MY PAKISTAN

MY PAKISTAN > ROUTE NUMBERS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT By Javed ? 30 December 2004 A Karachi citizen has last week raised a very important topic that wagons and coaches do not have illuminated route numbers with the result during night one cannot see of which rute the wagon had arrived. He says such wagons during night which are rush hours come and stand for hardly 5-8 seconds on the bus stand to un-load the passengers and run away. It is really a very important issue. In Karachi buses have route numbers like 8, 8-A, 6, 6-A etc. Similarly wagons have routes like 7D, 13B, 3C, 35D etc and these give a good indication of the route of such wagons. For example a wagon with route number digit W mostly from different areas of the city end up at New Karachi Area. Any wagon having digits like U (U-4), U-10, U-18 etc mostly run on Federal B Area Gulshan-e-Iqbal Saddar and West side of New Karachi areas etc. But the so called Special Coaches do not have any sort of route numbers. They have small plates reading mostly Sher Dil Coach, Nawab Coach, Akbar Khan Coach which are the names of owners or of their cities. Only those who daily or mostly travel on these routes do recognise. Those who for any need or on any rare occasion are to use they face a lot of problem. At Clifton bus stop I had to go to Nipa Chouwrangi. I had not travelled before on this route. Despite the fact I am resident of Karachi I spent more than 40-45 minutes in finding which special coach was to go that side. More than 30 coaches passed before my eyes but I could not find one. I enquired from others standing on the bus stop but no body could help me. Even the traffic constable could not tell me. After my this suffering I raised this matter about two years back with Honourable Sindh Ombudsman that universally routes of public transport are always with Alphabatic or Numerical Digest and never in the name of owners. My request was considered and about a year back I got through Ombudsman Office a long list of routes prepared for these special coaches for implementation. LEGGALISED BRIBE ? BANK ACCOUNT LICENCE FEE By Javed - 13 December 2004 The firs time this phrase in Pakistan was used by Daily DAWN in its Lead Editorial in 1979 when T&T introduced the so called self finance telephone connection scheme for rich but practically costing them same Rs. 1,800/- as to the poor man. But these rich under this scheme got telephone within 15 days while ordinary man waited for 15 to 20 years at an average. DAWN in its lead Editorial termed it as Legalised bribe. Someone recently wrote to senior columnist Mr. Ahmed Nadeem Qassmi that banks had started deducting Rs. 50/- per month as service charges if balance in one?s account in a month was below Rs. 5000/-. Qassmi Sahib titling his Column ?Governor State Bank may pay Attention? very rightly stated it was an injustice to majority of this country who cannot afford keeping Rs. 5000/- at all times due to Nil domestic savings today. In return the Governor State Bank replied to Qassmi Sahib that Banks are justified in levying such nominal fees for the service they render and those who cannot afford this should go to the banks which do not charge. An example was given as that of poor man?s bank. Where is that bank at the least I do not know. Has this Bank branches in every area like UBL, HBL or a poor man is to spend Rs. 50/- on rickshaw etc to save Rs. 50/- service charges. In a counter column Qassmi Sahib stated that it would had been better if Governor SBP had disclosed for public information the names of such banks. I think this question was not so important. The most important question which Qassmi Sahib should had asked to the Governor SBP was is that what is the guarantee that if people now shift their accounts to such banks indicated by the Governor, those banks all of a sudden any time in future would not start charging such services charges? After all SBP has given a ?blanket? permission to banks under its Prudential Regulations allowing levy of any frees. The point raised in the first original column was deduction from those accounts having balance less than Rs. 5000/-. Surfing the net on 12 December 2004, I came across United Bank web site. Under its General Miscellaneous column the indicating different fees charged by the Bank at serial No. 1 is postal local charges @ Rs. 25/- minimum whereas the Pakistan Post Office actually charges the UBL Rs. 4/-. Charges for a local registered item is mentioned Rs. 60/- while Pakistan Post Office charges from UBL Rs. 19/- Only. Local courier charges by the Bank is Rs.50/- whereas the most popular courier within the city of Karachi or Lahore charges Rs. 25/- from ordinary man and from bulk customers like Banks etc only Rs. 5 to Rs. 6/-. Sometime back I got a Bank Draft in my favour issued by UBL Dubai drawn on UBL Karachi. When I deposited it into my UBL account Rs. 80/- were deducted as courier charges and Rs. 40/- as service charges. No courier service was used by the Bank as within Karachi these drafts/cheques are cleared centrally under Clearance House. For local clearance through Clearance House there had never ever been before any charge to account holder. Though no courier was used even then charging me Rs. 80/- was a day light pick-pocketing by a state organisation as TCS within Karachi at that time used to charge Rs. 20/- from ordinary man and from Banks perhaps Rs. 4 or Rs. 5/-. Service charges were charged additionally, When were those charges officially prescribed I was never informed by the Bank earlier. The government has always given an impression that home remittances from abroad were free from any levies. I raised the issue from SBP to Federal Ombudsman. What was the outcome of my this effort every one can well guess. Nation is repeatedly told that economy is boosting and banks financial health is continuously fast improving. No body however tells are these ever increasing huge profits to Banks due to any new rationale working of the banks or due to today not paying profit to ordinary domestic savers which are in fact the back bone of a country?s economy and due to income through these deductions of Rs. 50s. The fact is as government revenue has mostly increased due to ever increasing direct or indirect taxes, likewise banks health has improved due to Licence fee levied by banks. As TV Licence, VCR Licence and so and so is levied, Banks have in fact levied a sort of Account Licence @ Rs. 50/- monthly on the ordinary man for his sin of keeping a bank account which causes paper work pain to the staff. NO HONOURABLE INDEPENDENT STATE LET REFUGEES RIDE ON THEIR HEAD ? PAKISTAN DID RIGHT By Anum - 13 Decenber 2004 After his death terming Yasar Arafat (though in my view wrongly) a great friend of Pakistan some people have commented why Palestinians hate Pakistanis where ever they are in middle east and why Yasar Araf always supported India and not Pakistan in any international forum. They site the incident of ?black September? as the reason when a Pakistani army unit then at posted on scondment in Jordan under the command of then Brigadier Ziaul Haq fired at demonstrating Palestinians there. These commentators due to this incidence try to paint Pakistani army as cruel, killers etc. This is the same story which many of our so called liberal Pakistanis tell in the case of East Pakistan. The concerned Unit of Pakistan Army there was not an independent unit. It was under the universal law on scondment and the Jordanian authorities were their commander. It was the Jordanian authorities who desired this unit to fire on demonstrators. Nevertheless the action of firing whether by Jordanians or by Pakistani Brigadier himself was duly justified because of the reason that demonstrators were refugees. Jordan at the cost of its own people had accommodated these refugees (or Mohajirs to live till their own home was not safe for their return. A refugee or a Mohjir is always a refugee and no independent nation can give a refugee or a mohajir the full status as of a national and allow every type of freedom as is available to nationals. We often see photographs of refuges in western countries like Hong Kong etc remaining in barracks or in temporary houses enclaved under four walls of barbed wires. The refugees are supposed to remain under limit and thankful to those who despite their own difficulties provide them shelter out of humanitarian feelings. If my house gets damaged due to heavy rain and a neighbour gives me a room to live till repair that never means I start treating myself and moving in the house as free as who provided me shelter. The Palestinian refugees took disadvantage of the situation hence the Jordanian authorities very rightly took action as western countries do take when refugees raise their heads above the prescribed limit there. An honourable independent state always cares for refugees but never allows refugees ?free from all? like we did to Afghan refugees who settled permanently, established huge business, brought Klashinkoves and drugs and Mohajirs whom everything was given including equal status but they after 58 years still treat themselves as Mohjirs and black mail trying to tell us they want to go back to India but one very rightly commented not a single from them would ever think of going back from where they came. YASAR ARFAT PAKISTAN?S BEST FRIEND By Shahnaz - 12 December 2004 After his death terming Yasar Arafat (though in my view wrongly) a great friend of Pakistan some people have commented why Pelistenians hate Pakistanis where ever they are in middle east and why Yasar Araf always supported India and not Pakistan in any international forum. They site the incident of ?black September? as the reason when a Pakistani army unit then at posted on scondment in Jordan under the command of then Brigadier Ziaul Haq fired at demonstrating Palestenians there. These commentators due to this incidence try to paint Pakistani army as cruel, killers etc. This is the same story which many of our so called liberal Pakistanis tell in the case of East Pakistan. The concerned Unit of Pakistan Army there was not an independent unit. It was under the universal law on secondment and the Jordanian authorities were their commander. It was the Jordanian authorities who desired this unit to fire on demonstrators. Nevertheless the action of firing whether by Jordanians or by Pakistani Brigadier himself was duly justified because of the reason that demonstrators were refugees. Jordan at the cost of its own people had accommodated these refugees (or Mohajirs to live till their own home was not safe for their return. A refugee or a Mohjir is always a refugee and no independent nation can give a refugee or a mohajir the full status as of a national and allow every type of freedom as is available to nationals. We often see photographs of refuges in western countries like Hong Kong etc remaining in barracks or in temporary houses enclaved under four walls of barbed wires. The refugees are supposed to remain under limit and thankful to those who despite their own difficulties provide them shelter out of humanitarian feelings. If my house gets damaged due to heavy rain and a neighbour gives me a room to live till repair that never means I start treating myself and moving in the house as free as who provided me shelter. The Palestenian refugees took disadvantage of the situation hence the Jordanian authorities very rightly took action as western countries do take when refugees raise their heads above the prescribed limit there. An honourable independent state always cares for refugees but never allows refugees ?free from all? like we did to Afghan refugees who settled permanently, established huge business, brought Klashinkoves and drugs and Mohajirs whom everything was given including equal status but they after 58 years still treat themselves as Mohjirs and black mail trying to tell us they want to go back to India but one very rightly commented not a single from them would ever think of going back from where they came. ALL THE MUSLIMS WILL WEEP ON MY DEALTH By Anum - 08 December 2004 ?All Muslims will weep on my death? is the title of column by Hamid Mir. The column contains a very brief of an interview of late Yasar Arfat the columnist took in 1995 with the help of an old Palestinian friend. According to the columnist Araft did not allow to publish the conversation. Now on death of Yasar after consultation with said old friend the columnist has published some items of the interview one of which is why Yasar liked India and how he was frustrated Pakistan military unit in Jordan firing over Palestenian?. I have never been able to understand as to how it is when some leaders or elite dies all of a sudden our columnists and writers start writing that the late said to them this and said that including that the later had great love affection for the columnist. Why such things are never ever disclosed during the life time of late leader where there is no condition ?off the record?. For example, in this case, there was no harm whatsoever mentioning in 1995 that he had the honour of visiting, or having a personal talk with Palestinian leader without disclosing the contents of the interview. The columnist recently also mentioned in one of his column that due to Indian defence packet with Israel, the Arabs today do not like Indians and today they less less recruit Indians in the middle east. This is world?s biggest lie and it means the columnist in fact has no iota of knowledge about naked facts on earth. Number of Indian employees in all Arab Middle East countries is speedily increasing and Pakistanis decreasing. I am talking about the naked facts being an eye witness with my two eyes. Most of our columnists particularly the professional famous ones are filling up the requirement of the space by writing mostlysitting in their drawing rooms and just mentioning how the so and so big leader called them on lunch etc. PAKISTANI POLICE BASICALLY IS HONEST BUT ONLY By Javed - 08 December 2004 Honourable Mir Jamilur Rehman in his column appearing in Daily The News of 4 December 2004 says the most corrupt in Pakistan was the Police Department and most honest too. He explains how from the same called corrupt police people were picked up for establishing new Highway Police. He further says the officer commanding for this new force was picked up from the same corrupt called police. This commanding officer only took the responsibility with a condition that he would have a free hand to run the new force.. Mir Jamilur Rehman says how honestly almost within the same pay structure this Highway Police was working. We so often in these columns read letters to editor people praising Highway Police. I have worked for 20 years abroad in Police Uniform. I started from the most lucrative income tax department in Pakistan. Just in a year I left before any spot could come on my face. I joined a corporation and served as Officer for 17 years. Wishing to own a house for old age I left for abroad now even after retirement I do not have the same because I am foolish. In my Police uniform abroad though I was at the level equal to a Non Commissioned Officer which was considered as a senior post but my posting incidentally was directly in the the Office of the Minister under whom the Police, Immigration, Coast Guard etc worked. Till end 1970s the 70% Police personnel (except for Officers) were Pakistani origin. Then due to increase of nationalism locals started coming in Police and number of Pakistanis came to stagnant. In addition to locals Syrians Indian etc also started coming. Till e my leaving in 2003 there were more than 2000/2500 Pakistanis still working there. There had been some little complaints about these Pakistanis Police personnel but mostly relating to a little indiscipline, fighting with each other, telling lies etc but not any major problem. The corruption in rigid terminology namely taking bribe from citizens never happened. A small ratio indulged into illegal activities but these limited to joining night clubs, doing private business after office hours etc. And for these reasons Pakistani personnel started getting a little disrespect after 1980 including the political hate that these expatriates should go back. In comparison Indians were more liked because they were by nature very submissive, humble and bore without any muttatering insulting abusive or biased remarks from seniors of local community. There was one Unit 99% of which comprised Pakistanis. Its commander too was a Pakistan ex-army officer. The discipline, performance, loyalty towards duty of this Unit was an example in the country there. Never ever a single complaint about this Unit was ever heard of. Despite the fact that ratio of Pakistanis in Police generally started declining till my departure in 2003 in this Unit still 99% were Pakistanis as the concerned authorities are more than satisfactory with their performance. In that foreign Police generally as a whole and in that particular Unit, Pakistanis are the same but the difference was the ability to command. The Commander of this unit used all his abilities to keep the Unit as it should be. The other commanders local officers could not keep or did not know how to keep control or use the men hence those complaints. Raw material was the same but since the Commander of Highway Police was an able officer hence he used the raw material properly. There is no dirt of honest police personnel or officers in our Police Force. Only their image though rightly to a good extent has been tarnished. Secondly no government or any reconstruction bureau or any Reformer is ever honest to eradicate this corruption from Police. Reason being the day this corruption is stopped the rulers would not be able to use the Police Force for their own purposes. Do not blame the Police, blame the rulers, politicians and the system. If a Police official is hand cuffed and his senior suspended because the uniformed official dared checked the tinted glasses of a VIP or a cricketer can slap a police official for checking papers then do not talk of corruption in Police. PREFER PURCHASING READY MADE FLAT THAN ON INSTALMENT By Javed - 07 December 2004 L. Fernandes of Karachi on 1 December 2004 informs that around Garden East and Jamshed Quarters area various housing projects are coming. He says that citizens of Karachi want to know if the builders of these housing projects have requisite permission. He questions this because according to him he has not seen any normal public notices from Karachi Building Control Authority giving usual information which it gives through press. He adds can ?someone? give guidelines. Mr. Fernandes the first and most important to say is that you are very inpatient. Monitoring authorities give such public notices only when builders have got enough money from the public. Rawalpindi Development Authority told the public that it had not given permission to a named project. But this public information notice was published in 2000 whereas the project advertisements appeared in 1993 mentioning therein that it has got permission from RDA. The Builder mentioned the permission reference and date in publicity advertisement. When an applicant-allottee made a complaint to concerned ombudsman, the Dy. Commissioner Rawalpindi submitted a report that project was a fraud. He used the world fraud in the report. Nothing happened. Recently someone questioned from Lahore that Lahore authorities have warned the public two years after the public had already money in a housing project. So Mr. Fernandes do not be impatient, please wait. He seeks guidelines from ?someone?. I as a conscientious citizen give him advice. My first advice is do not be allured on housing projects because these are on easy installments. Do not go on press advertised price. If advertisement says the price of flat is Rs. 10,000 be sure at the end it would cost youaround Rs. 40,000. As such keep your money with you, keep your monthly installments saved treating it you are paying to a builder and when you have enough money purchase a ready made already built flat. Though by then it would be a little costly but you would in return have saved yourself from humiliation, blood burning, frustration, miseries etc. If you still insist purchasing a flat on installment from these builders, then my advice is do not fill up and sign the Application Form contained in brochure of the Builder. The colourful brochure is a trap. If you sign on the dotted line of this application form you will be in life?s problem as this Form will stipulate what you have to do namely keep paying timely and would be completely silent what in return of your money the Builder is to do. This form would say in case of your failure what would be penalty to you but would not say even a single world what if builder fails. If you opt this then go to the office of KBCA. From the reception counter purchase a draft Model Agreement and go to the concerned Builder that you want to book your flat on this Model Agreement and not on his printed form. I warn you the builder will slap this agreement on your face. For more than 10 years I struggled that there should be a binding printed Standard Legal Agreement Form on which all bookings be made. This Standard Agreement should stipulate total end price inclusive of all, date of completion, specification of constructions, what if applicant fails to pay and what if builder fails to complete in time and according to specifications etc. I addressed on this issue to every Governor, every concerned Minister, dozens of MPs during 1990s but as hoped never got any response. When few years back I filed the issue with the Projector of Citizens Rights the KBCA submitted then a poorly drafted Model Agreement. I submitted before the Protector of Citizens Rights that there was a lot of difference between a Standard Agreement and a Model Agreement. My further argument was despite its drafting requiring improvement, it was just a piece good for reading but not for use as it was not enforceable on Builders. KBCA at that submitted that any one can purchase this Model Agreement and take it to the Builder. I offered the Protector of Citizens Right that despite being on a clerical level I can spare some 10 to 20 thousands Rupees in the larger interest of the community which the Protector of Citizens Rights may depute his one or two staff to go without disclosing their identity to any Builder and get a flat booked in his (staff) name on this Model Agreement and not on Builder?s Printed Application Form. I never got any further response and my offer still is valid though I have for the last 5 years disappointed left struggle on it. Mr. Fernandes my final advice is never book a flat with such a Builder whose project advertisement is coming every half an hour on TV, have erected tent site offices all over the city, has sent a representative for booking Dubai etc. Remember such a Builder would be more interested in letting you booked a flat, then ensure you get it cancelled so it could be sold to ABC, trying hard ABC gets it cancelled and then re sold to XYZ and so on because this gives tremendous income to builder than completion of the project. Mr. Fernandes try Model Agreement perhaps it might have by now become enforceable though I very much doubt. DO NOT LET SUGAR RIDE ON YOUR HEAD ? THE LESSON IS LEARNT By Javed - 05 December 2004 A non-invasive glucose sensor that can fit in the eye to measure sugar levels has been developed. It would save patients from frequent pricking of fingers I am a patient of diabetic. I got it in 1982-83. Initially I did not care much about it. My diabetic early morning in fasting used to be ranging 118 to 125 and after 2 hours of breakfast ranging 114 to 118 ie. after breakfast it used to come down. I was then working abroad. There the very high standard diabetic military hospital used to check me. This situation remained from 1983 to 1996/98. I used to do jogging in the evening for an hour or sometime one and a half hour. Then my sugar level started ranging at 140-150 and my doctor prescribed me one diabetic control tablet which I did not like to use on the general assumption that once medicine used its potency keeps on increasing. Incidentally in this military hospital every three months once a diabetic specialist from UK used to come as consultant. One day on my appointment day it was his turn. Seeing my file he remarked that in his life he has not seen a patient like me who enjoyed full sugar control for 15-16 years without any medicine. He told me that every patient may he be suffering from diabetic or TB or what else has a ?honey moon? period. Age, natural in-built strength, will power all play a role in a patient. According to him in 1983 onwards I was comparatively young or had just entered into middle age hence that above natural elements helped me. Secondly diabetic was in its initial stage hence my jogging too helped reduce it. But by the passage of time my health started natural decline, my natural resistance came down and my aggravation of diabetic kept on increasing. He gave me an example; on headache one tablet does work. But a person who keeps on having headache by the passage of time one tablet does not work on him, he would need two. Similar is the case with a patient as this Expert told me. He summarized medicines help control and stop from further development but inside the body all these diseases keep on eating the man and with passage of time when natural strength goes down the disease surfaces with more sensitivity. He advised me to start using one table as had my regular doctor prescribing me. I started using it and now I have come to one and a half tablet. My strength of jogging has reduced to 30-40 minutes and now by end 2004 my sugar ranges between 160 to 190 normally I read an article ?Snake and Sugar?. It stated that if you are sitting in your sole single room house. You see a snake entering into the room and immediately you run out to call some help or bring some lethal instrument to kill the snake. You remove each and every single item from the house out even the photo frames, carpet but you did not find the snake. It must have crawled out of the house when for a minute you went to bring the instrument but since you did not seen it going out the fear of snake will always remain on your mind that it is hidden unless you physically with you naked eyes do not see it going out. The article stated similar is the situation with Diabetese. Once you are diabetic everything you eat automatically your mind starts calculating claries and thet level of sugar and this thinking in return causes more higher sugar level in your body. The mistake which I made was that when in 1983 diabetise started with each piece of food my mind started thinking of ?sugar? and the level attached to it. Then every one, as is usual in our society, knowing I was diabetic gave me his own opinion and prescription. I never used prescriptions or experiences of others nevertheless these affected my mind more with pressure if not worries. My physical health started declining and I felt I was become weaker gradually. The one good thing was that I never trusted advertised prescriptions, advices given in the articles or magazine doctors which in fact create more worries etc. After I have in fact suffered a lot it dawned on me some 5 years ago that as much one cares for the diabetic the more would it rides on his head. Then one day a light came in my mind that diabetise as is with other disease is because of some disorder of the body namely either anything has gone in excess or is less in the body which caused this disorder. By not eating this thing and that thing because a doctor or a general article said so in fact creating more problem. This light came while reading Ibn-e-Khaldoon who stated ALLAH has created each food for the man kind. Every food has its own characteristics . By discarding one food eg. mango or potato or biryani in fact I was creating more and more deficiency of some ingredients which deficiency in returning is creating more disorders. Since that day except for raw sugar I started eating every thing again but with caution. I today take biryani but not full plate but a quarter and rest I take roti (bread) with some other curry. I take mango but not 3 or 4 mangos but only one small mango. Sometime now my breakfast comprises bread with a banana. It has improved my physical health and energy and brought me back to normal working strength. Now I take cold milk with 1/8 7 Up. This and that. Now instead of fortnightly or monthly I check my sugar once in 6 to 8 months. The lesson gained was do not leave any ?Naimat of ALLAH?, eat everything but little, do not create deficiency in the body by avoiding certain foods, do not worry so much about sugar; more one will think the more it will ride on his head and eat him internally. While care for no deficiency, equally is vital for caring any excess. IF SHE IS NOT RESPECTABLE THEN WHAT ABOUT HER? By Anum - 01 December 2004 All of a sudden international newspapers have reprinted full story of Mukhtar Mai the victim of Pak ?honour punishment? near Mirwali. AFP has circulated this story. A few days back in Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee DAWN Columnist mentioned about this case when he told that a large sum of donations in shape of Dollars cheques for Mukhtar?s children schools were lying in US which were not being sent for fear of deduction of heavy service charges on dollar remittances. After this article some English columnist touched this chapter again and quoted that when some women of the village were questioned about this victim Mukhtar Mai, they replied she had by losing her female virgin lost all respect in the society and whatever she may today do like opening schools or marching for education in the village, she can in no case be taken as a respectable women in the eyes of the society. In our country generally uneducated society a women losses her dignity and respect in the eyes of society even her own family even if there is a complete false blame or accusation against her. Despite knowing the accuser is a family enemy the general society accepts the accusation as correct and sees such a women with doubtful eyes. The culprits and holders of Jirga in the village Mirwali got Mukhtar rapped by four people on the plea that her 12 years old brother had illegal relations with a female of these elders of the village. This female of this jirga people was said to have been raped/sexually assaulted by 12 years old male and this was not merely an accusation or hear say because it was being told by this female?s elders themselves which we take as true because family is telling. Now this female has been raped and assaulted. So the question is if Mukhtar as lost her virgin respect in the eyes of the society what about the other female? How can she be still treated as virgin respectful in the society under the same formula? I wish to enquire this point from elders of that female and jirga holders but I do not have contact address or names. If some body can provide me, I wish to write them about this double standard. BANGLORE IT HUB AND PAKISTAN By Anum - 24 November 2004 We lot hear about higher educational standards, higher IT education and Banglore city in India as IT global Center etc. A Pakistani friend employed in the middle east as an IT Engineers recently went to India for an official job. He was sent by a sports association of the country as the friend is a sportsman too. Since his main profession is IT hence also desired to visit Banglore about which he had much heard of. He got Banglore visa also. First of all I may add here which is more important is that he is not a Punjabi. He is an Urdu speaking and his parents migrated from India. All the family is very highly educated. He was born in Pakistan. He holds very nice habits and unlike today?s generation does not show business. He told he was disappointed to visit Banglore. His comments are there is not as huge giant an I.T. industry in Banglore as is being read or heard of. Small and medium companies have opened their offices in residential bungalows. The Indian young people are day and night long working hours there. According to this friend this industry is just like offices anywhere else like in Pakistan or in Dubai. The only difference is that Microsoft and other such giants seeing that they can get very cheap labour and other less expensive offices in India have opened these small medium offices in Banglore, they get hard worked fruits of these young Indians, take it to Europe/USA and sell at higher prices. Thus instead of giving visas to these young, employing them in USA these clever people get cheaply their jobs done in India. And this is what one hear about a huge giant IT industry in India. The views of this friend has not at all surprised me. I am not a person biased against Indian but at the same time I also feel in no way we are less than Indians in abilities and capabilities. The only lacking in us is discipline, appreciation of realities eg (I) we have very nice products to export but we do not recognise today?s realities namely packing (2) we are providing bankers all over the world but we are importing foreign bankers on too high salary as so called consultants in our banks. Our IT graduates are in no way less than any Indian experts. We have if not better but enqual in all respect potential but we lack how to present and introduce our expertise. Our attention is more on brain drain in the name of receipt of more foreign exchange. START IT FROM YOUR OWN HOME By Shahnaz - 24 November 2004 Jawaid Choudhry the columnist the other day in his column that Let Us Compete With India In Education stated that his friend Jehangir met an Indian student in Germany doing his engineering there. Jehangir was surprised when this student told that after completion of his studies he would go back to serve India and can not think of staying in Germany. Parents of this Indian student were very poor. Both father and mother worked long hours and only then family could had one time meal. The poor parents knowing the importance of education sacrificed themselves by more longer hours work. In the meantime Indian government announced an educational scheme under which 600 students are picked up from city level, 600 at district level out of those selected from city levels, 600 at provincial level and 600 for education abroad. This student succeeded. The columnist says if our government cannot do this due to lack of funds, then why did not it ask 10,000 millionaires present in Pakistan to do this. He says why rich people themselves come forward and start adopting some students. And this would bring a revolution in Pakistan. This is a very kind thought of the columnist Jawaid. I am at present abroad. My monthly salary as received is well good enough to cover the yearly expenses of two high school students in Pakistan including admission, fees, books and little transport. Recently some one in a letter to editor very pleasently mentioned that columnist Jawaid Choudhry every year goes abroad for travel here and there. The senior columnist Abdul Qadar Hassan a month back stated going to Umrah had become a social status and in my view very rightly suggested that after once Umrah performed the money should be more utilised for marrying poor girls etc. Another columnist on this counter stated that visits abroad just on tour leisure trips too were a burden on national economy and this money could better be used much better by helping the poor of the country. Political parties spend lavishly on posters, entertainment of voters before elections in street election offices of theirs and when time comes for submitting expenses these parties always show their sweet ignorance saying that the party did not spend all this, these were the voters themselves who for the love of the party did at their own at their expense. In case of writers touring so often abroad I know their ?fans? bear all such expenses ?in love?. But these fans can too join in this sponsorship scheme but diverting those ?fan love? to sponsoring in the name of their beloved writers. I offer to spare two months full salaries every year sponsoring two students provided columnist Javed starts acting on his own proposal by transferring his annual expense on his foreign tours towards sponsoring students as many could be covered under that money. INJURED ON ROADS, THEIR TREATMENT AND SILENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS NGOs, COLUMNIST, JUDGES, ADVOCATES, OMBUDSMEN By Javed - 14 November 2004 A citizen has recently drawn the attention to a very important and a serious point. He says when any fatal accident takes the injured mostly die on the road as people hesitate to pick him up because if a public spirited citizen out f humanity carries the injured he is detained by the hospital authorities until the arrival of the police. What I wonder is we have today mushroom so called human right organizations, financially rich NGOs, so called human rights activists, professional columnists always trying to show pains on their faces due to common man sufferings, judges, ombudsmen, human rights advocates etc. Even then why so far no one has come up for any real issues eg (i) an accident victim be treated immediately at the nearest hospital/clinic and the doctors there simultaneously inform the police (ii) some reservation may be kept for persons who out of humanity despite knowing the problems with police and courts pick up injured and bring to hospitals. WHOSE WAR OF TERRORISSM WE ARE FIGHTING? By Anum - 11 November 2004 On our recent war against terrorism while it is a naked fact that Government of President General Musharraq is the first government which had the courage to practically tackle the issue of religious terrorism nevertheless there is also some weight in that school of thought which thinks that the issue needed to be dealt more patiently and wisely. This school of thought to some extent rightly believes that we are fighting the war of others. Though Afghanistan had never ever been our friend yet it had never disturbed Pakistan through its borders even during Pakistan India fighting. But in future now we would need to keep a large portion of our army on this border and it would be a new front. When the need our remaining ?greatest? friend would finish, the uncle Sam through would silently puppet government in Afghanistan may start a front on this border while India would then open its own. According to a news item of 13.10.2004 published in The News President Hamid Karazi is planning to invite Talibans and the other anti US resistance groups in Afghanistan in the coming parliamentary elections to be held in April 2005. This news item is self explanatory that Afghan government is trying to make friendship with its enemy Talibans and we are earning more enemity with the hostile Afghan government?s enemy and we have made our Tribal people too angry. UNFORTUNATE COUNTRY ? TO INDUCT WORKING EFFICIENCY WE NEED FOREIGN LOANS By Javed - 11 November 2004 An educated citizen on 23.10.2004 has shown his disappointment on a news item of October 2, 2004 about World Bank?s $ 102m loan for tax administration reform project. He is surprised why should the nation need a loan form WB to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness of revenue department? I have not read this news item myself. On this news our nation should either laugh on this biggest cruel joke or weep that for bringing in dedication, efficiency, honesty, regularity in work and job duties we need a huge loan from abroad. Recently out-gone Tax Ombudsman a month back in his interview to Daily Jang high lighting the achievement of his Office told the readers that the establishment of tax ombudsman has left impact on the tax collection machinery and that our institutions were today strengthened (institutions of Tax Ombudsman, CBR etc?). Taking of this huge loan for reforming of CBR in itself speaks voluminous about standard effectiveness the whole ombudsman system has left generally on the standard working of the bureaucracy in the country. CBR and its tax machinery for the last 4 years is under Tax Ombudsman and earlier for about 17 years under Federal Ombudsman. When I say the ?whole ombudsman system? it does not restricts or specifically means the Tax Ombudsman Office merely but the whole ombudsman/mohtasib system itself on which this nation has spent lot. An ombudsman system is to ?diagnose? the acts of mal administration and after this ?diagnosis? to put the derailed system back on the right track. After 4 years of tax ombudsman establishment on lot expense we still need to reform the CBR system now by taking a foreign loan should not just be an ordinary point but a national crisis serious issue for agitating by all namely educated conscientious citizens, parliamentarians, so called human rights organistions, judiciary, columnists. What standard impact the tax ombudsman system has left on CBR or its machinery? A self explanatory example is an article which recently appeared in Sunday Magazine of the largest Daily of Pakistan. The article says the importers allege that official of Anti Smuggling Organisation of Pakistan Customs is minting money from genuine importers by harassing them in different way (Ref: The News On Sunday 10.10.2004 entitled Smuggling by Ali Raza]. Abid Malik an Overseas Pakistani out of patriotism came from US to Pakistan for investing here. ASO seized 88 bags of imported almonds imported according to law. He went to Addl. Collector and showed documents who sent him to same customs official against whom Abid was making complaint. He then went to Collector who held hearing and order ASO to give back the goods to the company. Abid says it is not the first case with him. Now the point is if the institutions have strengthened and the system has left any standard impact whatsoever no tax official would had then the courage to confiscate the consignment of the above complainant. DON?T SPEND COMMUNITY FUNDS PAKISTAN EMBASSY DID WELL By Shahnaz - 01 November 2004 Mst. Rehana Kausar and her 13 year daughter resident of Rawalpindi applied with Canadian authorities asylum on the ground that she was Shia. Her asylum application was rejected and she was given a time limit to be out of Canada. Pakistan press has cried over Pakistan Embassy in Canada that it was lethargic in not issuing Out Pass for them to leave Canada. Our is a wonderful country. One is caught on charges of burning the bus right in the eyes of market shop keepers and road users but our so called human rights organizations, activists cry when such a person is arrested as his arrest is termed as human rights issue, political prisoner and so on. Now Pakistan Embassy is being accused in Canada that it lacks humanity as it was allegedly delaying Out Pass. It is the same like a Pakistani-origin Canadian brother Shafiq Khan sitting in Canada termed the whole Pakistani nation dishonest and thief when delivery of his returned-parcel gets delayed (in Canada). These so called human rights organizations or so called human rights activists feel no shame in accusing their own country without first for a while understanding and evaluating the issue independently and honestly. The lady is resident of Rawalpindi and is Shia Muslim. Is being a Shia in Pakistan any dangerous? Certainly not. Almost half of the population in Pakistan is of Shia faith. They do not have any special fear FOR BEING Shia. What the general law and order situation and terrorist attacks on Mosques, Imam Bargahs or Church are these are for all and for everyone. In these attacks all are being killed. When a terrorist bomb blasts say in a Sunni Mosque or in the area inhabited by PML people, the exploded bomb kills without discrimination sunnis shias Christians or Muslim leaguees Peplians or Pushtoons. The blasted bomb has no eyes to recognize a Shia or a Suni, an American or an Iraqi. There is no Shia Sunni clashes at any place in Pakistan. Those we hear or read in newspapers are never shia sunny fights but of a very limited class who is neither Shia nor Suni or Christian as that class does not has any religion since its only religion and bread and butter line is causing and creating fighting or attacks which are then painted as attacks on Sunnis or Shias. I am sunni believer but I can swear during our best friends are our Shia neighbours. They had no hate against us and we had none too. In Pakistan Shia Sunnis are living together in streets, work together in offices, Sunni same way respect Muharram. While applying for political asylum one is to submit lot of complaints false or true against his own society and country. Asylum is only needed by political opponents but only of high level/position like Chief of City party area etc and not by ordinary political worker. A Shia, a Sunni leader or a Christian leader could face fear of persecution but not an ordinary street level Shia Sunny. In such asylum application one gives too many exahugrated lies to justify his request and these lies mostly pertain against one?s own country. The lady is an ordinary housewife and is seeking asylum on the ground that she was Shia. She well knows ordinary living Shia Suni or Christians have no fear of persecution hence she must have added many colours in her application against the Pakistan, Pakistani society and Pakistani people. She in fact only wants to migrate to Canada on the cost of damaging the reputation of her country on whose passport she went abroad. She does not deserve any sympathy hence I am sure if there is any delay on her Out Pass it must be due to some good reason at Pakistan Embassy who must be doing usual scrutiny. {PS: She has now reached Pakistan]. Asylum in other countries in rare cases can be justified and perhaps could be a wise step but where there is a real fear. For example in honour killing where there is a real fear of being killed a couple approached a foreign embassy in Pakistan and got visa which can well be understood. If an Ahmadi files such an application it can be justified because Ahmadis are really facing tough time. A fortnight back I read a news item that police arrested 14 Ahmadis (father, his son bridge groom etc) as on the wedding card they had written BISMILLAH. If these people are trying to shift to Canada for sake of their future generation it can have sympathies from people as religious extremists have really made life miserable for Ahmedis. But a Shia has no fear of persecution on the ground of being Shia hence this lady deserves no sympathy of at least mine. On her deportation Rehana said that she never thought ?Canada could be that so cruel, it can never be a welfare state?. Sorry brother Shafiq Khan. Pakistan Embassy Washingon advised Pakistan Consulate Toronto to help the lady through Community Welfare Fund. The Toronto Consulate did not help and refused blankly as the news item says. I do appreciate Consulate?s refusal as our community fund can not be spent on asylum seekers who seek asylum telling cruel stories about our own country and then need funds from same country whom they were painting a bad place. Edhi New York paid $3000/- for her Attorney fee. Do our people pay to Edhi to spend that on those who abuse our own country. MORNING SLOGANS AGAINST USA EVENING DEMAND FOR US VISA By Anum - 04 November 2004 Tahirul Qadri the leader of his religious and political party has resigned from his M.N.A seat but did not practically hand over his resignation to the Speaker as per rule (for fear of immediate acceptance perhaps!). His spokesman now (22.10.2004) has stated that Tahirul Qadri is leaving the politics and has decided to concentrate on preaching of Islam for which purpose he has taken ?immigration? {nationality?