natural gas.

In the recent past, huge gas reservoirs were discovered in Zarghoon mountains near Quetta and it was assumed that Balochistan would continue its contribution towards the energy requirement of the country. It was hoped that after development of the Zarghoon gas the country and the vicinity of the gas field would be benefited with this natural gift.

Now after a lapse of four years, the fate of Zarghoon gas field seems to be similar to Saindak gold-copper project. In the economic parameters the delay in the development can adversely affect the economic viability of the project and at the same time will discourage the foreign investment in this most potential part of the country.

The prime minister, who himself is an economist, should definitely be aware of the importance of the project time deadlines and we hope that he will direct the Ministry of Petroleum to accelerate the development of Zarghoon gas field.

Jamil Ahmed Kakar
Quetta, Pakistan

Mullahs must stop fooling

One thing that I haven't understood whether it's democracy or military rule in Pakistan what real hell breaks on opposition and especially mullahs to stage million marches and trillion marches? Take the example of present regime, ever since the exiting government was formed, after the elections, these illiterate power hunger mullahs got after LFO and now uniform of General Musharraf.

I want to ask one simple question from these mullas, is this the only assignment they got from their constituencies to create instability in a country, which is already going through so many turmoil. In fact, real problem of the country is simply beyond the capability, vision and wisdom of these mullas, who are only fond of staging marches whether it's PPP, Muslim League or military government.

Their every day ridiculous march, procession and statement in newspapers are so frustrating. I swear, I hardly read or see their faces printed in newspapers, I simply turn that page where their faces or news appear. What kind of system these mullas have in store for the nation?

Since the creation of Pakistan how many political and military genius ruled us and in their own capacity they did contribute something for the well being of Pakistan. Did these mullas condemn life attacks on President of Pakistan or when fanatic and mentally sick people attack mosques or when innocent citizens are killed in result of those attacks, how many times these mullas staged million marches to condemn those attacks which kill so many innocent people. No, there they (mullas) will only keep quite, but if the law enforcing agencies of Pakistan kill or arrest any terrorist, oh! my good God next morning, one will only find mullas statements and their pictures in the newspapers warning the government of Pakistan in order to stop operations against the terrorists because these (terrorists) in mullas opinion are the real soldiers of their self-made Islam. What about those innocent Muslims these terrorist kill in mosques, Imambargahs, schools, offices and peaceful citizens.

Mullas be aware, Pakistanis have tolerated you enough, your place is only mosques if at all you stand worthy of those qualifications that our real Islam, which is brought to us by HAZOOR-E- ALA, AHMED -E- MUJTABA, KHATM UL UNMBIA HAZRAT SYEDENA MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA (MAY PEACE BE UPON HIM) or otherwise keep away from that job too and pray after qualified and worthy Imams and find out ‘rizq-e-halal’ for you, as the rest of the nation does.

You are not special beings, you are one of us, but what makes you different than all of us is because you have simply put in your minds that you are only Islam and Islam is only you. There you look odd, you only a few whereas, we (Pakistanis) are160 million people and by the grace of Allah Almighty, we all are good Muslims and true Pakistanis.

So stop fooling the poor and illiterate masses, don't forget one day these masses will hold you for accountability and I swear you won't an answer. Stop imposing yourself made system on a nation, which badly rejects you. We want education, prosperity and the present regime is quite capable to spread education and can bring prosperity in Pakistan. You need to take your health because you all are badly over weight with bulging tummies that's not a good sign for you.

Leave us, we reject your million marches, we reject your taliban type of life styles, our time and life is more precious than your marches and slogans, which you raise against everyone, every government. You are rejected, so as your marches.

Iftikhar Khan
U.A.E

Keep the country 'corrupt politicians-free'

We should keep our country free from these kind of corrupt politicians. It also proved that they are very clever and it is very hard to prove anything against them.

Baber Tanweer
Pakistan 

Let history stay undistorted 

With due respect to Mr. Musharraf of Florida's comments, I would like to correct him on the POWs case that Mr. Bhutto ponderously and intentionally delayed the process of the return of POWs to be cashed later, and not only that he also telecasted the very disturbing scenes of humiliation of the Pak Army men by Indian soldiers (teamed up with Russians and other hostile regimes in the world against one Pak nation), merely to demoralize the Pak Army men and more importantly to fade the ideological distinctiveness of our defence forces in the minds of the Pakistani nation.

History also witnesses that the so-called "loss of war", by itself, was the outcome of Mr. Bhutto's conspiracy and rigging the election associated with his famous egotistical and arrogant slogans such as "idher tum, udher hum". So please, refrain from painting an already tainted picture with wrong impression of Bhutto's rule(s) in Pakistan, followed by supporting world known criminal Zardari.

M. Nasiruddin
New York, USA 

Pakistani politicians: An agony for nation

The people of Pakistan cannot be further tempted and carried away by the conjecture that every general , cricketer or celebrity in Pakistan could be a brilliant, intelligent and successful leader in politics too. Pakistan's 57 years history is witness that 99% of it's politicians and leaders have proved to be dishonest, opportunists, covetous, complacent, hypocrites, and incompetent. They have proved by their character and actions that they entered the political arena with some personal agendas in their bags and always preferred personal gains and benefits over national issues and even did not mind for a moment if country suffered irreparable loss with their political acrobatics. 

General (Rted) Aslam Baig, Air Marshall (Rted) Asghar Khan, cricketer Imran Khan, former president Farooq Khan Laghari and so on are a few top personalities who entered Pakistani politics with personal agendas and even after 10-20 years could not seriously impress the hoi polloi of Pakistan. Some of them could hardly win a single national assembly seat (some never) because people never liked them. These aimless and so-called leaders could not give even one solid programme to the poor people of Pakistan even after 2-3 decades; what only they could give were merely empty slogans and hollow statements in media. Above all, they tried to remain in politics shamelessly like deadbeats. The people of Pakistan would only get rid of them when God will send an errand to them. 