} for his whole family. So preaching can only be done in Canada as in Pakistan Islam has fully been preached by him. This reminds me an interview of an ex US Ambassador who stated that he was surprised that these religious leaders during day time lead processions raising slogans ?Amierca Ka Jo Yar Hay Ghaddar Hay Gdaddar Hay? but same evening in some party dinner they demand from me US visa for their family members. FIGURES A TOOL TO MEASURE THE REAL ACHIEVEMENT? By Javed - 04 November 2004 High hopes have been attached with the directive of His Excellency the Prime Minister giving fixed targets to Ministers, Ministries and Division and regular monitoring of the same. A lot of people through press have termed it a long due right step towards right direction. His Excellency Mr. Shaukat Aziz is a brilliant internationally reputed banker and fortunately is not a Politician hence his this policy is a wside step, But would it achieve the desire goals? Certainly not because people implementing this policy are th same old faces who are expert in tabulating the same figures suiting to each new situation. Old generation might remember that in 1975-77 every second or third day there used to be a small news item at 07.45 pm news that so and so named Balouch Sardar alongwith his 4000, 5000 tribesmen have come down from the hills and confirming his trust on Chairman Bhutto has joined peoples party. Had all these figures of tribesmen coming down the hills during the whole year been calculated this would had even crossed the total population whole of Pakistan, This is the type of government departments figures, their achievement reports. I was then working in a Middle East. Once coming on leave my plane stopped over at another Arab state. When new passengers boarded one of them was a friend of mine working in a Pakistani bank there. He was a little up-set. On enquiry he told me he had missed some domestic things as at last moment he had to remain in bank to make a statement of remittances demanded by Pakistan Embassy there. It surprised me and I enquired why he had to give these figures to Pakistan Embassy as Banks were under independent Boards and they cannot reveal such figures except to their Head Office only who can forward the same to State Bank or Finance Division etc. He surprised me that he cannot dare refusing. On my return back I checked with Habib Bank and United Bank in my country of working. They told me yes they were too supplying all these figures of home remittances, trade figures etc to Pakistan Embassy who demand this. I checked all the private exchange companies in that country sending remittances to Pakistan. Pakistani staff working in all these confirmed yes they have to supply these figures to Embassy. When I asked a Pakistani manager of such a company that if his Arab boss came to know then what would happen, the reply was his service would immediately be terminated. When I enquired then why he does not refuse Pakistan Embassy to oblige, he shocked me saying at early state he did hesitate in providing these figures the result was his wife working in a autonomous body in Karachi was transferred to the interior and he had to surrender. I have worked abroad for 20 years. Incidentally I had indirectly been in a way been a very little insignificant player for promoting of home remittances. I had never been any employee of a bank etc. But it was one of my you can say hobby insisting Pakistani to send their remittances through legal channels and keep their savings in Pakistan. I saw with my own naked eyes Pakistan Embassies never ever had any interest in this subject and I have never seen or known if any Embassy official ever came out in the field on this subject eg visiting labour camps etc. What I saw was some of the Habib Bank Limited and United Bank Limited officials after their banking hours and on holidays visited labour camps advising Pakistanis to send remittances through their bank and sometime they took bank stationery and stamps etc with them to issue bank drafts in deserts/labour camps. This they did because they had fixed minimum targets to achieve. Embassies never ever did this. But they only collected these figures, sent these accumulated figures under the cover of their letters to Foreign Affairs in Islamabad showing as if this was the achievement of their personal efforts and Foreign Affairs forwarded this to Finance Division. Embassies staff based on these ?Pukee Pakay Kheer? showing their efficiency got extensions for further staying etc. These figures from one side came through Banking head office and from other side through Embassies/Foreign Affairs and practically showed as if these were two separate deeds of two different parties and thus on accumulation/calculation arrived at a very big picture which wrong mislead the policy makers. This figure work is that has in fact hammered the real development of the country as these figures always showed wrong facts with the results when policy makers made their policies based on these figures the desired results could not be achieved. This can be understood from one little example which very easily every one of us can understand. See government saying economy is boosting and in support figures of boosted economy are shown. It is a natural fact when health of economy boosts the health of ordinary man?s kitchen also improves. But we can see health of our kitchens is gradually deteriorating and last year a time cam when we were given an advice from very high that if tomatoos are out of reach or their price has gone up why do not we stop using tomattoos in our curry. DEFECTIVE INDIA INK AND AFGHAN ELECTIONS By Shahnaz - 28 October 2004 09 October Afghanistan elections are as usual and as already predicated by some even before elections were very fair. There was only one aspect over which there was some eye brows were raised and that was the ink being applied on the thumb of voters. Allegedly and as reported in the press this ink was not durable and lasting as in elections this ink is supposed to be so one who had cast his vote may not remove it before 24 hours and cast another bogus vote. This ink was imported from India. I am sure had this ink been imported from Pakistan the western press would have cried with its full voice on its front full pages against Pakistan leveling dozens and dozens of allegations like conspiracing against Afghan government, conspiracing against election and definitely involving Pakistan intelligence . HAVE REALLY INSTITUTIONS STRENGHTENED AND NOT INDIVIDUALS By Javed - 14 October 2004 Giving an interview talking about his Tax Ombudsman Institution in Pakistan the recently retired Tax Ombudsman stated that now tax officials remain afraid of that there exists a system of redressal and that institutions in Pakistan were strenghtening than the persons. The fact is since long each one going Ombudsman in Pakistan may he be federal or provincial saying similar things during his tenure and on his retirement. Though I cannot trace the reference but I do remember sometime mid 1990s the then Federal Ombudsman claiming that government officials today while coming office are afraid of that people might go to Ombudsman. Do we the people of this country face this practially, I do not need to give answer. As far as the point that institutions are strengthening the one single self speaking reference would suffix that March this year first His Excellency the President and a week later the then HE the then Prime Minister Mr. Zafarullah Jamali stated that all institutions in Pakistan were detriorating. The then His Lordship Chief Justice of Sindh and the then Federal Ombudsman after a joint meeting remarked that non response by public functionaries was the mother cause of public frustrations and 70% of public complaints can be solved merely by timely response. After this true diagnosis they the sitution was remedied? Federal Ombudsman has issued a number of diretives to Pakistan Post Office to strictly observe the relevant Rule which makes it mandatory to immediately and invariably acknowledge public communication following by an invariable final reply. A huge is being "wasted" on installation of computerisation and web mails in government departments without knowing that it is not the technology rather the man who sits behind or in front of technology. When the man is the same what effect the technology will bring. A news item appeared that Pakistan Post Office had introduced an email system. It is now more than 3 months each week I addressing simultaneously both by e-mail and separately by Pakistan Post Office e-letter system by name Director General Pakistan Post Office Islamabad requesting to let me know the detatails of this e-mail facility, if it is some new facility or the old one, but not a single response so far has come. Is the Director General afraid of that citizen might go to Ombudsman? If the ombudsman system has strengthened then why no body in the Department is afraid of that non compliance to ombudsman orders that department should give timely reply can be disobeyance of ombudsman orders which can be taken note of. Today no government official is afraid of from any accountability. DO NOT GIVE NATIONALITY TO EX PAKISTANI ORIGINS By Shahnaz - 14 October 2004 Our Government accepts dual nationality of Pakistani origins in certain cases. As I am given to understand if a Pakistani origin gets US Nationality he does not officially remains a Pakistani Citizen and now on demand perhaps there is some consideration that these people may also be allowed to retain or claim Pakistani nationality as Pakistani origins in case of UK, Demand can do. I had been in middle east for more than 15 years. Though I am just an ordinary person and had been at an ordinary senior clerical level yet incidentally I was posted at a very important seat in a very important Ministry. Applications for nationality used to be passed through my department. Thousands and thousands Pakistanis, Indians used to apply, begged our help and sometime we did help a little if we can but I myself never ever applied though it was a bit easy chance for me to get it. I am now in Pakistan unemployed as of course now in this age of 55 I can not get any job. Nor do I have much savings. I only have my leaving dues on which rate of profit in Pakistan is only to cope with electricity bills. Had I obtained nationality there I would had now been getting Rs. 60,000 a month pension. It is my foolishness or patriotism, it is not a point here. There are two categories in this regard. First one those who get nationality of Europe ie UK, USA, Norway, Canada etc. Second those who get nationality of Middle East/Arab countries. Despite the fact a single man has no voice I would put on record opposing giving Pakistani nationality to ex Pakistani origins particularly to first category namely living in UK, USA, Canada etc. In my view one who at the time of comparison gives more weight to a foreign nationality and do not feel any pain abondening his/her motherland nationality does not deserve to be allowed to retain nationality of our this beloved country. In this first category these people keep their 90% earnings and savings abroad and not in Pakistan. Earnings or savings of this category has no benefit for the motherland Pakistan. They only at the most keep a small family savings account, some defence certificates, a house for any bad times like what happened after 9/11, or property given on rent. They have in fact no love or sympathy with their original mother land. This can be judged from the fact that if anything or any injustice happens to them in Pakistan instead of trying like before as when they were Pakistanis, they immediately rush to their Embassy in Pakistan making complaint. They trust more on their new country?s Embassy rather than Pakistan. Their main interest only is establishment small quick earning industry but with repatriation facility, more plots in big cities ON CONCESSIONAL basis, more concessions, reserved seats here and there, voting rights etc. Though under the same principle who fees no pains leaving his/her motherland nationality should not be given Pakistan nationality, yet to the second category namely those in Middle East/Arab countries can be given a little margin. Because unlike Europe these people despite having obtained Middle East nationality and in government papers there being termed as Arabs, these people are not treated in any way ?locals? by son of the soil Arab communities rather they are still called Hindis (Pakistanis or Indians). They have no future there. One day their generations are to run away from those new homelands. Knowing well their fates written on the wall as well as future of middle east economies these people keep all their savings in Pakistan feeling it more safe. 90% of them have only a single home made abroad and keep their most property in Pakistan. PS: 10 November 2004 Yes it is totally my own personal feeling and I do not wish or have any intention that people should agree to it. Since we claim ourselves living in today?s developed civilized society hence if I have put my thought which if are strange should not create a hatred eyes for me. I never think those who have taken foreign nationality are Ghaddar as has one viewers very sarcastically enquired. No Pakistani having Pakistani nationality or double nationality is Ghadar. It has in fact become fashion in our society to term the others Ghadars who speaks a little different. Yes those eg those who enjoy government facilities in the name of rights in Sui fields, use sui transportation for families, receive collective salaries for the ghost workers appear to have posted on their orders, receive themselves 500 zakat cheques but for whom and still demand gas royalty are Ghadar for me. For me they are not nationals. Asking that Pakistanis working in Middle East could be given dual nationality was not in my view a discrimination. It was just my idea and probably I have not been able to explain my view point due to my limitation in English. I had no idea or wish for any discrimination. What actually I meant was that if for any reason eg to please such Pakistanis in the name of their investment in Pakistan, it is vital to award double nationality then those living in middle east this be given. Reason I have already explained those who get nationality in Arab countries though in office files are treated at par with Arabs but practically are not. In hospitals they are still treated as Hindis. A doctor was my very close friend when I was abroad. He and his brother had got local nationality. One day the brother fell ill. Doctor took him to the hospital. After initially triage the duty doctors prescribed x-rays. The friend doctor seeing there was rush himself started pushing the brother?s stretcher for X-ray room. Every one knows the doctor. As soon as he opened x-ray room door the technician seeing the face of the doctor said ?Hello doctor, you are coming?. He was a friendly doctor amongst staff too. The technician came forward and as soon as he saw the face of patient, according to the doctor the technicians wording were ?Oh, again a Pakistani?. Those who go to Banks, post offices and offices like these when present their Papers on counters and tell they staff that they were local Arab nationals, the staff then and there reminds them ?you only hold Passport, you are not national?. Similar thing as in Sindh is ?son of the soil? terminology. This is why I remarked that these people can be given dual nationality as these people knowing well their actual position amongst the arabs keep all their savings in Pakistan. They know they have to run one day. This is not the case in Europe. In Europe they have full rights as far as government departments are concerned. Pakistanis who got European nationalities and are permanently settled there in practice have not much thinking about Pakistan. There only intent is once in 2/4 years visit to relatives or demanding plots in Islamabad and Karachi. Now very soon OPF is announcing plots in sectors E-12 & E-13 in Islamabad see how dual nationalities would apply. Their all savings are in Europe. They do not trust keeping these in Pakistan and to some good extent I accept this is due to our own policies as they are afraid of when any new levy, fee, tax or reduction in profits or new condition would become effective on their savings in Pakistan without their knowledge. COULD NAB TAKE SOIL TESTS TO DETERMINE STOMACH MAL FUNCTIONING OF THE SCHEME By Javed - 14 October 2004 According to a news item of 9 October 2004 National Accountability Bureau was working with Lahore Development Authority to solve certain procedural problems to ensure Bahria Town Scheme proceeds smoothly. I am sure it is not because it is a scheme of which a layman takes an impression as if it was a scheme officially of or directly or indirectly supported or backed by our respected Pakistan Navy Department on which our nation has rightly blind faith? I have years back addressed NAB about run away lucky draw schemes but I did not get any response. Recently people lost through hands of foreign exchange companies but so far at least through my eyes no news item has so far passed NAB taking any serious action on it. Mehran Town Housing Scheme was established in 1975 by late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto exclusively for Overseas Pakistanis (OPS) in Karachi. OPs paid full in foreign exchange. Some development work was done which the 1978 Karachi floods damaged and eroded. Since 1978 in Karachi many floods and storms came, many new roads bridges were made, got damaged, repaired, re-repaired but Karachi Development Authority about this housing scheme always song a single song ?1978 floods eroded the development work?. Three four years back I visited the site and it was difficult even to stand for 5 minutes in the waste lying there. Deliberately the site was let to turn into a city waste dumping place. After the 1978 flood a huge has from time to time financially been spent on the Development but physically there appears to be no development. In our childhood we used to listen from our elders or Hakeems that as some time one?s stomach omits out even a small quantity eaten, likewise in some cases even too much food taken does not correspondingly shows any sign of health as this digestion without showing any good effect on health is due to mal functioning. Some years back through the Sindh Ombudsman I raised the request that a committee of independent people including Mr. Ardshir Cowasjee, Ms. Yasmeen Lari and Engineer Ronald D?Sousa of Sheri be appointed who may themselves take soil samples and get it tested in some reputed laboratories if the stomach of the site was mal functioning and had really digested without any physical appearance so much development finance after 1978 but I never got any response to the point. Someone filed a complaint on this scheme with the former Ehtisab Bureau. For the last more than 4 years from pillar to post I struggled to get a copy of said complaint but could not succeed. Now that NAB has taken a good initiative in the larger interest of the people, would it be kind enough also to take a note of above Mehran Town Scheme. This scheme today is not worth living with families but NAB may investigate the mal functioning stomach of the soil. FOREIGN EDHIS FIRST COMPLY WITH PROCEDURES THEN CRY By Anum - 14 October 2004 We the Pakistanis (of which I am too a part and include myself) are too prejudice and extremists. We hardly have in any matter judicious, balanced and honest thinking. If we like Nawaz, he is pious and angle in our eyes and he can not have any human bad habit. If we dislike Bhutto, he/she is he worst person, all her/his habits are dirty and he/she can not have any good in the life. Its example is it is well know that 100% rickshaws in Karachi Lahore have rigged meter. Not a single meter is working according to prescribed rate. Every one knows this and has experienced. They all know 100% rickshaw drivers are dishonest and each has once or twice have faced humiliation and over charging.. But see the mentality when ever passing one sees a policeman challaning a rickshaw driver the reaction of public invariably is ?this Tulla is taking bribe from Ghareeb poor rickshawdriver?. This reaction is despite knowing in police still there are quite a good number of honest policemen and office but none in rickshaw drivers. Edhi recently imported some vehicles for inclusive in his ambulance service and CBR has perhaps not exemption those from payment of duties and taxes. Edhi has allegedly and reportedly threatened to do away with his ambulance service if these vehicles are not exempted from such payments. Edhi has in the past too on occasion threatened to stop this and that if this or that was done or was not stopped. Edhi is not merely in Pakistan as some do think. There are Edhis in every country. Some come out some remain behind. But in other countries Ehdis do not take their humanitarian services rendered as exemption certificates from rules of the country. In foreign country if Edhi there intends to increase the number of vehicles in his ambulance service he does not first import on public money and then start threating if duty was charged. Foreign Edhis first under the law of their country approach their CBR or Finance Division applying for exemption and on getting it then place orders for import. The fact is our Pakistani CBR or Finance Division is always co-operative for such services but where Edhis adopt proper standard procedures and does not deliberately try to first import and then demand exemption to earn public political sympathies. COLUMNISTS WRITING IN THEIR DRAWINGS ROOMS By Anum - 13 October 2004 From my early young age I had adopted a deep respect for columnist. I remember how in Neelam Ghar TV programme when Tariq Aziz himself told the correct answers to quiz questions raised how my uneducated old Aunt used to tell her children ?see how Laik he is?. The innocent old did not know Tariq Aziz was reading the correct answer from a paper slip in his hand copied from somewhere. Just like my old Aunt I had admiration for columnists that they possessed high knowledge. However with the passage of time this respect and administration started receding seeing how most of these columnist change their line and philosophies with the change of man on ruling chair. The Osama Laden interview fame columnist Hamid Mir is the last nail in my this receding admiration. A weeks back Hamid Mir in his column stated how due to India?s having defence and co-operation agreements with Israel, the Arab Muslim world today less cares for India and in this line now Arab states give less employment opportunities to Indian nationals. There cannot be more a lie than that. I have lived for 20 years in Arab world. I have just come back. Arabs care more India than Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE these three countries are the second biggest investors in India according to an Arab survey last years. Qatar, UAE and Kuwait had long stopped issuing visas to Pakistan but not to India. Number of Indian employees is continuously and gradually increasing in Arab Middle East countries. Pakistanis are being sent out. Where till a decade back in any big company or department there were 100 Pakistanis and 20 each Indians Bangladeshis, Filipinos, today there are hardly 20 Pakistanis but 70 Indians. Get this confirmed from any Pakistani friend or relative who works in Saudia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar etc. Columnist like Hamid Mir are filling up stomach of their columns writing over a cup of tea in their drawing rooms. PAKISTAN POST OFFICE NOT THE BEST BUT ONE OF THE BEST ? MAKE COMPARISON HONESTLY By Shahnaz - 07 October 2004 Loss of mail, later delivery, theft of mail is an international problem not limited only to Pakistan as brother Shafiq Khan generally believe. A press cutting is before me using the wordings that Chinese authorities are fed up from sealing from the mail. This steal and theft is internationally. When I was abroad I many a times used to read in local newspapers letters to editor from Indians working there complaining that their relatives sent them this and that from India but it did not reach them or so much was missing. Last week there was a news item Malaysian authorities have recovered mail from home of a postman which he was keep piling there for the last 4 years. A similar news was from another European country but unfortunately I did not know one day I might need to produce it hence I did not preserve. Yes, I would honestly admit theft of currency notes from the mail Overseas Pakistanis sent to their relatives in Pakistan mostly occasion of Eid etc. The fault which is real I will admit. But here I will also need to be honest and put for information of general readers. It is not the Pakistan Post Office staff which steals this currency from postal articles coming from abroad. It is some other Department name of which cannot be written here which do all this. It takes at random the mail coming from abroad in the name of censorship. In today?s world mail censorship is non sense thing but it is only done ?perhaps? for this purpose. This matter was in the past in a proper manner taken up at a very appropriate level (that level I cannot indicate here) but nothing happened. I did not say Pakistan Post Office is the best in the world nor did I mean that Pakistan?s progress should be measured from Pakistan Post Office. What I said was that we Pakistanis can present services of our post office department without any hesitation and with little proud. As the purpose is not to keep lingering on this discussion hence I limit only saying that I have seen performance of posts offices of UK, USA and some others, they also do the same negligence what Pakistan Post Office but if are honest then Pakistan Post Office can be excused keeping in view it is still doing manual work while foreign post office do those negligence despite computerization etc. Brother Shafiq Khan got his parcel back after 4 months about which just after first 1 and half month he termed as having been stolen by Pakistan post office staff. Since he has a sort of complex about Pakistan if not hate against his former country he is now complaining due to not proper warehousing the medicines in the parcel have expired. As I stated earlier under international rule all returned parcels are carried forward by sea mail it takes months in coming back. He says today there is computerized system and each step journey of his return parcel can be verified. I wonder why he wants that Pakistan post office should verify this why not Canadian post office which he believes is error free. In this space I cannot mention in detail but I can tell brother Shafiq that under the system prescribed by International Postal Union his parcel remain for about 1 to 2 months in Canada under same exposed conditions and rest of the period in Pakistan ? but most part in Canada. Under the system returned parcels have lowest priority for onward transmission and delivery. One gentleman on my remarks that a sub post office in Pakistan comprising only 2 man staff do at least 18 functions whereas abroad one man do one single job, has commented it is not the quantity which matter rather quality. In reply I would like to say is it a quality sending Bahmas addressed to Bangladesh, Kuwait addressed letter to Saudi Arabia etc. No, Sir, it is not quality rather it is quantity which should matter. If you have kind heart and you have Rs. 200 to spare for feeding poor, then it is much better that you fee 10 people with ?Dal chappati? @ Rs. 20/- per person rather than feeding one at Rs. 200/- with McDonald?s Burger. Of course at some places quality is needed than quantity eg operations in hospitals. But postal service is not where it should be quality rather quantity; better if it is both. In order to make a comparison for the purpose of criticizing one or one system, one should first be honest to himself. Making comparison of Pakistan with others we should always keep in view the resources, population, traditions, habits all in view and then criticize. Brother Shafiq Khan I am confident had been resident of Karachi. Government made a very beautiful Civic Centre in Gulshan. Today without vomiting you can not walk on its stairs. Of course relevant authorities are responsible for not keeping cleanliness but who is spitting Paan on each inch of the floor and stairs? We the people? So if Departments in Pakistan are not working, if there are lapses in our postal system or any other system then do not forget we the people are sitting there as staff. Me and Brother Shafiq when come from Canada to Pakistan, as soon as plane touches the run way despite warning from crew to keep sitting we get up and start taking our baggage while plane is still taxing. But when me and brother Shafiq go to Canada, we do not get up from the seat unless the plane had fully stood still and bridge connected. Brother Shafiq Khan has turned his gun towards (i) a 5 year Pakistani child felling as a camel in Dubai (ii) a case of killing in the name of honour killing (iii) recent shia suni killing. 5 year child case is due to poverty. But worst from that is the case last month reported by press a mother selling her 6 month child in India just for Rs. 2000 due to poverty ? Brother Shafiq has not given that example. I did not know last month otherwise I would had kept a news item form UK about an honour killing there. Only yesterday UAE press carried a report about Hindu Muslim killings in India and Brother Shafiq did not mention that. Of course there are many shorting coming in Pakistan. But all these or somewhat different short comings are in each country. We say abroad there is respect and rule of law, it is all non sense. I have myself seen abroad people without any documentation being carried out to police station cells unofficially to keep them for 4-5 days unless they meet the demands. What is happening from the world?s most law abiding country USA; Pakistanis being deported in the plane handcuffed? Deportation is of course agreed but handcuffed? Brother Shafiq remember what ever are shortcoming in Pakistan are due to the reason of Me and You. When WE will be happy over our leader getting British Nationality, till you and me will feel honour our leader holding British Passport and you and me will keep him as our leader our parcels will keep delaying and missing. The British in order to rule the sub contient came to this land but today our British leaders (adopted British on getting British nationality) sitting in their luxury heavens homeland want to rule the soil of Pakistan on telephones. In each society and country there are good and bad people. My firm belief is still in the world good people are in majority. However even if 2% are bad people in Shafiq Khan?s new motherland Canada and there are 95% bad people in mine home land Pakistan, Shafiq Khan or I have no right to term Pakistan or Canadian ?society and nation? as dishonest or nation of thieves. PS: 10 November 2004 ?Post Office the world over are notoriously inefficient ? or appear to be so ? because of the large number of people they have to deal with. During my stay in the United States, I would rather go to a franchise post office than to a federal one. During my recent visit to a European capital, I was shocked by the postal clerk?s slow pace of work. I wanted to drop a picture postcard to a friend n America, and the man just did not know how much it would cost. He first weighted it on the computerized machine, found something insoluble, looked at a chart hanging nearby, called a friend over and then, after considerable time, finally disposed of my card. And the postcard was not to Mongolia or Papua New Guinea but to the United States?. The above paragraph is exactly with its commas etc appearing in Daily DAWN on 5 November 2004 from Mr. Rizwan Yaseen Karachi under the title Postal Employees dress. ?Indian postal service routinely tears the packages and take what they want. Foreign packages are more attractive. Lucky are the one who receive a portion of something that is mailed! This is disease that plagues IPO! Courier service is no better, the customs will steal the items? I have just visited India and when I returned to Canada, I sent my cousin Roy a parcel of 30 pkt of seeds for his garden. Roy has informed me only 6 pkts of seeds wre in the bubble pack envelope. On complaining to Jhansi UP Postmaster he got no cooperation ? this is what Earren Abbot writes [email protected] Above Indian reference http://hindustan.net/discus/messages/55/1300.html?95648093 DEVELOPING SOCIETIES AND COLLECTIVE JUSTICE TO SOCIETY By Anum - 07 October 2004 Governor State Bank Pakistan (SBP) Dr. Ishrat Hussain addressing a recent Seminar at US think-tank CSIS Washington on the above subject stated that most of the Governments avoid imposing taxes on elite and rich particularly attached with agriculture. He further stated that in these countries real benefit of government subsidies goes to the rich segments whereas the real benefactors of such subsidies and incentives should be the lower and poor. It was his opinion that societies and countries cannot progress unless there is a Collective Justice to the society. He further stated in these governments appointments and postings are not on merit. On this point the senior respectable writer Mr. Irshad Ahmed Haqqani in his column well raised the question if Dr. Isharat includes his own government in the list of such countries mentioned in his speech. Does Dr. Isharat really practically believes on Collective Justice for the society or he like a leader or a bureaucrat has just this philosophy on this issue? The organization which he heads is one which is like a guardian both for the government and for the society alike. Has he inducted his this concept of Collective Justice in his own organization? The answer lies only in one simple self speaking example. Foreign currency accounts were seized by Nawaz Sharif Government. It was done for the larger good of the country. A seized account in which neither an account holder can deposit more funds nor could withdraw in simple language means the account for all practical purposes was ?dead, dormant, closed, non operative for all intents and purposes under the bank/government order?. As these accounts were not accruing any profits on the deposits because the banks were taking the stand accounts were seized hence no further profit from the date of seizing. Well OK, fine. For the common man his account was like his premises sealed by a Magistrate hence no fear of any theft from the sealed house. But the same banks who were not giving any profit on the seized accounts, without the knowledge of account holders started (repeat started as a new levy) deducting service charges on these dead silent accounts with the result balance of some of the accounts with the passage of reached zero. When SBP was asked to see this, the comments from this Guardian of public interest were that banks are free to levy the charges under Prudential Book so and so. Levy and Deduction of new charges without any prior knowledge of an account holder is it a Collective Justice to the society? My father too suffered a similar and when he raised the issue the Bank took a stand account holders were informed about this levey and notice was placed on the Branch Notice Board. At that time my father was serving abroad and there no body had received such a notice. It was foolish to think that a foreign currency account holder who is mostly living abroad would see the notice board. The institutions which dispense of justice also give due weight to natural logic and my father?s natural logic against non receipt of such a notice was that had he been ever aware that bank had levied service charges ?naturally? he would immediately had withdrawn all amount (in Pak Rupees as was allowed) rather than remaining silent seeing bank every six month deducting from my balance. My father?s this natural logic did not fetch any relief when he approached the protector of peoples rights Federal Ombudsman. BOOKING OF PROPERTY ? NOTICE AFTER 2/7 YEARS By Javed - 07 October 2004 Reference letter appearing the other day in Frontier Post from Latif Qureshi Lahore referring to some advertisement appearing in press from Station Headquarters Lahore Cantt informing the public about some housing schemes fell under the restricted area of Lahore Cantonment and that those named schemes have not obtained necessary NOCs from relevant authorities. Latif Qureshi wastes his energy showing his unnecessary regrets that the Cantonment Board has published its this public notice advertisement after advertisements of these schemes had been coming in press for the last two years and thousands of common men have applied, paid monies, infrastructure laid down etc. He raises a stupid question will the Station Headquarters clarify as to why it kept silent when these developments were taking place and billions of rupees were invested by the public. I have myself not seen any but only through his column by Brig � Soulat Mirza appeared in an Urdu daily on 27 August 2004 I came to know that NAB under it campaign against corruption is releasing Public Awareness advertisements. In this series NAB has released some Guidelines for the public concerning cooperative and housing societies. What are these guidelines is not a point here. In 1993 an advertisement started coming in the newspapers for allotment of plots in a housing scheme location shown ?near Islamabad?. The advertisement quoted a reference and its date as stated therein as approval (or perhaps NOC) having been obtained by the advertisers form the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). Before reading further keep it in mind this advertisement came in 1993. Seeing the RDA reference of approval or NOC as usual people trusted, applied and kept on paying progressive installments. Address of the scheme owners was of an Islamabad Bungalow. The advertisers later shifted their office from posh Islamabad locality to Chakri Road Rawalpindi and changed and re-changed company name. Seeing no substantial site development in years allottees started approaching the RDA but it did not give any reply. When someone approached the Punjab Ombudsman, came the first response from RDA that in 1992 through a public advertisement it warned public not to investment in this scheme. When a question was raised that RDA warned people in 1992 whereas advertisers advertised in 1993 giving a very fresh 1993 RDA reference why RDA then in 1993 did not through some public advertisement immediately warned public that it had not issued any approval (or NOC) for the project and that the owner?s claim was wrong. The reply from RDA was that in 2000 (after 7 years of public having invested) through another advertisement it did so. Punjab Ombudsman referred the matter to the Dy. Commissioner Rawalpindi who in his written investigation report submitted that both the housing scheme as well its owners were fraud. The most interesting is after finding it fraud neither the DC nor the Punjab Ombudsman did mention even a single word in their Report/Decision respectively that after having been established a fraud what action they were ordering to apprehend the fraud people and save the innocent people. Some affectees also wrote to NBA enclosing therewith copies of DC Investigation report but never got any response from NBA even an acknowledgment. So Latif Qureshi should not be ungrateful. He should be thankful to God that in this case the concerned informed the public in as early as just in 2 years and not like MDA after 7 years. PAKISTAN ? ELDERLY DO NOT WANT GO TO ZOO BUT WANT A LITTLE COMFORMT HOME By Javed - 30 September 2004 Recognising the internationally recognised respect, care and dignity of Senior Citizens, our government has very graciously and kindly allowed our senior citizens free entry at musiums, parks etc. I phoned my 80 plus years retired government clerk father and 70 yers old mother congratuling them on this and enquired how many times have availed this free facility. My father told me since 1962 his shifting to Karachi he has never ever been to Museum even once. My father is 80 plus years. He had twice heart attack. Now he walk only a distance and sits down. He cannot go alone even to nearest market. Now that Government has officially accepted that senior citizens in their retired age do not have sound health, if it really in letter and spirit is keen to give them a real incentive then it may prescribe that a senior citizens for withdrawing his pension would personally attend the Bank or Post Office concerned one month and next three months his personal presence is not required. In those next months any of his representative could deposit usual pension claim forms and his pension would be credited into his account. Each month a pensioner draws his pension submitting a certificate attested by a Gazetted Officer that pensioner is alive. Once a pensioner present himself personally he be paid next three months on basis of fresh new such certificate and 4th months he be required to again personally attend the Bank/Post Office/Pension Office. This costs nothing but will give real relief to the concerned senior citizen in his old age. When Federal Ombudsman declared to remove discrimination between old and new pension, a high official objected to it and advised government to file a revision appeal. He was right because as per a recen item he today as retired is today drawing Rs. 1.20 lac per month as a rent against his one property only. There was not merely one, there are many more still present. Hence I am sure there would be many wonderful objections from bureaucrats to this proposal if by any remotest chance gets chance reaching to the table of appropriate authority. INDUSTRIAL PLOTS FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTAN BY Javed - 30 September 2004 The other day a serious columnist stated whatever from our beloved country may come as a strange news it should not surprise any of us. And my life experience has shown it was true. Government for the last 15 years is crying for industrial development. Appealing both to Overseas Pakistanis and locals to invest in industries to make industry grow. For this purpose different industrial zones have in the past been introduced and continuously are being established new. But are actually we honestly interested that right people should come forward and invest? Or are we making bureaucratic jokes? Before coming to my point I may introduce one of my friend Mr. Abdul Qaddus. He is resident of Sialkot having now obtained Arab nationality. He is a banker turned big businessman. When in 1990s our Government appealed Overseas Pakistanis (Ops) to invest in Pakistan, he sold his UAE business and transferred all his money for establishment of Pakistan?s first CNG Station at GT Road Gujranwala. At that time even our government bureaucracy did not know what were the documentation requirements for a CNG Station and which departments are involved. It took him about two years in completing these formalities as whenever he thought he now had met full requirements it dawned on him only then that now another new department was involved from where he was to get NOC or this and that approval. He was the first person who imported particular specifications special machinery from abroad. In his words at each step it appeared to him that functionaries had eyes more on his pocket than the CNG station. At some but only on a few places we met with very nice co-operation and assistance. After installation of the first he wanted to install similar stations at Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi but suffering through hands of income tax he could not bear and shed of this idea and concentrated fully on his business in the Arab country of his residence. Last month Pakistan?s leading daily which also publishes a weekly page for Overseas Pakistanis carried out a survey in UAE. Ex-President or Vice President of a Pakistan Association there told the newspaper that he wants to establish a CNG Station in Pakistan and has obtained NOC Clearance from eleven Departments but so far he has not even been able to start construction of the station. My above friend Mr. Abdul Quddus despite having very bad experience again out of patriotic sentiment as though he is a foreign national today but Pakistan has not died in his heart after seeing an advertisement on Overseas Pakistanis Foundation web site desired to establish some industry in the Sundar Industrial Estate being established near Lahore. Yesterday 28 September with the help of OPF he got the application form. Plot cost is Rs. 3.5 million per Acre whereas much better plots can be obtained at much cheaper rates. Now hold your breath, he is to pay 30% advance and merely within 90 days to pay the balance. What a wonderful attractive long 90 days incentive gap? Practically it would be more easy for an applicant to pay full at once rather than in 90 days. Immediately he is to take possession and within 6 months to complete the project and in 18 months to start production. Keeping in view the statement of above UAE person who had obtained clearance from 11 departments and still has not been able to start can any fool expect ordering of machinery, shipment of machinery, construction of plant, installation of machinery and above all contacting 10 to 20 departments, applying for their requirements all in these 18 months? Has the government or Punjab Government which has established this industrial estate opened some office (practically) where under one window under the one single roof (as is in UAE) where all government requirements for establishment of industry would be granted? My friend Abdul Quddus threw the Form in my presence with remarks to its staff to file it. In 18 months production to start? Only in our beloved Pakistan bureaucracy can prescribe such conditions. My friend Mr. Abdul Quddus not knowing initially where the Sunder Industrial estate was addressed his intention to Pakistan Embassy there requesting to help him get a Form. His written request on his company letter head was by hand delivered to Pakistan Embassy. A week back when he met the Consulate on a condolence meeting on enquiry he was told his letter had not reached the Embassy. Knowing well Pakistani Embassy attitude he separately seeked OPF help who took immediate interest in providing him the Form. Two days from today (01 October) he is proceeding to Saudi Arabia to see the possibility of investing that amount kept for Sunder Industrial Estate now in Saudi Arabia. SALE OF PIA HOTLE ? SALE OF NATIONAL ASSETS INCREASED CASH IN HAND By Shahnaz - 29 September 2004 PIA?s Roosevelt Hotel New York as per report is finally likely to be sold soon. Since many years some wanted this prestigious hotel to be sold for obvious interests. Like majority public sector organizations this hotel is going on loss despite having injected approx. Rs. 30 billion from time to time from national exchequer to keep its financial health sound. Some quarters says the hotel is not merely a golden eggs laying goose but also a prestigious landmark of Pakistan in USA. Getting such a place in future is impossible. Our big mouth writers often tell the nation how PIA had improved since take over by the present Chairman who does not take any salary. Many columns in the past have been written about this non getting of salary. In fact these writers write same praising words on arrival of each new Chairman, each new leader and each new man on the new chair. Similar things these writers often write about Steel Mills etc. Only about two three years back we the ordinary people learnt that PIA had overcome its crisis and had become a profit earning organization. After every two three years since more than a decade we are listening Steel Mills for the ?first time? having come into profit. I remember though I do not have relevant press cuttings now that about 6 or 7 years ago President of Habib Bank was presenting the huge profit figures. Only a month or so later he was changed and the new President of the Bank was telling that figures presented were not based on correct calculating formula. The shining example of this trend is when His Excellency General Pervaiz Musharraf as Chief Executive told the nation that during Nawaz Sharif wrong figures of Pakistan?s economy were presented to IMF which imposed a heavy fine of Rs. 5 billion on Pakistan later reduced to Rs. 5 million. The report says on sale after paying to Saudi partner and payment of taxes to USA government hardly a 35-40 million dollars cash would come in hands of Pakistan/PIA. This figure for a few months will increase the financial health of PIA so it could meet the expenses of free Haj trip etc. Whatever the nation is hearing stories about recovery or boosting of economy is simply because of such sales proceeds. Since first tenure of Benazir government when the habit of selling national assets and showing more cash in hand was adopted, the fact is real economy has never ever recovered or improved. The recoveries had always been temporarily due to such cash whereas foundation of economy day by day got weakened. This is same like giving a serious patient highly enriched healthy food and suppressive medicines which though start showing a little red healthy face of the patient but from inside his health deteriorates speedily. Example can be seen about 4-5 years back a sick Arab king coming back to his country after treatment, traveling on open motorcade showing his recovered health and in a week after having his heir appointed died in a day. Injecting finance from national exchequer into sick industry or showing proudly increased cash in hand figures by selling sold national assets is nothing but a self suicidal efforts. Of course economy is developing but only limited to mostly food streets, late night hours opening of ice cream tikka for a few and early evening silencing of home kitchens of majority. Increased cash in hand or 12 billion foreign exchange reserves do not boost the kitchen economy of majority as on the back of these reserves or cash-in-hand there is no sound recovery of health rather temporarily suppressive medicine like sale of hard solid national assets. Cash is to finish in our own lives rather earlier. What we will leave for our generation to come to sell if ALLAH MAY SAVE THEM they had for any reason to sell something to meet any crisis then. PS: Before I could close this came a news item dated 28 September 2004 that His Excellency General Pervaiz Musharraf addressing Pakistanis in USA during his recent visit disclosed that Mr. Shaukat Aziz 2-3 years back as the then Finance Minister advised the General to get rid of PIA even at a US$ 1/- and also Pakistan Steel as National Shipping. HE General Musharraf said he did not agree to it and referred that today PIA had today so many new planes. If one reads all this one sure picture comes that there definitely is something at some concerned levels both at government opposition press etc to keep the nation always confused, tell them two stories and not let the nation know truths. For example one day we say Bin Laden could be dead and next day we say he is alive. BOOKING OF FLATS AND REFUND - By Javed - 20 September 2004 Shameem Dallazy a widow has complained to the Editor of daily DAWN that she booked a flat in 1995, paid advance payment followed by a few progressive installments totaling Rs. 16,500 but due to some unfortunate suffering in the family she could not pay further. Her request for refund is keeping on lingering the Builders say there are many such cases pending wth them. Let me tell the lady out of her Rs. 16,600 when in next 2-3 years she would get the refund it would hardly be Rs. 1000 or Rs. 1500/- the most. Most of the Builders in Karachi are more interested in getting allottees cancelled their booked flats or becoming allottees defaulters. Against a 50 flats complex booking is made in tent offices all over the city from more than a thousand or two thousands. The first biggest income is sale of thousands and thousands of application forms at a non refundable cost of Rs. 100 to Rs. 250/-. Then second biggest income is advance application money from all these thousands. All applicants are issued allotment letters. From here different techniques or cancellation threats are applied desiring people to get their allotments cancelled so the same cancelled one could be sold to new applicants for again cancellation and so on. For example one company advertised ?on the rate of dust get gold ? get plot @ Rs. 5/- per sq.yard?. This rate of Rs. 5/- was very attractive and easy affordable. As soon as thousands and thousands applied and got allotment letters, came a Bomb that they are to pay Rs. 17,500 within a fortnight towards first installment for construction of an Islamic Library in the Colony. Applicants had applied thinking easy affordable installments and paying in lump sum Rs. 17,500/- was impossible for 95% of them. Moreover in the newspaper advertisement, brochure or in the application form there was no mention if every allottee was to pay any additional Rs. 35,000/- towards Islamic Library. The total cost of plot payable in installments ranged from Rs. 12,000 to 18,000. When approached allottees were told that they had agreed to the terms & condition and it was a condition laid down on the Notice Board and approved by competent authority. Thus people started requesting for refund which in fact from the very beginning was the intent of the Developer. I struggled for more than 15 years on the subject. From 1984 to 1998 I wrote to each President, each PM, each Sindh Chief Minister Governor, dozens of MNAs, MPAs whoever in the newspaper stated he was a public servant but no body ever took any interest. 98% never even acknowledged me. I also approached honourable Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee, Shehri, concerned citizens association, another association situated in Defence etc. My suggestion was that there should be no booking of flat or plot on the Application Form printed by the builders rather it should be on a printed Standard Agreement to be signed both by Developer and applicant indicating each and every term with no hidden or undisclosed term. I further suggested that this Standard Agreement should be prescribed by available at cost with Builders and Karachi Building Control Authority and Builders should be bound to book the flat on this Standard Agreement. Years back when I raised this issue through Sindh Ombudsman I got a copy of the then Model Agreement from KDA/KBCA. Reading its language gave an impress either the person who drafted had no study in Law or was an ex-builder now a government employee. I made some specific pointing about these flaws including that there is a lot of difference between a ?Model? Agreement and a Standard Agreement. I was told that the Model Agreement was available at Rs. 50/- which any body can have from the counter and use it. I offered to the Sindh Ombudsman that in the larger interest of the community despite myself being a poor clerk having 100% Rizq-e-Hilal I am ready to spend Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 and Ombudsman Secretariat may depute one of its ordinary staff member who may buy this Rs. 50/- model agreement and approach any two or three Builders asking them to book (with my money) a flat in his name on this model agreement and see the taste of pudding. I never got any response to this offer. While Karachi Building Control Authority submitted to the Sindh Ombudsman that people can have this model agreement and can get their bookings with private builders the KDA itself offered allotment of plots merely on printed application forms instead of this so-called model agreement. When I enquired in writing from Lyari Development Authority I was told rules of KBCA were not applicable on it (within same one single Karachi city!!!). The Application Forms of Builders only contain what an applicant is to do but never tells what the Builder is to do. If a question is made they will tell the applicant to see the Brochure which is not a legal document. In the very fine print an applicant signs ?I agree to abide by rules? but those full rules and conditions are in fact never ever known to the applicant. Where any Builder makes it prescribes its language is so even educated people do not understand the practical side of those condition. For example most f the applicants do not understand that these Builders make refund applying a formula of prescribed 5% or 10% of the TOTAL COST OF THE FLAT and NOT 5% of paid amount. For example this widow has paid Rs. 16,500/-. She would be expecting to receive back Rs. 16,500. Whereas the Builder will apply this 5% (usually it is10%) on the Total Cost of the Booked Flat. If flat cost is, say, Rs. 300,000 the Builder would deduct at @5% Rs. 15,000/- and hand over the lady Rs. 1,500/-. This formula when applied on allotment, cancellation, then allotment to a new applicant and cancellation gives a very lucrative continuous income to the builder. This is what the Builder is more interested and this is the reason one sees most of the project for 5 to 10 years still incomplete. There are a very few Builders who do not indulge in this practice but these Builders are out of reach of ordinary man. The other fine print condition most is refund would be when a new purchaser is found by the builder for the cancelled plot. Now the allottee who cancelled his booking has no tool to know if the company had found a new purchaser or not but for years the Builder will tell that so far there is no new purchaser and for this he would hang a banner on the These builders are so powerful that never ever any authority like KDA would ever prescribe booking of flats on prescribed one standard agreement. I understand NAB is now a days releasing some public guidelines on the issue. I have not seen these advertisements but only came to know through weekly ?Ghair Fauji Column? by Brigadier� Sault Mirza in Daily Khabrain Lahore. if NAB is really interested in the public welfare on this subject then it should consider introducing booking of flats, houses and plots on a standard published agreement where name of builders, parties addresses, total price inclusive of everything, date of completion are entered by hand and rest all terms and conditioned printed keeping interest both of builders and allottees in view. But I know it will not happen i-TECH WASTE OF MONEY IN ITS PRESENT SHAPE By Javed - 16 September 2004 Col. � Riaz Jaffri the other day in various newspaper columns commented that on government web site infopak.com.pk out of so 20 Ministries there were only 5 email addresses of the Ministers and there was none for the President and the Prime Minister. Some private sites show email addresses as that of His Excellency the President and His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan but this does not appear to be correct. Last month on my enquiry I was officially told that mail boxes for Their Excellencies the President and Prime Minister were under process. However, Col. Jafri instead of worrying why only 5 Ministers have email contacts should be more interested to upgrade his general knowledge on something else. He should visit the Government of Pakistan official website Pakistan.gov.pk. It is really a very beautiful and good site. Col. Jafri I suggest should go to each Ministry, Division and Department listed on this site and see how many sites practically are fully working. Then he may do another interesting exercise that almost against each Ministry, Division or Department there are email addresses of webmasters, Secretaries or other Contacts. On some there are Online Feedback Forms. He may use these Feedback Forms and also send an mail to each seeking some general information, keep giving reminders and wait how many responses he gets. May be Col. Jafri gets some other experience but whenever I visited this site I could not stop smiling as always not more than half the links I could successfully approach. Many a time this site in itself is not accessible. It is my firm belief that i-tech in our country is just waste of poor debit ridden country?s money and nothing else. As at end of each financial year haphazard development work is seen on roads and streets without any proper planning thus leaving electric poles within the roads just to spend and exhaust the un-spent budget, likewise money is spent on i-tech. This technology is being installed on the premise that it would benefit public, but has it? Last year for weeks I sent emails to Interior Division on their 3 gives addresses. Each one each time came back. Most of emails addressed on government sites come back undelivered. Emails addressed to one semi autonomous body came back undelivered. When I informed the Department concerned there came a reply which was just a little short of telling me you are a liar. I mailed them a Print Out copy of one such undelivered email. Then came the reply that sometime government blocks hence this situation. This department then on its office letter head sent me new email addresses. While it was a good gesture of the department taking pains in typing a log list of their new email addresses, the old obsolete email address printed on letter head remained in tact. This is what it is rightly said it is not the technology rather it is man in front or behind the technology which matters. The Department wizard forgot that if printed email addresses were not valid then those be removed but just a line with pen as was practice in old days when there was no I-tech and office correspondence was done either through manual typewriter or through pencil and carbon paper. State Bank of Pakistan recently directed banks to give reply within 15 days to public. It has a nice web site made on huge expense. Col. Jafri may send some email to SBP and sees if SBP itself gives reply to Col. Jafri in 15 days. I sent emails to Chairman PTCL Islamabad for 18 months the only reply came when I approached Federal Ombudsman. Now for the last 3 months every Thursday I am addressing Chairman PTCL by email on its new Asaan Telephone scheme so far not a single response. For about 6-8 months almost every Thursday I sent reminders to First Women Bank, PICIC etc never got any response from their web site. For the last 2 months I am emailing each week National Bank of Pakistan no response. I do not remember since how many months I find I-tech, emails, websites are just waste of money and just running with fashion. Col. Jafri should be more serious on this spending rather email addresses. WHAT HAVE WE GIVEN TO PAKISTAN? WE THE UNGRATEFUL PEOPLE. By Shahnaz - 16 September 2004 A very beautiful letter appeared from a reader Honey. She has said a very beautiful thing. She says few days ago we celebrated 6th September with great zeal in memory of those gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting us and the country. She questions ?Dear readers have you ever thought what we are doing for out country; in return we are doing simply shameful example is our cleanliness, garbage wastes lying around and we do not even bother to put into dust bins?. We are doing in fact shameful for the country at all levels; may it be common man, leader, journalism or what else. In order to show ourselves modernised, liberal and open we all have opened out big mouths to criticize our traditions, founders of nation, customs of our forefathers, our history and even our religion. And in this regard our extreme is shameful. A Pakistani who got his education on expense of this nation, got green Passport of this country and went to Canada. He probably got foreign nationality there. Some of his relative sent him a parcel which reached Canada in about 7 days but could not be delivered to him due to change in his address. Canadian authorities returned this back undelivered and in about two months it did not reach back to his relative in Pakistan. He had used most shameful language for Pakistan Post Office praising the Canadian Post Office. He did not feel a minute shame that it was in the first instance efficiency of Pakistan Post Office which forwarded the parcel immediately to Canada. He ended his writing using the words ?dishonesty of Pakistani nation and thieves present in Pakistan Post Office?. In return being an ex Overseas Pakistani having lived abroad for 20 years I compared the services of Pakistan Post Office with that of foreign post offices. I submitted concrete arguments that how good despite gray areas Pakistan Post Office was and how in foreign countries one man do one job whereas a complete two man staff manages a whole Sub Post Office dealing with insurance, arms licence, utility bills, Zakat coupons, collection of tax and so on which no foreign post office can think of doing. The newspaper which is published form all four provinces of our beloved country including from London too and has a claim of being largest in Pakistan had ample space and keeping for long the letter abusing Pakistani nation from this shameful Pakistani-origin but it had no space at all for my counter arguments praising our own postal department on very sound arguments. No writer can demand as a right of his letter published as it is sole discretion of an Editor. But it is also a recognized journalistic principle that an honest editor allows at least another view on the same subject. In fact no Pakistani newspaper like The News, DAWN, Frontier Post, Statesman, The Nation. The only paper which printed my letter exactly as it was, was the weekly Tribune International Australia. I had been living in a Middle East country. One government Department there was the biggest employer of Pakistanis. There were then at that time about 3,000 Pakistanis majority from Balochistan, then second from Punjab and third from NWFP. Preparing their personal files invariably people from Balochistan entered their nationality as ?Balouchi?. The Arab supervisors earlier wondered that a person is holding Pakistani Passport but his nationality is Balouchi. The fact is it is only we the Pakistanis like that Pakistani-turned Canadian who feel no shame criticizing our own country which brought us up. PAKISTAN BLESSED WITH NATURAL RESOURCES, WORKMANSHIP ONLY NEEDS EDUCATION AND WARENESS By Javed - 15 September 2004 A reader S. Nayyar Iqbal stated that recently he went to Muree and Nathiagali and saw children selling roasted corn-on-the cob and daisy garlands each priced Rs. 5/- He had seen standard size roses in English films. He quotes Holland exports tulips world over, Thailand exports orchids which is a multi million dollar business. He wonders why Punjab and NWFP Governments do not cultivate flowers and export as suitable environment, climate and manpower exists.. We do not have merely environment suitable for flowers rather we have everything God given. But our only lacking is proper education, proper guidance and awareness. I was working in the Middle East then. A very pious and Pakistan loving Pakistani businessman settled there two years back one day was very sad. He told me that morning he had to sit with Pakistani Ambassador there. Talking generally the Ambassador told him that the Embassy received that week some official gift packets from Pakistan for onward forwarding to high top level dignitaries. The gift packets contained Pakistani fresh mangos. Since Ambassador was a retired military person who are trained in fine discipline he asked his staff for a second check of Mangos before delivery to dignitaries. According to the Ambassador many of the mangos were over ripped. He removed all these, purchased from the local market Pakistani mangos, repacked the gifts and delivered. When he spoke over the phone with the authorities back in Pakistan according to the Ambassador the reply from Islamabad side was as if he (the Ambassador) was speaking lies. Pakistani products, Pakistani manpower all are nice God gifted. The only need is proper education to live with standards procedures and measures adopted by the world today re selection, preservation, packing, handling etc.. ADVERTISEMENTS FROM HOUSING PROJECTS, WHY AUTHORITIES REMAIN SLEEPING? By Javed - 15 September 2004 Reference letter appearing the other day in Frontier Post from Latif Qureshi Lahore referring to some advertisement appearing in press from Station Headquarters Lahore Cantt informing the public about some housing schemes fell under the restricted area of Lahore Cantonment and that those named schemes have not obtained necessary NOCs from relevant authorities. Latif Qureshi wastes his energy showing his unnecessary regrets that the Cantonment Board has published its this public notice advertisement after advertisements of these schemes had been coming in press for the last two years and thousands of common men have applied, paid monies, infrastructure laid down etc. He raises a stupid question will the Station Headquarters clarify as to why it kept silent when these developments were taking place and billions of rupees were invested by the public. I have myself not seen any but only through his column by Brig � Soulat Mirza appeared in an Urdu daily on 27 August 2004 I came to know that NAB under it campaign against corruption is releasing Public Awareness advertisements. In this series NAB has released some Guidelines for the public concerning cooperative and housing societies. What are these guidelines is not a point here. In 1993 an advertisement started coming in the newspapers for allotment of plots in a housing scheme location shown ?near Islamabad?. The advertisement quoted a reference and its date as stated therein as approval (or perhaps NOC) having been obtained by the advertisers form the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). Before reading further keep it in mind this advertisement came in 1993. Seeing the RDA reference of approval or NOC as usual people trusted, applied and kept on paying progressive installments. Address of the scheme owners was of an Islamabad Bungalow. The advertisers later shifted their office from posh Islamabad locality to Chakri Road Rawalpindi and changed and re-changed company name. Seeing no substantial site development in years allottees started approaching the RDA but it did not give any reply. When someone approached the Punjab Ombudsman, came the first response from RDA that in 1992 through a public advertisement it warned public not to investment in this scheme. When a question was raised that RDA warned people in 1992 whereas advertisers advertised in 1993 giving a very fresh 1993 RDA reference why RDA then in 1993 did not through some public advertisement immediately warned public that it had not issued any approval (or NOC) for the project and that the owner?s claim was wrong. The reply from RDA was that in 2000 (after 7 years of public having invested) through another advertisement it did so. Punjab Ombudsman referred the matter to the Dy. Commissioner Rawalpindi who in his written investigation report submitted that both the housing scheme as well its owners were fraud. The most interesting is after finding it fraud neither the DC nor the Punjab Ombudsman did mention even a single word in their Report/Decision respectively that after having been established a fraud what action they were ordering to apprehend the fraud people and save the innocent people. Some affectees also wrote to NBA enclosing therewith copies of DC Investigation report but never got any response from NBA even an acknowledgment. So Latif Qureshi should not be ungrateful. He should be thankful to God that in this case the concerned informed the public in as early as just in 2 years and not like MDA after 7 years. COMMISSION OVER COMISSION, COMPLAINT CELL OVER COMPLAINT CELL, OMBUDSMAN OVER SUPER OMBUDSMAN ETC. By Shahnaz - September 09, 2004 We are a nation who keep spending on making new things but never care to keep to utilize properly or improve them the ones already available. The net result is even after 58 years of independence on none of our national sector we can be proud of except for our beloved Army. For example we have 18 system for telephone complaints. We created an Ombudsman system in the country and telephone complaints were given under its jurisdiction. While the Ombudsman system in its early stage was well dealing these complaints we created on huge expense a Commissioner for Telephone Complaints which in present of Federal Ombudsman office appeared to be just creating a new post for someone. This Commissioner was closed then was created special complaint cells. Then over it was created a special complaint cell for filing complaints on web at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. You send a complaint to it, it will acknowledge then hardly would ever come with final reply. Now we have created a hot line etc. But the point is why so much expense, so much offices? Why not to concentrate on 18 to improve it. Why same work should not be done by 18 which a little compared to expenses these Commissioners, special cells, hot lines do? Effective 14 August 2004 Independence Day the Ladies bus service has been introduced in Karachi. It was inaugurated by the wife of Honourable Governor of Sindh. Initially this service is limited in frequency and on limited routes. In fact such a service in the past to best of my memories were twice introduced but failed. The problems of lady travelers are really very acute but is the separate bus service a true remedy? Sindh Ombudsman a few years back if my memories are no misguiding me in this old age ordered to block the ladies compartment of buses and coaches. Newspapers and social circles praised this move. Is the Sindh Ombudsman traveling on roads in his staff car does not now see the gents sitting particularly morning and evening time in ladies compartments? The State has provided provision in Sindh Ombudsman Ordinance to take note of non compliance of his order? Why that provision is not being used. Was the order only for issuance or also to see its implementation? Last year Sindh Transport Minister came out of his staff car, stopped a mini bus on the road and physically punished the driver for keeping gents in ladies compartment. Does the Minister today traveling in the staff car does not pass by buses and mini buses? Or was his above action just to get popularity as was done last year by Chief Minister of NWPF by traveling as a common passenger in an ordinary buss from Peshswar to Lahore, got his photograph published, got praises for future travel by same staff cars. SECURITY DEPOSITS ? BANKS, ELECTRICITY, TELEPHONE By Javed 09 September 2004 In his letter published on 24 August 2004 S.M. Bukhari from Karachi stated Banks chare a good amount of Rs. 3000 as security deposit which when locker is surrendered after 10 or 20 years is refunded back without any compensation. I struggled on this issue for more than 10 years that WAPDA, KESC, Gas company, Banks at the time of surrender of meter, locker should either share the interest they had earned keeping cash security deposit for 10, 20, 30 years or alternatively should accept as security Savings Certificates issued by Pakistan Post Office pledged in their favour so on close of electricity connection or locker the citizen gets benefit on his deposit. I gave reference to the relevant clause approved by the Federal Government that Certificates issued by Pakistan Post Office can be pledged as security with government departments. I approached on this issue at different levels including State Bank, Pakistan Banking Council, Federal Ombudsman and with some legislators of that time but I never got any response. If my memories are not misguiding me in this old age I think I also addressed some years back the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan as a Human Right Petition but perhaps my petition gone astray in mail. Mid 1990s I took this issue when PTCL had with it my security in the shape of Defence Savings Certificates. A telephone connection obtained goes practically in inheritance whereas the Defence Certificates after 10 years got expired. PTCL resisted my move but the then ombudsman well appreciated my view point and ordered PTCL to return me my matured Certificates which it did and against my Rs. 400 security deposited in shape of these certificates I got from Pakistan Post Office about Rs. 13,000/-. SENIOR CITIZENS DO NOT NEED FREE MUSEUM ENTRY, THEY NEED COMFORT REAL COMFORT By Javed - 02 September 2004 On the initiative of recently outgoing Adviser to Prime Minister Ms. Nelofar Bukhtiar, before leaving his Office as PM Chaudhary Shujat Hussain approved a package for senior citizens. The package includes respect to senior citizens, discounted medicines at Government Hospitals etc. The most important thing rightly observed by the Prime Minister was that these elder citizens need such incentives due to ?weaker health conditions of the elderly?. What type of special treatment at Banks? Would there now be provided special rest chairs for these senior citizens in Branches? Would they be given special interest rates? Would there be no service charges or withholding tax on their accounts? This is not clear however the paramount thing is that it has been officially realized that in their old age health condition of these senior citizens is not sound. The fact is such packages have since the rule of General Ziaul Haq been announced but practically nothing happened in the past. The biggest such package with much fan fare was announced by Nawaz Sharif which as usual remained in files only. Rather it was Nawaz Sharif during whose tenure rates of interest on saving schemes meant for these senior citizens were drastically cut. Such schemes mostly remain to announcements and did not shape in material shape. For example about three years back Gold Silver & Platinum Cards Incentive Scheme was announced for Overseas Pakistanis (OPs). Certain limits for their remittances were fixed. One of the incentive announced was that holders would be treated as VIP and would be invited as Guests in all functions held in Pakistani Missions abroad. Recently when I enquired I was informed that though it was announced but concerned Ministry later did not agree to it. Well there must be some genuine reason for it but OPs were never told of this non materializing of this incentive. Due to many social reasons many people used to open bank accounts in their single name giving addresses of third parties. On their sudden death the family members never knew if deceased had any private bank account. This is the reason a colossal unclaimed amount is lying with State Bank since decades which should in fact be made public. In 1990 I raised the issue that there should be no single signature account opened and every account holder should sign a declaration drafted and proposed by me. The Federal Ombudsman treated it as a humanitarian important issue. The then Banking Council and the then Presidents of all 5 commercial Banks tooth and nail resisted my proposal. This resistance was not unexpected for me. The main argument taken by the banking industry was that the implementation would affect confidentiality of account holders. However based on my very logical and sound argument the Federal Ombudsman issued his order accepting my proposal and my drafted & designed Proforma was made mandatory with opening of new accounts. Later this Proforma was inserted into new account opening Forms by all banks. In the ombudsman decision it was also written that with the next six monthly statements the existing account holders would also be sent the Proforma but banks never did so because it was against vested interest. And the ombudsman also did not take note of this part of non compliance. The serious newspapers like daily Jang wrote editorials on this decision praising it. Subsequently I struggled that since Pakistan Post Office, National Savings, ADBP, NDFC etc also operated citizens accounts this decision should also be implemented on them and it was done. National Savings has introduced a senior citizens pensioners account. All these pensioners are above 60. After 60 life is on bonus. 95% of these retired people in this age suffer one disease or the other. My mother is about 70. For the last 20 years due to continuous sickness her hand writing has become very shaky. Now for the last 3 years her hands are permanent trembling and she cannot even properly hold the pen. She is on the chair and I know how she is taken to National Savings after every 3 or 5 months to sign before the Officer Incharge of the Centre. My father is 80 plus having twice heart attack. He did not open this Pensioners account. He told me ?Son just for Rs. 3 lacs deposit I do not want my children after my death to pay frequent visits to courts and spend 50 thousands on advocate fees to get inheritance certificate to claim this Rs. 3 lacs?. National Savings has not allowed joint account to these old senior citizens. Its argument is if a young son, daughter or a brother of such a senior citizen is allowed joining the account it could be misused. This is an argument of no sense. I am 40 years. If today I give my Rs. 10 lacs to my father and he opens account with it but I enjoy the profits which law of Pakistan can stop me from doing this?. This is totally a bureaucratic ego and usual bureaucratic obstacle. During the last more than one year I have repeatedly written to the PM, the President and even to Federal Ombudsman on this subject but I never got any response from any quarter. Even I wrote to some so called senior citizens forums/ associations but they did not take note of it. I also drew the attention of senior columnists Mr. Irshad Ahmad Haqqani, Mr. Abdul Qadar Hassan, Mr. Hafizur Rehman, Mr. Ikhtisar Baig, Ms. Musarrat Jabeen, Attaul Haq Qassmi etc. Now that officially it has been admitted that retired persons are not in sound health then it is time we do something for them practically. The senior citizens need such concessions which give them comfort. They do not need ?respect at Railway Station?, free entry in a museum etc. How many of our retired persons who today find it difficult even to buy necessary old age medicines go on museum or zoo? Since now fortunately a very senior able Banker of international repute has taken over as the Prime Minister I hope he would appreciate the issue through banking point of view and would be kind in taking practical action in this direction. SEPARATE LALDIES BUSES A WASTE ON SURE UNSUCCESSFUL By Shahnaz - 01 September 2004 We are a nation who keep spending on making new things but never care to keep to utilize properly or improve them the ones already available. The net result is even after 58 years of independence on none of our national sector we can be proud of except for our beloved Army. For example we have 18 system for telephone complaints. We created an Ombudsman system in the country and telephone complaints were given under its jurisdiction. While the Ombudsman system in its early stage was well dealing these complaints we created on huge expense a Commissioner for Telephone Complaints which in present of Federal Ombudsman office appeared to be just creating a new post for someone. This Commissioner was closed then was created special complaint cells. Then over it was created a special complaint cell for filing complaints on web at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. You send a complaint to it, it will acknowledge then hardly would ever come with final reply. Now we have created a hot line etc. But the point is why so much expense, so much offices? Why not to concentrate on 18 to improve it. Why same work should not be done by 18 which a little compared to expenses these Commissioners, special cells, hot lines do? Effective 14 August 2004 Independence Day the Ladies bus service has been introduced in Karachi. It was inaugurated by the wife of Honourable Governor of Sindh. Initially this service is limited in frequency and on limited routes. In fact such a service in the past to best of my memories were twice introduced but failed. The problems of lady travelers are really very acute but is the separate bus service a true remedy? Sindh Ombudsman a few years back if my memories are no misguiding me in this old age ordered to block the ladies compartment of buses and coaches. Newspapers and social circles praised this move. Is the Sindh Ombudsman traveling on roads in his staff car does not now see the gents sitting particularly morning and evening time in ladies compartments? The State has provided provision in Sindh Ombudsman Ordinance to take note of non compliance of his order? Why that provision is not being used. Was the order only for issuance or also to see its implementation? Last year Sindh Transport Minister came out of his staff car, stopped a mini bus on the road and physically punished the driver for keeping gents in ladies compartment. Does the Minister today traveling in the staff car does not pass by buses and mini buses? Or was his above action just to get popularity as was done last year by Chief Minister of NWPF by traveling as a common passenger in an ordinary buss from Peshswar to Lahore, got his photograph published, got praises for future travel by same staff cars. STATE BANK OF PAKISTAN, PEOPLE FRIENDLY ? MY FOOT By Javed - 17 August 2004 A reader Mr. Sattar Khan Sadozai from Peshawar commented that State Bank takes pride in continue reminding us that how ?people friendly? it has become. Then he wonders that then why SBP fails to take action as and when required. He quotes example of Bank of Punjab Crore-Pati scheme, HBL?s recently charging PPL shares processing fees and so on. He quotes finance companies in Sindh, cooperative banks in Punjab that SBP and Finance Ministry only woke up when damage had already been done. State Bank is not and had never been people friendly right from 1972. In fact protection of people?s interest after 1972 appears to have been deleted from dictionaries particularly where it matters common man?s money. Take the example of early 1980s lucky draw installment schemes. Mr. Justice � Mohammad Iqbal was the then Federal Ombudsman. He took suo moto note of mushroom growth of such schemes. The class reply, if my old age memories are not misguiding me, came from Finance Ministry that it cannot take any action, when people will be deep into it they would themselves avoid joining such schemes. I do not remember the exact wording but those were something like this. Mr. Justice Sardar Iqbal who was really a true ombudsman got annoyed and wrong a strong worded memo to the Ministry. At this stage Finance Ministry in consultation with Interior Ministry issued a circular to all provincial government banning all such schemes, advising to get refund to public involved and where no such refund is made by companies Provincial Governments were advised to proceed against such defaulting companies. It is now about 18 years people money is still stuck. No provincial government has cared to take proceed against such defaulting companies. If someone approaches he is given a reply go yourself to the court. Lucky draw installment schemes were under Pakistan Law banned early 1980 even then eg a company was given written permission by all the four provincial governments to run the illegal business of lucky draw. Many years later some amendment was made in the law to allow such schemes but with some conditions. I raised the topic ?investigation as to how written permission was given to a business which was illegal under the law, who gave and whose plams were greased?. One may not believe that despite about 7-8 years correspondence with Sindh Ombudsman and about 3 years with Punjab Ombudsman where I got this reply and that reply but never ever got answer to the real point raised ?who gave and why gave? this permission. Before my death never ever I know I will get. Only a week back I read a news item that National Bank has stopped service charges on remittances (home remittance from abroad). When the National Bank levied these charges I never know. And today I realize may how much had the NBP been deducting from remittances which I had been sending to my parents till recently during my service abroad.. Two three years back I sent a Bank draft from UBL Dubai for credit into my brother account in UBL Karachi. It was drawn on UBL itself. The UBL deducted double service charges. One Rs. 40/- service charges and other Rs. 80/- as courier service. The draft was cleared through usual clearing house hence no courier was involved within the same city. Within in Karachi TCS charges were highest which were then Rs. 25/- whereas I was charged Rs. 80/-. When Federal Ombudsman was approached the result was as usual. Whenever you approach to State Bank on any matter concerning any complaint against any commercial bank like service charges, non issuing you Pass Book, levy of any new fee you will get a stereo styled reply that under the so-called Prudential Regulations banks have been allowed to formulate their own policies. A 4-5 months back addressed me as an account holder whereas I had never been. Due to today?s situation it cause worry. I wrote the bank I had never been their account holder and confirm me if there exists any account in my name. Bank never responded me. I was worried perhaps based on any photocopy of my NIC some one fraudulently opened account in my name I addressed the State Bank to enquire the matter. First two months it never gave any response. One its web site auto generated system acknowledged me the SBP will contact me within 48 hours. Three months have passed but SBP?s 48 hours have not finished. On the other hand last month it advised commercial banks to given positively reply to public complaints within 15 days. Doubtful loans were being given and written off right under its nose as it was regularly getting Returns from Banks but it remained silent till huge had gone down if not till when benefectors have digested fully. National assets are being sold to show improved figures of economy. And the Central Bank is silent and does not couarge to speak that all foreign prescriptions may not be suitable to us and that assests are hard assets and more valuable and not hard cash. This Central Bank does not advise to whom it should that what would be sold (GOD forbids)by our future generations in case if any real emergency arises. Right under its nose very proudly Banks are in race with each other announcing so much profits earned but this peole friendly central bank sleeps over a question to these commercial banks what you are paying to depositors. Our central bank is not people friendly but bureaucratic friendly. CONTEMPT POWER TO OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN By Javed - 10 August 2004 While presenting the usual annual report the Honourable Ombudsman Azad Jammu & Kashmir proposed that Ombudsman should be empowered to hear the contempt of court cases as it was already prevalent in Pakistan. His Excllency the President AJK agreeing to it assured that the matter would be sent to AJK Legislative assembly. From the news item it is not clear if Ombudsman wanted the powers to hear complaints of contempt of other courts (civil, tribunals, administrative courts etc) or contempt of his own office which is also a sort of court. Usually a court can take note of ?its own? contempt. For example if some one does not implement the order say of a high court, or makes insulting remarks about a high court or does not obey orders of a high court the same high court takes note of its contempt and not any other high court or any other subordinate court. As such it is presumed that the Honourable AJK Ombudsman wanted power to take note of contempt of his own office namely non implementation of his office orders, disobeying it etc. If this is the case, which I presume is the case, then originally if my memories are not misguiding me at this old age the contempt power was available to Ombudsman AJ&K which sometime later was withdrawn. 2. I am a Pakistani national and I understand that there is no bar of any sort any Pakistani national non AJ&K resident Pakistani speaking or commenting on any matter of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. 3. Seeing my deep interest in the then newly introduced concept of ombudman system in Pakistan the then first Pakistan Ombudsman Honourable Mr. Justice Sardar Iqbal advised me more than a dozen time to remain in touch with his Secretariat as according to him my comments gave his secretariat necessary feed back to improve any grey area. In as much as despite the fact it was the teething problem stage, he carried whole 3 page of my very critical letter to him published in his house journal. In 1995 when for the first time I went to Sindh Ombudsman Secretariat in connection with my complaint I could not believe investigation officer honouring me as a guest over a cup of tea. While I was feeling a sort of embarassment on this reception which I did not deserve the investigation officer was saying he felt honour meeting a person like me, according to him, the person who has heart for others and has courage speaking truths. Despite my resistence he picked up his internal phone, talked with the Ombudsman who advised to bring me to his chamber. The Honourable Sindh Ombudsman called 5 others DGs and Secretariat Secretary and gave me more than an hour finally advising me never ever to be afraid of and keep using my God given pen highlighting problems and truths. 4. Our present day ombudsman system (the ombudsman system; not any specific or particular - federal, tax, or any provincial ombudsman) has almost failed to deliver except for individual relief to a few hundreds yearly. Ombudsman system was not formed to provide individual relief but to ?diagnose? the administrative wrongs and take steps that same administrative wrong does not occur again. In early stages of its establishment the Federal Ombudsman and the Sindh Ombudsman Seceretariats despite teething problems showed very nice appreciable results (decisions). Subsequently the whole system started disappointing and these offices turned mostly as bureaucratic secretariats. This is what an ex DG of one such secretariat once publically remarked that officials working in ombudsman secretariat soon shifted their sympathies from common man to their counterparts in their parent offices. And this is a fact. For example the other day I complained to one ombudsman that an advertisment appeared from one department. I read it but could not keep a copy. I repeatedly wrote to that department to let me have full details about advertised scheme but no response came despite dozens of reminders in a year and which non esponse act was an act of mal administration. One may not believe that in retun concerned ombudsman refused to entertain my complaint on subject of Non Response from said department on the ground that I did not provide the ombudsman copy of said advertisment. This in other words meant that said ombudsman was asking me to provide him my class roll number whereas I was complaining about my non admission in school. One high ranking bureaucrat posted in one ombudsman secretariat whose communications to me during 1980s contained very affectionate and always encouraging words, in 2000-01 when I just slightly pointed out to him a clause of his own office (ombudsman office) procedure his immediate communication to me wording of which is not remembered but but it was ?Do not write us any more on this?. 5. Ombudsman offices do not need contempt powers. Our whole ombudsman system is demanding since long more powers whereas fact is they already have sufficient powers but the only need is using those powers where those should be used. The other day I was reading a letter written by an ombudsman secretariat to a government office almost ?pleading? for reply as the department since long (about a year perhaps) had not sent its rejoinder to the said ombudsman in a complaint. The reason is these departments today are not afraid of form ombudsman system knowing well these ombudsmen secretariats themselves mostly not comply with office procedures and give replies to commoman citizens after reminders. Overseas Pakistani complainants were being summoned un-ncessarily on travel cost of Rs. 30,000 minimum while case might be of Rs. 1000/-. A representative of Overseas Pakistanis appointed by Pakistan Government approached somewhere when he got a response in 1999-2000 that the concerned Ombudsman had issued instructions to his secretariat that OPs should not be summoned for personal hearings. Officials working in that secretariat till today are asking OPs to come for hearing (no comments). Once when one of our ombudsman came from his foreign tour addressing the press conference he stated in the country from where he was coming the ministers are suspended on order of ombudsman there. On this Pakistan?s senior intellectual Munoo Bhai wrote a very beautful worth reading column saying everything cannot be solved by powers. If everything could be then we could long have settled so-called MQM problem in Karachi. The real point is how to use the existing already availale powers. Sitting in the chamber of Sindh Ombudsman I quoted an example that in 1980s the GM Phones in Karachi was like a King. He had more respect than Commissioner Karachi. A citizen complained to ombudsman that he was not being given phone. The Ombudsman formed a committee comprising representative of his office, complainant, Engineer from area Exchange who visited the site and found there were many phones around the complainant?s premises and phone could easily be given. A joint report to this effect was submitted. GM Phones again submitted phone cannot be given due to technical difficulties. The then Ombudsman Mr. Justice Sardar Iqbal who ?knew? his power {same P.O.I of 1983] remarked ?the GM was still hampering? and directed the GM to personally appear the next day. GM who also knew what the then ombudsman Justice Sardar Iqbal was very next day submitted that phone was being installed. Thus Mr. Justice Sardar Iqbal showed he was not merely a law graduate but a marvellous communication engineer too. When I quoted this example in the meeting above, the reply given to me was a beautiful piece but more beautiful was my counter reply which this place cannot afford quoting. 6. Once a complainant from abroad filed a complaint. He was 3-4 days late in submitting his rejoinder. Concerned ombudsman made the decision that complainant did not give reply. In return the complainant submitted that if his reply had not reached then the ombudsman?s own written office procedure requied two reminders to the complainant last one under registered cover asking him to submit the pending rejoinder before issuing a final Decision. The wise complainant arranged from Pakistan Post Office a photocopy of receipt showing date, signature of recepient and verification by senior postal authorities that post article (containing reply of complainant) was properly delivered to the concerned ombudsman office (3-4 days before decision was written). The complainant foolishly but rightly requested that enquiry be made where went the received letter. Instead asking his secretariat staff to check where went duly receipted letter or summoning the postal authorities which were sittting just 5 minute drive away from his own secretariat asking them to come and verify if delivery certificate issued by them was genuine or complainant faked it, the ombudsman issued his revised Decision saying the complainant was black mailing my office and I can take action against him. Who was black mailing whom taking advantage of contempt powers? 7. A friend now retired residing in Muzaffarabad was very upset sometime in early 1990s about street draining system. I advised him to go to AJK Ombudsman. On my insisting he filed a complaint. The reply form Muzaffarabad municipality which perhaps now cannot be traced due to long passage of time was very shocking. Its wording were like ?How strange it is that Ombudsman is asking us rather than seeing that complainant works abroad, has good money and can get his job done at his own?. Street main drainage is the responsibility of municipality and is not connected with one?s personal income. Like majority of the citizen my friend complainant had no courage but I myself under my own signature addressed the then Ombudsman AJ&K drawing his attention to the words used by municipality that those were contemnous?. In rely AJ&K ombudsman informed me in words like ?yes, now we have seen these words and in future we would take note of such wording?. The complainant?s job to the best of my knowledge was not done by municipality till 1999-2000 and despite having contempt powers then no contempt notice was practically taken. 8. For speaking such truths I had in writing in the past more than twice been summoned officially to Pakistan Embassy during my service abroad because last time one ombudsman wanted me to shut my bloody mouth. The then Ambassador?s opening word to me was that he was shocked to see an ombudsman was making a complaint aganst a citizen. In the embassy due to protacol I had to promise that in future I will keep my mouth shut but I do remember immediately same evening I spoke to Mr. Justice Nasim Hassan Shah the then Chief Justice Pakistan who advided me that I should file a formal complaint under Human Rights and he would process it and I would need not to come personally for hearing. I addressed the said ombudsman more than a dozen time enquiring from him (i) what was the cause of complaint against me and (ii) why under recognised universal principles why he did not address me directly rather than through Embassy. The said ombudsman who used to take note of non response of other departments terming it act of mal administration, like our legislators/politicians felt himself exempt from provision of mandatory response to members of public and never acknowledged me. 9. I used to visit once a year or so an ombudsman Secretarit and had got some respect or intimacy with staff there. There always used to be rush of visitors. Two three years back when I went there there were hardly any visitors. In fact the waiting room had been closed. On my enquiry off-the-record the officer remarked ?Javed Sahib when people know these doors today have nothing to give them why the poor on expense would come?. AJK Ombudsman received 509 complaints in the year 2003 (on how much budget!). I had always trusted no system may it be parliamentry or socialism can deliver and the only solution to all our national ills was in establishment and strengthening of ombudsman system even on Mohllah level. But today seeing what is happening I am of the belief that closure of our ombudsman system is much better than spending what collectively the nation is spending on keeping it, the system which is producing annual reports reading of which amuses the readers like me. I do remember many years back a Karachi newpaper on its front page published an article. It calculated 365 days of a year minus holidays multiplied by working hours per day multiplied by 60 minutes an honour divided by number of justices claimed to have been provided in one annual report and arrived at a product of 5 minutes. Then the daily captioned ?what machine the ombudsman had installed which produced one justice every five minutes?. Air Marshal Asghar Khan?s remarks about ombudsman system were remarkable. 