Shafiq Khan
Canada
shafiqkhan@rogers.com 

The dictator

In life of dictators, due to lack of trust, a stage comes when he is left with limited circle of trusted friends. With our present time general this stage has come. It will be difficult for him to choose the way of an American general, who chooses to kill himself for wearing a medal he didn’t deserve.

Our general has been cause of miseries of hundreds and thousands of families who were rendered penniless by taking jobs of their bread earners. He couldn’t find any person other than Maj. Gen. Rashid Quraishi in whole army, nor a person like Dr. Ata who wasted billions on computers without knowing even elementary things of computers (where are the billions he claimed Pakistan would earn), no other expert as M. D Parco whom he early retired and rehired at 5 times the pay, provided America limitless access even to catch anybody without fulfilling laws of the land, couldn’t find anybody bright in foreign affairs than Maleeha Lodhi (merely of family terms) made manager level people in private sector as M. D NRL (just for he was brother of an army officer) created OCAC who bungled up billions by jack-up of petroleum prices.

M Irfan
Karachi, Pakistan

                                                                 Defense strategy of Pakistan                                            

The most potent weapon in India's arsenal is a supersonic cruise missile which can be launched by land, air and sea. At present the range of this missile is less than 200 miles. India is likely to increase the range of this missile up to 1250 miles during the next 5 to 10 years. This missile can be equipped with a conventional explosive, a nuclear and a microwave warhead. India can stage a massive assault across the entire length and breadth of Pakistan by land, air and sea and attack every conceivable military and civilian target.

This is a question for the army, air force and navy defense strategists. How are you going to prevent, defend and protect the country from such an assault? What capability do you have and what you need to do during the next 10 years? This is a food for thought for the readers. Any comments to stimulate discussion on this subject will be appreciated. 

Cheema Mahmood
Pakistan

Kashmir's possible solution

If we sit to work out the innumerable amount of multidimensional losses involved in the artifact of Kashmir issue, we will need years and years to do the math: Hundreds and thousands of unconscionable human lives of men, women and children, billions of Dollars attrition of assets and properties, 57 long years of human life, which involve at least three generations, their miseries, time factor, education, development or any other aspect of human endeavor. 

Humongous amount of losses of materials and horrendous side affects are beyond 3 bloody wars which Pakistan and India fought over Kashmir since the inception of both countries which further involved Billions and Billions of Dollars worth material, resources and human lives of soldiers and civilians from both sides. 

The never repairable loss Pakistan sustained was the dismemberment of Pakistan by losing the Eastern part of the country, now Bangladesh. 

Very often I come across the people who talk and quote history pages. Some people are so proud and pampered about their history that they sleep and wake over it. I also believe, till this world will exist, historians would continue to write more histories about countries and it’s people. But so far, the human record has proved that leaving a very few, a large number of world population has never tried to learn a lesson from the pages of their respective histories and only kept the book to decorate the shelves of their libraries or to pass the examinations and tests. 

Have anyone on this part of the earth where, Pakistan and India exist thought for a moment that even after 57 years of engagement of confrontation, we are still ‘talking’ about possible options of Kashmir solution and hitherto setting date and time for negotiations, talks and meetings; What a mockery? How gross and vomiting it is? 

Since I am not a politician, a leader or a worker of any party or the government so, being an independent individual, I have always said that Kashmir has been used by both countries as an ‘stunt’. The political leaders specially, religious parties have exploited and manipulated Kashmir issue for the benefit and advantage of their political designs. The third party, Kashmiri leaders have played as lackeys in the hands of Pakistan and Indian governments to keep alive their leadership. 

Every day, thousands of journalists, individual citizens, political analysts, experts and statesmen from Pakistan and India and around the world at large are coming up with one proposal or the other for the solution of the Kashmir dispute. But this is all talks, talks and talks! 

In my view, this all is a futile effort and is a dissipation of energy and time as in today’s world, no smaller or bigger issue, which by any angle has direct or indirect connection to globalization cannot be solved and resolved without the accretion of the United States of America. 

Regardless, we have to calculate few things on our finger tips, for which, we don’t need to be a rocket scientist. Let us do our simple math: After fighting 3 wars in 57 years and in the present circumstances, when Pakistan and India both have nuclear power, we cannot go for another war and even if we do, no one could win it so, that effort could be cast-off outright. 

Pakistan and India have taken several steps towards the normalization of relations including, visits by leaders, scholars, educationists, social and cultural delegates but India still insists that, “Kashmir is an integral part of India”. 

This is like some Hindu or Christian come to Muslim cleric asking him to convert him to Islamic religion but would remain obstinate that he would not recite ‘kalema’ or he would recite ‘kalema’ but would continue to worship his own ‘bhagwans’ and call Jesus as a son of God. 

Not only this, but India also makes claim on the Pakistani part of the Kashmir (Azad Kashmir). Non of both countries, Pakistan and India are prepared to give up over their part of Kashmir.

In the light of these circumstances when both countries are not prepared to show flexibility and compromise, how come one could expect that they would resolve their differences over Kashmir dispute?

In my opinion, this is further waste of time, energy and resources. This insanity and jugglery by the leaders of the both governments should stop forthwith.

Before, I come forward with my proposal, I want to quickly remind the scenario when Pakistan was created in August 1947 as world’s largest Muslim country on the basis of ‘two nation theory’ and Muslims as a separate and different entity than Hindus. But why even after the independence and a separate Muslim country more Muslims chose to live in India than coming to Pakistan? Even today, the Muslims in India are greater in number than Pakistan. Besides some intermittent unhappy incidents, Muslims in India are well placed, well educated, well off and more peaceful than Pakistan. I guess, if we work out on figures, more Muslims are killed in Pakistan each year in the name of Shia, Sunni, Mohajir, Punjabi, Sindhi, passion killing, suicidal attacks THAN Muslims killed in India in Hindu-Muslim riots. 

God created one land and asked the humans to go and explore the lands and oceans. There is no mention of Pakistan, India, Kashmir, Nepal, America, England or Japan in Quran. It is you and me who drew frontiers and than gave names to those frontiers for political and civic reasons, than we further built cities, towns and mohallas and created individual houses for families. 

The above two examples prove that when more Muslims could live in India than Pakistan and all these frontiers have been demarcated by humans than, “what is the problem if Kashmiri live as it is in Jammu & Kashmir under Indian control, a part of Indian territory”? To be more precise towards my point, let this be the resolution to this issue that, “Pakistan keep Azad Kashmir and India keep Jammu & Kashmir and let both countries end the confrontation and live in peace for the progress and prosperity of the sub-continent”. 

I can tell you, the people of both countries in few years would be among the most prosperous nations on the planet. All those drains of resources and spending would be rerouted towards the development and progress of their people.

A FOOTNOTE:

Most recently, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari has been released after his record 8 long years in jail. This is really a good turn in the politics. While his release definitely is a result of a deal between People Party and Military government, I am sure, Mr. Zardari would play an active part in the politics as a protégé of General Musharraf and would act as a ‘bridge’ between the confronting opposition and the Musharraf government. It is also expected, that Mr. Zardari’s prime task would be to mobilize the Sindhi population towards the building of Kalabagh and other dams in the country, which is in limbo for decades and we have already spent hundreds of millions of Dollars on paper working, planning and talking. 

It is an undisputed fact that there might be several leaders and groups in Sindh who hold on the Sindhi voters like, Jeyay Sindh, Pir Sahib Paghara, various waderas and tribal groups but Peoples Party has a unique position among the Sindhi population and hold the major portion of vote bank of Sindhis. There are Sindhis who say, “my head is for Pir Paghara but my vote is for PPP”. 

The remaining population comprised by Urdu speaking voters is controlled by Muttehida Qaumi Movement. I understand, in the past, MQM had very bad experience by the coalitions with Peoples Party because People Part betrayed and cheated upon MQM but in politics, we have to swallow several bitter pills in the larger interest of the country and it’s people. 

Moreover, no matter what, MQM and People Party or Urdu speaking and Sindhi brothers are not going anywhere out of Sindh and they have to live and die together on the Sindhi dharti so, why not try to live amicably, on the bases of ‘give and take’ in politics. 

I would suggest the leaderships of Muttehida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan Peoples Party, not only to work out ‘political working relationship’ in the government at provincial and federal level but inscribe ‘an everlasting relationship of brotherhood and humanity’ among the two people to live in peace and harmony for the prosperity of the population of Sindh and development of the province. 

Shafiq Khan
Canada
shafiqkhan@rogers.com 

Dispute of differential amount

The owners of 685 plots of various housing schemes/townships of defunct KDA, who had been previously allotted residential plots at the rates lower than the market value, in violation of the ban imposed during the period 02-08-1990 to 06-11-1996 have been asked in pursuance of Section-4 (2) of the Sindh Government Land (Cancellation of Allotments, Conversions & Exchanges) Ordinance-2000, to pay the differential amount being the loss caused to public exchequer. 

A list of such plot owners has been published along with the names and residential addresses at Karachi City Government’s website http://www.karchicity.gov.pk under the heading “Public Notice for 685 Plots”. 

There are also a number of high-rise residential complexes constructed during the period of ban by the individual builders and developers in the city. Ignorant people purchased these shops and apartments from the builders and paid the total cost of the units booked by them, at which time the builders were supposed to transfer/register these properties in the names of individual purchasers, by getting the sub-leases registered in names of individual shop/apartment owners with the concerned registrar. 

With the passage of time the individual purchasers took possession of these properties, but after a lapse of more than five years, the builders and developers could not get these properties registered with the concerned registrars, due to the ongoing dispute with the government of Sindh, on the differential amount of individual plots on which they constructed high-rise residential complexes. 

The legal status of the individual owners of such shops and apartments hangs in balance, as they only remain “as occupants in the possession letter given by the builders to them” and not the “owners of individual units/properties” without having the title document registered in their individual names.

It seems that people sitting at the helm of affairs in the Sindh Government has a soft corner for such builders, who have not paid the differential amount to the government of Sindh in order to regularize their individual disputed property cases. 

The sympathy of the Sindh Government toward the builders is also evident from the fact that the names and addresses of such builders and developers have not been included and publicized in the list of the defaulters which is published at Karachi City Government’s website. 

No announcement till date have been made by the Sindh government in the print and electronic media against such builders, who are also members of ABAD, so that general public should not fall in to the trap of such controversial builders and should refrain from purchasing shops and apartments in such residential complexes, which has become disputed, due to the differential amount to be paid to the Sindh government.

The process of accountability in our country is not only slow but also very poor. The question arises that what action National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has taken till date against those authorities who have sold these plots to the individuals, builders and developers during the period of the ban? 

What course of action Sindh Government has adopted to recover the differential amount from the builders and developers that is causing billions of rupees loss to the public ex-chequer? What action has been take so far by the Sindh government to put the ownership cases straight for the uncounted people, who have paid full amount to the builders, but cannot re-sell and execute the sale agreements of these shops and apartments in the open market to other prospective purchasers without having proper title documents in their own names? 

Why Sindh government is sitting ideal on this issue and does make a quick move to settle the dispute of differential amount with the builders and give them a specific period of time and instruct the builders to register the sub-leases of the individual properties in the name of the property purchasers of the shops and apartments, who do not stands defaulters neither to the builders nor to the Sindh government and are only suffering due to the dispute of differential amount of money with the government of Sindh? 

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi

Critical decision for future prosperity

The most critical decision for future prosperity of Pakistan remains in the hands of President Musharraf by taking an immediate decision to restrict the working sphere of the district governments and the lower councils to municipal services, primary education, health and other projects of local welfare only.

This nation will remember him as a hero for centuries to come, if he can only do the above.