10. The Ombudsman system should not be given any contempt powers which will frighten the citizens rather than errant officials. Our ombudsman-system does not need contempt power. 11. One ombudsman a few years back ?delivered? 661 justices during the whole year. But how much was spent on the Secretariat of said Ombudsman is not known to me. If the total budget/expenses of that year is divided by 661 justices, knowing cost per justice would be interesting. One of my colleague working with me here sent a Bank Draft of Rs. 500/- to Pakistan to one government department towards some fees. Department did not give any response. My friend complained to concerned ombudsman from where came an order to my friend to come to Pakistan on so and so date for a hearing. My friend had some ?soft material? in his skull. Instead of spending at least Rs. 30,000/- on travel expense he threw away that hearing notice on the trash and spent a new Rs. 500/- on getting a fresh draft and got his job done. I wonder if ombudsman system is totally de-established in Pakistan and total budget spent whole of Pakistan on ombudsman system is saved and from that amount a fund is created out of which aggrieved people like my friend are paid eg Rs. 500/- of his bank draft loss, much would be saved annually. If the whole budget being spent on keeping ombudsman system in Pakistan is diverted to Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan for its Human Right Petitions on issues of collective community interest rather than individual reliefs, it is my firm opinion much better long lasting results can be obtained and socieity generally and collectively can benefit. UN-INVITED GUEST OF TWO PARTIES ? SECURITY LAPSE By Javed - 01 August 2004 Our Government is seriously concerned with terrorism like unfortunate incidents which are picking up. The Government has done and is doing whatever is possible. It has as much possible provided police and armed escort to VIPs, to enhance security some link roads at some places have been blocked for ordinary traffic, every hook and corners vigilant police is thoroughly checking Motorcyclists and Rickshaws. But even then such unfortunate incidents keep going on. What is the reason for it? Could it not be that we are paying all our attention on some steps like more and more security personnel, more sophisticated arms to these security personnel but may be neglecting the real points treating such points just unimportant? There had been a big scandal in allotment of industrial plots in Karachi. The Sindh Government perforce had to order an enquiry as ?Taja Hawaldar? honourable Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee in his column exploded this scandal. The SITE Karachi which invited applications had contacted National Bank of Pakistan to arrange computer programming facilities for balloting of the applications. At the balloting Ministers, senior bureaucrats and VIPs including the applicants were present to see the transparency in balloting. The whole balloting process was recorded on video tape. A bearded man comes on the stage, runs the computer, feeds the input and starts the balloting process. This bearded man was the main important concentrated figure for the whole ceremony lasting more than half an hour. For having the testimony of the bearded man in the Enquiry, now no body knows who this bearded man was. The SITE management says that they ?thought? this man came with NPB Team. On the other hand NBP Team says they thought this was the SITE man. The enquiry report tells no body recognizes him who he was and both sides blame the other. Here is the point to ponder in all this ?drama?. We concentrated more on important things like stopping traffic ambulances when ministers were coming to the Site Office, extraordinary security out and inside the Site offices where balloting was being held, checking of chairs and sofas for any hidden gadget but gave no attention to real point who is coming with whom. In the marriage party Bride took it as guaranteed that a Guest eating his 5th chicken tikka was invitee of Bridge-groom side and Bridge groom side thought he was from bride side. The bearded man was brought in through a deep pre planning by one of the two parties. There is no need saying which one as matter in itself speaks well. However the second point out of it is that wherever there is such an unfortunate incident there is mostly a lapse of security and that lapse is that in case of eg. bringing a pistol in a plane, a timing device in highly secured area, someone from inside had definitely helped it and unfortunately when it comes security checking our ?friendship, high rank? always has an influence in by passing the prescribed security requirements. PS: This writer of this has worked for more than 18 years in Police Service abroad. KARGIL COMMISSION ? BEING A COMMON STREET CITIZEN CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY? By Shahnz - 31 July 2004 A controversy has started about formation of a Kargil Commission. With Nawaz Sharif?s interview with Indian newspaper that Pakistan military started Kargil without his knowledge and he was about to form a Kargil Enquiry Commission. I have no concern with any politics as being a common man my main politics is my livelihood. I have spent 20 years abroad. What I found living abroad is that it is only we the Pakistanis, may we be politicians, bureaucrats, columnist or common citizens, who talk against our country, criticize our country, feel shame on forefathers left traditions. We are the only press which with open arms welcome anything letter to editor or column which is critical to Pakistan and gives good examples of India or west. Last month a ?baysharm? Pakistani convert Canadian saying that there were thieves in Pakistan Post Office ended with words that Pakistani nation was dishonest. The country?s largest circulated Daily gave this space but when I wrote in favour of Pakistan Post Office well comparing and quoting examples of foreign post offices the Daily had no space for me. The only publication which after evaluating the comments and arguments gave a space was www.tribune-intl.com which is published in Australia. I am a common man not much educated hence my expression in simple way. Our every Dick and Harry including highly educated intellectuals like columnist Mir Jamil-ul-Rehman etc today are favouring for a Kargil Enquiry Commission. But for me as a common man it is very strange and not understandable. Earlier through our TV radio press we learnt that Pakistan was winner in Kargil. Nawaz Sharif went to Kargil and we saw his photographs there. With his departure we started learning that we lost in Kargil. But with my own eyes I saw on CNN ex President Bill Clinton when questioned answering ?Yes, we asked Nawaz Sharif first to first pull back from militarily advanced areas in Kargil?. Why would and from which advanced areas Bill Clinton asked if we had not conquered, captured or advanced? I was then working abroad. I saw there in newspapers a statement of Indian Defence Minister requesting (or advising) US to instruct Pakistan to go back to original places. Later I again read another statement from Indian Defence Minister that ?Pakistanis are still there and we cannot push them back? {Unfortunately I do not remember the date or reference of this press statement]. In the light of Bill Clinton and Indian Defence Minister?s statements my point as a common man is when these two sides themselves are saying that Pakistan had militarily won then why are we bent upon to prove India had defeated Pakistan in Kargil? Accepted for a minute that the Military did not take Nawaz Sharif into confidence, the point is as soon as Kargil first mane our started do we believe All India Radio, BBC, CNN would had kept their mouths stopped? Kargil dispute was covered both by Pakistani, Indian and foreign media and even every person on street in Pakistan was aware that there was some fight going on then how it is possible a Prime Minister remained unaware of? The fact is the strategy which started in 1998 to defame Pakistan Army and Judiciary in the eyes of people of Pakistan is continuing and we are bent upon to destroy fully these two institutions. Even the Enquiries going on in India on the false victory prizes and achievements in kargil have not closed mouths of our columnists, intellectuals. Why did not during his tenure Nawaz Sharif not disclose that Kargil started without his knowledge? The fact is people like Nawaz who after their depose talk about and Jamalis who do not think the nation capable of knowing the truth why he was resigning should have no respect in the eyes of people and nation and none of the word after they go home should be believed at. STATE BANK OF PAKISTAN WHO MUCH IT ITSELF RESPECTS OMBUDSMAN SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN By Javed - 25 July 2004 State Bank of Pakistan has through its circular directed commercial banks to have an in house ombudsman to deal with public complaints. Last month it issued another such order that commercial banks should invariably give response to public complaints or communications in 15 days. Some intellectuals and economists rightly opine that State Bank of Pakistan as country?s central bank failed to perform its duties properly. I quite agree its employees (top management) like others are ?government Servants? who have to care for their service and their children and to do what political governments direct them to do. Zulfiqar Bhutto was the first to slab SBP forbidding it release its annual reports for sometime. But blame also goes to the Bank itself. For example while it tried to show its unconvincing diligence in 1997 towards recovery of bad loans, it is also a hard fact it deliberately remained sleeping when such huge doubtful loans were being given and written off as through monthly returns it was getting every such information about such rapidly increasing figures. How much respect or care SBP itself has for ombudsman system in Pakistan or for an Ombudsman can be judged from the fact that when late 1990s the then Federal Ombudsman took a suo moto note of written off loans and directed SBP to provide him the details, SBP refused to obey an ombudsman. Its stand though relevant press cutting is not before me but according to my old memories which if are not misguiding me was that ombudsman had no jurisdiction or perhaps it sheltered under ?confidentiality? of account holders. Since 1982 we have a Federal Ombudsman who did a good job taking over complaints against UBL, HBL, NBP and SBP itself. The point is why should each Bank has a separate ombudsman? Why not the already existing experienced Federal Ombudsman should have jurisdiction over these Banks? By appointing separate ombudsmen is it an admission that the Federal Ombudsman has not been successful in dealing with complaints against Banks? I know in the developed countries there are separate ombudsmen for different fields like banking ombudsman, press ombudsman, insurance ombudsman. But point is have we reached to that developed stage where we should have separate ombudsmen? National Bank of Pakistan established its in house ?Ehtisab Cell? and appointed Mr. Fazal Hussain Kazi as its Head. Has due to this Ehtisab Cell the NBP staff bad behaviour, 90% invariable disappearance of six monthly statements, refusal to accept bills, disappeared? No, all these are still there. Tax Ombudsman on huge expense has been established. Have tax problems been solved? The self speaking answer lies that in my library I have preserved as souvenir a pressing clipping telling CBR had so much shortfall in its revenue target. But very next morning newspapers were full CBR has achieved its fixed targets. Within night? Jugglery of figures!!! There existed a tax ombudsman. Nobody took suo moto notice of this. Two years back while CBR was directing assesses that there would be no extension for filing of returns, only 6 days before the Department ordered printing of revised income tax form. Establishment of new departments, Commissions, Ehtisabs, district level ombudsmen, special complaint cells, economy banks, Poorman Bank, cricket ball export Foundation, NADRA and National Savings Offices abroad, these are all in fact creation of new organizations to accommodate some dear ones of turncoats. Had there been any remotest honest sincerity towards nation and the people, the emphasis would had been strengthening more the existing institutions like say Federal ombudsman or First Women Bank etc rather than duplicating. These attempts are merely slogans. For example while SBP directs banks to give reply in 15 days, I complained SBP against a commercial bank about 3 months back. First it did not give me any response. When I kept on sending reminders its auto generated web system accepting my complaint stated I would receive reply within 48 hours. Today it is more than 6-7 weeks that I am awaiting to finish 48 hours. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS AND THEIR INVESTMENT By Javed - 25 July 2004 The senior columnist and writer Munoo Bhai in this column titled ?It is not a Suicide but Murder? appearing internet edition of Urdutimes narrates story of an Overseas Pakistani Muhammad Rafiq Choudhry who went to USA and worked hard as a taxi driver and saved about US$ 60,000 for investment in Pakistan. But seeing the failure of Nawaz Sharif?s Qaraz Uttaro he kept his money there in US. When during present government eradication of corruption, better and sound investment facilities were repeatedly claimed, in June 2001 he brought his money to Pakistan and allured by slogans invested into Stock Exchange. According to columnist Munoo Bhai Ch. Rafiq opened a DCPI Investors account and on alleged advice of some ?officer? also opened his CDC Sub-Account and went back to USA. After three months he was conveyed to him that there was Nil balance in his account. He rushed to Pakistan and met Karachi Stock Exchange concerned Member where he was shown an alleged letter which Mohammad Rafiq had purportedly and allegedly issued authorizing someone else to deal with his account. Mohammad Rafiq refused it was signed by him. The Account Officer was dismissed and licence of Member KSE suspended. Early 1990s I was then working in a middle east country. A Pakistani there had subscribed PIA shares. These shares were perhaps originally in the name of Government or Defence Ministry which I do not remember now exactly. PIA shares department advised all such shareholders to surrender these shares so that new shares in allottees names could be issued. This Pakistani through someone deposited his shares worth more than 7 lacs with PIA. PIA issued a prescribed Receipt with the advice to collect new shares when ready against surrender of original Receipt. When some people received Dividend from PIA he did not get. When approached PIA told him no shares were standing in his name. When PIA was again approached with reference to his Folio No. PIA replied you have sold the shares to so and so. My friend shareholder told PIA the original Receipt was still in his possession so how the shares were sold. Simultaneously on my advice he approached, IG Police Karachi, FIA, Karachi Stock Exchange, Federal Ombudsman and OPF for filing of an FIR. At this stage some people at his native home town Gujrat started visiting his family that a then minister allegedly wanted to see the shareholder just for a courtesy social meeting. In short there were some sweet coated threats and some alluring offers to the middle east sitting shareholder through his family in Gujrat. The shareholder could not resist these threats and accepted the cash payment of his loss and had to withdraw his complaints from all levels. He was lucky he got his amount. ARMY LEARNT THE HABIT FROM THE POLITICIANS - By Shahnaz - 12 July 2004 Under caption ?Civil bodies in real estate business? Syed Iqbal Ahmed on 13 July 2004 in Daily The News International Karachi.referring to some Station HQ Karachi advertisement re development of its 16 acres land on M.A. Jinnah Road Karachi, raises a question that if this big piece of land on main busy road was not needed for any military purposes why should army not surrender on it ?book value? to Sindh or local Government for better public use. Iqbal?s question is quite logical. But people like me who have balanced rationale views have a similar logical question. What is the guarantee that this surrendered land would definitely ultimately go for public use and would not soon change shape to become some special housing scheme, some new type of tactful Trust ie Imran Khan Hospital directorship of which mostly was distributed amongst the family members. Mr. Iqbal perhaps does not know that concept of public use of land for parks, playgrounds, schools is today out of Pakistani dictionaries, thanks to our politicians. Last month I was reading a portion of a plot KPT having leased to Sindh Police for construction of a school which was to be attended by police and KPT employees children without any fees. The construction was financed by some businessman. Now when school was near completion KPT has stopped it because it appears to has some better ?idea? from political minds sitting in local and Sindh Government. Army or bureaucrats joined the race of ?plots? after seeing ?much? and for long the politicians and civil rulers. PAKISTAN POST OFFICE ? A DEPARTMENT PAKISTANIS STILL CAN PROUDLY COMPARE By Shahnaz - 10 July 2004 I twice addressed this of mine to our dailies called serious newspapers namely DAWN, The News, Statesman, Nation, Pak-Tribune including Jang Internet Edition in which the actually letter in reply appeared but none published. Since my comments were not against Pakistan or critical to Pakistan hence these could not get space. Only Weekly Tribune International which is published from Australia published it. They published is surely knowing the practical comparison as administrators of Tribune International live abroad. Brother Shafiq Khan long living in Canada through his letter to Daily Jang internet edition has used whatever words he could remember against Pakistan Post Office. He says he sent in the past gifts to friends in Pakistan which did not reach. He is particularly angry over a parcel which was sent to him from Hyderabad. Since he was not available at his address, the Canadian authorities sent this parcel back to Pakistan which in about a month did not reach back to Hyderabad and he feels it has been stolen or pilfriged by Pakistan Post Office staff. We the Pakistanis are very beautiful and nice people. But most unfortunate is we let no chance left comparing Pakistan with other countries through black jaundice eye glasses. For most of us who by any luck had a chance to once go abroad everything abroad is a glitter. We praise foreign traditions, people, customs, services out of proportion and have no independent judicious honesty to compare. I have lived abroad in different countries for about 20 years mostly in middle east countries. During all this period I must have read at least more than 500 complaints appearing in press complaining about theft, loss of parcel or an item form it and at the end blaming Postman in Pakistan. I have never ever seen even a single mention where such a Pakistani has same time put a little blame on post office of the concerned foreign country. Brother Shafiq has taken it as guaranteed that items lost and pilfreged are at Pakistan Post Office. Why it cannot be at Canadian Post Office?. Is Canadian post office being manned by some super angles and staff working there is all angels? I myself or none of my family has ever worked in Post Office directly or indirectly but I do posses a considerable knowledge about postal system. Once a supreme court level judge in his Decision in a matter raised before him wrote about me that I had a vast knowledge about working of Post Office. As with law & order, economy, the performance of all our Departments and institutions has no doubt also deteriorated. But as brother Shafiq claims he sends mails to different part of world, like him I also deal with different departments one way or the other and it is my firm belief that Pakistan Post Office and Sui Southern Gas Company Karachi are our two best departments in Pakistan on performance of which we the Pakistani should still be proud of. No doubt our Post Office does not have big buildings, no air conditions, have old candle system to vax seal the items, no NCR papers but carbon , yet it has excellent performance compared to foreign postal system. But this only a true honest eye can see. Our town post office called a Sub Post Office comprises one Upper Division Clerk as Asstt. Sub Postmaster, one clerk and one packer. These three men have only two 30 years old chairs and one wooden stool to sit. Post Office comprises one single rented room with one 40 Wt bulb and one trembling fan. This team deals with sale of postal stationery, registries, parcels, driving licences, arms licences, food stamps, insurance premium, money order, identity card forms, savings bank and so on. Payment of utility bills is being included. I would not be surprised within the next a year or two if distribution of zakat, issuance of monthly railway passes, cinema advance booking, payment of excise custom duty also is not assigned to this Post Office. What is in foreign countries? Large spacious building with automated office equipment is called a post office where one man deals only one service. One selling the postage stamps would not even touch booking of a parcel. In as much as in some middle east countries Registration Receipt is filled in by sender himself to avoid pain in the neck of registration clerk. Our postman brings our home 10 kgs parcel. Can brother Shafiq imagines this even in his dream in Canada? Brother Shafiq will take leave from his office to collect it from post office. Brother Shafiq and I living in Canada can not think of standing out of queue and affixing postage stamps except at top front left hand side of envelope. In Pakistan both me and brother Shafiq feel it our ?freedom and human right? to freely affix postage stamp anywhere on back or on bottom of the envelope not realizing it creates problem to post office. It is similar as flying from Pakistan to abroad both me and brother Shafiq do not get up from plane seats unless its comes to stand still but when it lands at Karachi/Islamabad and still is a kilometer taxing towards terminal we stand up pulling our head luggage. Loss and theft of mail is an international phenomena. The volume of articles each postal system today deals with makes it prone to these problems. No postal system of the world is free of it. People like Mr. Shafiq feel postal system of western world most efficient. From amongst hundreds I give one example. I lived in Bahrain for 5 years. As there was only post box system for mail I had my own personal post box there. Its number was ABCD (fake). Letters posted from the world?s top postal system United Kingdom addressed to post Office ABCD or House No. ABCD at Bali, Bhutan, Buunei, Bremuda, Bahamas or Beirut used to be lying in my Bahrain Post Box ABCD. This was the efficiency of both England and Bahrain postal system high modernized with machines. A bank in Karachi had to pay me Rs. 60/- which to avoid some embarrassment it was facing, it sent me in Bahrain through a world?s top treated courier service by spending more than Rs. 800/-. It never reached me. When I told the Bank it sent me a fresh pay order under my advice through Pakistan Post Office paying Rs. 15 or 19 as postage. It reached me 4th day. According to Brother Shafiq the parcel reached Canada in 9 days. Judge the mentality of the complainant that he does not has a word of praise for Hyderabad-Pakistan Post Office who showed its efficiency that immediately it sent to Karachi and from their to Canada. He is totally silent on it. But is crying over Pakistan Post about non return of parcel in a month. How has he taken it as guaranteed that Canadian post office might not have sent it back so far. Brother Shafiq before crying over Pakistan Post Office should know that under universal postal agreement the returned undelivered parcels are not returned by airmail but by Surface/Sea Mail which can take 2-3 months. It is the kindness of Pakistan Post Office that it has received and replied the complaint of brother Shafiq. Brother Shafiq has no locus standi to file a complaint because as per universal procedure it is his relative in Hyderabad who is sender and booked the parcel who can make such a complaint. Yes I agree that items more particularly cash during Eid days is stolen from overseas incoming mail. But I know this is not done by Pakistan Post Office. It is done by a special department who takes all such mail in the name of censorship where these are opened. The bad name goes to post office. Remember when Benazir was PM her personal mail was alike opened by this department. A lot of influence is used to get oneself posted there. In this age where a whole data can be copied in a small floppy mail censor speaks in itself. In the past I had raised this issue which was going in favour of Pakistan Post Office but unfortunately postal authorities did not support me. Last but not the least the most unfortunate and regrettable is that like brother Shafiq our national dailies like DAWN, The News, Jang, Nation, Kyhybermail etc have no space for thoughts like me which I many a times in the past addressed these papers seeing similar complains. I am sure had I wrote against our post office or anything critical it would had definitely got space. Pakistan Post Office staff is not from another God. It comprises of staff which is from amongst we the general society, comprises our brothers sisters fathers etc. So why to expect extraordinarily exceptional form postal staff where as they are from amongst us? If we are corrupt why cannot they be? If for coming to my office I can sit breaking the law into women compartment of the mini bus why cannot a postal staff leave his seat a hour earlier? At the end brother Shafiq says he damn cares about the parcel, it comes back to him or not but he is more frustrated about the ?mentality of Pakistani nation? for this dishonesty. Shafiq is a Pakistani, he went on Pakistani Passport as a Pakistani citizen to Canada and shamefully criticise the mentality of Pakistani nation whereas he and his forefathers had been the part of this nation. OUR NATIONAL HERO?s PAKISTANI NATIONALITY SAVED ? THANKS GOD By Javed - 10 July 2004 By nature I am a person who honestly and sincerely joins in happiness and sadness of others. I really feel both happiness and grief of others. But it is the first time in my life that I am happy that Humanyun Akhtar has not been selected as next Prime Minister as was being rumored by our national press for the last two months. Hymayun is a young energetic person and son of great and brave General Akhtar. His selection as Prime Minister I feel might had good effects on the country as being from young generation he could have better way of dealing the issues. But I felt happiness only because his non selection has saved one of our 1965 decorated war hero who soared across the Lahore skies to stave off Indian fighter jets winning hearts and gratitude of Pakistan nation named Air Commodore � Sajad Haider. Talking with DAWN Magazine?s script Anjum Niaz 13.6.2004 the hero Sajjad Haider stated ?if Hymayun Akhtar becomes the next prime minister, then I am going to give up my Pakistani citizenship!?. I am happy that God saved this nation from its hero surrendering his Pakistani nationality. SOLAR POWER FOR NORMAL HOUSE USE ? INFORMATION? By Javed - 01 July 2004 Ever arising cost of electricity due to theft and kunda system under the blessing of concerned I have brought my domestic usage to bear minimum. Even than it is becoming unbearable effecting gradual emptiness of my kitchen. As an alternate for ordinary room lights and fan I think of using some solar power small system about which we read so much. But before searching for any such domestic equipment available in local or foreign market or asking any science student to try installing a domestic solar panel on the roof, would anyone tell me if using or installing such a system and getting some relief through this modus operandi is not violative of any rule or laws of our beloved country. Would anyone help in knowing rule law on this subject. DO NOT DEPRIVE THE NATION KNOWING SUCH NOBLE PERSONS By Javed - 15 June 2004 Mr. Jewan Khan is an urdu columnist. He had probably been a senior bureaucrat who recently retired. He is writing weekly column which are very public appeasing. In his latest column appeared in daily Jang of 5 June 2004 on the topic on the proposed ?District Ombudsman Commission? while about talking generally about he helplessness of ordinary man and powers of officials, he has mentioned that in this land of pure of 5 rivers there is a small district where is no open handed greasing of the palm. The reason of which is the elected representative from that district. Just learning about any such deal he makes it his personal matters, raising such irregularity at upper levels and fights unless the ?deal? is not undone. There is no ?Bhutta? culture in his constituency. Last month some senior powerful officer came in the grip of this elected representative and he had to go transferred ?empty handed?. Mr. Jewan Khan has done a great ?injustice? with his readers by not mentioning name of such a rare speciy still present in out of lot of elected in Pakistan. Mostly humbly It is prayed that Mr. Jewan Khan should not deprive the citizen of country knowing such a personality to feel still there is much hope for Pakistan despite imported foreign wisdom policies. RESPECT OF DIRECTIVES, ORDERS PIA, OMBDUSMAN, TENDERS By Javed - 06 June 2004 www.satribune.com has carried in its end May 2004 issue an article on PIA in which it claims that it has in its possession documents which allegedly show that Chairman PIA approved award of some PIA cabin crew shoes to a show company Firhaj Footwear a dealer of ?Hush Puppies? which, according to satribune.com has a permanent contract with Chairman?s own personal Pakistan?s second biggest shoe giant.. While issuing the specifications it was allegedly stated that shoes should be of Hush Puppies standard. The satribune.com alleges that this practically meant that for next round of negotiation of purchases only Hush Puppies could compete as they were seat as the standards. The order or award is of huge amount. Long years back when there was no Accountability Bureaus or Ehtisab Bureaus etc a government department floated a tender advertised as usual in the press inviting quotations for different items and against one item ?Brand/Commercial name? of a product was mentioned. A contractor took it up as complaint with Federal Ombudsman who observed that by mentioning the product/brand/commercial name in fact only the owner/manufacturer can compete. He remarked it unfair practice and directed future tenders would not give such specifications or brand names which only one particular party could meet. But not only gone are the days now but also who cares for decisions, orders, policies and who is afraid of from Ombudsman system today. JOB RELATED ISSUE, DIRECTOR ONE DIRECTOR MURDERED, ONE INJURED By Javed - 13 June 2004 As per a news item in Daily Nation of 12 June 2004 a WAPDA Director was shot dead while another was seriously injured by an Assistant Director over some ?job related? issue inside WAPDA House. ?Job-related? issue? A few years back a WAPDA Director put up a note that he had observed a tendency of writing of substantial consumer billed units as ?Test Calls?. Once a friend of mine received telephone bill which he found excessive. I advised him to file a complaint with the Federal Ombudsman from where he would surely get relief if complaint was genuine. He filed it. But as is with our old generation he wrongly took it that just in 4 to 6 days matter will be solved whereas office procedures naturally take some time. I advised him to be patient. A few days later when I met him and wanted to advise him again to remain patient he surprised my by telling that he had got his problem solved. On my enquiry the old man told me some body gave him an ?advice? acting on which he went to concerned telephone revenue department where quite a good number of his metered calls were reversed as ?Test Calls? and his bill was reduced. The said Director as per the then news item who put up the note that some staff was indulged in above ?Test Call? technique causing heavy financial loss to the Department was immediately transferred to some other place as his Office Note was likely to affect the ?office related? test call business. The above murder of the Director and injury to another had some ?job-related? issue!!!!. ELECTRIC POLES, TRAFFI SAFETY, IMPLEMENTATION OR DIRECTIVES: By Javed - 12 June 2004 letter appeared on 12.06.2004 from Mr. Saleem Akhtar Karachi titled Electric Poles. He says when roads are widened electric poles are not relocated which hinders traffic as such better coordination between various departments needed for public safety. Exactly I do not remember but it was sometime early 1990s that coming on bicycle in the night I struck myself with an electric pole on which there was no electric bulb and it was about 5-6 feet inside the road. I was injured. I took up the matter with Federal Ombudsman. My point was that in the second half of each financial years all of a sudden mushroom civic development work takes momentum. Purpose of such development is never a real development but to spend the budget before it gets expired by awarding contracts to this and that dear. Since intentions are always budget hence all such development works are done in hip hazard way leaving eg poles inside the road. I suggested that it may be directed that all utility services coordinate each other and no development work is done by one without written consent from the other that there was no other development work likely to be in next 3-6 months from that other agency. I also suggested that a permanent coordination committee may be formed. My this proposal did not involve any financial burden but only honesty in spending public money. Separately I raised the issue with Sindh Ombudsman on the subject of above coordination committee. Exact name I do not remember but at that time Commissioner of Karachi made a committee assigned to make a utility map of whole the Karachi. I suggested this committee may look after my proposed task. The only outcome of my this effort was that the then Federal Ombudsman issued orders to WAPDA to remove such electric poles whereas such poles also belong to telephone department etc. Who cares today about orders?. It is now more than 13-14 years. Last I passed from the same electric pole which injured me was in December 2002 and that electric pole was still there let alone remove from whole city or from whole the country. Saleem Akhtar?s letter of 12 June 2004 is a self speaking proof of implementation of directives. PLEASE DO NOT DEPRIVE THE NATION FROM KNOWING SUCH A POLITICIAN STILL IN US By Javed - 08 June 2004 Mr. Jewan Khan is an urdu columnist. He had probably been a senior bureaucrat who recently retired. He is writing weekly column which are very public appeasing. In his latest column appeared in daily Jang of 5 June 2004 on the topic on the proposed ?District Ombudsman Commission? while about talking generally about he helplessness of ordinary man and powers of officials, he has mentioned that in this land of pure of 5 rivers there is a small district where is no open handed greasing of the palm. The reason of which is the elected representative from that district. Just learning about any such deal he makes it his personal matters, raising such irregularity at upper levels and fights unless the ?deal? is not undone. There is no ?Bhutta? culture in his constituency. Last month some senior powerful officer came in the grip of this elected representative and he had to go transferred ?empty handed?. Mr. Jewan Khan has done a great ?injustice? with his readers by not mentioning name of such a rare speciy still present in out of lot of elected in Pakistan. Mostly humbly It is prayed that Mr. Jewan Khan should not deprive the citizen of country knowing such a personality to feel still there is much hope for Pakistan despite imported foreign wisdom policies. I-TECH ? WHAT FOR PAKISTAN 35% MORE THAN INDIA By Javed - 17 June 2004 His Excellency Professor Dr. Attaur Rehman day and night is struggling hard for introduction of i-tech in Pakistan. He has during the last two years spread internet even in small towns with a real appreciable speed. The daily Jang of 07 June 2004 carried a news item Dr. Attatur Rehman saying that Pakistan?s speedy progress in i-tech was 35% more than India. It is really heartening. But what worth is our I-tech?. For six months last years I addressed email to Interior Division at their given 3 addresses which always came back undelivered. Where emails on high cost installed I-tech do reach to any department hardly any reply is received in response. Most of government email addresses do not work. Most of home pages are not contactable. For the last one year almost weekly I try to reach NDARA Guest Book but even once has not been able to reach it. My few emails addressed to a semi autonomous body in Islamabad came back undelivered last years. I addressed the department by post mail. The department did not believe me and replied me it was the first time they heard so from anyone, in other words the department was telling me I was a liar. I had to reply the Department that the others who got back their emails undelivered might not be that fool wasting time to apprise you as their feed back and with my this message I attached photocopies of my returned emails. At this stage the department in writing informed me, exact words of which are not available with me, but it was that ?sometime government blocks the emails?. Then they sent me their new emails typed on department?s official letter head. But as is said it is not the technology rather it is the man sitting in front or behind the technology which matters while sending me new mails typed, on its letter head the same old email printed was still there. The ?man? sitting with technology had no sense to change the alreasy printed email address by hand till new letter head was not printed. Last year on the web site ?Comments & Suggestions? Format I enquired something from the government website Pakistan.gov.pk but never got any reply. I submitted my query on PTCL website and kept on sending reminders. The first response it gave me was after about one and a half year. There is a long list to it but one last would be suffix. For the last many months I visit, last being on 5 June 2004 website Pakistan.gov.pk/Law-division/ where column ?News & Press Release? always during these six months told me ?Currently No News Available?. For six month no news? wonderful. Last but not the least. It is approximately two and a half months I addressed Overseas Pakistanis Foundation both by post mail as well as emailS enquiring if OPF haD hostel facilities with its colleges/schools in Islamabad. Despite repeated reminders till today Thursday 17 June I have not received any response. It is just a minute job that computer operator at OPF reading my email can just click ?Reply and in two words says Yes it is available or no hostel facility. So what worth is wasting of so much money providing web facility at OPF and other places BALOCHISTAN ? ROYALTY TO WHOM By Anum - 16 August 2004 Recently a lot of columns, statements and letters have appeared about the situation in Balochistan. There is a war of words namely Government spokesmen saying it is not military action while opposition and all these writings say it was a military action. I do not see PTV or listen Pakistan radio. The other day buying something in a shop I had a glimpses of TV there where Major General Mr. Sultan the government spokesman was giving answers on some foreign TV. It was an Urdu language programme I was quite convinced with his reply that the real situation was that some people were resisting construction of roads, new bases and the military was tackling those who were resisting these. To me having a bit long know how about Balouchistan it was quite a convincing reply. Of course no government can tolerate attacks on its airports, killing for foreign consultants etc. However, when intellectuals like Irshad Ahmaed Haqqani etc speak about human rights, rights of local Balouchis in employment, royalty etc after all they, to me, must also be speaking some valuable. However, a recent column from well known Ms. Zahida Hina in Jang of 11 August 2004 has promoted me to write this. I am not any professional writer, highly educated or political worker. I am an ordinary street man with only secondary school certificate hence I see things from my own eyes and mind based on weight of my little wisdom if there is any in me. Hence I wish the highly educated readers should understand my mind and keeping in view my limitation in understanding intricacies should comment accordingly. Zahida Hina says ?had the royalty for sui gas which keeps our homes and hotels warm been given judiciously there would not be so much deprivation and poverty in the province?. Many other intellectuals like learned Mr. Irshad Haqqani talk about this royalty. But royalty to whom? None of these writers, columnists and leaders tell the nation. I had been working in PIDC House Karachi in which building there is also an Office of an oil exploring company (named PPL perhaps, apologies if it is wrong) on the first floor. There in the PIDC House canteen I developed a friendship with a senior of this company which turned into long brotherhood. Late seventies and early eighties where were clam days he often told us his stories working on sui site as he very frequently visited and stayed there. He used to tell us how hundreds of ghost workers lists the company had whom salary was disbursed regularly but via the area Sardars. How many cars with monthly free petrol remained at disposal of Sardar and his men. These ghost workers overtime bills weekly used to be 250 hours, 300 hours each and Foreigner Executives working there used to wonder how it can be. But management was bound to pay which the government compensated/refunded the company. So the point is which ?royalty? and to whom? The fact is ?royalty? since long is being paid. Though practically it is ?Bhatta?. So why cry over so called non payment of royalty rather than crying for paying such amounts rightly to right direction. NAWAZ SHARIF PRAISED BEAUTY OF INDIAN DIPLOMACY: By Anum - 13 June 2004 Deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif praised the ?beauty of Indian democracy?. I really admire Indian democracy, he says reports AFP in 7 June 2004 newspapers. Nawaz Sharif is trying hard to come back on the chair. He quite frequently keeps talking about democracy and criticizing General Musharraf for taking over from Sharif. General Musharraf despite the fact I do not support most his policies is a much better democrat in my eyes. I dont care if some may laugh on me for my saying so. General Musharraf no doubt is taking his own decisions nevertheless where-ever elected representatives have recommended him or insisted him on any point he had respected such recommendations and most agreed to it. Please do not start laughing at me until you have compared the example I am giving of Sharif. The real fact is Nawaz had no interest or even inkling with democracy. I am not against Sharif. As an independent citizen having my own conscious I also know even Benazir, Altaf Hussain, all etc have no interest with real democracy. I am a common person hence I do not know high profile interpretations or definitions of democracy. What as a common man I know is democracy means doing and respecting the voice and wishes of the people by elected representatives and same way respecting the voice/recommendations of elected representatives by the government. But Sharif had not even slightest inkling with democracy or respect for democracy, elected representatives or parliament. I judge Sharif from one example. Asif Zardari is alleged 10% man which so far has not been proved. He might had been 10% which should in way be of any surprise seeing so many 20%, 30% bureaucrats and Haqs but Sharif damaged the very foundations of this country. He was a businessman and a very successful businessman. In business Sharif family was honesgt. He knew well what does pulling of working capital form business means. Knowing well since trend is each new government terminates services of people employed by outgone rulers Sharif paid 5 years in advance salaries to some Bank Presidents. Pulling out 5 years advance salaries is pulling out working capital and this only such a person can do who wanted to destroy the very financial foundation of the institution concerned. Sharif would never give 5 years advance salaries to his Foundry managers. He appointed the then Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Company on very high salary which previously PTCL never saw. A parliamentary committee recommended that services of this Chairman should not be renewed on expiry of service contract. The democracy loving Sharif by passing all norms of democracy viz respecting the recommendations of parliamentarian committee gave extension to the chairman and thus slapped on face of parliament that I damn care for you. Now he is praising the beauty of Indian democracy. BEAUTY OF INDIAN DIPLOMACY AND OUR DEMOCRACY LOVER NAWAZ SHARIF By Javed - 06 June 1004 Deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif praised the ?beauty of Indian democracy?. I really admire Indian democracy, he says reports AFP in 7 June 2004 newspapers. Nawaz Sharif is trying hard to come back on the chair. He quite frequently keeps talking about democracy and criticizing General Musharraf for taking over from Sharif. General Musharraf despite the fact I do not support most his policies is a much better democrat in my eyes. I dont care if some may laugh on me for my saying so. General Musharraf no doubt is taking his own decisions nevertheless where-ever elected representatives have recommended him or insisted him on any point he had respected such recommendations and most agreed to it. Please do not start laughing at me until you have compared the example I am giving of Sharif. The real fact is Nawaz had no interest or even inkling with democracy. I am not against Sharif. As an independent citizen having my own conscious I also know even Benazir, Altaf Hussain, all etc have no interest with real democracy. I am a common person hence I do not know high profile interpretations or definitions of democracy. What as a common man I know is democracy means doing and respecting the voice and wishes of the people by elected representatives and same way respecting the voice/recommendations of elected representatives by the government. But Sharif had not even slightest inkling with democracy or respect for democracy, elected representatives or parliament. I judge Sharif from one example. Asif Zardari is alleged 10% man which so far has not been proved. He might had been 10% which should in way be of any surprise seeing so many 20%, 30% bureaucrats and Haqs but Sharif damaged the very foundations of this country. He was a businessman and a very successful businessman. In business Sharif family was honesgt. He knew well what does pulling of working capital form business means. Knowing well since trend is each new government terminates services of people employed by outgone rulers Sharif paid 5 years in advance salaries to some Bank Presidents. Pulling out 5 years advance salaries is pulling out working capital and this only such a person can do who wanted to destroy the very financial foundation of the institution concerned. Sharif would never give 5 years advance salaries to his Foundry managers. He appointed the then Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Company on very high salary which previously PTCL never saw. A parliamentary committee recommended that services of this Chairman should not be renewed on expiry of service contract. The democracy loving Sharif by passing all norms of democracy viz respecting the recommendations of parliamentarian committee gave extension to the chairman and thus slapped on face of parliament that I damn care for you. Now he is praising the beauty of Indian democracy. GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN THERE WAS FEAR OF DIRECTIVES By Javed - 06 June 2004 www.satribune.com has carried in its end May 2004 issue an article on PIA in which it claims that it has in its possession documents which allegedly show that Chairman PIA approved award of some PIA cabin crew shoes to a show company Firhaj Footwear a dealer of ?Hush Puppies? which, according to satribune.com has a permanent contract with Chairman?s own personal Pakistan?s second biggest shoe giant.. While issuing the specifications it was allegedly stated that shoes should be of Hush Puppies standard. The satribune.com alleges that this practically meant that for next round of negotiation of purchases only Hush Puppies could compete as they were seat as the standards. The order or award is of huge amount. Long years back when there was no Accountability Bureaus or Ehtisab Bureaus etc a government department floated a tender advertised as usual in the press inviting quotations for different items and against one item ?Brand/Commercial name? of a product was mentioned. A contractor took it up as complaint with Federal Ombudsman who observed that by mentioning the product/brand/commercial name in fact only the owner/manufacturer can compete. He remarked it unfair practice and directed future tenders would not give such specifications or brand names which only one particular party could meet. But not only gone are the days now but also who cares for decisions, orders, policies and who is afraid of from Ombudsman system today. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS ? OLD AGE By Javed - 06 June 2004 Each successive government claimed welfare of Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) but practically did nothing except raising slogans. Different schemes at different times are announced which are mostly to encourage more ?duty free imports? benefit of which goes to a ?few? or to commercial khapias. The best remarks about this tendency was from Chairman of NA Accounts Committee about two years back, as appeared in the press, that Overseas Pakistanis Foundation and its Ministry has no interest with OPs whereas Indian government was doing a lot for its non residents. Reading two months old audit report about alleged irregularities and huge fraud in Overseas Pakistanis Foundation gives shame and that is not the first such report. In the past similar reports appeared but as usual no investigation was done nor would be done this time. A gold and silver card scheme was introduced with much fanfare but practically an average OP has the practical benefit only of a free passport in 5 years ie about Rs. 650/- a year incentive. Rest of the benefits of the scheme are only good worth in files. Government has introduced a Pensioner?s account in which profit is 2% higher than normal. This in practical term is approximately 1.5%. This account can be opened only by those who are retired government servants and possess pension books. There is another account Behbood Certificates in which profit is 10% which earlier was for only for retired government servants but last year any citizen above 60 was allowed to have his investment in it. Overseas Pakistanis are coming back particularly from Middle East due to Arabization and economic conditions there or on retirement. Resident Permits of expatriate workforce in the Middle East in majority are not renewed on beyond 50 years age.. After arrival in Pakistan in this age of 50 above a returnee Overseas Pakistani has no chance to abroad again. Getting him an employment in Pakistan is out of question. Secondly having remained for long away from Pakistan he is practically disconnected from the market. In practical term such an Overseas Pakistani is a retiree. The government which claims so much affection and care for Overseas Pakistanis if really means it in letter and spirit should treat such returnee OPs above 50/55 years as retired and allow them to have their retirement dues invested in Behbood Certificates by condoning 10 or 05 years shortfall margin on verification of his passport or through Pakistan Embassy that returnee is coming to Pakistan on transfer of residence. It is said it is not the rule or law which provides the society justice rather it is man sitting on the chair who delivers it. In case person sitting on the chair is ALLAH fearing public spirited he would deal the issue raised from a universal perception that all rules, laws and procedures are made for the welfare of public and not for controlling, ruling or depriving the public. If unfortunately man sitting on the chair is otherwise he would interpret it to deprive the general public because he is not affected by it. Take the example that the then Federal Ombudsman about 15 years back gave his decision to do away the disparity between old and new pensioners. Bureaucrats did not like it and filed an appeal against ombudsman orders. Why? Because they are not affected from such disparities? One such bureaucrat who was against removing existing disparity and did not like the ombudsman decision, according to a week old article I read, today is getting Rs. 1.20 lacs per month only rent of his Islamabad house from a German lady. How much other total wealth he had gathered is not question here. Such wealthy sitting on the chair how can they think of from public welfare point of point. Only such persons, if unfortunately they are on the seat dealing, would resist this proposal otherwise if they are public spirited they would give sympathetic consideration for Overseas Pakistanis knowing well these returnees today have no further future. PENSIONERS ? THEIR AGE, HEALTH AT 60 ABOVE AND: By Javed - 05 June 2004 Earlier I sent addressed this letter on 3 June 2004 to newspapers DAWN, The News, The Nation, The Statesman, but non had space perhaps its contents are foolish. But since I am a myself foolish struggling on such foolish matters matters for the last 30 years putting myself and my family into lot of problems, sometime harassment and as old bad habit do not die one attempt again through I am directly not aggrieved on the issue for sake of elderly. As is nearing the budget a lot of letters in letters to editor pages of all newspapers are appearing from senior citizen pensioners about continuous reducing interest rates, disparity in old and new pensioners, requirement of pension book, problems in getting pensions etc. Some of the writers have pleaded that those who do not have pension books eg autonomous bodies employees may also be allowed to open accounts. A few have suggested that joint wife/husband account be allowed to avoid litigation etc. More due to some social environment and traditions than illiteracy many people preferred opening bank accounts secretly from their family members giving third party addresses. On sudden deaths of such people the families remained unaware and suffered. In 1990 I took up the issue that no single signature bank account be allowed and I drafted a text and proposed a Proforma to this effect. The then Federal Ombudsman terming my point as a humanitarian issue raised directed the demised Pakistan Banking Council to submit it views accordingly. PBC and all Presidents of nationalized Banks resisted this proposal for reasons known we all understand. However against my strong convincing arguments the Federal Ombudsman accepted my plea and my drafted text/proforma in exactly with same wording and design was introduced with all future new account openings. National dailies like Daily Jang Karachi wrote editorials praising this decision. This decision later, as far as I remember, was also enforced on Pakistan Post Office, National Savings, NDFC etc. Re the dormant accounts lying unclaimed I filed a Human Rights Petition with Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan. Through a very tiny news item sometime mid 1990 I learnt that SC had made some decision on it but I am not aware what exactly it was as despite my all out efforts till today I am unable to get a copy of the decision till today. State Bank early 1990s advised me that necessary steps will be taken for making dormant accounts public. Promise is a promise to remain a promise. Government has allowed a Pensioner?s Account with National Savings for retired personnel. Though there is no substantial difference of profit (hardly 1.25% in practice) nevertheless in this ever increasing cost of living even one rupee is valuable for common man particularly retirees who spent their live wholly on Rizq-e-Hilal. My father is about 82-84, had twice heart attack, very hardly can now walk to reach bank. My mother is 70 years, confined to chair and her hands are shaky and even cannot catch the pen what to say make her signature as per specimen 30 years back appended when opening an account. My father had a pension dues saving of 03 lacs. He did not invest it into this Pensioners Account. His reply to me was ?I do not want my children on my death suffering in courts for legal procedures spending one lac to get back this 03 lacs?. When a decision in 1990 was made that there would be no single account then why this pensioners account or Behbood Certificates investment of senior citizens should not be joint with some young family member like spouse, son, daughter? It is well known that life after 60s is on bonus. One becomes so old not able to attend banks, national savings, not properly able to sign, anything can happen any time then why these senior citizens should not be given a really needed sympathy by allowing them joint account. To avoid misuse some other protective parameters can be adopted. I addressed the Federal Ombudsman in September 2003 on the subject requesting that National Savings be directed to allow joint Either or Survivor Pensioners Accounts which request in fact is in continuation of his 1990 decision and I am still awaiting any response. It is a very genuine issue which only needs real honest to the core kind sympathetic heart as it does not involve even a single Rupee financial burden on national exchequer but only ALLAH fearing honest respect care for the elders. I addressed this issue to two so called senior citizens forums in Rawalpindi/Islamabad but as usual they also did not take any interest and it did not surprise me as I know these so called human rights associations, NGOs etc all have in fact other goals then real service. PUNJABI LANGUAGE AND AND RESPECTED NIZAMI SAHIB By Javed - 04 June 2004 PS: Before posting it on my this discussion forum I addressed this twice to Daily Nation to know the facts but neither they replied me nor they contradicated and printed it. A letter appeared in DAWN 18 May 2004 from Rai Hayat Muhammad from Jhang titlted ?Urdu as Punjab?s mother rongue?. He appreciates snapping by Chairman Muqtadira Quami Zaban on some recent statement of Indian Punjab Chief Minister?s advice to his Pakistani counterpart to do away with Urdu and adopt Punjabi as medium of instruction. The writer further adds that stalwarts like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi, Late Hameed Nizami of Nawa-I-Waqt, Sufi Tabassam, Dr. Mohammad Ajal have also been demanding Punjabi as a medium of instruction. I am an ordinary person. I am neither an intellectual nor I have anything to do with journalism. I am surprised to read the list of names mentioned above as all these people like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi etc got fame on their Urdu and they allegedly wanted punjabi medium of instruction. As said I am not intellectual or higher educated hence the above neither is strnage for me nor is authenticated. However name of late Hameed Nizami has shocked me if the remarks of the writer are correct. As I said I am not any writer or journalist hence naturally I do not have old records nor do I need to keep. However even in this old age my memories do guide me correct having read some where about a decade or so back that on the inauguaration of Hanif Ramay?s book Punjab Ka Muqama, late Hameed Nizami initially refused to attend the inauguration. In his book Hanif Ramay had stated that no nation can progress unless it adopts medium of instruction in mother language. He advised punjabis to adopt punjabis as medium of instruction. This advice, as is national culture in our country, he gave after having educated his own children in American English schools. Late Hameed Nizami as I read in some article at that time contended that he cannot attend and speak in ?munafiqat? there. Then some elders convinced elder Nizami that since Hanif Ramay was from amongst our own journalist tribe hence he must attend the cerermony and late Nizami attended it and he spoke a polite world in his speech that ?it would had been better if Ramay had given this advice earlier?. Nawai Waqat is a newspaper which played the most pivtol role for Pakistan and Urdu language. Though Nawai Waqat today is not as it was popular during my youth in late 1950 and till 1975 but its service for dignity of Urdu cannot be forgotten. The DAWN letter giving reference of late Hameed Nizami has shocked me. Would management of Nawai Waqat Group of Newspapers through this esteem confirm or clarify. NATIONAL SAVINGS ? NEW SET UP ? GOOD NEWS FOR PENSIONERS WIDOWS! By Shahnaz - 03 June 2004 National Savings is being turned into a Corporation is the budget good news for pensioners, widows. National Savings had since long been trying to convert itself into a Bank claiming that they had been collecting more real-savings-deposits than banks hence they need same facilities and incentives as enjoyed by banking staff. Banking staff is given a target which it strives hard to achieve whereas in case of National Savings due to high rate of interest and risk free deposits peoples deposits came walking on foot at door steps of National Savings without even a hand?s movement of the staff. People deposited in National Savings due to this high profit otherwise self respected people would hardly like to go a National Savings Centre and National Bank due to staff behaviour. New offices under new names eg first proposed district ombudsmen and now District accountability offices, Petty Business Corporation, Rosy Business Bank, Overseas Pakistanis Bank of Sh. Rashid?s proposal etc are nothing but to establish new offices to distribute high seats to some dear ones as new and new ministerial designations are distributed to keep every one happy. Otherwise these labeled offices practically serve not much purpose. For example had there been any real sincere honest interest for the development of small business instead of providing any new labeled remedy the First Women Bank should had been more strengthened rather than trying to sell it. What worth has been achieved by turning other offices into Corporations? T&T was made a Corporation but no change has come except that connections capacity has increased. Has over billing, bogus calls vanished? Has staff behaviour changed? A senior PTCL engineer once talking with newspaper stated government turned T&T into a corporation but forgot to introduce corporate culture in it. PTCL revenue have increased but how? By raising line rent from Rs. 25 to present Rs. 300, by multi metering etc. Pakistan Post Office was turned into a corporation what was achieved? Some new services and profits? But how those were achieved? By raising postal rates appreciably. What happens by turning status into corporations is that the senior bureaucrats get authority for doing certain things like last week report that one DG of such a turned corporation paid 7 visits in three years to Switzerland each time claiming allowance more than 6 figures. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto taking over in 1972 raised the slogan of betterment of people by reducing poverty. Each successive government desired the same. But real momentum this slogan got in practice was during second tenure of Nawaz Sharif who adopted such policies which in practical termed appeared to be aimed at, in worlds of a columnist ?Let the poor not remain on earth, when there would be no poor there would be no poverty?? In the present National Savings though rates are now very low but at least deposits are secured guaranteed by the Government. Come Corporation there or semi autonomous body, there is no guarantee. How can it be safely taken as guaranteed that this new shaped organization is not going to bleed out by awarding doubtful loans with intent to write off later? Under our present imported thinking i.e privatize everything, reduce profit income of widows to increase economy figures at state bank level, increase government revenue by imposing more and more sales tax including on medicines etc there is no surety National Savings distributing more profits than present government fixed. What happened to Bankers Equity? What profit National Bank or other Banks are giving today? God save the pensioners, widows and elderly. Ameen, soom Ameen. Making National Savings into Savings Corporation of course is a speedy step to remove poverty. The fact is since a decade under some unknown planning avenues of small domestic savings, domestic savings which is the real back bone of a country?s economy, are being as much as possible and emphasis is encouraging more and more spending for which personal loans for purchase of TVs, Cars are ample but not easy for constructive like House Building etc encouragement which are in fact. And these easy personal loans and continued reducing profits are real effective tools for killing habits of domestic savings. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS ? PAKISTANIs INVESTMENT BETTER OR THAT OF FOREIGNERS? By Javed - 01 June 2004 Government is offering special incentives to Singapore Hongkong businessmen on investing in Pakistan. A investment conference or seminar has somewhere in Pakistan been recently perhaps held. I am a common man. I worked aborad for 18 years but yet I am purely a Pakistani and a true Pakistani. Whenever I go to Pakistan my motherland, I feel myself in the arms of my mother and I do not feel myself ?imported?. Hence in my tiny Desi mind it does not come as to why Government keeps on ?appealing over appealing? foreigners to bring their money into Pakistan by offering ?extra? incenives despite knowing that these foreigners are to keep continue draining Pakistan by ?exporting? their profits and one day after having exported 1000 times more than the original principals brought they will take their so-called principal too out. And no body would be ale to stop them. My desi mind is puzzled why then no governemnt gives half of those extra incentives to Overseas Pakistanis pving way to bring their outside held money back which is in most cases to remain in Pakistan after once having arrived. Each successive government claimed welfare of Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) but practically did nothing except raising slogans. The best remarks given about this tendency was by the Chairman NA Accounts Committee two years back who stated Miistry of Manpower & Overseas Pakistanis and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation had no interest with OPs. Different schemes at different times are announced which are mostly to encourage more ?duty free imports? benefit of which goes to a ?few? or to commercial khapias. Reading recent audit report about alleged irregualrities and huge fraud in OPF gives shame. It is not the first such report of its kind. In the past similar reports appeared but as usual no investigation was done nor would it be done this time. A gold and silver card scheme two years back was introduced with much fanfare but practically an average OP worker has the practical benefit only of a free passport in 5 years ie about Rs. 600/- a year incentive. Rest of the benefits of the scheme are good worth in files only. I had been addressing His Excellency the President of Pakistan proposing introduction of 4-5% more interest on national savings cchemes for OPs in line as it was during General Ayub?s rule as bonus voucher but during all these more than 2 years I never ever got even an response. 2. I have now no hope of betterment. But as we the ordinary locally-municipality-schools-educated true Muslims have an Order that we should always keep our high hopes from ALLAH THE GREAT hence this fresh. Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) are coming back particularly from middle east. From my own department within this year approximately 1500 have gone. More are in pipleline. 3. I have recently addressed appropriate level if the government may consider an Overseas Pakistani aged 50 or 55 years above coming permanently on retirement or on expiry of his service contract having the right to invest in the National Savings Behbood Certificates. This is open presently for anyone above 60 years. A government which claims lot of welfare intents for OPs if is really sincere can give a little margin of 5-10 years to OPs in the larger inerest of country as well as to returnee OPs which is not a real burden on exchequer. At the age of 50 plus when an Overseas Pakistani comes back on expiry of his contract there is hardly any chance of his going baroad again on any new contract in that age. To avoid misuse government may consider a condition that coming OP would bring a foreign bank draft consisting of his retirment dues for opening of account subject also to varification by Pakistan Embassy there. 4. Last month report must be an eye opener that remittacnes from USA and UAE have decreased. Independent bankers say people are coming out of 9/11 fear which resulted huge remittances to all over the world not merely to Pakistan as is wrongly claimed. International community has acknowledged Hundi as a means of transaction. A clossal savings of Pakistanis are lying in foreign banks where the best safety is no change in terms and conditions. 5. I wonder if Overseas Pakistanis realising they are soon to go back to Pakistan permanently knowing the conditions in Middle east would individually in their own old age interest themselves write and request the appropriate circles in Pakistan to introduce any scheme on the above sketched outline line in the new Budget. PTCL ? NO TELEPHONES TO SAVE INTERESTS OF SOME LOVED ONES By Shahnaz - 28 May 2004 Titled ?Telecommunication? a letter appeared on 24 May 2004 from Muhammad Yusuf Muzaffaragh that people of the area were very happy that an area person had become telecommunication minister which would pave for better telephone facilities in the area. But now in the area there is too much shortage of telephone connections from PTCL eg in Farid Colony where not only new connections were not available even people having shifted from other areas cannot get their phones transferred. He alleges that this is being done on behest of mobile companies who do not want PTCL fixed line telephone connections to come to the area. I have personally seen such a happening about 10 years back. A friend resident native of Sialkot area since long applied but was not getting connection phone. On the bus stop commercial area of the village named Gulbahar Kalan situated at the Sialkot Cantt. end had two private PCOs. My friend wishing to telephone home from abroad used to ring this PCO, give his name, contact person of the village and margin of 4/6 hours to ring again. PCO will call his family and charge the family Rs. 20/- per incoming call (Rs. 20 in early 1990s). The telephone lines to the far distant villages had since years reached but this village was always excluded from new development works for the interest of PCO which was owned by a political party worker. When the matter was taken up with Federal Ombudsman by my friend from abroad the family started getting threats and harassment from PCO owners as PTCL sialkot staff immediately leaked the news to concerned PCO. Federal Ombudsman directed to give telephone which later was given but since then family had stained relations with the then PCO owner. When my friend got phone this paved way for others and within no time there were many applicants who first never applied to avoid harassment. SHAIKH RASHID, JUSTICE, PEOPLES PARTY By Anum - 12 May 2004 Mr. Hussain Haqqani recently in his column One Step Foraward One Step Back stated that Sh. Rashid was charged with possession of illegal arms during Benazir Bhutto?s second tenure but people knew it was actually punishment for vicious attacks by Sh Rashid against the then PM on the floor of assembly. Contradicting it Maj.General � Naseerullah Babaer through his letter to editor on 20 May 2004 stated that Sh. Rashid fired at police from his Rawalpindi Havali and he took Raja Zafarul Haq with him to the Havali so that PML leader could himself see the true facts there and then police recovered an illegal arms licence. Naseerullah Babar says punishment to Sh. Rashid was not any victimization rather due to a real fact. I do not like Sh. Rashid. Even today any heading of which quotes Sh. Rashid I do not read thereafter. The attitude he adopted with Overseas Pakistanis during his visit to a middle east country when he visited as Overseas Pakistanis Minister eroded all respect from educated Overseas Pakistanis there. However Naseerullah Babar deliberately forgot to mention it was perhaps the world?s first punishment which the judge (perhaps named Latif) announced in his one minute presence in the court standing even not sitting on his chair and he was immediately ?granted? UK visa and as a ?reward? he was arranged to settle permanently in US heaven. This is self speaking. LADIES TO BE POSTED WHERE THEIR HUSBANDS WORK: By Shahnaz - 12 May 2004 Mrs. Waris Shah is qualified on special education (DAWN 27 April 2004). There is an acute shortage of this expertise in Pakistan. She has been transferred from Lahore to Sheikhupura. She has two small kids which she leaves with her sister and has to commute daily between Lahore and Sheikhupura. In today?s hard ever rising cost of living she is in real dilema whether to quit the job or care for children. Being a mother myself I can well imagine her difficulties knowing also what would she actually be saving after daily travel expenses between Sheikhupura and Lahore on buses. However I do remember there was some years back a government order reference etc of which I cannot remember under which it was ordered that a working wife would not be separated posted to any other city than where her husband was posted or working. May be as in other fields we only announce decisions of importance which never see light of implementation. I advise sister Farah to approach to Punjab Ombudsman though I am myself not that confident of her success but as there is we the Muslim should always have hopes attached from HIM, there is no harm in trying. TEACHING IN MOTHER LANGUAGE POOR PUNJABIS SINDHIS PATHANS DO NOT DEPRIVE RICH BY TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ENGLISH By Shahnaz - 12 May 2004 Now a days all of a sudden a spate of columns and letters have started coming emphasising the need of mode of education in mother language. One such Ahmed Parekh in DAWN 20 April 2004 has quoted the example of Germany and Japan. He completely forgot what Germany and Japan are and why they could afford it. Significant to note is this all of a sudden spate of writing is parallel to attempt to re-write Pakistani history by removing any reference to Hindu pre-partition cruelty and removal of Quranic verses from text books. Why tribal leaders in Balochistan, Sindh etc have always opposed opening of schools in their areas we all know. The real eye soaring for some is that despite every successful effort to damage the education like by low education budgets etc children of poor segments still keep getting education and sometime these municipality educated children stand face to face in competition with children of fur-fur speaking English burger-feed children. Hence since two decades emphasis is being given that education should be in mother language so that these children could be deprived even from basic English language. In small towns and villages of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP medium of education already is Sindhi, Balouchi and Pahstoo. Only punjab is a province where due to almost non existence of written punjabi language medium is Urdu. Where ever there is a little English level these circles wish that too to be stopped. I had 18 years worked in middle east. When early 1980 ordinary Arab used to criticise his governments why there are English correspondence staff from Pakistan India etc. These people had proud on their Arabic language and hated English language (except of course when they saw a white skin they always try to prove shaking hand or speaking a word with this white skin will take them direct to heaven). Early 1990s after Iraq-Kuwait war when Arab world faced dire economic crisis it dawned even on ordinary Arab that English language was the only international language, at least for third world countries, which is a must to remain in the stream. Average Arab people started sending their children to English schools and those who could not afford due to high fees they admitted their children in Pakistani and Indian schools. In Arab countries education upto 10th class is free with Arabic medium of instruction. Egyptians working in middle east do not get their children admitted into these schools rather they admit them in Pakistani Indian schools. So-called intellectual Hanif Ramay wrote a book ?Punjab Ka Maqdmah? in which he stated that Punjab could not prepare a leader and punjabis are backward because Punjabis did not adopt punjabi as medium of instruction in schools. He advised that punjabis can only progress if they adopt punjabi medium in schools. Like Pakistani politician psych he gave this advice only after when he had got all his own children/grand children educated in English American schools. NADRAS LIKELY TO OPEN CENTRES ABROAD By Javed - 16 April 2004 NADRA in order to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis in getting their National Identity Cards are considering opening of NADRA Centres in foreign countries. Daily The News 19 April 2004. One often hears slogans of opening of new Display Centres abroad, appointments of different designations like media/commercial officers in missions, proposal for opening of OPF offices, opening of National Savings offices etc. Sheikh Rashid wanted to open an Overseas Pakistanies Bank in Pakistan despite knowing such a bank could achieve not even 5% the purpose for which it was to be established. Sometime Swift Banks, sometime Medium Business Help Centers etc all are merely and merely techniques for creating new posts for some dear ones. Remember during Nawaz Sharif tenure a person having no knowledge of the concerned field was posted at a capacity of a minister in a Pakisani mission abroad. He was only posted since his son was sick and there was no treatment available in Pakistan. Hence he was posted abroad to afford him get treatment for his child on official expense. LIBYAN COL. GADDAFI ? HUMAN RIGHTS A BLACKMAILING TOOL By Shahnaz 25 April 2004 Protesting outside 10 Downing Street the Libyan opposition members and activists objected to British Prime Minister?s having overlooked rights abuses in his talk with Col. Gaddai during his recent visit to Tripoli. The refreshed my memories to a master piece column by chief editor of an Arab English newspaper a few years back titled ?Has 10 Downing Street become mad?. These protestors and activists I very much doubt possess any average wisdom, foresight or have any remotest knowledge of politics despite they themselves have entered into politics. Being opposition means politicians. They do not know after remaining standing firm isolated for more than 20 years Col. Gaddai realised he realised he was alone and no friend or so called Muslim world had any principle he very wisely bowed down and today is a big democrat, great leader, dear friend and all that. Hence there are never ever any human rights problems in the rule of dear friends and great leaders. Human rights sanctions, warning of abuse are only a tool of black mailing and only used to bow down an unfriendly to become friendly. SADDAM HUSSAIN ? IRAQIS SIZZLING BOMBS By Shahnaz - 15 April 2004 Daily Jang of Pakistan is country?s largest daily. It is printed from all provinces of Pakistan including from London. It is a moderate paper and do not indulge in cheap sale techniques and sensational stories. Its readership is serious. Its staff reporters, feature writers and columnist all are senior professionals and well reputed. Last week it carried a column written by a well read columnist. I have a great wish that this is also read by GDN readers. I am not much educated hence my translation is very poor. What taste it gives reading original cannot come into my very poor translation nevertheless it gives reader a new angle of seeing the things. I do not know authenticity of the text of the column but I can say without hesitation that it has appeased my heart. I have tried my best to be honest with translation but errors are expected. Quote: What happened in Fujullah has made the world wonder. End March Americans took over charge of this city and started patrolling. During the nights they woke up children women and elderly for searches and going back took money and jewelry with them. When it prolonged then people started hating Americans. One day they attacked one such searching team. This was a new situation for Americans and desperately they ran back. This boosted encouragement and then whole population of Fujulla came out. They attacked tanks, armoured cars and soldiers and burnt them. This spread to other towns like Ramadi, Baquota, Karbla, Koofa, Al Kot {spelling I am not sure]. The colliation forces surrounded the whole city and blocked food supplies. People form other cities loaded their vehicles with water and food supplies to help these surrounded people. The most wonderful is that Fujullah is mostly sunni populated but those who came to help were all Shias and thus proved Muslims are Muslims and not Shia Sunni as West want to categories them. ?you can term this ?coup? resultant of American policy. You can term it 21st century Vietnam. You may term it start of US pulling out of Iraq. But despite all that there remains two questions namely (i) what were the reasons for this ?coupe? and (ii) why within only one year people of Iraq stood against their own (so-called) liberators. What were those reasons which forced Iraqis to hate and burn bodies of US soldiers. And this was done by those people who do not have large weapons or proper planning. ?you will be surprised that behind all this too is Saddam Hussain. That Saddam Hussain whose two sons became martyrs. He is suffering in Jail. Saddam no doubt was cruel and hard for many. He was a dictator too. He was fond of collecting wealth and murdering his opponents. But as far as it mattered common citizens he left behind him such an examplary standard of rule which is not possible for others to achieve. During Saddam ?Double than needs salary? rule was passed. According to this rule to the lower class employees monthly salary was being given ?double of their requirements?. These salaries were indexed and linked for increase proportionately with increase in cost of living. In case there was 10% increase in cost of living salaries of employees automatically got increased 10%. The situation re the law & order and justice was so that people kept their cash and jewelry in their homes. Hardly any complaint about theft used to come. In the year 2000 only 10 complaints were registered with Baghdad Police. The office system was ?One Day One Paper?. In case you want to get any job done or get any civic service from one office only on one single application Form everything was done. You never need to go next day for follow up. Sunday was for public day. On that day any Iraqi could telephone directly to Saddam. Saddam himself attended the phone and due grievance was solved then and there. Saddam travelled all of a sudden to villages, enter someone?s home, open his refrigerator to see if all family necessities were there. If he found something missing immediately that family was granted monthly state stipend. One used to get ?justice? in seven days?. ?Saddam Hussain has made ?these bad? habits of people so much that today it is not an easy job for any individual or any power to keep that ?standard?. And this is the reason which only within one year has brought the Iraqi citizens standing face to face with the power like that of US. When now people compare today with the past they find a large gap. What was a time when everything was available to these people and today people of world?s second largest oil producing country stand in queue for getting patrol. As such 50 million people of Iraq have become 50m million sizzling bombs.? Unquote. TEACHING IN MOTHER LANGUAGE By Shahnaz - 16 April 2004 Now a days all of a sudden a spate of columns and letters have started coming emphasising the need of mode of education in mother language. One such Ahmed Parekh in DAWN 20 April 2004 has quoted the exampl⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪ ⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪⨪ e the education like by low education budgets etc children of poor segments still keep getting education and sometime these municipality educated children stand face to face in competition with children of fur-fur speaking English burger-feed children. Hence since two decades emphasis is being given that education should be in mother language so that these children could be deprived even from basic English language. In small towns and villages of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP medium of education already is Sindhi, Balouchi and Pahstoo. Only punjab is a province where due to almost non existence of written punjabi language medium is Urdu. Where ever there is a little English level these circles wish that too to be stopped. I had 18 years worked in middle east. When early 1980 ordinary Arab used to criticise his governments why there are English correspondence staff from Pakistan India etc. These people had proud on their Arabic language and hated English language (except of course when they saw a white skin they always try to prove shaking hand or speaking a word with this white skin will take them direct to heaven). Early 1990s after Iraq-Kuwait war when Arab world faced dire economic crisis it dawned even on ordinary Arab that English language was the only international language, at least for third world countries, which is a must to remain in the stream. Average Arab people started sending their children to English schools and those who could not afford due to high fees they admitted their children in Pakistani and Indian schools. In Arab countries education upto 10th class is free with Arabic medium of instruction. Egyptians working in middle east do not get their children admitted into these schools rather they admit them in Pakistani Indian schools. So-called intellectual Hanif Ramay wrote a book ?Punjab Ka Maqdmah? in which he stated Pujab could not prepare a leader and punjabis are backward because Punjabis did not adopt Punjabi as medium of instruction in schools. He advised that punjabis can only progress if they adopt punjabi medium in schools. Like Pakistani politician psych he gave this advice only after when he had got all his own children/grand children educated in English American schools. SADDAM HUSSAIN ? IRAQIS SIZZLING BOMBS By Shahnaz - 15 April 2004 Daily Jang of Pakistan is country?s largest daily. It is printed from all provinces of Pakistan including from London. It is a moderate paper and do not indulge in cheap sale techniques and sensational stories. Its readership is serious. Its staff reporters, feature writers and columnist all are senior professionals and well reputed. Last week it carried a column written by a well read columnist. I have a great wish that this is also read by GDN readers. I am not much educated hence my translation is very poor. What taste it gives reading original cannot come into my very poor translation nevertheless it gives reader a new angle of seeing the things. I do not know authenticity of the text of the column but I can say without hesitation that it has appeased my heart. I have tried my best to be honest with translation but errors are expected. Quote: What happened in Fujullah has made the world wonder. End March Americans took over charge of this city and started patrolling. During the nights they woke up children women and elderly for searches and going back took money and jewelry with them. When it prolonged then people started hating Americans. One day they attacked one such searching team. This was a new situation for Americans and desperately they ran back. This boosted encouragement and then whole population of Fujulla came out. They attacked tanks, armoured cars and soldiers and burnt them. This spread to other towns like Ramadi, Baquota, Karbla, Koofa, Al Kot {spelling I am not sure]. The colliation forces surrounded the whole city and blocked food supplies. People form other cities loaded their vehicles with water and food supplies to help these surrounded people. The most wonderful is that Fujullah is mostly sunni populated but those who came to help were all Shias and thus proved Muslims are Muslims and not Shia Sunni as West want to categories them. ?you can term this ?coup? resultant of American policy. You can term it 21st century Vietnam. You may term it start of US pulling out of Iraq. But despite all that there remains two questions namely (i) what were the reasons for this ?coupe? and (ii) why within only one year people of Iraq stood against their own (so-called) liberators. What were those reasons which forced Iraqis to hate and burn bodies of US soldiers. And this was done by those people who do not have large weapons or proper planning. ?you will be surprised that behind all this too is Saddam Hussain. That Saddam Hussain whose two sons became martyrs. He is suffering in Jail. Saddam no doubt was cruel and hard for many. He was a dictator too. He was fond of collecting wealth and murdering his opponents. But as far as it mattered common citizens he left behind him such an examplary standard of rule which is not possible for others to achieve. During Saddam ?Double than needs salary? rule was passed. According to this rule to the lower class employees monthly salary was being given ?double of their requirements?. These salaries were indexed and linked for increase proportionately with increase in cost of living. In case there was 10% increase in cost of living salaries of employees automatically got increased 10%. The situation re the law & order and justice was so that people kept their cash and jewelry in their homes. Hardly any complaint about theft used to come. In the year 2000 only 10 complaints were registered with Baghdad Police. The office system was ?One Day One Paper?. In case you want to get any job done or get any civic service from one office only on one single application Form everything was done. You never need to go next day for follow up. Sunday was for public day. On that day any Iraqi could telephone directly to Saddam. Saddam himself attended the phone and due grievance was solved then and there. Saddam travelled all of a sudden to villages, enter someone?s home, open his refrigerator to see if all family necessities were there. If he found something missing immediately that family was granted monthly state stipend. One used to get ?justice? in seven days?. ?Saddam Hussain has made ?these bad? habits of people so much that today it is not an easy job for any individual or any power to keep that ?standard?. And this is the reason which only within one year has brought the Iraqi citizens standing face to face with the power like that of US. When now people compare today with the past they find a large gap. What was a time when everything was available to these people and today people of world?s second largest oil producing country stand in queue for getting patrol. As such 50 million people of Iraq have become 50m million sizzling bombs.? Unquote. PTCL ABSENT STAFF By Javed - 15 April 2004 Under the caption ?PTCL?s absent staf? a Karachi citizen Mr. Feroze Shams on 13.4.2004 stated that Customer Service Centre at Defence Society Exchange opens normally after 10.00 am and that during the last one month he visited at least 10 times to find it closed. He further says when at 10.00 am it opens the staff is not available to attend. It has not all surprised me though I have never been to this customer service centre. In 1995 DAWN staff reporter carried a feature after visiting different exchanges in Karachi that on Saturadys while subscribers and applicants remain sitting during public hours to see Divisional Engineers these Engineers remain absent as their staff tells they had gone to attend the hearings at the Federal Ombudsman Office. The feature stated that Saturday was weekly holiday (then) when Ombudsman office remained closed. I raised this matter of public interest in 1995-96 with the Federal Ombudsman. The Ombudsman as per procedure forwarded this to PTCL for usual rejoinder but later I never learnt what happened. Some during 2001 or 2002 a sort of similar news item appeared and it was again about PTCL. The item stated that PTCL was enjoying double half days. Detail I do not remember now. On this I drew the attention of the Federal Ombudsmn to my long pending matter and quoted this fresh news item. In return I was surprised to got a communication from Ombudsman Secretarit that you have added nothing new hence case cannot be re-opened. Re-opened? When was it closed? I never got any progress, even I never got what PTCL submitted in rejoinder and when was the case closed or decision at Ombudsman secretariat taken and what was the contents of any final ?Decision/Finding?. WE THE MUSLIMS AND ISLAM By Shahnaz - 12 April 2004 Islam every where now is the target. Remember invador?s administration in Iraq last month as per news papers suggested that he would block any interim constitution that would make Islam the chief source of Law. But we the Muslims cannot complain about others as we ourselves are trying whatever worst we can do just to please someone at long distance. Realising that the Islamic spirit cannot be pulled out from old or new generation of Muslims despite modernisation or prapoganda the west (one particularly) adopted a long therapy namely that target the todays kid generation and deprive them from learning real Islamic spirit so when grown up these are what these Muslims should be. To achieve this goal the target is education to Muslim children. Though paid NGOs, for example all references to Islamic teachings concerning fighting with the enemies of Islam and those concerning real Muslim history, were ?advised? by so called ?paid intellectuals? to be removed from school text books in Pakistan. Though due to large scale protests this appears to has stopped for while. Same is being done as I understand elsewhere like allegedly in Afghanistan. And unfortunately ?we? the ?educated from west? quite agree to this ?remedy? and help the designers of such schemes by making their goals easy. I have not myself seen any such book so far but I remember reading somewhere (reference not remembered) that at some place for small kids a new book came in which children are taught, alibit, in Church there is a highly educated father only who can lead the prayers whereas in a Mosque ?anyone? not necessarily educated can lead the prayer. In Church there are benches on which believers sit and pray while in Mosque people sit on floor for prayer. In Church there is very nice music with prayers while in Mosque no body can speak of. And we all know our today?s kid generation who get more influence from TV, modern values, modern gadgets instead their parents elders. How much we can go? I got tears in my eyes when the other day I read an item that security forces in a GCC country have arrested a businessman on whose expense allegedly video tapes of religious recordings were being given (given to others). Here many times I have myself got free audio cassettes being given containing different recitations of Holy Quran, a speech on one Quranic topic or the other and such tapes are free lying in Mosque and are funded by kind hearted people who wish to depart knowledge to others who cannot afford buying. PAKISTANI RICE: By javed - 10 April 2004 A news item appeared on 11.4.2004 that 500,000 tons of rice was being imported from India on a back-to-back letter of credit for re-export to global destinations. I have myself not seen this news item but a reader commented that the statement issued on behalf of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan gives wrong signal that stocks had depleted and we cannot supply in builk to our foreign buyers. According to comments foreign buyers have started looking to India to cover their future requirements directly. The reader questions is this a real situation or it is just some hidden hands attempting to promote Indian rice? The readers suspecion is correct. I have lived long in Middle East. Arabs used to ask for ?Pakistan Basmati?. Later Pakistani rice started being packed in packets marked ?Indian Rice?. Not only once; last year if my memories are not misguiding me authorities in UAE raided a warehouse where Pakistani rice was being packed as ?Indian produce?. ?Indian? rice has by now also become popular. But this started under a technique first putting Pakistani rice into ?Indian? packets to get introduced n the market. OUR RESPECTED ARMY ? WHO GAINED ? WE OR THOSE UNKNOWN PLANNERS? By Javed - 07 April 2004 I was grown up in Sialkot City. Presence of Sialkot Cantt had an inherited influence on me with the result like majority I love and respect army. I belong to that generation in the Army is whose brain all the time. I do remember when I was studying in Islamia College there was only one Brigadier in Sialkot and his son used to come in a black colour army car. It was some cheverlot type car. I do not have much knowledge about vehicles or makes. We the masses used to see the car with much surprise, appreciation and a little fear. The Brigadier?s son though son of a very big gun as per those old times of early 1960s but really was a very nice one who never tried to show that he was son a mighty but despite that sons of ordinary masses like me keep to stay at distance out of our inferiority or military fear I do not know. When in 1966 I started as a clerk in the civil fortunately I was attached with a uniformed person. My experience was military officers working in civil were more better than civilians in many matters. I have till today never accepted that Pakistan army was ever defeated by Indian army. It is my firm belief morally and principally it is victory of Pakistani army that Indian forces could not in traditional terms defect Pakistani army and a small army stood and faced a six time more heavy weight wrestler. The lifafa columnists who today speak