Dr Najmul Hassan Shah
Birmingham, UK

Pakistan will grow in every aspect

I don’t know whether I should call this development or economic fall out. If taking more loans and laying more taxes on the poor masses, cutting down defence budget, cutting down the army and putting in place a brown foreigner as a prime minister in the name of economic growth then yes Pakistan will grow in every aspect, if it is able to defend itself from inside.

Ahsan Aslam
Quetta, Pakistan

Website of Sindh Police 

The Inspector General of Police should see what is the bottleneck in completing the under construction official web site of Sindh Police on the internet. 

At the moment, the web site http://www.sindhpolice.gov.pk only contains few telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of some senior police officers, but it should be completed at the earliest in all the respects, in order to improve the quality of civic life of the general public in the province.

The Sindh Police should develop its web site in a way that ordinary people should be benefited from it. The best use of the web site would be, if it includes:

1. Names, Designation, location of the office, telephone numbers of office/residence, including the cell phone numbers of all senior police officials, right from IGP up to an area SHO.

2. Display of all telephone numbers that may be required by an ordinary person, in case of an emergency. 

3. Search system of vehicle identification, where people should be able to verify the status of a vehicle at the time of purchasing a car or a motorcycle from open market, by checking the registration number, chassis and engine number, whether a vehicle stands “clear”, reported “lost” or “stolen”, or wanted by the police in a “criminal case”. Presently this data is available with CPLC and can be shared with CPLC liaison offices.

4. Photographs/information about the most wanted people by the police in Sindh province.

5. Swift Registration of FIR.

6. Registration of complaints against corrupt police officials. These complaints should be submitted to anticorruption department of the police department.

7. Complaints about a missing person or a child.

8. Registration of complaints about street crimes.

9. Registration with uploading facility of photographs of domestic servants.

10. Bridging the gap between the police officials and the citizens through “community policing”.

By hoisting a web site at an early date, the Sindh Police will not only enhance the working of an individual police station, but it will also provide access to the ordinary people of the province, who are reluctant to file a complaint by physically visiting a police station. A special "internet reporting cell" should be formed which should be headed by a DIG, who should also be made responsible for the "internet frauds" of credit cards and should closely coordinate with IGP Sindh for expediting matters on day to day basis. 

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi

All I need is my country’s well being

I would like to have a name of Ghareeb Khan if I drive all the time in my personal vehicle than I have a name of Nawb Khan who is uncertain of where shall he spend his night.

A jasmine will be as fragrant as it is even if you give it nay name. We don’t need any Pukhtoonkhwa, we don’t need any removal of Musharraf. All I need is my country's well being whether Musharraf brings it or any legal politician brings it.

Azlaan Shah
Pakistan

On killing humanity

Fallujah has been turned into rubbles, a graveyard and a hell indeed as described by one of the bereaved civilians. Americans and only Americans are responsible for it. They used everything and every weapon they employed every technique but again they failed in their propagated mission. They failed in getting Osama, Mulla Omer and now they are unable to get Al Zarqavi. Whatever their intentions were they destroyed and killed humanity with such menace that they cannot be trusted as humans.

They used biological and chemical gases fully ignoring those innocent civilians who could not have moved out of Fallujah due to ailment or age. They had no mercy for women and children. The story of Fallujah is much more violent than Heroshima, but the world remained silent, as silent as the dead wind.

I wish we had an instrument that could measure the exact number of civilians/innocent people who died because of American invasion or the extent in the rise of terrorist opinion against West among the Muslims. We can’t even measure the fiscal loss America has incurred upon an independent Iraq.

Captain Zahid Faqir ®
Karachi, Pakistan.

A blessing in disguise

George W. Bush's victory against John Kerry may seem as a terrible setback for the Muslim Umma around the world, but I for one celebrate his re-election and consider it to be a blessing in disguise. Just as every cloud has a silver lining and it is always darkest just before daybreak, so is the cause of the Muslim Umma seeing its darkest days just before a bright future?

George Bush's declaration of a crusade against Islam, his demonizing of the people of Muslim faith and his zealous persecution of Muslims around the globe may have  earned him the hatred of 1.3 billion Muslims on this planet and his re-election may portend to be a dark chapter in Muslim history, but I consider it to be just that a chapter. Why do I call it a blessing in disguise?

Ever since the fall of Ottoman Empire, Islamic nation has sunk into a funk. When Allama Iqbal sailed across the Mediterranean, he wept as he sailed past the islands of Malta, Sicily and Cyprus. These Islands reminded him of the glorious days of Islam, when the Mediterranean was a private Muslim lake surrounded by Muslim lands from Gibraltar to Palestine. He wept because he could not bear to see the demise of this great nation. That was almost a hundred years ago.

Since then the situation has steadily deteriorated to a point where the Muslims are living in abject poverty, impotent and helplessly ruled by monarchs, dictators, despots and lackeys of the West. They reside over the biggest wealth on earth—oil-- but cannot call it their own. The western ‘interests’ have greater domain over this wealth than people who reside above it. More than a million Iraqis were killed in this decade as they stood between the west and its oil interests. Millions of Palestinians are herded like sheep into a tiny strip called Gaza, savagely butchered as they resist the ruthless Jewish occupation. Muslims are persecuted in Chechnya, Dagestan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, throughout the Middle East and Africa. If they resist, they are labeled terrorists, "hunted down and killed, or captured" as both John Kerry and George Bush put it. If they are both enemies then why do I prefer Bush to Kerry?

The answer lies in their personalities. Bush is arrogant and stubborn. He has decided to stay in Iraq and fight till he wins. Herein lies his demise. No occupation has ever successfully defeated a popular insurrection. Bush can easily be bogged down in Iraq for the next four years and longer if a like-minded successor comes to power. When America got bogged down and eventually defeated in Vietnam, it took 50,000 American deaths and more than ten years of fighting costing tens of billion dollars. After extricating itself from Vietnam, America became gun shy for another ten years. The Iraq occupation is in its second year has the potential of buying Muslims another 20 years of peace and maybe prosperity.