eg Pakistan army?s so called defeat in Kargil forget Bill Clinton?s TV interview in answer to a question saying ?yes, we asked Nawaz Shaif to go back from the captured positions?. Why he asked and from which position he asked to go back? Naturally from those advanced position which Pakistani fighters or Pakistani personnel have ?captured or conquered? from Indian army. I myself have read living abroad a headline in a foreign newspaper Indian Defence Minister saying ?Pakistanis are still in some places and we can not push them back?. In 1968-70 living in Karachi with my own eyes I often saw in Liaquatabad area (then known as Laloo Khait from where movement against General Ayub started) people throwing stones on buses, putting fire on tyres, stopping the traffic but as soon as army came there came a remote controlled peace and same stone throwing people turned towards raising slogans praising and entertaining army personnel out of their love and respect. There was such a fear of army no one during those days could think of rioting, throwing a stone to an army jeep. I despite having special departmental passes permitting to pass through cardoned or curfew areas in 1967-69 had no courage to pass through an army vehicle on the road. I am not highly educated. I am an average citizen from lower middle class due to recent economic development of the country soon am near entering to the lower poverty class. I have no political affliation as my politics is my livelihood. Whatever our todays so called liberals or intellectuals may say the fact is from the very day of birth of our beloved Pakistan it is the aim of some to de-establish this country and make a Hindustan under whatever the new the label or brand it may be. Pakistan which to India was expected to get vanish in a six month or a year by the Grace of God developed speedily. These unknown forces realised that unless there is army and judiciary in Pakistan, the goal cannot be achieved as such under a deep planning of unknown-practical-players in 1971 Bangladesh was created to defame Pakistan army. Under this planning after 1971 so-called-arranged defeat every effort was made to defame Army. I remember during about 1973 there was a devastating flood in Punjab. Shahdra Town came under water. People were rescued by operation. On popular ?Deehati Bhaioun Kaliay? programme of Radio Pakistan Lahore I heard an interview of an illiterate villager that ?army? rescued us, I had to leave all my belongings but by ?paying? to ?armymen? I could get my buffalow escaped through rescue boats. The fact was army was not at all used in the operation. It was Bhutto?s created Special Security Force whose uniform was just like military which handled this operation. Villager was illiterate not able to distinguish between special force or army. This SSF was in itself created to wekan the Army. For this villager every khakhi type uniform wearer was a ?Fouji?. Thus under a deep planning bad name was being given to army as in case of above villager?s example who always would keep in mind a Fauji Bhai took rishwat. To let down other organ namely judiciary Bhutto created the first ever example in the world by arresting from within the court the civil judge Sanghar. Attack on Supreme Court, humaliation of Justice Sajjad etc during Nawaz Sharif etc all are series of same cotinued game to defame army and judiciary. I cannot for rest of my life forget the photo appearing in the press during 1977 agitation against Bhutto when on Burns Road Karachi near S.M. Law collage a young girl from amongst the demonstrators opened neck of her shirt holding apart with her two hands yelling on the young army Captain ?shoot me here?. On the background was an army jeep, young captain holding his gun. He very wisely did not fire. I wept seeing the photo. This was a dangerous photo showing fear receding. In short what today is happening namely; whenever now army comes out in aid of civil administration young people do not care much, stones on para military jeeps have reportedly been thrown and there are unconfirmed reports that one or two uniformed personnel on patrol some years back disappeared etc. A sentence of an MQM leadership was an eye opener sometime in 1997-2000 that we have achieved something or not but we have lessed the fear of army from the minds of people which is an achievement!!. In 1960s, 1980s and even till early 1990 people still generally used to offer tea, juice to army jawans standing on any emergency duties on roads, makets but today same practice hardly is seen today in cities. It may still be in villages or small towns but certainly not in cities today. Why this good habit has disappeared ? Use of army personnel for checking electric meters, recovery of alleged tax evading docuemnts from DAWN, etc all are the things of same deep planned play that bring military people as much possible in the civil affairs, keep stealing electricity so the bad name should go to army, prepare such office summaries that army people may be allured to get housing plots on sports lands so young sports lovers may feel hate etc all are the different stages and steps of same game. Paramilitary/scouts entered into South Wazirastan for flushing out alleged terrorists. How much successful was this operation needs no comments. Press reports are there. Whether terrorists have been captured or not, operation is successful or not, is not a serious point. The serious point is since independence this area had been like Great Chinese Wall a natural defence boundry for Pakistan. These people always respected army. They never had thought of raising gun against Pakistan army in which many of their own fathers sons were employed. Today they have for the first time raised their guns killing 13 army personnel. What is more serious in all this is that the fear of army has gone and vanished and that is the most serious point to ponder. No tribal Jirga can now restore what has been lost there. Pakistan?s writ in the area is a praising worth thing, what government did to show its writ no patriotic Pakistani can disagree with the government but there were some other better ways to do which those unknown planners did not want. It is same as Dr. Qadeer and others could had been with respect silently called to offices for de-friefings instead of police to take them for debriefing which same unknown force did not perhaps wanted to because if things could had done the otherway they such a rage in newspapers media could not had been raised. It is open world topic today that US intelligence (deliberately or otherwise?) failed in giving proper intelligence data about Afghaninstan and Iraq. No weapons of mass destructions could be found in Iraq which was the base for attacking. Credibility of US intelligence services is a top of intrnational newspapers today. In Wazirastan Pakistan paramilitary forces operated on the basis of intelligence shared by US about presence of alleged terrorists. Paramilitary forces counterfaced tribal people who raised their guns against Pakistani paramilitary forces. Now reading some of the comments suggest alleged top terrorists there were either not at all there or escaped. Now point to ponder is was it another step of the same strategy to reduce fear of Pakistan army that wrong intelligence was provided to Pakistan under a planning that Pakistani paramilitary forces may interven so tirbals raise their guns first time in history against Pakistanis which may ultimately create for ever hate amongst the young tribals?. According to Corps Commander the foreign fighers had assult rifles, aircraft guns, flame-throwers etc. The alleged foreign fighters are since long encircled from all sides; from Afghanistan side by US troops from Pakistan side by army so from where this ?heavy? ammunition is coming to these encircled fighters? Just routine guns or bullets can get escaped through these barriers but not heavy machine guns etc. So who is supply these heavy items to fighters should be a serious point. Can it not be the same who gave birth to these fighters during russian occupation of Afghanistan and same is playing double game with Pakistan. As I said I am not much educated hence my inability to express my point but intellgent readers can well understand my view point. Honestly speaking I still have same respect for the army, I still have almost same belief that army people can well deliver good by better controlling systems but at the same time to be honest with my ALLAH a little down sliding of this respect has started. I was never influenced reading so many articles criticising army, alleged irregularities in defence contracts, alleged defeats, alleged this and that but the day I learnt houses allegedly for army officers were being built on a part of national staudium Karachi this down towards journey starded. And I wonder this is what unknown planners actually have planned and this is their strategy. UNOFFICIAL OFFICIAL WORDS By Shahnaz - 07 April 2004 US Ambassador to Afghanistan addressing Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington in an apparent threat stated colliation forces might move into Pakistan territory for action against suspected alleged terrorists which did not require any outside assistance to do this which in simple words means any permission from Pakistan is not needed. Terming this statement of the Ambassador as unwarranted and uncalled for Pakistan foreign office spokesman stated Ambassador was unaware of the position of his own government on the issue. The spokesman further stated US administration at highest level had greatly appreciated Pakistan?s efforts in eliminating and root out terrorist infrastructure from its soil. By his statement the Foreign Office Spokesman was in fact trying to tell that Ambassador?s words had not much value as his (Ambassador?s) government which is the highest authority was happy with Pakistan. Our foreign office spokesman does not appear to be aware while ordinary street masses world over including in Pakistan know well that it is for some time the policy of US that when it wants to say something but for diplomatic or any other reasons do not wish to say directly is arranged to be said through some newspaper article, speech statement by some person outside the Government. Such articles or statements are then termed by US spokesmen as ?views of individuals not of government? but today it is well established fact that such articles and statements are in fact unofficial official words. UNOFFICIAL OFFICIAL WORDS By Shahnaz - 07 April 2004 US Ambassador to Afghanistan addressing Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington in an apparent threat stated colliation forces might move into Pakistan territory for action against suspected alleged terrorists which did not require any outside assistance to do this which in simple words means any permission from Pakistan is not needed. Terming this statement of the Ambassador as unwarranted and uncalled for Pakistan foreign office spokesman stated Ambassador was unaware of the position of his own government on the issue. The spokesman further stated US administration at highest level had greatly appreciated Pakistan?s efforts in eliminating and root out terrorist infrastructure from its soil. By his statement the Foreign Office Spokesman was in fact trying to tell that Ambassador?s words had not much value as his (Ambassador?s) government which is the highest authority was happy with Pakistan. Our foreign office spokesman does not appear to be aware while ordinary street masses world over including in Pakistan know well that it is for some time the policy of US that when it wants to say something but for diplomatic or any other reasons do not wish to say directly is arranged to be said through some newspaper article, speech statement by some person outside the Government. Such articles or statements are then termed by US spokesmen as ?views of individuals not of government? but today it is well established fact that such articles and statements are in fact unofficial official words. AUCTION OF FOOD ITEMS By Javed - 07 April 1004 Recently a public spirited reader warned through these columns that re-use of so-called mineral water bottles was hghly risky and he quoted about a student?s death who was using her same bottle since months. One Consumer Protection Council of Karachi over this commented that they were on the issue. Last year there was so much about some law having approved by His Excellency Prime Minister Mr. Zafarullah Jamli?s government prescribing 10 years sentence for those who are found engaged in adultration of food items. Taking concern of such steps is apprecitable but point is why should not we concentrate on pulling out the dead dog fom our stinking national well instead of on huge expenses refilling it with fresh water. I have left my faith on so called NGOs, consumers rights associations, citizens asociations and helpdesks etc after wasting enough of my time and money on approaching such orgaisations who practically I found paper worth earning self publicity. Food items invariably to show manufacutring and expiry dates on the packets as is international practice is another thing but more import is the validity of the ingridients from which the food item concerned was processed or made. Whatever I am going to mention here is based merely on my memories hence possibility of act of error or commission and of sequence or dates is expected but facts are true. Sometime in late 1980s a usual press advertisment notice appeared in press from Customs Department about auctioning of some materials. One such material was ?food chemicals?. There always are huge quantity of items like food, beverages, eatables lying since years in the customs/banks/railways/airlines/ports warehouses. These are not got cleared by the owners for many reasons. For example an importer imported some lemon squash from abroad. By the time the consignment reached custom duty had increased or market gets flooded with import from another party, the importer finds it financially better to forget the consignment than get it cleared on high payment of duty. For legal requirements the banks, customs, airlines cannot sell these held or confiscated consignments unless a very long process of law is completed stage by stage which is (i) notice over notice to owner to get this released (ii) sending case to legal advisers (iii) giving press notices to the owner (iv) filing case in courts for auctions which case takes years over years (v) finally preparing auction. This whole process takes years and years by which time the lemon juice long get expired. If my memories are not misguiding me in this old age I remember one Chairman CBR telling in the press conference or probably addressing some seminar saying two things (i) my organisation has become smugglers den and (ii) 10 years old expired children milk powder is lying in our warehouses. I raised the alarm with Federal Ombudsman that has the customs got the ?food chemical? advertised for auction tested in the laboratory if it was still valid for human consumption. Since how many years this item was lying in customsware house? The laboratory report came which certified that apple sidra chemical still has the utility (if my memories are not misguding me report stated for the next 4 to 6 months). I raised the very logic conunter question with the Federal Ombudsman that the item mentioned in the press notice was ?food chemical? wherea the product analyised and mentioned in the laboratory report is ?apple sidra? so how can it be construed that item tested is the same which was advertised. After all my question was very valid keeping in view that gold confiscated at airport reaching testing laboratory is found ?silver?!!!! My second argument was that the item in question has the validity date for next 4-6 months whereas it will take about 2 months taking possesion of chemical by auction winning party who will then sell it in the market, the new purchaser will utilise it for food processing and by the time the food prepared with this chemical comes in the market while the processed food item will show manufacturing date and expirty date for next 2/3 years (of new processed item) the chemical ingredient would already had expired. My third and most important queustion through Ombudsman Secretariat was that this food chemical being auctioned was sent to laboratory after/when I raised the issue whereas as a general practice such items are not laboratory tested for their validity before auctioning. Now I do not remember the whole story but what I sure remember is that Customs at this stage put an argument of non sense that complainant now sitting abroad was putting such suggestions why did not he do it when he was living in Pakistan. {when I made the complaint with Federal Ombudsman I was working abroad]. This was an argument of no sense and it was my feeling where defence comes to such ?cheap and mean? arguments nothing better should be hoped. Hence I requested Federal Ombudsman that I do not want to continue and wish to drop my complaint. And with that matter as far as to my knowledge ended. Children milk powder cited above as department itself said was 10 years old. It could had been lying for so long confiscated, over-invoiced, importer not interested in clearing or whatever else. Items like food processing ingridients, food chemicals, medicines and medicinial processing ingridients raw-materials etc need special temperatured special lighting and special air conditioned storing conditions under which they remain valid for human use. But we know what are the conditions of our customs, airlines, railways warehouses and knowing that it may not be wrong to say that even soon cleared some of the items may need fresh honest-independent inspection whether usable or not. Hence need is that in such cases food items, food chemicals, medicines, confiscated or not cleared all must be burnt/dumped under supervision of citizens body rather than selling after years through auctions. And we also alll know how much in auctions is got compared to actual value of product. Destroying these things is much better comparatively than auctioning it keeping in view the national health of people after consumption of such auctioned food or apple sidra chemicals. I am now old, myself a diabetic nearing retiring. I still have the strength to keep writing and keep addressing this issue on different levels but fact is I have lost faith on authorities, on NGOs, on so called ?private limited companies? working under the labels of consumers protectors. DID WE ACHIEVE OR THOSE PLANNERS ACHIEVED THEIRS By Javed -03 April 2004 I was grown up in Sialkot City. Presence of Sialkot Cantt had an inherited influence with the result like majority I love and respect army. I belong to that generation in the Army is whose brain all the time. I do remember when I was stduying in Islamia College there was only one Brigadier in Sailkot and his son used to come in a black colour army car. It was some cheverlot type car I do not have knowledge about vehicle.s makes. We the masses used to see the car with much surprise, appreciation and a little fear. The Brigadier?s son thorugh as per those old times of early 1960s was a very nice one never tried to show he was son a might but ordinary masses keep to stay at distance out of our inferiority or military fear I do not know. When in 1966 I started as a clerk in the civil incidentally I was attached with a uniformed person. My experience was military officers working in civil were more better than civilians in many matters. I have till today never accepted that Pakistan army was ever defeated by Indian army. It is my firm belief morally and principally it is victory of Pakistani army that Indian forces could not defect Pakistani army and a small army stood and faced a six time more heavy weight wrestler. The lifaf columnist who today speak eg Pakistan army?s so called defeat in Kargil forget Bill Clinton?s TV interview in answer to a question saying ?yes, we asked Nawaz Shaif to go back from the captured positions?. And I myself have read living abroad a headline in a foreign newspaper Indian Defence Minister saying ?pakistanis are still in some places and we can not push them back?. In 1968-70 living in Karachi with my own eyes I often saw in Liaquatabad area (then known as Laloo Khait from where movement against General Ayub started) people throwing stones on buses, putting fire on tyres, stopping the traffic but as soon as army came there came a remote controlled peace and same stone throwing people turned towards raising slogans praising army, entertaining them etc. There was such a fear of army no one during those days could think of rioting, throwing a stone etc. I despite having special departmental passes permitting to pass through cardoned or curfew areas had no courage to pass through an army vehicle on the road. I am not highly educated. I am an average citizen from lower middle class due to recent economic development of the country soon near entering to the lower poverty class. I have no political affliation as my politics is my livelihood. Whatever our todays so called liberals or intellectuals may say the fact is from the very day of birth of our beloved Pakistan it is the aim of some to de-establish this country and make a Hindustan under whatever the new label or brand it may be. Pakistan which to India was expected to get vanish in a six month or a year by the Grace of God developed speedily. These unknown forces realised that unless there is army and judiciary in Pakistan, the goal cannot be achieved as such under a deep planning of unknown-practical-players in 1971 Bangladesh was created to defame Pakistan army. Under this planning after 1971 so-called-arranged defeat every effort was made to defame Army. I remember during about1973 there was a devastating flood in Punjab. Shahdra Town came under water. People were rescued by operation. On popular ?Dehatti Bhaioun Kaliay? programme of Radio Pakistan I heard an interview of an illiterate villager that ?army? rescued us, I had to leave all my belongings but by ?paying? to ?armymen? I could get my buffalow escaped through rescue boats. The fact was army was not at all used in the operation, it was Bhutto?s created special force whose uniform was just like military which handled this operation. Villager was illiterate who cannot distinguish between special force or army. For him every khakhi type uniform wearer was a ?Fouji?. Thus under a deep planning bad name was being given to army as in case of above villager?s example who always would keep in mind a Fauji Bhai took rishwat. To let down other namely judiciary Bhutto created the first ever example in the world by arresting from within the court the civil judge Sanghar. Attack on Supreme Court during Nawaz Sharif etc all are series of same cotinued game to defame army and judiciary. I cannot for rest of my life forget the photo appearing in the press during 1977 agitation against Bhutto when on Burns Road near S.M. Law collage a young girl from amongst the demonstraors opened neck of her shirt holding apart with her two hands yelling on the young army captain ?shoot me here?. On the background was an army jeep, young captain holding his gun. He could not fire. I wept seeing the photo. This was a dangerous photo showing fear receding. In short what today is happening namely; when army comes out in aid of civil administration young people do not care much, stones on para military jeeps are thrown and there are unconfirmed reports that one or two uniformed personnel on patrol some years back disappeared etc. A sentence of an MQM leadership was an eye opener sometime in 1997-2000 that we have achieved something or not but fear of army has receded and this is an achievement. Use of army personnel for checking electric meters, tracing alleged tax evading docuemnts from DAWN, etc all are the things of same deep planned play that bring military people as much possible in the civil affairs, keep stealing electricity so the bad name should go to army, prepare such alluring office summaries that army people may be allured to get housing plots on sports land so young sports lovers may feel hate etc all are the different stages and steps of same game. Paramilitary/scouts entered into South Wazirastan for flushing out alleged terrorists. How much successful was this operation needs no comments. Press reports are there. Whether terrorists have been captured or not, operation is successful or not, is not a serious point. The serious point is since independence this area had been a natural defence boundry for Pakistan. These people always respected army. They never had thought of raising gun against Pakistan army in which many of their own fathers sons were employed. Today they have for the first time raised their guns killing 13 army personnel. What is more serious in all this is that the fear of army has gone and vanished and that is the most serious point to ponder. It is open world topic today that US intelligence failed in giving proper intelligence data about Afghaninstan and Iraq. No weapons of mass destructions could be found in Iraq which was the base for attacking. Credibility of US intelligence services is a top of intrnational newspapers today. In Wazirastan Pakistan paramilitary forces operated on the basis of intelligence shared by US about presence of alleged terrorists. Paramilitary forces counterfaced tribal people who raised their guns against Pakistani paramilitary forces. Now reading some of the comments suggest alleged top terrorists there were either not at all there or escaped. Now point to ponder is was it another step of the same strategy to reduce fear of Pakistan army that wrong intelligence was provided to Pakistan under a planning that Pakistani paramilitary forces may interven so tirbals may raise their guns first time in history against Pakistanis and it may ultimately create for ever hate amongst the young tribals. According to Corps Commander the foreign fighers had assult rifles, aircraft guns, flame-throwers etc. The alleged foreign fighters are since long encircled from all sides; from Afghanistan side by US troops from Pakistan side army so from where this ?heavy? ammunication is coming to these fighers? Just routine guns or bullets can get escaped through these barriers but no heavy machine guns etc. So who is supply these heavy items to fighters should be a serious point. It could be the same who gave birth to these fighters during russian occupation of Afghanistan and he is playing double game with Pakistan. As I said I am not much educated hence my inability to express my point but intellgent readers can well understand my view point. Honestly speaking I still have same respect for the army, I still have almost same belief that army people can well deliver good by better controlling system but at the same time to be honest with my ALLAH a little down sliding of this respect has started. I was never influenced reading so many articles criticising army, alleged irregularities in defence contracts, alleged defeats, alleged this and that but the day I learnt houses for army personnel were being built on a part of national staudium this down towards journey starded. And I wonder this is what unknown planners actually have planned and this is their strategy. ANNUAL ANNIVERSAY OF MY PICK POCKETED Rs. 50/- By Javed - 01 April 2004 Every year in the first week of April I celebrate the anniversary by addressing my this letter to newspapers never published. Yet I keep this exercise as it helps pulling out my heart burning which are dangerous for health. I have more than 35 years service both at home and abroad; half half. I started from Pakistan?s most lucrative income tax department. I have not earned even a single Rupee Haram. Nothing has ever been due against me as I always paid government dues before time. Since my earning is totally Rizq-e-Hilal hence naturally my this exercise as I have read somewhere that according to Islamic teachings those who do not struggle for injustices to them are also criminal. Whatever is mentioned in the paragraph below is just based on my memories where sequence and timings can be a little wrong but not the facts. Sometime during 199-94 I made occasional shoppings from different Utility Stores in Karachi. Being a so-called educated person I have belief on modern office gadgets like calculators, cash registers. Electronic cash registers receipts I hardly ever counter checked. One day after coming from such a utility stores having nothing to do I do not know why I started reading just for reading purpose the cash receipt of purchases made 30 minutes back. Something struck to my mind. When I concentrated I found grand total was Rs. 50/- higher than the actual. Cost per piece and quantity was all OK. Being an office worker it was not easy to digest it as according to my knowledge when electronic calculators make some mistake due to electric fluctation, technical error etc the errored figures always is 4/6/8 digits while this was merely Rs. 50 which was nothing but a tactful manipulation of calculator. How many cash receitps in the past were having similar excessive miscalculations I could not think of. I immediately rushed to the Utility Store where I was told yes calculation was wrong and I can purchase items worth Rs. 50/- but no cash can be refunded. It was a matter for me of larger concern for the society hence I refused to make purchases and addressed the MD Utility Stores headquarters in Islamabad as well as concerned utility stores. I gave reminders but no response was as usual received. I filed a complaint with Federal Ombudsman explaining the whole thing, apprehending how many innocent people were suffering from this scandal without their knowledge and prayed that this matter be investigated particularly how a calculator can make only a very meaningful excess calculation which may not easily catch eyes. The Federal Ombudsman accepted the complaint for processing and advised the Utility Stores to submit comments. Utility Stores submitted no complaint from complainant was received. I submitted copies of my complaint as well as postal proof of despatch. I submitted copy of cash receipt. Came the final decision from Federal Ombudsman that complaint is of a General Nature and it is not job of ombudsman to make investigations in general nature matteres. How was it a general nature matter in the presence of nakedly excess showing cash receipt I could not understand. If job of an ombudsman is not to see seriously that people were tactfully being pickpocketed by access calcuations then what else is job of an ombudsman office which is being maintained on high cost. An ombudsman is to see a bureaucratic administrative wrong and protect the citizens from any injustice arising out of this wrong. Is over charging under a tactful way not an act of mal administration/administrative wrong and injustice to citizens? However ombudsman showing his heart for citizen mentioned in his finding that a copy of his above decision and a copy of complaint be sent to MD utility stores and Secretary Ministry of Commerece. Seeing the country?s ombudsman had not cared to see pick-pocketing Rs. 50 of a citizen (how many others were being affected?) both Secretary Commerce as well as MD Utility naturally ever dammed care even to drop me a line of any sympathey. My rizq-e-hilal Rs. 50/- are hanging.This is my rizq-e-hilal and I am determined to keep it mind, keep celebrating annual anniversary of my hard earned Rs. 50 and catch the collars of those on the day of judgement whoever are concerned with this matter one way or the other in depriving me from my rizq-e-hilal. If someone wants to hang me for this sin of speaking on my pickpocketed rizq-e-hilal Rs. 50/- he can. I am now old, a chronic diabetic and I think on bonus life. AL-QAEDA TAPES ? NO. 2 MATEIAL By Shahnaz - 31.03.2004 Al Jazeera on 25 March 2004 showed a video shot purportedly Al Qaed leader Al Zawahiri asking Pakistani people to overthrow General Musharraf. Pakistani people, even if this tape is true, would never ever think of doing as it is a record people of Pakistan have never ever paid any heed to such outbursts coming from abroad. Few years back Irani leadership in some low profile words also desired a similar thing but people never and would never listen to such things. I am a common man not much educated. Whatever little reading material through local newspapers I have I understand Al Qaeda leadership is constantly on run. They keep changing too frequently their hidings. When a person is in such a state naturally he has with him only very limited highly essential daily necessities with him like medicine, dried bread etc and not VCRs, move cameras etc particularly when such runners are surrounded from all angels. It was recently claimed that outsiders come from neighbouring border countries to Iraq for alleged terrorist activities but no body gave answer when outside conquerers are present on every side of Iraq and nobody can escape from their eyes how these outsider comes, do their alleged terrorist act and they do away unnoticed unless they are ?allowed? to go. Similarly is the Al Qaeda leadership, if there actually is any, so fool that it has no other thing to do than keep making videos etc. Today international market is flooded with counterfeit products of every type may it be software or toys or watches. We can see in BD one every type, name and brand of watch can be taken from foot path vendors in Manama and Isa Town. And we all know these are counterfeit imitations called in layman language as ?No. 2?. Why these alleged Al Zawahiri tapes cannot be ?No 2? material manufactured by ?wise? to keep a constant pressure harassment atmosphere on Muslim countries like Pakistan, Arab. IMPORT OF RECONDITIONED CARS ? A MAFIA By Javed - 25 March 2004 A lot is appearing in these columns about government?s intention perhaps to allow import of reconditioned cars. Some have welcome this and some have criticised. Both have given much evaluated strong arguments. But one asspect has been left. It is my belief governments rightly introduce welfare schemes but the unknown forces keep a back door open for their vested interests. For example when under interim caretaker government a hue and cry was raised about huge amouts outstanding against some blue eyed telephone subscribers government took a serious note. While phone of ordinary people like me gets cut even after having paid timely, phones of these blue eyed people remained alive for years despite accummulative of 4 to 6 figure arrears. The government desired to stop this. But the vested interest implanted government?s this desire ?tactfully? keeping door for their personal interst open. Instead of ensuring that each phone without discrimination gets disconnected in case 2-3 months bills are not paid, these forces prescribed that landlord would be responsible if a tenant left without paying bills. Keeping in view that Bill for calls made in June comes by end August and tenant leaves 30 June it is impossible for a landlord to ensure this. Had the policy drafters been true honest then they could had prescribed arrears to be recovered from salary of concerned PTCL Accounts Officer in whose jurisdiction a phone remains for a year or so alive without making payment. A gas company asked the tenant to pay 5 years accumulated gas bills as his tenant left wihtout payment. Landlord went to Federal Ombudsman. On enquiry it was found tenant had a ?link? in gas company hence till tenant lived no gas bill came, as soon as he left accummulated bill came. I went Middle East in 1984. During those days import of reconditioned or new cars was allowed to Overseas Pakistanis under gift scheme. What I felt was a mafia using this facility. Such mafia people used to visit labour camps or premises of poor labourers offering them cash Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4000 which was a big amount in 1980s and getting their signatures on Gift Scheme Forms and importing cars in their names. Same will happen now. It can only be checked if an Overseas Pakistani is allowed to import or send a gift car provided he has a known monthly salary/income minimum prescribed by the government this otherwise this import will be same like it was in 1980s. MINERAL WATER BOTTLE!!! By Shahnaz - 22.3.2004 I am not much educated or having any knowledge of general or medical science hence my inability as a layman. The other day I read a small item titled ?Mineral Water bottles re-use? in an international newspaper which has surprised and made me worried. I wish to reproduce it if GDN could help guide. Quote: ?Many are unaware of the poisoning caused by re-use of plastic bottles. Some of you may be in the habit of using and re-using your disposable mineral water bottles, keeping them in your car or at work. It is not a good idea. A 12-year girl has died (in a middle east country named in the article) after re-using (16 months) of a mineral water bottle, as she used to carry the same fancy (painted by herself) bottle to school daily. The plastic (called polyethylene terephthalate or PET) used in these bottles contains a potentially carcingoenic element (something called diethlhydroxylamine or DEHA). The bottles are safe for one-time use only: if you must keep them longer, it should be for no more than a few days or for a week at the very most. You must keep them always from heat as well. Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break down and the carcingoenus (cancer causing chemical agents) can leak into the water that you are drinking. Unquote. Is it true? FRAUD ? 3 YEARS JAIL ? HOLIDAYS FROM DUBAI By Javed - 15 March 2004 Today while I was destroying old newspapers magazines I came across mid 2003 a new item accordingt to which acting on recommendations of an enquiry committee Allama Iqbal Open University has handed down various punishment to penalize Librarian, assistant librarian and superintendent account involved in the library scam. The decision against librarian and Dean of faculty of science whose involvement was confirmed by three subsequent enquiry committees not merely was held by university high ups in the past but also are reluctant to punish the librarian who has high backing. Earlier these accused officials were given higher punishment eg one to be demoted from grade 19 to 18 but later it was merely limited to withholding of some increment only. One had been given forced retirement. These officials misused Rs. 10 library fund. It reminded me of period of 1973-75 when politics entered into first time into our government offices, mush room labour unionism was ?deliberately? created even unions were thrusted into hospitals and one?s ?influence and backing? the main merit, a general manager was helpless before his clerk. During those days all a sudden frauds misappropriation in banks and financial institutions and government increased manifold all of a sudden. Accounts were misappropriated in amounts of lacs. Action due to political unionism or political backing either was not taken or merely a small punishment like temporary suspension or transfer or hardly 2 or 3 years jail was awarded. Seeing this I still remember a Manager of a Bank saying by doing a fraud of 8 or 1O lacs [hen in seventies] and getting a jail term of 2 or 3 years is a profitable business. According to him after all people going to Dubai return home after 2 or 3 years and pocketing 8 lacs and living 2 years in jail one can take it he was serving in Dubai and had come home after 2 years. INAUGURATION OF A DISTANCE AWAY ITEM By Javed - 15 March 2004 In his columns titled ?Azad Jammu & Kashimir Television Station, in the Daily Nawaiwaqt of 04 March 2004 the columnist Rashid Malik is surprised that His Excellency the president of Pakistan inauguarated the opening ceremony of the TV station by pushing a button in the AJ&K Assembly. He wonders that in one institution namely Assembly serious is talked serious issues like Constitution, Law, Politics and Decomocracy while on the other namely TV non serious issues ?beautiful faces, music, culture, songs? are song. I am sure His Excllency?s inaugurating switching on the inaugural button in a place other than the TV Station itself must be for a very valid reason namely the security concerns. Today we are passing through a crucial stage and security of our Head of State is and in fact should always be a high concern. However such things had in past too been done when we had not much security concerns. I do not remember the period but it was sometime end 1980s when Pakistan Post Office Department introduced its very first Public Fax Machine system. The chief guest for the opening ceremony was a senior columnist Ibn-e-Hassan who at that time was holding the position of Governor of Sindh. Ibn-e-Hasan was the Editor or Chief Editor of a weekly businessm Magazine. He also used to write Urdu coloumns mostly in Daily Nawai-e-Waqt. Reading of his columns always gave an impression he had last night been weeping on the economical conditions of the poor man and the country. As like most of the columnist his columns used to be full of references about Islam. I was young at that time, not that much experienced and I used to read his column word to word that how great the columnist was who was so much concerned about economy, waste, luxrious spending and luxurious living etc. But as is in our beloved country, my this belief vanished when I read the news about his being Chief Guest and inauguration of Fax Machine. This first public fax machine was installed in Karachi GPO while this inauguration (switching of button) was held in Hotel Intercontinental. Hotel Intercontinental I think till then was Karachi?s top hotel. I had always though inauguaration of a bridge, a building, a new train always happened at the relevant place namely bridge, building and railways station but not on a third place. I addressed him dozen and dozen letter giving references to his columns enquiring if he felt anything remotest about posh hotel, posh expenses while inauguarating a thing which was practically lying about 2 miles away he never ever gave me any response. The life experience has today taught me ?never believe what a column writer or a book writer says?, but always keep in mind as much he would talk or show his feeling for the economy, country or for the poors the more on opposite direction practically he would be. PIA ? INCREASING FARES DECREASING FACILITIES By Javed - 09 March 2004 Governments are supposed to increase facilities to make the public at ease and not to withdraw already existing ones without any due logic. Each government tells us that during the then previous government so and so was into loss which has now become profit earning. For example common Pakistani empties times has learnt Pakistan Steels turning ?first time? into a profit earning unit. Likewise for sometime occassionally we hear PIA turning into profitability but no body at the same time tells us if this profit earned figures include the huge clossal injected from the national exchequer of this debit ridden poor nationna to make its financial health sound. While PIA keeps on increasing its fares only and only to increase salaries and perks of its seniors, it is withdrawing public facilities. For example PIA bag today is a dream of our childhood. Since establishment of Karachi Gulshan-e-Iqbal Civic Centre there was a PIA Sales Office dealing both domestic and international reservations. I myself had always been getting reservations, re-confirmations for my international travel from this centre. This was most conveient central place for residents of Gulshan, Nazimabad, Federal B Area, PECHS, Landhi etc as on this sector Karachi?s best cheap and easy transport system is available. About 3 years back this Reservation Office was closed. I visited PIA Shaheed-e-Millat Road who refused to re-confirm my international seat on the plea this office was dealing domestic flights only. When I contacted PIA Head Office that PIA Offices at Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Federal B Area all were equipped with network of computers then why provisional reservations and confirmatins should not be dealt by them while sales of international ticket could remain with its Saddar Office. In reply appreciating my view, PIA confirmed me in writing that arrangements were being made that Shaheed-e-Millat Road and other offices deals with international reservations etc. But this year it was the same. Three times Chairman PIA was addressed through emails which all came back undelivered. However when chaiman PIA was addressed through PIA webmaster each time an acknowledgement came that matter had been forwarded to concerned quarters without any further progress. Perhaps PIA has adopted a policy to ignore the matter as time will automatically kill it. WOULD THESE ENGINEERS COME BACK? By Shahnaz - 23.2. 2004 According to a news item appearing on 23.3.2004 His Excellency the Minister Incharge for Science and Technology Professor Mr. Atta-urRahman who is also the Chairman of Higher Education Commission has stated that some 500 people will be sent abroad each year for pursuing doctorate degree in engineering under a new programme. This is a very noble intention and my prayers for its success are with the Minister and the country. Professor Atta-ur-Rahman in fact had been doing lot towards this. But point is how many of those 500 sent yearly on expense of poor masses would come back to the country? Where many even at their last postings abroad on retirement prefer settling in abroad, what is guarantee these 500 would be back? A personal surety, a written affidavit, a written attested undertaking? What worth are these paper guarantees. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS AND THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARD ? URDU V/s ENGLISH !!! By Javed ? 20 February 2004 A public spirited citizen Samee-Ul-Hassan Karachi (DAWN 29.12.2003) entitled ?CNICs ? a bottomless pit? has stated how national waste the National Registration Act of 1973 had been and keeping economic and other conditions of Pakistan this scheme in 1973 should not have been started. He rightly quotes how illegal Afghani had been all along obtaining NICs and passports. He further quotes how countries like India never introduced NICs scheme. Only two months back in UK British Foeign Affairs has raised objection to any proposal for any national identity card. Samee says how much money has been spent on computerisation etc for new Computerised NICs. 18 December in some Lahore urdu newspaper I read a column wherein columnist from that class who always praise every government move while praising NADRA extraordinarily inter alia alleged that thousands have got these Computerised NICs illegally. Samee also says in 1980 he addressed the Ministry of Interior raising his fears scheme would not be useful. The scheme though in my view good but it was started with ill designs. Where national identity cards are issued the first and the main steps then taken is creation of a central data which in our case in 1970s was not done. Somewhere in 1990s I myself drew the attention of Ministry of Interior directly and also through Federal Ombudsman showing importance of keeping centralised data and creatng simultaneously record of finger print data but no body appreciated me. Mr. Samee I am sure must be knowing creation of poorman?s bank, microwave bank, clean wather authroity, super cards etc in fact always are to create new seats for certain people and not for real purpose as is told to the nation. For example had it been real intent to help finance domestic type business and young people then instead creating new banks, new samll business complex etc more strength would had been given to already existing wonderful First Women Bank which did a real marvelous work in this field. The government introduced a new separate national identity card for Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) on a high fee of US$ 25 per three year per each family member. Almost each and every circle connected with Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) concern over it. For example Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing logged its protest with Ministry of Interior in as much as that Joint Secretary from Foreign Affairs went personally to the Ministry of the Interior to lodge this protest. This was introduced without consulting Pakistani Embassies and OPs circles like Pakistani Associations abroad etc. Only recently on 12.10.2003 a news item appeared that UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly opposed and resented to the idea of any national identity cards for its nationals. When NADRA raised the idea of issuing Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for Pakistanis who have attained foreign nationality a very senior journalist titled his column ?POC ? a technique to earn money?. The rulers in the 1997 Overseas Pakistanis Convention held in Islamabad pronounced Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) whether holding having Pakistani or foreign nationality all are our brothers and Pakistan is their home open all times. If this is correct then why should a Pakistani need a POC on payment to enter into his own home? The main reason for introducing this new National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) given was that present National Identity Card in Pakistan was in Urdu which foreign authorities where OPs work cannot read. This is an argument which has no logic or sense. Foreign identity cards are never required to be produced by any government department in Pakistan. Likewise Pakistani national identity card has never ever been required abroad by foreign departments abroad. The only document universally recognised for establishing one?s identity is his national passport. I have worked for about 18 years abroad. The country where I had been working has a similar Identity card system as that in Pakistan. During all these years neither in Pakistan any department/bank asked me for producing my foreign ID Card nor in my country of employment any Department, my employer there or a Bank (even Pakistani bank there) ever asked me to produce my Pakistani National Identity Card. They always asked to produce local ID Card. Pakistani ID Card was however required only in Pakistan Embassies at time of issuance or renewal of Passports, attestations work in our Embassies we all know staff invariably know Urdu. Those who think POC for Pakistanis holding foreign nationality and separate NICOP for Pakistani nationals working abroad are just revenue generating brilliant ideas perhaps have some weight in their thinking if we see that according to a report published on 26/6/2003 now NADRA was planning to replace the traditional identity card with a new multi purpose card with bio-metric technology. Of course a new income. The main salient reason given introducing separate card for Pakistanis working abroad was that foreign countries Administrations cannot read Urdu hence need for an English language card which foreign Administrations could read. How weak and empty this reason is can be judged from only one example that the Punjab Ombudsman of the same Government to which NADRA belongs addresses Overseas Pakistani complainants by writing foreign complainant?s address on the envelope in Urdu. Pakistani complainants from abroad write their foreign addresses in English so that on return host country postal administration could read it. But the Punjab Ombudsman while replying translates this English address into Urdu so foreign postal administration should know to read Urdu. This negates NADRA?s logic. WHAT IS AND WHERE IS ?JUSTICE? By Javed - 29 February 2004 A Pakistani Doctor allegedly has been deprived of his research work by a German Court. Different people including lawyers have stormed the pages of Daily Statesman, Daily Nation and web pages of www.lawandlawyers.com.pk criticising the German Court that its decision is biased. Some have remarked that western countries including their courts have different separate standards for local and foreigners particularly for citizens of third world countries. None of such critics or commentators have mentioned even a single world about justice in Pakistan. I have long lived abroad. It is my personal opinion that we the Pakistanis are very intelligent, good in work, dedicated but at the same time we are not balanced in our views. If we hate someone we are at extreme and if we love or like someone he is angel for us and nothing wrong of his catches our eyes. Recently both our Honourables His Excellency General Pervaiz Musharraf the President of Pakistan and His Excellency Mr. Zafarullah Khan Jamli the Prime Minister after Dr. Qadeer Khan?s unfortunate saga have shown Their Excellencies dismay over poor performance of all our institutions. His Excellency the Prime Minister even used the specific word ?Judiciary?. Earlier on some other occasion HE the President has somewhere observed deteriorating performances of all our institutions. Is true justice available to ALL in our country? Answer to this is in recent columns of intellectuals like Mr. Irshad Ahmad Haqqani etc. For those criticizing the German Court I quote hereunder restricting to one and only one example and request them to trace ?justice? from this exampled case using their digital microscopes. In this under quoted example figure of money, timing and sequence of happening could be wrong as it is be typed based on old memories but the facts are true. I was then working abroad. Sometime during 1995-96 my family had to fax me a single A-4 size important paper from Karachi. My brother approached PTCL Nazimabad Karachi Public Call Office. He was charged (about) Rs. 130 plus minus. The fax did not reach me. Since document was very important after two days I asked him to re-send again. Same PTCL Nazimabad PCO this time charged him about Rs. 40/-. The fax did not reach me again. My brother sent me payment receipts as well as PTCL Nazimabad Fax Transmission Reports which showed ?Error Codes? which universally mean from transmitting end fax could not be transmitted. At my end the Fax machine abroad was latest modern which received more than 50-100 a faxes a day. PTCL equipment being old perhaps did not match but it is not the point but this technical issue is not a point here. Almost all our Government have always cared one way or the other welfare of masses. Accordingly in addition to traditional courts our government has made different types of forums, institutions and offices for providing ?justice?. I approached one such ?institution? created on huge expense and if my memories in this old age are not failing me down there was once a time when more than Supreme Court Budget was allocated to this ?justice providing institution? including power of contempt. This ?institution? was introduce to provide ?cheap and speedy? justice. Is it ?today? supplying ?cheap? Justice? Is it providing ?speedy? justice? These are not points here left for any other time but if one reads its annual reports then one wonders why so much has been done and reformed then why public still is suffering in as much as that a President and a Prime Minister says people need justice. I approached complaining to this ?institute? that fax was not transmitted but charges were taken from me. For some reasons ?based on my life?s past experience? I mentioned about first Fax only. I did this deliberately knowing well the bureaucracy. General Manager Phones Karachi submitted in its reply that ?even on error code charges are taken? hence PCO rightly charged the complainant. I let a little time past ?deliberately?. Then I filed complaint about second non transmitted fax and in that I ?deliberately? did not mention case/complaint about first non-transmitted fax. The Fax page to be transmitted was the same, PTCL PCO was the same Nazimabad, the General Manager submitting reply/rejoinder was the same but his mouth was ?second? this time. This time completely forgetting what he submitted on a 100% same case only a little earlier this time he submitted ?charges were taken erroneously and will be refunded to the complainant?. I point this out at this stage that the General Manager from his same mouth on same single issue was submitted two different opposite direction contrary to each other, suiting to each new situation, reply which speaks a lot in addition of contempt of court as he is taking the ?institution very light?. The justice providing institutional head who was a Judge retired form Supreme Court finished the by writing his ?Decision? that he (Head of institution/judge) was pleased that his involvement has provided relief to the complainant. What relief? He was a judge and he did not question the GM even once how the hell you are submitting before me two contrary statements namely: (i) if on error code charges are legally right then why the hell are you now refunding and (ii) and in case on error code charges are not taken then why the hell in the first case charges were taken (and from how many innocent people are taken without their knowledge and where such monies go). Matter does not end here. Here is the point which is a point to ponder. A question is often asked as to why despite governments sincere wishes there is never improvement. Answer lies in this example of mine. GM Phones submitted before ?Head of this institution headed by a retired superior court judge? that refund would be made (in second case/complaint ? what about first case/fax the head of institution had no time to think over it). It is a universal principle that when a court or an ?institution like courts? declares a ?relief? in its decision the implementing party ?at its own? provide this relief. This refund never came to me and till my writing to the best of my knowledge has not come to me. The GM Phase realizing the attitude of the ?Head of institution? that when he (Head/judge) has ignored his (GM) speaking two different tongues why the he (GM) should care knowing well ?Head? perhaps has no ?brains?. I many times addressed PTCL that you promised before ?institution? but I have not received the refund. After years of reminder about 2 years back PTCL informed me ?you did not approach us requesting for refund?. Did I still need to ?request/beg? for refund or should it had automatically come to me based on ?Decision?? I repeatedly approached the ?Institution? praying that I may please be guided that when a relief was declared/ included in your ?decision? should under universal practice it had not been delivered to me by PTCL immediately in compliance to the order or I am required to ?request or beg? the PTCL bureaucracy once again requesting and begging them to please implement the ?Institution?s order?. This ?institution? never gave me any response. If one read minutely the above example it would be found why there is no respect to orders, instructions. Because everyone knows after once having given an order that there would be no male passengers in female compartments of mini buses, the minister or judge giving such order will surely forget his orders hence drivers dame care for such orders. If my memories are not misguiding me in this old age I do remember in Karachi one superior court a few years back on a human rights issue instructed that form date so and so there would not be any smoke omitting rickshaw on the road. Riding a rickshaw I enquired from the old aged illiterate rickshaw driver that what would be do after a month as is rickshaw was too old. I remember he laughed and said to me ?Babu, judge will forget what he said and above all who cares about such routine things?. Brothers, before criticizing others we needed to see our own homes. PROPER SERVICE OF LEGAL NOTICE!!! By Javed - 28.02.2004 A debate has started in these pages about a German court?s decision in case of a Pakistani researcher. In this debate came a point re necessity for proper serve of legal notice. The theme is that not serving properly the legal notice to defending party is grave injustice in itself and a decision made accordingly does not reflect a true justice. I wonder before debating or criticizing the conduct of foreign courts first we should see our own home. Proper service of legal notice is one of the main ingredient of any justice system. Basic concept behind proper service of notice is that the defending party should have sufficient time from its daily life to prepare its defence and could arrange resources to come prepared. It never is meant to call the party just to punish. In our beloved country one of the biggest tool used to deprive the defendant party from getting justice is too frequent adjournments in which collaborating hand always is of lawyers and court lower clerks. The second biggest tool is to ensure that the other party does not get proper or timely legal notice. For example notices are published in such newspapers which do not have enough circulations and text of advertisements are got printed in smallest possible size/fine prints. . Sometime early 90s I was working abroad. I needed service of an advocate in Lahore. From one newspaper advertisement I got name of an advocate and contacted him. He agreed to take my case and I paid him full fee in advance. I paid him some extra at my own for spending on correspondences/faxes to keep me apprised. After one or two initial hearings he disappeared. Case was decided ex-parte due to absence of my advocate. I came to know my advocate had by then shifted from Lahore to Faisalabad. I approached the Secretary Punjab Bar Council Lahore who vide his Notice of Appearance dated 8.9.1997 advised me to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar on 18.9.1997. He probably thought he was asking a man in Gujranwala to come by just taking a Rs. 5 bus ticket. This notice reached me afternoon of the morning on which I was supposed to be present in Pakistan before disciplinary committee. I apprised the Secretary about his non proper service of notice when again through his notice dated 22 October 1997 he advised me to attend and plead my case on 30 October 1997 in the District Bar Association Faisalabad. The Secretary further advised me that I should also bring with me ?Office and residence complete address? of concerned Advocate. MASHALLAH, a common man had to provide IN THE HEARING the address of a REGISTERED member of the Bar. In other words on 30 October 1997 when I appear before the Committee the accused advocate was not to be present as his address was not known and only I was to show the disciplinary committee my ?pretty? face on expense of at least Rs. 25,000 on travel because after I have given the address then minimum in next 4 or 10 days time the advocate concerned could had been arranged to attend next hearing provided he would not have ?gone? to Murree for two months. And in the meantime I was supposed to remain out of duty staying in Faisalabad ? same old tactics knowing well being a service person I can not stay indefinitely in Faisalabad. However supposing for a while that the Secretary possessed the basic average knowledge of postal system then it meant he deliberately kept a margin of only 9 days from date of his writing to the date of hearing ? allowing 9 days for a letter to reach abroad, citizen to prepare travel arrangements, make some arrangement for food for children during his absence and come from a long distance. The legal notice universally invariably is supposed to have proper service address. My address was P.O. Box number so and so. The learned Secretary translated it on the envelope ?Dakkhana number so and so?. He wanted the foreign people to know meaning of ?Dakhana?. Wonderful. Secondly a level as high as that of a Secretary of a distinguished body had not even a lowest level knowledge about mail situation and the circumstances under which his country?s citizens were working abroad. He thought traveling from a foreign country was just like taking a ticket from Gujranwala railway station and travel to Lahore/Faisalabad. He did not appear to have a remotest knowledge that even within the country to be on safe side it takes at an average of a week reaching a letter and he had no care he was sending a letter to a foreign country. His letter of 22 October 1997 reached the foreign mail Division on 30 October the date on which I was actually supposed to be showing my ?pretty? face in the hearing from where it was next day forwarded to my city and local post office took its own time. I got this letter when hearing date had long passed. For traveling from abroad foremost thing needs money. I had to think of approx, Rs. 25,000 travel expense and arrangements for immigration formalities.. Now another wonderful thing. At no stage I mentioned in my letters anywhere what was the nature of my case, what was court name where my case met the ex-parte fate, case number etc. Hence it naturally meant that on date of hearing I was just to show my ?pretty handsome? face to disciplinary committee because neither the accused advocate was supposed to be there (as disciplinary committee did not know his address which then I was to provide them this). Secondly this hearing was just a show piece because the so-called disciplinary committee had no information of case hence naturally no court case file was to be present there from which the committee could know the truth how many absences of the advocate the court had registered. So without advocate address and court case file which was in Lahore, I was to attend hearing on 30 October and remain there for next 15/30 days so committee could find the advocate who would by then surely be somewhere in Peshawar or Murree on holidays waiting my return back and committee getting information from Lahore. So this was all a game knowing well under no circumstances I would risk my employment abroad sitting for long days waiting for next hearing as logically the first hearing was just to waste the time and a formality to fill up the stomach of files. A friend of my mine few years back received a one single page hearing notice from Sindh High Court. What was the nature of the case he was not aware as there was no attachment to it. He repeatedly addressed Chief Justice Sindh High Court requesting a copy of complaint/case so that he may know what was the case but never got any response. A Gujranwala court mid 1990s sent one of my colleague here in middle east a notice of attendance and on the envelope wrote half address that of Gujranwala and half of middle east, half in urdu and half in English properly to ensure that he did not get it timely. The court lower staff if not the court itself succeeded in this as this omlated address could deliver the notice to my friend after about 20 days of the hearing. Punjab Ombudsman who takes notice of mal-administration of other s and which is headed by a judge most serves the notice of hearing or for counter-statements by writing address the foreign complainants in Urdu language. One can thus well judge the fate of mailed notice to a foreign land where language is different. Both Federal and Punjab ombudsmen send their Notice in many cases with under-paid postage which makes the delivery 3 to 4 months late which in other word is defective service of notice. But as a tradition in the beloved country no body can show this as rules and laws all are for others and not for self. LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST: Only three days back a friend told me a Pakistani working in middle east was in a sort of problem. His wife has filed some family dispute against her husband who is working abroad. The concerned Civil and Family Court Karachi Central has issued a Summon dated 12.11.2003 to the husband to attend the court probably on 24.11.2003. These dates and contents cannot be properly read with surely he received this Summon as a very illegitimate photocopy. This summon was sent to him through Pakistan Embassy. Date of hearing appears to be 24.11.2003. When actually it was posted form Pakistan and when Embassy got is not known. But Pakistan Embassy forwarded this to concerned defendant on 3.12.2003 after date of hearing (which if correct was 24.11.2003). No copy of any plaint etc has been attached with summon enabling the defendant to know what was the case enabling him to prepare his defence. Is just 12 days right from the date of scribbling and writing a summon/legal notice to the date of hearing particularly when defendant is living abroad give any ?indication? to people who believe natural justice and fairness. Brothers do not critcise Germans or others first we ought to see our own home. FEDERAL TAX OMBUDSMAN - ADVISORY COMMITTEE ? By Javed - 15 January 2004 According to DAWN 13.12.2003 and The News International 31.12.2003 the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has set up a 22 member advisory committee with specified jurisdiction to perform the functions of FTO as may be advised to them. The members so nominated mostly are business leaders, tax consultants, experts in banking etc. When Ziaul Haq announced he was creating a Majlis-e-Shurah he told the nations people so coming in the Shura would be most ?pios?, Naik, God fearing respected by ?people? etc. I do remember he further stated that by this exercise a time will come when no body would wish to contest elections rather people would go at doors of such poius people requesting and pressing them to please come forward and go to assemblies as their area representatives but these pious people will due to fear of GOD hesitate to take such a responsibility. When nation was told there would be a graduate assembly almost similar things were, if not asked, hoped but the results are before us how ?graduate minds? have found their ways. Ziaul Haq forming Zakat system told the nation members of Zakat Committees would be so poise. We keep on reading stories of Zakat Committees. How many hundreds zakat cheques were taken by one Balochistan tribal leaders and how Zakat Committee chairmen spend. Sometime during 1995 a committee of prominent citizens was also formed by Federal Ombudsman Secretariat Karachi. I do not remember what introduction about this committee was officially given but it was something that these society respected senior citizens would help assist the Federal Ombudsman Office in knowing the peoples civic problems and would help guide assist the ombudsman office in dispensing justice on such issues. There was a long list of such ?respected senior citizens? all names of which are not remembered but seeing the name of one person amongst the list I realised what was the fate written on the wall. One such selected ?respected senior citizen? was from a very popular political family from Punjab. This family has a very big posh bungalow in PECH Society Karachi named after their home city in Punjab. During 1950s people living in a then new developing very big locality of Karachi tell horror stories about high ranking businessmen elders of this family. About two years back a sensational story appeared in press how a young 12/14 years domestic servant of the family had disappeared and it was alleged that a named family member might had killed and dumped somewhere. But since family has political linkage no further follow up ever came in press again. This was the family who according to my understanding established the very first Night Club in Karachi. This is a very rich landlord businessman political family. One of the elders early 1960s took a loan of about 8 or 10 thousands for construction of a hut on Kawksbay beach Karachi. Loan was never paid because it was never taken for return. A few years back when a lot of political political hue and cry was rasied for recovery of loans the family elder was summoned by the Banking Court. The loan had accummulated to Rs. 18 or Rs. 20 thousands. The elder on oath in the court stated he today had no money, no earning, his sons give him monthly a Rs. 300 - Rs. 600 and he has no property or money to repay loan. Submitting his statement he walked out of court wearing a costly suit, sat in a waiting big car and driver drove away and court kept staring the car with wide opened eyes. But I have no doubt and I am confident that FTO new advisory committee comprises of people of high repute, who themselves are paying each and every penny of tax due to the nation exactly in accordance with tax laws and calculating each peny of their income. And I have no doubt that in our today?s New Pakistan where corruption has been eradicated, new reforms introduced have taken their roots, economy continously improvig, this advisory committee will be a blessing from ALLAH THE GREAT and all peoples tax problems through hands of tax machinery will have eliminated when we will read next Tax Ombudsman Annual Report. RICH AND POOR NEW ISLAMABAD CITIES By Javed - 12 January 2004 It is generally believed today?s world is for rich and not for poor. It is hundred percent true as far as in our beloved country is concerned. The news media which is treated as public watchdog in this regard including the one Lahore based claiming ?where there is injustice its investigation team is there? and the other having moto ?Saying Kalima Haq Before Jabar Sultan is better than Jihad? mostly have space for issues concerning elite and not poor. The example is New Islamabad City housing project of elite/rich which every newspaper of Pakistan of and on touches, even voices are heard in parliament. But in all these year at least I have not seen even a single each space given by any newspaper of Pakistan for the New Islamabad City of poor down trodent people. I am sure the rich editors even do not know about the project of the poor. During the last 3 years almost all newspapers on the subject have been addressed by some aggrieved but none had space because it is a matter of poor. 3. In 1993 in major newspapers an advertisement appeared for allotment of Plots in New Islamabad City situated at Chakri Road Rawalpindi. This is not that project in which Asif Zardai?s name is alleged. It is a separate project consisting of small plots on chakri road floated by a company then having the office in an Islamabad residential bungalow and which company till now has twice changed its company name. The advertisement quoted clearance for the housing scheme from Rawalpindi Development Authority quoting clearance certificate No. RDA/DTP/24/83 dated 19.06.1993. Feeling since Rawalpindi Development Authority has given the clearance the poor labour class people started applying. It was in 1993. People kept on depositing progressive installments. But when people go to site there is hardly any substantial development. Some aggrieved approached Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA). First as is usual RDA remained silent. When matter was pursued through different levels including that of Punjab Ombudsman for the first time RDA came out with a reply of no sense that it warned the public in 1992 that New Islamabad City was not approved by RDA. But RDA did not answer the question it warned the people in 1992 and later in 2000 whereas the advertiser advertised and claimed in 1993 RDA clearance of June 1993. Then why when advertisement appeared in 1993 RDA did not came out again informing the public that the reference quoted by advertiser was misleading. It issued warning in May 2000 seven years after the public had put their money in the scheme. Government organisations contradicts or clarify their positions immediately. RDA remained silent for seven long year? The matter went to Dy. Commissioner Rawalpindi through Punjab Ombudsman. In his report submitted to Punjab Ombudsman the DC stated that there is no board or any sign indicating Housing Scheme in the name of New Islamabad City and there is no development work at site. The concluding last one line paragraph of the report singed by DC reads ?The owner as well as its housing scheme is, no doubt, fraudulent and fake?. The most shocking and which should be a serious concern of citizens of this country is that after observing and finding that scheme was a fraud neither the DC nor the protector of citizens right Punjab Ombudsman desired to take or advise any further action to check (I) why RDA remained 7 years sleeping when its name was misleadingly used (ii) what should the State namely DC, local government, Tehsil Council, police, board of revenue now do to protect the money of the public while correct name address of the owner of the land who advertised the scheme is mentioned in the DC?s Report. The DC and Punjab Ombudsman have only distributed the copies of Report without any such specific instruction directive or a decision. Perhaps because this is a New Islamabad City where depositors are from lower class and since the other New Islamabad City scheme which has directly or indirectly some concern with CDA and National Housing Authority etc belongs to rich upper class hence its voice is so often heard both in press, parliament and from government circles. It may be worth mentioning that Overseas Pakistanis Foundation repeatedly addressed this to NAB and two overseas Pakistani complainants themselves repeatedly addressed NAB but not a single response ever received. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS INVESTMENT IN PAKISTAN IS FOR EVER ? FOREIGNERS INVESTMENT CONTINUOUSLY REGULARLY IS TO OUTFLOW ? WHICH ONE IS BETTER By Javed - 15 January 2004 Today?s Daily Jang Karachi carries a news item that Saudi Al-Tareeqi Group is to establish at a cost of US$10 billion a stell mills near Port Qassim which we will be inauguarated by our respected His Excellency the President of Pakistan General Pervaiz Musharraf. It is a good sign but there is a point to serious ponder that Saudi investor is coming to establish a steel mills in Pakistan but our Pakistanis are establishing abroad such projects like as per previous newspaper reports Sharif family have established similar project in Saudi Arabia. The point to ponder which comes in tinny mind in this foolish clerk is that should we be happy on investing Saudis or any other foreigner in our beloved Pakistan while our prominent Pakistanis invest abroad. Pakistanis investment in Pakistan is to remain permanent in Pakistan, foreigners investment is a continous outflow to investor?s own country. Each successive government wished more welfare for Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) but its implementing machinery always translated the wishes of the government into actions by keep on increasing tax free limits in the name of incentives. The motive behind this had always been obvious. Earlier His Excellency the President General Pervaiz Musharraf very sincerely wished OPs welfare in as much as he himself very kindly chaired a meeting for this purpose. And the bureaucracy introduced a Silver and Gold Cards scheme for Overseas Pakistanis in the name of remittances through legal channel. An OP who sends US$2500 in a year under this scheme is issued a Silver Card entitling him to bring duty free personal effects goods worth US$ 1000 which is equal to Rs. 60,000 approx. This limit in new budget (2003-04) has been increased to UD$ 1,200/- which means approx. Rs. 80,000/-. So one who sends the country Rs. 150,000 in his own personal account/home he deprives the national exchequer of Rs. 60,000 from duties/taxes. No other country, to the best of my knowledge, has given so liberal baggage allowance and duty free incentives to its nationals working abroad. Rs. 60,000 custom free per person per year where it is hitting? Naturally our national industry. 2. I am a common man and I know the purchasing powers of majority of our Pakistanis working in the Middle East. I am working abroad in a government department and I am getting a salary good to the local standards. But even then I cannot think of taking with me personal baggage to such an amount which could fetch Rs. 60,000 customs duty. 70/80 percent of us due to ever increasing cost of living here in Middle East cannot even think of buying so much goods for taking home. Secondly today in Pakistan latest design cloth, electronic goods and other items comparatively are quite cheaper than prices prevailing here in middle east (thanks to increasing Bara markets). For example if I buy a personal normal computer from middle east it would cost me here minimum Pak. Rs. 40,000/-. When I take it to Pakistan I will have to pay 20 kgs x Rs. 400 per kg fare for Pakistan = Rs.8,000/-. Whereas same computer with guarantee I can purchase from Pakistan at approx. Rs. 25,000/-. Guarantee given in here middle east practically has not worth in Pakistan. Here in the Middle East many Pakistanis are bringing computers for their children from Pakistan. Only two months back a senior Pakistani retired after 30 years working here in Middle East came back to visit his sons. He told he had recently installed in his Gujranwala house split AC total costing him Rs. 21,000/- whereas a split AC here in middle east costs minimum Rs. 40,000 plus fare and duty extra if taken to Pakistan. 3. So point is then for whom these so-called ?incentives? are regularly increased. This can be understood from one example. 2 or 3 years back an airline started a weekly ?baggage free flight? from a middle east country to Karachi. Its ticket was very cheap with a condition that passenger would carry no baggage for hold except for a hand bag. This flight started going full. Under the scheme this flight should had been empty of cargo but if the record of CAA of the airport from where flight was originating is checked it would be found it always took off with full load. A report in press appeared (unfortunately copy of which I cannot trace) that this free flight was allegedly introduced to keep the baggage hold free to facilitate professional khapias take their baggage and specified customs officers were posted on that day. Baggage of an ordinary person like me and that of a professional khapia has difference. If I put 12 pairs of shirts and trousers in one suitcase the suitcase wold become full. But in the same suitcase a professional khapia would put 150 pairs because they pack under hydraulic systems. Beside volume under hydraulic pressure system a margin of weight also gets reduced due to air absence. A few years back one of our flight from Saudi Arabia to Islamabad had to emergency unscheduled land at Karachi due to shortage of fuel. This shortage of fuel was due to un-manifested loaded cargo in the hold of which Captain was not aware of. This extra un-manifested cargo of course was of professionals. Enquiry report never was made public. 4. 80% of we the OPs have neither so much earning and capability to take with them so much personal baggage. Till end 80s we used to struggle with airlines for some extra free baggage weight while going to Pakistan. Today it is reverse. Now we struggle to get some extra weight while coming from Pakistan because today coming from Pakistan we bring our annual requirements of cloths, pressure cockers, computers etc being cheap there. So for whom such custom free facilities are keep increasing? 5. I had during 80s to mid 90s struggled too hard on the subject. During that period I used to insist Pakistanis to keep their savings in Pakistan. Despite being lower level clerk living with family in a sole single room I used to spend good amount on arranging Account Opening Forms etc. Through me more than 3500 accounts were opened in Pakistan in Habib Bank, United Bank and National Savings. Since mid 90s I have left this ?hobby?. Last year I became in a severe problem when a family here ?fought? with me that on my advice they opened a monthly income account and today they find its conditions soon changed causing loss to the family. 6. A lot change I have observed. While previously the practice was restricted only to highly educated well paid people today even the labour class has started keeping their savings with them abroad due to ever reducing profits, changing conditions. For example while government is telling us increase in incentives, protection of our remittances etc on the other hand silently the banks in Pakistan started without our knowledge deducting ?service charges? from our bank drafts sent for credit into our savings accounts. I opened the savings account with national savings on basis of its newspaper/brochure advertisement ?Government guaranteed? at 12% which due to continuous reduction has today come to 4%. Where went the guarantee? The result is today a person like myself keeps money with me here where there is no risk of any bank clearing charges, any with-holding tax, any new this and new that. 7. Anything sensible or logical has hardly never been listened to. A lot of voices have since long been raised including in the so called show-piece OPF Conventions held in Islamabad that government may introduce some scheme like that of Ayub era?s bonus voucher under which anyone sending Rs. 100 be paid by bank Rs. 105/- but since acceptance of such a scheme was going to adversely hit hundi hence unknown-vested interests never let this proposal to come on table for any serious consideration. 8. I have myself during the last so many years addressed different levels different suggestions. Introduction of OPF Silver Gold Card scheme not merely to me but even to highly educated economist like Mr. Sultan Ahmed is practically damaging the country by allowing about Rs. 40,000 customs free. I suggested that instead of this Gold/Silver Card scheme on every remittance of Rs. 100 through legal channel bank may credit the payee with Rs. 100/- but at the same time government may credit extra Rs. 10/- separately as a bonus/gift/pension/profit in a separate account in the name of concerned OP. This Rs. 10/- may not be taken from national exchequer rather this Rs. 10/- be shared both by Overseas Pakistanis Foundation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rs. 5 be paid by OPF out of monies it has and which is totally contributed by we the OPs and in which there is not a single Rupee from government. Likewise Rs. 5 be contributed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs out of millions lying unspent being collected from we the OPs in the name of so-called community fund collected by taxing us when we apply for passport or any attestation service with embassies abroad. Thus these Rs. 5 plus Rs. 5/- which are purely our own-paid be put in a special account. When a worker returns back permanently only then he may be allowed to withdraw monthly profit as pension from this account and not the principle. But this proposal since is against the interest of ?hundi? has never even been acknowledged let alone saying ?Thank you?. 9. It is wrongly claimed that the great inflow of remittances is due to good policies or reposed confidence of OPs. The recent figures released about so far Silver/Gold Card issues is a mirror. The independent economists through their articles have opined that this increase was only due to after 9/11 incident and is a temporary phase [Today 17.9.2003 daily DAWN has carried a news item that remittances from UAE and USA have dropped drastically]. Those who think hundi has finished are living in fools-paradise. Hundi in one shape or the other is an international trade required for dealing under different circumstances. For example when so-called embargo and sanctions are imposed despite that trade keeps going on and even those who imposed sanctions themselves keep doing trade through third channels and such trade is dealt through systems like Hundi or similar form [You can see everything and every item was available in Libya and Iraq which had been under sanctions). In our case those who say hundi has finished may keep in their mind last year?s economic international conference to tackle money laundering held in Dubai where it was recognized that ?hundi/hawala system? was a requirement for developing countries and low paid people and that it cannot and should not be stopped but only regularized. In the last quarters of 2003 remittances from some middle east countries and USA decreased. Commenting on it President National Bank of Pakistan observed it might have to do that Ops today send home only necessary and retaining rest abroad. The confused and embarrasing situation after 9/11 which caused reverse flow of money (it was not merely in Pakistan as is wrongly claimed rather same thing also happened all over the Arab where Arabs started pulling their money from West and brought back to their own countries) has now become stable 10. Government has allowed two percent {practically one point some percent] higher rate of profit to government pensioners though that is insignificant keeping in view the new conditions imposed on that scheme. If the Government really wishes the huge amounts held abroad by middle class Pakistanis, then it may include Overseas Pakistanis in this higher rate to pensioners scheme and an OP who comes from abroad on expiry of contract (certified by Pakistan embassy abroad) may also be treated as Pensioner and OPs may open a special account with NS where they may get 4% more than normal rate provided however it is guaranteed that terms and conditions of such an account will never change even though our foreign recruited financial wizards may say inflation has drastically come down in the books. {I addressed repeatedly this request where ever possibly it should be but more than a year has passed I never got any response from every quarter addressed]. 11. People have lot of money abroad (remember what American Ambassador a year or so back stated). It can not be brought back merely by telling them that our policies are very safe, confidence has increased, investment is safe whereas people at same time with their naked eyes see while at one hand it is told investment was safe on the other hand profits on them are decreasing. Commenting on reecent July-October 2003 decline in remittances from UAE and USA, National Bank of Pakistan President commented Overseas Pakistanis were now sending only that much which is needed in their homes and now keep balance with them abroad. Water flows towards slope and under same natural principle people will keep their deposits where if those do not increase at least do not decrease. A very sensible common logic why Pakistanis are investing and opening business in other countries like Saudia, Dubai. Middle East?s biggest textile unit has been opened in a Gulf State and by Pakistanis. Why did not these people open their units in Pakistan? No doubt foreign investors might be investing in Pakistan like Burger companies and services etc but this is a sort of investment where investment of one dollar to day could be repatriated 6 dollars tomorrow in short term. Why these foreigners are not investing industry? This all foreign investment a day is to go back abroad. No law of the country would be able to stop them. Pakistanis investment/ deposits are to remain permanently in Pakistan. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS AND TAXES: By Javed - 10 January 2004 In today?s complex world no government can serve the community without income. Cent percent welfare states I think today exist only in books. Both western and oil rich states today one way or the other are reducing their welfare schemes and one way or the other directly or indirectly imposing taxes. For example it is generally said that in Europe governments give top priority to free medical aid to its citizens. Europeans eg British working in middle east tell that free medical aid and care is old stories today. The other day a British columnist working in middle east narrated a dark picture of hospials in UK. Oil rich states have reduced medical facilities and are imposing fees which of course is a sort of tax. Pakistan is not a developed country hence the government has no other choice but to impose income tax. What is system of tax collection, tax policies, ever increasing burden on weaker segments, tax evasion with help of those who matter etc are not topic here. The issue resticted is income tax and Overseas Pakistanis (OPs). 2. I came abroad in 1983. I learnt OPs were exempt from payment of any income tax in Pakistan. Since 1983 from each article, speech, statements from different rulers of time, policy statements, Ops Conventions, newspapers like others I always gathered that there was no income tax of any sort on OPs. So far I have not met any person abroad who had an understanding to the contrary. Though I have heard some stories tax staff (which tax staff?) Visiting Ops homes and enquiring about taxes paid. 3. On 20.8.2003 a news item appeared in press saying ?CBR plans to save expatriates from double taxation?. According to it our Government was giving final shape to an agreement for saving Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Russia from doubale taxation on their income. The news further stated Saudi Arabia has introduced a new tax on expatriates salaries which would be of greatest concern of Pakistanis as most of the work force from here (Pakistan) is engaged there. Saudi officials are due in Islamabad for finalising agreement for avoidance of double taxation between and these two countries. 4. When OPs are always given an understanding or an impression that they are exempt from payment of taxes on their earnings abroad then if in Saudi Arabia a tax on salaries has been levied which in other world is Saudi Income Tax then why should it be of any concern to Pakistani tax authorities or to OPs themselves as they are exempt from payment of income tax in Pakistan on their foreign earnings or remitttances. Hence logicaly then from where ?double? taxation question arises for which government was negotiating agreement? 5. On 02.09.2001 meeting a 7 member delegation of Associations of Builders & Developers in Karachi, the Finance Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz stated that in order to attract OPs for making investment in housing sector, the Government has exempted them from payment of ?ANY TYPE OF TAX? on their purchases of flats, houses and other properties. Last year I read a complaint appearing in newspapers from a Pakistani serving in Saudi Arabia that during his visit home in Tehsil Rawalpindi people visited him demanding to pay them tax on his property. The complainant quoted a big amount. When he asked the visiting people to issue him necessary Demand Forms so he could deposit the same into bank, the amount was allegedly decreased and further reduced. The OP in his press complaint duly gave name of people who came to demand this amount. Being a law abiding person he deposited the amount in Bank and according to his complaint same people were now harrassing his family. 6. This press complaint surprised me because based on the statement of Finance Minister I had in my mind that we the Ops were exempt form payment of all sorts of taxes on our properties in Pakistan. To know the exact situation I addressed Chief Nazim of concerned Tehsil both directly and through OPF too. Tehsil authrities never gave any response. 7. I am a big fool unfit for today?s society because I am a so-called ?Shareef? Adamee (a coward/buzdal in other word). I have throughout my life paid all government dues well in advance. For example sitting abroad I always paid timely in advance my radio licence fee whereas millions sitting home never paid. Accordingly whenever new government of the time raised a new slogan to catch the tax evadors, very foolishly almost each time I requested the income tax/CBR to kindly apprise and inform me in plain simple language if being an Overseas Pakistani I was required to file any Income Tax Return or pay any taxe. In return after much reminders each time I got some copy pages of some Rules and Laws from here and there saying under clause so and so it is so and so, and under rule so and so it is so and so. Where are those so and so, I could not find. Every one of us knows well that laws and law books always give reference to any other law or clause printed in some other book or SRO/Notification and one single law/book never gives complete exhuastive final full story to a lay man. Despite my repeated requests at different levels including OPF I never got any simple plain language answer if being an OP I was to pay income tax or not and if I am to file income tax return then has these return forms been supplied to any Pakistan Embassy abroad. In (perhaps) 1999 when there was a lot hue and cry over cancealed tax I again requested CBR to please let me know in simple plain language if I am to file return and if so to send me a few Forms which I may also give to other friends here. In return I do remember I got similar technical legal language copies giving references of other clauses somewhere else together with photo copy of a Form. Instead of Income Tax Return Form it was some sort of an Amnesty Form (exact form heading I do not remember now). Government of Pakistan?s appointed Member Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Committee also wrote to concerned requesting authenticated information so that in his weekly community meeting he may apprise OPs to take necessary action. He too got same copies which I got. The most shameful was that the photocopy of Form which both myself and Member OPF Advisory Committee & Chairman Pakistan Club separately got was photocopy from a same single Form already filled in and filed by some other person in Pakistan. The authorities could not send us a blank Form even though it was wrong form. All of us know it is too difficult to erase already filled in information in today?s different forms generally having small computerised boxes to make it a blank form. 8. Recently a news item appeared that CBR was tightening its noose to bring more people under tax net and it was going to check certain categories including those who have telephones. In my Pakistan resience I have telephone which is in my name. I am paying all the bills of this telephone. I work abroad, I send home to my father who deposits my Bills. Being a ?Shareef? Adamee I contacted the concerned authorities telling them that I have telephone at my Pakistan home which is in my name but all my income is through my earning abroad (ecept for maximum about Rs. 15,000 per year in Pakistan through national savings) do I need to file an Income Tax return. In return in I have in writing been informed that Law reqires that certain persons should file a return of income (though their income may not be taxable) including those who have a telephone. As such I have been informed that since I have a telephone I am reqired to file a Return and for the delayed submission I have separately to write a Petition to concerned Income Tax Officer for condoing the delay. The last date for filing returns was 30.09.2003. 