In contrast, John Kerry would have split the Iraq bounty with French, Germans and Russians. With their cooperation the Security Council would have passed a resolution authorizing international troops to be sent to Iraq, net-result being an all-Muslim force sent to Iraq from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan. American forces would have been withdrawn from Iraq, leaving a few to man the 14 new American bases built across Iraq. The all-Muslim force would have done the fighting, killing and dying against the Iraqis, freeing the American forces to wage new wars against Muslims in Syria, and Iran. Who would you rather have in power, George Bush or John Kerry?

Ever since Bush declared the war on terrorism against the Muslims, there has been a leadership vacuum in the Middle East. Tin pot dictators, kings and monarchs, have found themselves silenced, and marginalized. The Umma is uniting against one common enemy and in due course will find a leader to fill this vacuum with the moral authority to lead them out of this morass. Under this leader an important first step would be to overthrow the western lackeys and take control of their own resources. Next would be to get rid of corruption and feed, clothe and educate their masses. It is a long process, but then Rome was not built in a day. Who would the new leader be? Time will tell.

Khawaja H Rahman
Pakistan 

US aiming secularization of Islam

In my opinion Bill Clinton had summed up this debate by saying that this election is to decide the policies and the pretext for the next 20 years. The Neo-cons have now for the first time to put their PAN-NAC (New American Century) plan into full and devastating effect. The main aim is not only resource domination but also the secularization of Islam. Already moderate Muslim leaders are for the most part alarmingly secular. But the hawks agenda now included to teach every one and any one who steps in their way a lesson. They have done this by giving green lights to leaders of countries like Algeria, India and Russia, and, in recent times, smaller countries like Thailand to crush Muslim minorities and to install American version of Islam.

Troubles will only grow for Pakistan where the army will have no option but to slaughter more of its own citizens. The Kashmir issue will most likely tilt New Delhi’s way. Perhaps, a suggestion by the US to first make the LoC a permanent border and then give autonomy to AJK altogether.

Whereas, the US policy continues to threaten Iran, Pakistan’s nukes are well in their sights, expect a very harsh line to get even harsher from Washington if something happens to Musharraf. And unfortunately, Pakistan might become a total police state with ISI spying on its own citizens. Osama bin laden will never be found and he will continue to haunt Pakistan in years to come.

But for the Neo-Cons agenda to work, Iraq is still the key. If stability does not come there then there is a strong chance that the insurgency will spill over to Saudi Arabia and affect the House of Saud. In this case, Israel will mobilize its forces to help the Americans in Syria and possibly in Saudi Arabia. Australia will continue to act like a US deputy. Howard’s government would be given inter- continental ballistic missiles to keep Indonesia and Malaysia in check.

Ahmad Fareed Khan
Pakistan  

Wasteful expenditure on marriages

Hats-off to the three-member bench of the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan, who delivered a historic judgment by putting a complete ban on serving of meals and other edibles in the wedding ceremonies, which are held in the clubs, hotels and restaurants, weddings halls, community centers. 

In the twenty-three-page judgment that was announced by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Nazim Hussain Siddiqui said that no person should serve or allow any one to serve any meals or edibles to persons participating in the wedding ceremony or valima reception/dinner, other than hot and the cold soft drinks. This judgment of Supreme Court will be applicable throughout Pakistan. However, Supreme Court has allowed members of a family arranging a marriage ceremony that meals can be served within the premises of the house. 

The Chief Justice also observed that functions related to marriage such as mayun/rasm-i-henna, baraat and the custom of giving large dowries were of Hindu origin and had nothing to do with the Islamic concept of marriage, as social evils emanating from such exploitative customs have not only added to the misery of the poor people, but have also put at stake their very existence. 

The judgment said that since the federal law had supremacy under Article 143 of the Constitution, the provincial enactment of allowing one dish was inconsistent with the federal law and was being struck down. This also revoked the Punjab government's permission of entertainment guests of one dish to a maximum of 300 guests at Valima reception.

In early 1997, as a ordinary citizen of Pakistan, I wrote to the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif and requested him to put a complete ban on spending and serving of lavish wedding meals, as first of all this was against the teachings of our religion, and secondly, there are uncounted poor people in our country and cannot bear the heavy expenses such as wedding meals, as people have to take extra financial burden on their shoulders to continue the on going "rasm-o-rivaj" and are compelled to serve wedding meals and arrange valima reception/dinners in the honour of their invitees, for the sake of maintaining self dignity in the eyes of the people.

The then federal government promulgated Marriage Ordinance 1997 (Prohibition of Wasteful Expenses) and impose a complete ban on serving any kind of food during marriage ceremonies and valima receptions/dinners, but the ban was challenged in the Supreme Court by the caterers, restaurant owners and poultry farmers, with the plea that ban on serving wedding meals was against injunctions of Islam. 

I am glad to note that Supreme Court after discussing at length different Ahadith and instances from Islamic traditions has now passed the historic judgment, which is according to the true teaching of Islam and reflects the wishes of the poor people, who are in majority, and had also deplored the custom of displaying dowry before the guests and open demand of dowries, which infact had crushed the middle class and the poor people of our society.

The Chief Justice has very correctly observed that these "evils of extravagance and ostentatious display of wealth are unacceptable, as it were against all norms and values known to a civil society and therefore must stop, as it is the duty of the state to encourage the celebration of marriage ceremonies in simple and informal ways like performance of Nikah in a local mosque to eliminate inconvenience and harm to the society". 

All the four provincial governments must ensure that no one in the country should violate the judgment passed by the Supreme Court, which has now also become the law of the land, as previously, when the ban was imposed in 1997, several clubs, hotels and restaurants, wedding halls and community centers were also found violating the ban by serving meals to the newly wedded couples and their invitees under the pretext of "aqiqa" or birthday party.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net  

Democracy by imperialism

Another four years of born-again nightmares--the US evangelical Talibans did it--these born-again Christian termites came out of their hell holes--where they are eating the Jeffersoniand foundations of American governance since Reagan times-- in waves after waves and flooded the polling booths in South and mid-west.

Bush is now their Mulla Omar and their Osama bin Laden--wrapped in one. The Middle East world will now have 'Democracy by Imperialism'.

Nasah
USA

Osama helped Bush to become president

The display of Osama bin Laden's video message right on the eve of American polls seems to be Republican idea. As a matter of fact everybody believes that the forged video strengthened Bush more than anyone else. This indeed is a food for thought for all of us. Was the tape real? Why should Osama bin Laden give a statement, which might have helped Bush? I am very positive that the tape was not real and it was set as a last minute technique of disturbing the 50 against 50 political opinions by 52 against 48. Well done Mr. Bush you did it but not well.

Zahed Khan
USA

Wedding tax is the right solution

Whilst the apex court in Pakistan is quite right in ruling that ‘Mehndi’, ‘Barat’ and ‘Rukhsati’ are not part of Islam and are actually strong Hindu practices along with the practice of the Bride’s family giving large dowries to the groom. His decision in upholding the 1997 law on weddings is perhaps not compatible with the realities of modern day Pakistan where these Hindu practices have become engraved in the culture of the land.

The best way forward would be a form of positive taxation imposed on the offending parties, which more or less encompasses the wealthy and entire middle classes. A tax equivalent to the cost of each meal, based on the number of attendees at the lavish hotel parties held in honour of the weddings would be appropriate with a minimum threshold taxation per head applicable (about 500 rupees) and an exponential increase for the larger parties. In this manner families can contest and boast with each other who actually paid the larger published taxation for an average wedding of 200 guests and the total taxation would be 100,000 rupees, which would in turn contribute to special government managed fund to be used for improving the lot of the poor and needy.

A truly altruistic deed would emerge out of a marriage where all would be served the guests of the groom, bride and the needy of the land. This would raise millions of rupees for well-intended funds rather than have some influential people resorting to hidden parties and subsequently despised by others.

Rashid Ahmad
Abu Dhabi, UAE

An American's view

I just got done reading all of your viewers’ opinions about the USA and the presidential race. None of you non-American people have the faintest clue as to what Americans are all about or what motivates us. Not your fault. But you should spend a little more time with us to find out before you start forming opinions that are based on controlled media information.

The difference between us is freedom! We have had it for almost 230 years and you haven't. We do not want to rule the world. Are you listening? We want the world to live in peace and harmony and the United Nations has become a joke in trying to get the job done. All they do is talk-talk. And while they are talking, evil people keep killing innocent people. If people like you haven't got the knack to stop this carnage, then we will do it for you. Stop complaining. This is for your own good. 

Historically USA does not keep countries conquered. We give them back to the people who live there if they promise to live in peace. Ask Japan, Germany, Panama, Granada, Afghanistan, Mexico, Cuba and Iraq. Need I go on? Stop your whining and help us, don't hinder us. We don't want your country but we do want you to live without fear in your own land. Just remember one thing whether you spit on us or not, we will still be there to help you in your time of greatest need. Because that is what a real American is really all about.  

George Horvat
USA

Rationale of Bush's victory

Since Bush-Kerry campaign took momentum few months back, I wrote several articles and notes trying to make people of Pakistan understand that, "President Bush would definitely be re-elected for the second term of presidency". 

"Have you ever seen your neighbor's cow die by your curses"?

There were two very simple but obvious reasons for the people of Pakistan to understand in advance about Bush’s victory:

1. By the virtue of common sense of the measurement of the possible; composed of experience and prevision because, when the entire Muslim world and his opponents were hoping and praying Bush not to win, the people of America would definitely be wanting to bring him back as he would be doing something extraodinary in favor of the American people. Osama Bin Laden’s most recent tape also went in the support of Bush as American people thought, “Bush was the right leader hammering terrorists very hard; that’s why Osama tried to influence the elections".

2. Unlike Pakistan and the other third world countries where members of parliament and Senate get elected by hook and crook, the American elected members come through the vote of very popular electoral system. Thus, people of the United States consider their national security, their safety, nationalism and patriotism as their top priorities. 

Whatever, Bush started, right or wrong (in the opinion of American people) the people of the United States wanted to give Bush a second mandate to finish the job. Besides loss of millions of jobs after 9/11, Trillions of Dollars deficit in budget and Billions of Dollars expenditure on Iraq-Afghanistan wars, American national priorities of security, peace and safety are first before the American people. 

Bush’s example is like such a hunter who was chasing the prey for miles and miles and suddenly, the animal disappeares in the bushes but since the hunter already knos the tricks, hunting strategy and the forest very well so, the entourage would definitely consider to let the hunter do the rest of the mission complete. 

In my opinion, in his second term, Mr. Bush might have several top priorities regarding war on terrorism and nuclear proliferation but, he might not be very aggressive in his agenda this time in the light of his experience of Afghanistan and Iraq. He would try to rally coalition, console Muslim Ummah, extend hands of friendship towards Europe, Russia and the Peoples Republic of China and restore America's lost image in the Muslim world as general.

Shafiq Khan
Canada
shafiqkhan@rogers.com 

Growing number of opium addicts in Lahore

I am a resident of Bilal Gunj near Data Sahib. The drug sellers and drug smokers have created many problems of insecurity for the residents and white-color people. Many young boys will be found after Iftar in the streets and on roads smoking and puffing drug cigarettes leaving bad examples for the teens and under teens. Nobody dares to stop them or ask them to stop puffing drug cigarettes in the streets so openly without the fear of police. The staff of Lower Mall police station conniving these flagrant violations of law found unwilling to take any action against these evil people. There are many drug sellers working in the area late at night sitting on the roads in groups.

Competent authorities are requested to take notice of these evil actions of the culprits and bring them under law.

Aziz Rauf Qureshi
Lahore, Pakistan

Civilize our children

Pakistan need more education, culture, investment in art and good journalism (sorry to say journalism in Pakistan needed a lot more improvement). We should first of all civilize our children.

We are very grateful to Pakistan govt. for what they are doing, especially in economic sector.

Badi-uz-Zaman Bajwa
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Custom duty on import of software

Chairman CBR should look into the matter of unannounced imposition of 25% Customs Duty on Software products by Custom Authorities. Earlier, the Software products were imported under HS Code 9934:0000 and were exempted from Customs Duty and Sales Tax. This HS Code was omitted and replaced in the budget announced on June 12, 2004 by the then Federal Minister of and since then the situation of Software import became highly ambiguous. 

The Custom officials at the Airport (AFU) are not sure which HS Code is applicable on Software products. They have now started working with the idea that 25% Customs Duty should be levied. Customs officials derive their opinion, considering software as a re-playable recording and for establishing their own point of view; the Appraisers go into the intricacies of how the software is read by the playing devices. 

Such inferences are wrong and show either their inadequate knowledge about software or malicious intentions of grabbing illegal gratification from importers, who are caught unaware. A Custom Officer deputed at Karachi Airport is obstructing with the consignments of software that are imported in the country. It is also interesting to note that CBR officials in Islamabad are unaware of the present situation that is going on at Karachi Airport.

The government should educate the CBR and Custom officials so that they should understand the application of the Software, its significance in the national economy and the difference between major categories of Software, such as, Operating System, Application Software, Educational Software and Software used in microprocessor based industrial machines for automatic operation.

Since Ministry of Science and Technology has always remained considerate about the Information Technology affairs in the country, therefore, recommended exemption from Customs Duty and Sales Tax on IT/Computer related products should also include software. At present there is no Customs Duty on the import of Computer Hardware/Parts and if the "Software" is subject to Customs Duty/Sales Tax, the real essence of promoting IT in Pakistan will simply fade away.

Imposition of Customs Duty will result in stoppage of Software import from abroad. In the absence of business software, use of PCs will be substantially reduced resulting in complications in the long run and it will have negative cascading affect on the national economy. The domestic software industry is still in its infancy and it is very unlikely that there will be any production of patented world-class software for general business and educational use in the near future. 

The CBR is aware of the fact that documentation is the only way of controlling unorganized Pakistani economy. Most businesses have realized this requirement and are inclined towards using Application Software for Accounting, Enterprise Resource Planning, Material Requirements Planning, Purchase/Sales Ordering and Sales Tax/Commercial Invoicing etc. The imposition of Customs Duty on "Software" will make the software expensive, and consequently, many businesses and industries will postpone computerization for years.

Chairman CBR should look into the matter personally and exempt Customs Duty on the Software products in general. A new PCT should be devised so that ambiguities do not arise. If at all there is a need for the government to generate revenue from Software imports, a nominal Customs Duty of 5% may be levied specifically on Software for Machinery operation under HS Code 8524:3100. The Operating System, Application Software and Educational Software should be totally exempted from Customs Duty, as 6% Advance Income Tax is sufficient enough for generating revenue at software import stage.

Chairman CBR should consider exempting Software Products from Customs Duty, as it is a requirement of national importance. The government, without further delay, should announce exemption of Custom Duty on import of Software in Pakistan, so that Customs Officials deputed at Karachi Airport should not play any more with the importers of Software in the country.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi

Dealing with fanaticism, terrorism 

I don't want to go back to the 9/11 carnage again, its aftermath and American war against terrorism and to talk about Pakistan, who is America's key ally. 

Last 3 years have presented a very obscure picture of the entire situation that, "extremists and fanatics are demonstrating more commitment and devotion in shedding innocent human blood wherever they want by striking through suicidal attacks and planting bombs". 

America's situation is totally different than the rest of the world specially, Pakistan. Americans have money, resources, technology and most importantly, they are not a predominantly Muslim country so, they can control everyday, from ruthless killings to controlling future likewise events of World Trade Center. On the contrary, Pakistan is under-developed country with less resources and massive population. It is not possible for the people of Pakistan or the government to guard 150 million people of Pakistan by a 'watchman' or a 'security guard'. In a population of few thousand or few hundred thousand, it is very easy to hide a bomb or blow oneself killing another dozens of innocent men, women and children everyday or several times a day. 

In last one week, there has been four bomb blasts and suicidal attacks in Sialkot, Multan, Karachi and Lahore killing about 80 people and injuring another hundreds. In our society, when one person dies, his entire surviving family of 4 or 6 lives rest of their lives in misery, problems and serious sufferings because, the main question mark "who would earn the bread for them"?

The majority of Pakistan's population would agree with me that the extremists, fanatics who, do the barbaric everyday killings are in minority in numbers in our society and most of them are intruders and perpetrators from other parts of the world, trained by their fanatic leaders to do the mass killings. By doing these killings, their main objective is to put pressure on the military Generals to get rid of President Musharraf but, above all, their main target is to reach to the ruling chair of Pakistan so they could further reach to acquire the nuclear technology in order to teach a lesson to the Americans, Jews and all others whom they consider the enemies of Islam. 

(1) In the light of all these facts and situation, it becomes a religious duty of every peaceful citizen of Pakistan to relay a bold and clear message to the maniac killers that under no circumstance, they are with them or want their type of Islamic rule in Pakistan. 

(2) The truly God-fearing religious scholars should also come forward and preach in mosques, streets, mohallas and on media to relay the same message to the masses.

(3) The government leaders and ministers, instead of issuing empty slogans and emotional statements or threats to killers, should use every effort to persuade the people of Pakistan to clearly understand the difference between the mercenary fanatic killers and the true followers of religion. The government should broadly publicize on Radio, TV, papers, Internet, through posters, Bill-Boards and banners to expose fanatic killers and tell people that the killers are not the true followers Islam, God and His last prophet Muhammad (sas). 

Let me tell you one last thing, this is a huge conspiracy against Pakistan and the Muslim world to detour Muslim Ummah from their true path of peace, progress, prosperity and modern knowledge. While the other world is progressing every moment, we are busy day and night saving our lives and live in fear and uncertainty. 

Without confusing ourselves what is right and what is wrong, we got to fail these fanatics by our intentions. Remember, minority can never win over majority if however, a few bad apples could definitely spoil the whole crate (what they are doing). 

If we did not take present threat seriously and step up today, rather on war-footings, no power on earth could stop the future 'storm' and 'whirlwind' that could ruin everything in Pakistan. We will have nothing left except heaps of dead bodies and ocean of blood. People of Pakistan will be slaughtered both ways, internally and externally. No matter who will fire, a Pakistani or Muslim will die. 
May God bless Pakistan and save innocent people from ruthless killers.

Shafiq Khan
Canada 
shafiqkhan@rogers.com

Bullet-proof cars for VVIPs

The government has decided to purchase a fleet of 30 high-priced bulletproof Mercedes Benz cars for selected federal ministers and other dignitaries, which will cost to the national ex-chequer more than Rs 3 billion.

It is believed that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has allowed the purchase of the Bullet Proof Cars and has sanctioned the amount. The Finance Ministry has also given its endorsement, which would be over and above of the budget allocation for 2004-05.

The top quality luxurious bulletproof Mercedes cars would cost Rs.100 million and would be imported from Germany which will include the remote control bomb jammer devices, so as to prevent the ministers and other dignitaries against any possible terrorist acts. 

It is strange to note that there is no protection made for securing the lives of ordinary people in the country, whereas people’s representatives sitting on the treasury benches are enjoying all the facilities and would also be provided with bulletproof Mercedes Benz cars in order to secure their lives. 

The government’s first job is to secure the masses and not the ministers and other dignitaries, who get their salaries from the treasury, when ordinary people pay their taxes. People elect their representatives during the national elections and thereafter these representatives become ministers. The ministers are also from the general masses. Therefore government should not differentiate between the lives of ordinary people and the ministers. Both are human beings and deserve protection.

How can a poor country like Pakistan afford to buy the expensive bulletproof Mercedes Benz cars for the self-protection of the ministers and other dignitaries when ordinary people are killed in the day light in various terrorist acts, which are taking place in the country every now and then?

President of Pakistan is requested to intervene in this matter and cancel the deal of importing bulletproof Mercedes Benz cars. The same amount should be spent on the public welfare projects in the country which are lying pending since ages.

The ministers and other dignitaries who are scared of their lives should devise a foolproof security plan by guiding the security agencies, so that an ordinary citizen of Pakistan, as well as its ministers should be protected from further terrorist’s acts.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi

 Pakistan in grip of spiraling terrorism

Once again the wave of terrorism has surfaced in the country. Despite claims by the law enforcement agencies that a considerable number of terrorists has been apprehended and are facing trails in different jails, the recent killing in Sailkot, Multan and Karachi proves that there are more terrorists groups, who are pursuing to their agenda and accomplishing the given mission.

Such horrible incidents on the one hand prove the incapability of our law enforcing agencies to deal with such incidents and on the other hand give a bad name to the country. There are number of foreign investors who has shown their interest in the past and are willing to invest in the country, but due to poor law and order situation, these investors are also reluctant to come to Pakistan.

The recent kidnapping of two Chinese engineers in South Waziristan is another challenge for our government to deal with the situation, as citizens of Pakistan and People’s Republic of China are looking forward for a safe release of Chinese engineers from the clutches of tribal militants.

The government has earlier over-looked the urgent need of revamping the security agencies which has encouraged the terrorists to conduct terrorist activities in the country, as several reports have already been published in print media, where the law-enforcing personnel has compromised with the vital information.

I will just quote two examples of terrorist attacks on the President and the Prime Minister were conducted by the anti-state elements. The two attacks are the legitimate proof that officials of the law-enforcing agencies failed to apprehend the culprits before hand and due to sheer negligence on their part; terrorists successfully conducted the terrorist activities.

The holy month of Ramzan is about to begin and if the government does not make proper security arrangements in the country, there is a possibility that incidents similar to Sailkot, Multan and Karachi many take place somewhere else in the country, probably in the mosques or in imambargahs. There is an urgent need for the government to devise a comprehensive and foolproof security plan for all the four provinces, so that no further untoward incident should take place in the country, in order to save the precious human lives of the worshippers from terrorist activities.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi
pakistan@attglobal.net  

This is to inform everyone

It is about what the government of our beloved country is doing to its people who have worked hard all their lives to serve this nation, and not only created a name for herself but also for the nation.

Dr. Professor Najma Najum might not be a household name for each of the 14-crore people but its’ the name of the Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU). She became Vice chancellor of the first women university in all of Asia much later, but became the first Neuro-psychologist way before that. She has so much work to her credit that no other women could be of her caliber, since she is one of the best teachers this nation has ever given birth to.

Past week, we as a nation paid a so-called tribute to our teachers in ‘salaam teacher day’ while the government is trying to deprive and take away a blessing from the students of FJWU, in general, and the faculty of behavior sciences, in particular, by replacing our VC with some common person. It is due to the hard work of Dr. Najma that behavioral sciences programme in Pakistan exists and it is due to her tireless efforts that the graduates of FJWU are excelling in all fields of life and are at par with all of the leading universities of the country.            

It will be an irreplaceable loss, if she is made to leave, for students of the 4^th semester of behavioral sciences, who are specializing in neuro-psychic assessment, those women who are the students of neuro-psychology and those students of behavioral sciences since she is the head of our faculty.

If we want to be at par with the Jews in any field, then we have to keep teachers like her as our faculty members since she has excelled in neuro-psychology and is spreading her knowledge not only in her students but also all across the globe. Please help us raise a voice in this regard.

The students of FJWU
Rawalpindi, Pakistan

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