9. My question to all Overseas Pakistanis is have you during your 5, 10, 20, 25 years stay abroad ever heard that you are required to file yearly any income tax returns? Half of you must have a house, a car, a phone etc back home. Don?t tell me this is rule written in that yellow covered book available with so and so publisher. Tell me has any Embassy where you work, any Pakisstan Association, your so-called collective welfare organisation OPF, any visiting Minister, any Ops TV/Radio programme told you that you were required to file income tax returns or pay income tax. They always told you as blanket you were exempt form payment of income tax. Have you ever seen any leaftlet or brochure on this subject prepared for you by any of those. About two years back when I approached Tax Ombudsman I got a response from income tax that I can get all information from web site. Atleast till 12 January 2004 I could not find any information to the point re: OPs to file their income tax returns and pay income tax except that with reference to Overseas Pakistanis on the web there is inforamation about what is said as ?incentives?. In no way this be treated any sort of criticism. Pakistan is our country. Due to Pakistan we have the honour to work abroad. This country has enabled us that tody we are required aborad. Payment of any tax is our duty. But point is at least we should be clearly told and guided in a proper manner. I-TECH ? IT IS NOT TECHNOLOGY RATHER IT IS MAN WHICH MATTERS: By Javed - 07 January 2004 Intellectual writer Younis Mohani a month back in his article stated Education in Pakistan was in the control of a Mafia. And this Mafia according to him was keeping introducing new imported costly ideas in the name of improvement in the education system forgetting completely first to correct the already sytem. He says in line to its strategy the mafia is now bent upon induction i-tech in schools and colleges whereas majority does not even have access to basic primary educatin. This article was very well received by educated citizens and more than a hundred people commented on it. A reader sympathiser to this mafia recently stated response through paper and processing of files by government servants was very slow ?deliberately? for obvious reasons and this tendency can only be overcome by introducing paperless transactions namely internt, emails, web On Line correspondence. Last year our I. Tech Minister talking with US Ambassador in Pakistan very proudly stated that in line with rest of the world I-tech was being introduced speedily in Pakistan and with this bureaucracy would also change its attitude. It is generally said it is not the technology (mechanical, electrical or electronics) rather it is the man sitting in front of or on back of the technology which matters. It is a well known that in the last quarter of each financial year all of a sudden a boom of so-called development eg street carpeting, roads widening etc is seen. The purpose behind is never ever a real development rather the aim always is to spend the budget before 30th June to avoid surrender of unspent amount. And thus in haste contracts are placed with ?dear ones?. Since this speedy work is never with sincere intent hence is the reason that due to this speedy hip-hazard work people see electric poles well being left in 4-6 feet middle of the road posing danger public life. Once I myself riding a cycle struck with an electric pole not visible during night. I took up the matter with the Federal Ombudsman quoting also similar such poles at other places. Ombudsman issued orders to electricity authorities to remove those. It is now more than 10 years. The specific pole which injured me at least till January 2002 still existed there. Government is spending huge on I-tech but since it failed to do the preliminary necessary preparation namely to replace the old faces with fresh ones the I-tech has mostly failed. Money is not being spent but is being wasted. Due to space I will quote only a few examples. For about 2 months frequently I addressed Ministry of the Interior on its email addresses [email protected], [email protected] [email protected]. All these emails came back undelivered. For the last 6 months I have never even once been able to retrieve the Interior Ministry home page as system always tells this page cannot be retrieved. I tried different search engines like Yahoo, Google, Altavisa and even Pakistani search engines. Even through Government of Pakistan?s official home page Interior Ministry?s link did not work. www.pak.gov.pk is Government of Pakistan?s official web site. Through different emails I have requested its webmaster at [email protected] to please let me know if government of Pakistan?s web www.Pakistan.gov.pk has been removed as it was not accessible but never got any response. Emails sent to Chairman PIA at [email protected] all came back. Emails recently sent to Security & Exchange Commission of Pakistan at their given email [email protected] come back undelivered. For the last about one and a half year I am frequently sending emails at [email protected] including their On Line Feed Back One Line Form and separately through Pakistan post office e-letter mail seeking certain information but Chairman and webmaster PTCL never cared to give any response. For the last two months I am addressing separately Director General Pakistan Post Office Islamabad and Postmaster General at Karachi seeking certain information about post box but got no response. I submitted a query (perhaps on 1.9.2003) on website of so-called investment seeker Board of Investment at www.pakboi.gov.pk and its web acknowledgement stated I will be notified response by email which never came. I addressed Nadra many a times never ever got any response. About three months back I found Karachi Gulberg Branch in the list of National Bank Branches whereas this Branch 5 years back was closed. The most wonderful example is I-tech was of Muslim Commercial Bank over on which I could not stop a big laugh. For getting an ATM Card, MCB has made available ATM Card Application Form on the net which can both be downloaded as well as Submitted On Line. Down loading On Line is one thing. Universally Submitting On Line means after submission work the process ends. But in case of MCB, after one submits his application On Line, he is supposed to take a Print Out of the same and then take this print out personally to the Branch. I have read jokes of Sikhs, but this On Line submission and then taking the Print Out of on line submitted form was more than a normal sikha-shahi. Pakistan Post Office director general of which raises so much tall claims like owning postal aeroplanes etc revised the postal charges but for more than 2 years could not change those rates on its web. Using the web site published postage rate I posted some letter, got penalised by post office on the ground that my posted articles were ?under postage stamped? and my application seeking justice for refund of this penalised Rs. 2/- is for the last more than 2 years is pending with Federal Ombudsman. Mails sent to Overseas Pakistanis Foundation came back. When I reported this OPF?s first reaction was ?we have for the first time heard this?. Which meant I was a liar. I airmailed them original print outs of returned undelivered mail. This time OPF was kind enough sending me their new mail addressed duly typed on its official OPF letter head. But, as is universally said it is the man not the technology which matters, while text message of OPF contained list of all new email, its official letter head still contained the old (not working) email printed on it. Of course it was an already printed letter head but point is man operating the technology. When I was working there was no concept of computer or electronic typewriters in Pakistan. There were electric typewriters but mostly in multinational corporations. But during those days ?man? used to cut by hand old address or phone number amending it by hand. OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS AND THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARD ? URDU V/s ENGLISH !!! By Javed - 02 January 2004 A public spirited citizen Samee-Ul-Hassan Karachi (DAWN 29.12.2003) entitled ?CNICs ? a bottomless pit? has stated how national waste the National Registration Act of 1973 had been and keeping economic and other conditions of Pakistan this scheme in 1973 should not have been started. He rightly quotes how illegal Afghani had been all along obtaining NICs and passports. He further quotes how countries like India never introduced NICs scheme. Only two months back in UK British Foeign Affairs has raised objection to any proposal for any national identity card. Samee says how much money has been spent on computerisation etc for new Computerised NICs. 18 December in some Lahore urdu newspaper I read a column wherein columnist from that class who always praise every government move while praising NADRA extraordinarily inter alia alleged that thousands have got these Computerised NICs illegally. Samee also says in 1980 he addressed the Ministry of Interior raising his fears scheme would not be useful. The scheme though in my view good but it was started with ill designs. Where national identity cards are issued the first and the main steps then taken is creation of a central data which in our case in 1970s was not done. Somewhere in 1990s I myself drew the attention of Ministry of Interior directly and also through Federal Ombudsman showing importance of keeping centralised data and creatng simultaneously record of finger print data but no body appreciated me. Mr. Samee I am sure must be knowing creation of poorman?s bank, microwave bank, clean wather authroity, super cards etc in fact always are to create new seats for certain people and not for real purpose as is told to the nation. For example had it been real intent to help finance domestic type business and young people then instead creating new banks, new samll business complex etc more strength would had been given to already existing wonderful First Women Bank which did a real marvelous work in this field. The government introduced a new separate national identity card for Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) on a high fee of US$ 25 per three year per each family member. Almost each and every circle connected with Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) concern over it. For example Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing logged its protest with Ministry of Interior in as much as that Joint Secretary from Foreign Affairs went personally to the Ministry of the Interior to lodge this protest. This was introduced without consulting Pakistani Embassies and OPs circles like Pakistani Associations abroad etc. Only recently on 12.10.2003 a news item appeared that UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly opposed and resented to the idea of any national identity cards for its nationals. When NADRA raised the idea of issuing Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for Pakistanis who have attained foreign nationality a very senior journalist titled his column ?POC ? a technique to earn money?. The rulers in the 1997 Overseas Pakistanis Convention held in Islamabad pronounced Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) whether holding having Pakistani or foreign nationality all are our brothers and Pakistan is their home open all times. If this is correct then why should a Pakistani need a POC on payment to enter into his own home? The main reason for introducing this new National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) given was that present National Identity Card in Pakistan was in Urdu which foreign authorities where OPs work cannot read. This is an argument which has no logic or sense. Foreign identity cards are never required to be produced by any government department in Pakistan. Likewise Pakistani national identity card has never ever been required abroad by foreign departments abroad. The only document universally recognised for establishing one?s identity is his national passport. I have worked for about 18 years abroad. The country where I had been working has a similar Identity card system as that in Pakistan. During all these years neither in Pakistan any department/bank asked me for producing my foreign ID Card nor in my country of employment any Department, my employer there or a Bank (even Pakistani bank there) ever asked me to produce my Pakistani National Identity Card. They always asked to produce local ID Card. Pakistani ID Card was however required only in Pakistan Embassies at time of issuance or renewal of Passports, attestations work in our Embassies we all know staff invariably know Urdu. Those who think POC for Pakistanis holding foreign nationality and separate NICOP for Pakistani nationals working abroad are just revenue generating brilliant ideas perhaps have some weight in their thinking if we see that according to a report published on 26/6/2003 now NADRA was planning to replace the traditional identity card with a new multi purpose card with bio-metric technology. Of course a new income. The main salient reason given introducing separate card for Pakistanis working abroad was that foreign countries Administrations cannot read Urdu hence need for an English language card which foreign Administrations could read. How weak and empty this reason is can be judged from only one example that the Punjab Ombudsman of the same Government to which NADRA belongs addresses Overseas Pakistani complainants by writing foreign complainant?s address on the envelope in Urdu. Pakistani complainants from abroad write their foreign addresses in English so that on return host country postal administration could read it. But the Punjab Ombudsman while replying translates this English address into Urdu so foreign postal administration should know to read Urdu. This negates NADRA?s logic. FEDERAL TAX OMBUDSMAN - ADVISORY COMMITTEE ? By Javed - 01 January 2004 According to DAWN 13.12.2003 and The News International 31.12.2003 the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has set up a 22 member advisory committee with specified jurisdiction to perform the functions of FTO as may be advised to them. The members so nominated mostly are business leaders, tax consultants, experts in banking etc. When Ziaul Haq announced he was creating a Majlis-e-Shurah he told the nations people so coming in the Shura would be most Poise, Naik, God fearing respected by ?people? etc. I do remember he further stated that by this exercise a time will come when no body would wish to contest election rather people would go at doors of such poise people requesting and pressing them to please come forward and go to assemblies as their area representatives but these poise people will due to fear of GOD hesitate to take such a responsibility. When nation was told there would be a graduate assembly almost similar things were, if not asked, hoped but the results are before us how ?graduate minds? have found their ways. Ziaul Haq forming Zakat system told the nation members of Zakat Committees would be so poise. We keep on reading stories of Zakat Committees. How many hundreds zakat cheques were taken by one Balochistan tribal leaders and how Zakat Committee chairmen spend. Sometime during 1995 a committee of prominent citizens was also formed by Federal Ombudsman Secretariat Karachi. I do not remember what introduction about this committee was officially given but it was something that these society respected senior citizens would help assist the Federal Ombudsman Office in knowing the peoples civic problems and would help guide assist the ombudsman office in dispensing justice on such issues. There was a long list of such ?respected senior citizens? all names of which are not remembered but seeing the name of one person amongst the list I realised what was the fate written on the wall. One such selected ?respected senior citizen? was from a very popular political family from Punjab. This family has a very big posh bungalow in PECH Society Karachi named after their home city in Punjab. During 1950s people living in a then new developing very big locality of Karachi tell horror stories about high ranking businessmen elders of this family. About two years back a sensational story appeared in press how a young 12/14 years domestic servant of the family had disappeared and it was alleged that a named family member might had killed and dumped somewhere. But since family has political linkage no further follow up ever came in press again. This was the family who according to my understanding established the very first Night Club in Karachi. This is a very rich landlord businessman political family. One of the elders early 1960s took a loan of about 8 or 10 thousands for construction of a hut on Kawksbay beach Karachi. Loan was never paid because it was never taken for return. A few years back when a lot of political political hue and cry was rasied for recovery of loans the family elder was summoned by the Banking Court. The loan had accummulated to Rs. 18 or Rs. 20 thousands. The elder on oath in the court stated he today had no money, no earning, his sons give him monthly a Rs. 300 - Rs. 600 and he has no property or money to repay loan. Submitting his statement he walked out of court wearing a costly suit, sat in a waiting big car and driver drove away and court kept staring the car with wide opened eyes. But I have no doubt and I am confident that FTO new advisory committee comprises of people of high repute, who themselves are paying each and every penny of tax due to the nation exactly in accordance with tax laws and calculating each peny of their income. And I have no doubt that in our today?s New Pakistan where corruption has been eradicated, new reforms introduced have taken their roots, economy continously improvig, this advisory committee will be a blessing from ALLAH THE GREAT and all peoples tax problems through hands of tax machinery will have eliminated when we will read next Tax Ombudsman Annual Report. ARABS WITH US: By Shahnaz - 26 December 2003 I saw a movie on TV. The story was that a person had a five star hotel which he sold on throw away price to a buyer who was happy that he bought it very cheap. But manager of the hotel later told the new owner that the hotel was sold only because a man called ?Raja? encroaching upon the hotel building had built a Chappra Hotel within the compound of 5 start hotel which despite his influence the previous owner could not get vacated. The new owner whenever talked with Raja for vacating the premises, the manager of the hotel always supported the view of Raja. Each time the new Owner enquired from the Manager being his employee was he with him or with Raja, the Manager always replied ?I am with you Sir?. Each successive government of our told we the people that Arabs being Muslims have all supported Pakistan in all its national emergencies, in international forums and causes. Since a decade voices have often been heard from quarters that are Arabs really that much friends or supporters of Pakistan as we are told or we think of. One example in this regard is given that no Arab country has ?fully in clear cut terms? ever supported Pakistan in the matter of Kashmir with as much open voice as it should be from a brother Muslim brother and these Muslim Arabs have never ever openly opposed or criticised India in same reciprocately as Pakistan openly favours them on Israeli issue. Take recent example what is happening in Kashmir at the moment. No Arab country has openly condemned India for killing of innocent Kashmiries but only just to complete formalities polite diplomatic words have been used "thee should be peace". India recently gathered all its forces to harass Pakistan, no Arab country openly in clear cut words condemned India for it but just desired through official statements that both side should concentrate on peace. Keeping silent and not supporting you in clear terms in practical term tantamount to technically supporting the other as by not casting vote in your favour always means technically voting your opponent as benefit of your absence in technical terms goes one vote in his favour. Arab support is only limited to a small portion of financial aid. One of our very senior writer very recently stated had Arabs been really sincere in welfare of Pakistan they could had helped Pakistan through their more investments in Pakistan, more imports of products and manpower from Pakistan, Today while destroying the old newspapers piled up in my home I found in issues of July & August a lot of letters from readers appeared in newspapers saying how many Pakistanis there used to be in UAE some years back and today what was the position. One stated not merely number of Pakistani labour, employees and businessmen had decreased which places have been taken over by Indians, even there are never any Pakistani films in cinema halls, on TV no Urdu programmes on Radio (there is one but that is in Hindi controlled by Indians). One reader from Canada stated some years back when he went to UAE he found as if he had come to Pakistan and today he find it totally different mostly Indians at every places. Gulf Strategic Research Institute has released its report published in a Saudi Daily on 23 July 2002 saying Saudi Arabia is the largest investor in India amongst the Gulf States. According to report by end 2001 Saudis had invested Indian Rs. 8 arab (8 billions or 80 billions?) which is 25% of total Gulf investment in India. Second is UAE which had invested 7 arab Indian Rupees followed by Kuwait at Rs. 5.8 Arab and Sultanate of Oman at 5 arab (old mathematics system of sub continent lacs, arab ? one arab probably equal to one billion ). Are you with me or Raja? SALE OF NON PROPRIETORY ITEMS By Shahnaz - 28 November 2003 Some people have shown their happiness on Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan prohibiting automobiles and real estate dealers to collect deposits before actual delivery of products/plots etc. These people say this practice was ?more specifically? present in housing societies. Belief that such a practice limits with private concerns only is wrong. There are many examples. For one example Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) which is a semi autonomous body under Federal Ministry of Labour and Manpower long ago seeked applications for allotment of plots in its ?Chatter Housing Scheme? Murree. It invited applications on First-Come-First Basis. Everyone of us knows that the first-come-firm-basis means ?product is ready available, come, pick one up, pay, take and go home?. Which in simple wording means packets of potatos are ready, give money by one hand and pick up one packet in the other hand and go your home. On receipt of applications with advance payment OPF kept these un-attended instead of allotting. Later on it was revealed it had started collecting money, in fact offered to sell an item over which it had till then no proprietary control, no legal rights. After collecting money it enjoyed earning tremendous profits on deposited amounts and one day it refunded only principal on a flimsy ground that NOC for scheme was with drawn. The fact was it had not got sole rights over the land and started offering for sale without any legal rights to sell. Similar thing happened when it started selling plots in its non existence Faisalabad Colony and now after more than 12 years it has asked people to get refund back WHERE IS NATIONAL SAVINGS DEMAND? By Shahnaz - 25 DECEMBER 2003 Authorities at Central Directorate of National savings have always been telling the nation they are on top collecting public deposits, and even more than banks, hence they should be treated at par as a Banking institution and employees paid accordingly for their extraordinary efforts in collecting investment. These investments were due to higher rates fixed by previous welfare oriented governments of Ayub Khan, Zulifiqar Bhutto and Ziaul Haq and not due to any remotest personal effort of executives or staff. Now that the poverty elevating governments of Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf have reduced these rates I wonder where has gone the demand-slogans of national savings authorities to treat the organization as a Banking institute. ZAKAT DEUCATION AT SOURCE: By Shahnaz - 10 NOVEMBER 2003 On first of Ramadhan banks deduct zakat from accounts. I am just an ordinary citizen not highly educated hence I am not so sure but I understand under the rule/law, the Banks are required a month before first of Ramadhan to inform each account holder that on first Ramdhan zakat would be deducted and if anyone does not want to get it deducted as per prescribed procedure he may informa the bank accordingly. Can any of your learned readers confirm if understanding given to me is true. JUSTICE NOT FOR THE POOR By Shahnaz - 30 September 2003 {http://www.dawn.com/2003/text/local13.htm article by Shehar Bano Khan An article has appeared above link (Daily DAWN Karachi by Shehar Bano Khan) how 8 am daily Aiwan-I-Adal business starts but poor helplessly keep looking for justice due to many reasons namely high fees of advocates, long lists of cases etc. The article appearing in DAWN September 2003 contains story of a lady Tahira (fake name). To overcome poverty her parents made her housemaid. At 12 her father allegedly sold her under the label of marriage. Her husband allegedly forced her to sleep with his friends and strangers. She has today two small children. According to her as she no longer can stand to it, she has filed her case for ?Khula? but for the last two years her case is hanging in the air as she firstly does not have money to pursue the case and secondly she does not possess any nikhanama as according to her at age of 12 she even did not know if there exists any ?Nikhanamma? let alone importance of keeping a copy. Her advocate is said to engaged ?free? but in our justice system it is not merely advocate's fee but also many other expenses. Some people made some comments on this article/story but the best and a point to ponder comment came from one Nadia who wonders why articles like this do not fetch more attention and responses from readers particularly from so called social workers. If one really goes deep into this point then solution to ?real justice? is not that difficult. Had this story been on anything criticism about Pakistani culture, Pakistani leaders, any abuse for local tradition, any praise for India, any talk of liberalism I am sure it could had attracted hundreds of comments from readers of that article. The other most meaning full comment came from one reader Fayaz who had tears reading the story and he promised with himself that from now onward he would try helping others. Situation of ?fair justice? in Pakistan is not as bad as people generally talk about just on hearsay or reading negative stories in press. There is justice but only for those who struggle for it. The correct diagnosis was made by Mr. Justice � Sardar Iqbal the first Ombudsman Pakistan who stated society in itself was to be blamed for today's injustices as every one criminally kept himself silent on the plea that it was not my problem let other solve it which made the bureaucracy brave. Those who struggle they mostly get justice; of course not all but mostly. After all not 100% patients get cure. I have till today not given any rishwat for any of my genuine work and even then have got most of my genuine works done may it be any bank matter, any locker, any telephone problem, any PIA ticket or what else. I not merely struggle for my own rights but have practically helped hundreds and thousands illiterate in getting justice. Swearing my child only a few hours back a retired person on phone was seeking my advice on a problem created by his post office concerning his pension. I have advised him to do this and that I know within next 20 days or so he would get pension; rather his pension will travel to his home. Last month on my enquiry my father told me he had since many years not got his six monthly bank statement. According to him six monthly statement system has long been finished. I told him system has not been finished but he should wait. Within the next 10-12 days the ?Bank? came at door step of my father, as usual told my father bank always timely sent the statements but those appears to have gone lost in mail, handed over him copies of statements for the last three years. I quote you here one example through which BY GOD I have no remotest intention to show that what important I do or what important I am. No, I am just an ordinary clerk level employee reaching to my retirement but purpose only in narrating here is that if we all start struggling for our own rights (struggling for rights of others is!!!) and where people are illiterate we start helping them, in this struggle 80% of injustices from the society can vanish. Politicians and bureaucracy would automatically mend themselves seeing the awareness in the masses. This is what highly respected Mr. S.M. Zafar stated that no system, no Ism would bring any change in Pakistan unless people themselves started recognising their own rights and started struggling for it. I was then working abroad. Sometime 1986-88 I was going abroad at end of my leave. As I entered the Karachi airport customs Check-In, the officer was engaged in arguments with two illiterate Pathans. I requested the customs officer to kindly check me first as I was late from reporting due to traffic problem. He was kind and soon spared me. In minutes I got my boarding card as I was perhaps the last reporting passenger. Standing in immigration line I saw that same two illiterate appearing pathan brothers were now engaged with a different officer away from the counter and pulled from their waskats some currency notes and handing those over to another custom office a little away from the counter. The officer counted and I could form distance see he retained some and rest gave back to pathan brothers. I knew what this drama was. The law then stated one person can take only Rs. 1,000 abroad with him, taking access was illegal. Law was good in its own place. After a week of my joining duty when I was not a little relaxed form my home sick I took up the matter about these two pathans and money. I proposed that there should be some system at airports where we could hand over our unspent excess money which some authority should money order to our relatives. The customs made a usual hue and cry first asking to name those pathans. I explained that I do not know who those were. I have raised the issue because if one is victim today and my turn could be tomorrow. I explained that I live in Karachi. Outside airport my parents, sisters and brothers come to see me off. I hand them over my unspent money. But a Pathan comes from Peshawar. Karachi is ?Perdais? for him. He does not know how many day it will take in getting ticket confirmation, how much would he need for food, how much he would have to pay air airline counter for baggage so in ?Perdaiz? he has to bring extra access money. Customs checks him right entry the departure lounge to see if he had more than Rs. 1000/- whereas there is still chance he may need say Rs. 2500/- for excess baggage which counter is still away. I submitted that it could be that from tomorrow flights may start departing from Islamabad then Islamabad would be ?Perdais? for me and for boarding from Islamabad I would had to take extra money with me. On this customs raised an objection that I should produce the currency note numbers which the customs officer took. Against my strong arguments however the court ordered the demised Pakistan Banking Council opening of 24-hours banking booths at all departure lounges where a bank draft could be obtained for excess up-spent money. Now government provided a facility and people did not due to their inherited lethargy did not utilise then why to blame government, authorities and customs and so and so. This is what I believe there are not as much injustices as we hear propaganda but people are themselves to be blamed as they do not utilise the Forums which almost ever government in Pakistan has provided. I am not a reformer nor an advocate nor a so-called social worker. I do not believe even for a single second that I can do this and that for betterment of the society but I do all this for one reason namely that when passing through some street I find some stone lying there I pick it up and put on a safe side thinking my own child may by change come and get hurt. I do not leave such stone unattended only because this street is at too far distance from my home from which my child does not pass. I always feel my own child might by chance come here. This is the result due to such thinking in returning MY ALLAH has rewarded me by way that HE has kept my child from accident, any injury or any pains. Fayaz and others who have their hearts ?kind? can do a lot of service just guiding an ignorant person, writing an application for an illiterate, if bulb of the street light is not working taking up the matter IN WRITING with concerned department etc and you will see how things would to a good extend change for YOU AND for your street. Yes of course sometime hard time also come in this way as many a times I received threats but ALLAH has always helped. NOW COMING to the point of lady in distress. I pray for her but point again comes here justice is available even for poor but with proper course. Of course I know lady is illiterate but people who are surrounding her they are ought to help her properly. No coming first point that she was a child of 12 years and she did not know about ?Nikhanama? hence she has no copy. Why should matter remain unsolved if she does not a copy. Such matters can very easily be tackled with a little tactics. This is lethargy to a little extent on part of his lawyer who of course is doing service ?free?. If the lady does not has copy of Nikhanama His lawyer should that her husband has. To force her husband to produce his copy of Nikhanama, if I am her lawyer, I would include name of her husband, his parents, her parents and some area residents of her parents to testfy that Nikha was performed. Husband first remained for many years in Sargodha and for many years in Faisalabad. I being an advocate can include residents of both these area to be summoned as witness to verify if this lady had been living with this man. When witness confirms then husband can be asked where is his copy of Nikha and he refuses she was not his wife then he be asked then how he was living with her. Then case will not un-necessary prolong. Once someone sent to me an illiterate man early 90s when I was working abroad. The problem of this man who belong from a ?tribe/bradri? was that he brought abroad son of his real sister with the aim he would get him job and get him married with his young daughter. The nephew after getting good job and earning 4 years left for Pakistan and did not come back for 6 years. Since girl was still young the old man was trying hard to get divorce for his daughter as at that time there was some suitable alternate match available for girl. But the son-in-law now living in Pakistan, who in the meantime had done another marriage in Pakistan, knowing middle east sitting father in law has good money was demand Rs. 5 lacs for divorce. There was unfortunately also tribal tradition for it. The old man was willing to pay Rs. 3 lacs for divorce not more because he had become old and he had other daughters marriageable. I told the old man that getting divorce was just a small matter which I could solve in a week or so but the real thing is such a person should not be let unpunished. I told the old man if today he has not cared for you (brother of his own sister) then why should he care for his sister who has not cared that girl involved was her own nice and this man can do the same to another person. The old man understood this. I told the old man the boy was demanding Rs. 5 lacs but taste in this would be that he would not merely give divorce to your daughter but instead of demanding will pay to you Rs. 8 lacs provide I told the old you stick to my advice. He agreed. I gave him 4/5 blank papers to get her daughter signed as incidentally next morning I was going to Pakistan on leave. People had lot of blind on me, he handed me over those papers. After arriving in Pakistan I typed three different applications on those blank signed papers text of which was that so and so young man resident of so and so area/city had got a wife in middle east, here in Pakistan has married another one without taking no objection from his first wife and his parents and parents of new bride and all witnesses have lied in new Nikhanama that it was his first marriage. It was a good source of income for area police. Same evening police rounded up boy, his new wife, his parents, wife's parents with Moulivi Sahib etc and charged the boy with ?Zina? under Hadood ordinance. Bradri was called, phone rang during the night, bradri gathered vee hours in middle east and old man was pressed to drop the case. I in Pakistan was totally unaware what was happening. When I came back I learnt not only Divorce had been execute but the boy also paid Rs. 4.5 lacs to the father in law. The point is such illiterate people can well be helped by educated people provided we sincerely and honestly do such things feeling pains on ourselves. We do not do anything and we do not help anybody but it is ALLAH THE GREAT who select us to do such things. And once you sincerely and honestly help anyone even in minor matter the inside feeling of pleasure and peace one get are more than 5 times prayers. Service to others and needy it is my experience has saved me from many troubles. But this service should be honest and not with an aim to see your photograph or name in the newspapers for contesting next elections. There is no dirt of true justice in our beloved homeland. The only need is proper handling and extending of helping hand by educated to ignorant and illiterate. Those who are there in Lahore can surely help this women and children with true advice, true guidance, talking to his lawyer why he was just getting the case continuously adjourned etc. ARABS TREATMENT WITH PAKISTANIS AND EXPATRIATES By Anum - Septemebr 2003 DAWN Sunday Magazine 14 September 2003 has carried a special long story about a Pakistani young resident of some village around Sargodha who went to Saudi Arabia late 80s. Only twice early 90s he came; once on death of his brother and then for his marriage. Unfortunately I could not preserve the name of concerned Overseas Pakistani and his village name and nor this Sunday magazine is retrievable from web site. His four year son died whom he never saw. His father died due to cancer he did not get leave. His employer sent him jail on alleged misappropriation of funds. Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia when early this year visited the jail, the authorities told them individual had already been released but man has not reached Pakistan. Friends and relatives in Saudi Arabia say they have seen him still in jail where his weight has reduced to 45 kgs with half loss of memory. His wife has become old and dying mother have recently made appeal by name to many authorities in the name of Islam particularly to Custodian of two Holy Mosques. I have lived long in middle east. The story is fully believable and is not a sole single one. Majority of our Overseas and local Pakistanis in a fashion criticise Pakistan and praise conditions abroad. They are not aware conditions abroad are almost same as in Pakistan. If general law and order situation in Pakistan is not right then a different type of law and order situation exists in middle east. For example any expatriate (except white colour) can anytime be picked up by police for not being in possession of documents in pocket and put in police station for weeks and weeks with out hearing him. No one will listen his papers are in car or he had just came down from his flat on ground floor shop to buy a 7 up. Any employer if gets angry on your demand of your rights can take you same day to airport deport you with help of immigration while your children in night wait for your coming back from your job. On demand of salary or overtime according to agreement or law it is a common tactics to put you in jail on allegation of misappropriation. However, one part of the published story no Overseas Pakistan will ever believe is that that concerned Pakistani kept all his savings during all these years with his employer for safe keeping. No expatriate worker may he be Pakistani or Indian or else is so fool to do this. If some one knows the family or can have contact with it may I most humbly request that he may for sake of humanity please convey the family that requesting authorities or rulers here and there in the name of Islam would do no practical headway. The only solution is that the family write to Lord Avebury, House of Lords, London SW1A OPW United Kingdom Fax No. 0044 20 7210 6715. He is the only person who when writes any communication on human rights abuses is attended to promptly by middle east authorities. Any one passing on this message to the family would be doing a service to the humanity and ALLAH will INSHALAH bless him/her. Can any one tell what is the procedure for becoming a Notary Public. Are there any Forms for applying? To whom it is applied and how? Any age limit?. More particularly if registration is a normal routine or it needs some ?safarish?. DAWN Sunday Magazine 14 September 2003 has carried a special long story about a Pakistani young resident of some village around Sargodha who went to Saudi Arabia late 80s. Only twice early 90s he came; once on death of his brother and then for his marriage. Unfortunately I could not preserve the name of concerned Overseas Pakistani and his village name and nor this Sunday magazine is retrievable from web site. His four year son died whom he never saw. His father died due to cancer he did not get leave. His employer sent him jail on alleged misappropriation of funds. Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia when early this year visited the jail, the authorities told them individual had already been released but man has not reached Pakistan. Friends and relatives in Saudi Arabia say they have seen him still in jail where his weight has reduced to 45 kgs with half loss of memory. His wife has become old and dying mother have recently made appeal by name to many authorities in the name of Islam particularly to Custodian of two Holy Mosques. I have lived long in middle east. The story is fully believable and is not a sole single one. Majority of our Overseas and local Pakistanis in a fashion criticise Pakistan and praise conditions abroad. They are not aware conditions abroad are almost same as in Pakistan. If general law and order situation in Pakistan is not right then a different type of law and order situation exists in middle east. For example any expatriate (except white colour) can anytime be picked up by police for not being in possession of documents in pocket and put in police station for weeks and weeks with out hearing him. No one will listen his papers are in car or he had just came down from his flat on ground floor shop to buy a 7 up. Any employer if gets angry on your demand of your rights can take you same day to airport deport you with help of immigration while your children in night wait for your coming back from your job. On demand of salary or overtime according to agreement or law it is a common tactics to put you in jail on allegation of misappropriation. However, one part of the published story no Overseas Pakistan will ever believe is that that concerned Pakistani kept all his savings during all these years with his employer for safe keeping. No expatriate worker may he be Pakistani or Indian or else is so fool to do this. If some one knows the family or can have contact with it may I most humbly request that he may for sake of humanity please convey the family that requesting authorities or rulers here and there in the name of Islam would do no practical headway. The only solution is that the family write to Lord Avebury, House of Lords, London SW1A OPW United Kingdom Fax No. 0044 20 7210 6715. He is the only person who when writes any communication on human rights abuses is attended to promptly by middle east authorities. Any one passing on this message to the family would be doing a service to the humanity and ALLAH will INSHALAH bless him/her. WHY NOT U.S RECRUITS PAKISTANIS By Shahnaz - September 2003 Pakistani Sergeant Wasim Khan gets US citizenship in recognition of his fighting bravely in Iraq (Khaleej Times of 25.9.2003). He was seriously wounded during a bombing in Baghdad on 01st June when despite being seriously hurt he pulled himself from the vehicle he was in and tactfully commanded his platoon. Receiving the award sitting in hospital chair he was declared ?True American Hero? in the ceremony held in USA. Pakistan is a friend and a sincere true friend when it is friend of anybody. A small percentage of Pakistani manpower may be a little un-disciplined or a little not ?your most obedient slave? as manpower of one other nationality we see in majority in middle east (English is not my mother language hence I cannot select any other suitable word to express myself)) but one thing no one can deny provided he is judicious and honest in himself that Pakistanis are always hard working (hard working is different than being your most obedient servant). They can use their brain in crisis; even the lower level Pakistani worker in situations can take an initiative decision, has the courage to deviate from his master's view which is the main element for a development oriented organisation (free expression of view on organization) and above is a true ?loyal? and in time of test would stand shoulder to shoulder with his master/friend. This true loyalty is inherited individually and collectively as a nation in Pakistanis and is there national character. When we are friend we have kept our friendship even at cost of any material losses. For example Palestenians have never supported Pakistan but Pakistan stands at all times in their favour. Muslim brother Afghan voted against Pakistan's entry into UN but Pakistan always opened its doors for Afghanis and let its trade (in fact smuggling) through its land dangerously affecting Pakistan's own economy. It is on record that in Magadasu when American troops were dangerously encircled these were Pakistani soldiers deployed as UN Peacemakers who came forward on front risking their lives and protected fellow American peace makers. USA is trying hard to get Pakistani troops but Pakistan has adopted a very fine principle stand that it cannot provide its troops at its own unless world body or Muslim brother countries did not instruct it or allow to do so. Pakistani soldiers are one of the best soldiers in the world. British has acknowledged this in books. It is a well known fact Pakistani soldiers are not trained for any one particular field. They are not only capable of defence but also for peace making and rebuilding after war. If USA needs Pakistani soldiers and due to Pakistan's principle stand it is not getting then why it does not advertise for recruitment of Pakistani people with relevant experience, offer them good salaries, nationality and creates two three battalions in its army comprising Pakistani origin Soldiers. SIALKOT DRINKING WATER ? CAN ANYONE FOLLOW IN KARACHI By Shahnaz - September 2003 In Karachi drinking water is perhaps the most health hazardous and polluted from amongst whole of the Pakistan. The problem is complex and authorities due to their lethargy and public due to low level of civic awareness both equally are to be blamed. Sialkot which till end eighties had best healthy ground natural water today has polluted water due discharge from hundreds of tanneries working in the residential areas. A senior citizen of Sialkot last week told me there some generous people having heart like (as he tells me) Hilbro very big surgical instruments manufactures, someone in Cantt area etc have installed medium size water purification plants which run round the clock and people fill up water from there free of cost. HANG WHOSE NECK FITS INBy Javed - 2002In my child hood I read a story that a Badshah announced death penalty to a thief. When Jalad tried to hang the thief it was found loope of the rope was too big while the thief was very thin and his neck did not tightly fix in it. The wise Badshah ordered that if the neck of thief was not affixing in the knot then whose ever neck gets affixed in the knot he may be hanged. This story refreshed in my seeing last month a Directorate General Pakistan Post Office Islamabad ?Public Notice? for ?information OF GENERAL PUNBLIC? that under Post Office act of 1898 conveyance and delivery of letters is exclusive privilege of Post Office and no courier service can indulge in it. MEMBERS OF PUBLIC HAVE BEEN ADVISED to send their letter posts only through Post Office VIOLATION OF WHICH will fetch prosecution. The very serious newspaper DAWN has through its editorial criticised that that the Law concerned was more than a hundred years old while the world had today changed. The fact is world over similar Laws are prevailing to protect the local postal system as ?letter mail? is the main bread and butter line of a postal system. For example UAE some 2/3 years took a serious note of couriers carrying letters. We are a nation of wonderful people. So in this era of ?National Reconstruction? where we are claiming ?reforming and overhauling? it will still be the common man who will be prosecuted for sending his letter by ?courier? and not the postal ?higher executives within the Department? under whose blessings, as is a general belief there is a mushroom growth of courier services, a courier will accept a letter from a common man. About a year back a foreign newspaper in its editorial on Pakistan Affairs generally commented was the present government any different from previous ones and gave an example that Secretary of a Ministry under whose tenure in Nawaz Sharif era wrong figures were prepared and presented to IMF/World Bank causing huge penalty to the country was promoted under the present government to Secretary General.It is an old problem banks deduct huge courier charges from cheques and dividend warrants and in some cases courier charges are more than the amount of dividend itself. About 10 years or so back on some similar occasion I raised the issue with Federal Ombudsman. My argument was that there was a government order to state departments like banks, corporations etc to patronage state products even with an edge on price then why banks were madly using private courier services when a very good service ?Urgent Mail Service? of Pakistan Post Office available on cheaper rates then. On the instruction of Federal Ombudsman a meeting was conveyed in the office of the demised Pakistan Banking Council at Habib Bank Plaza Karachi which was attended by representatives of all nationalised banks, Pakistan Post Office and Banking Council. One may not believe that representative of Pakistan Post Office in the meeting from Islamabad was not from the dealing department namely ?Special Services Department? which was dealing with Urgent Mail Service? but {if my memories are not misguiding me in this old age] an official of ?international post division? who had nothing whatsoever remotest to do with courier service. [When I was serving in Sales & Marketing Department of a government controlled corporation Karachi, once there was a course concerning export. Someone from my department should had attended this as we were dealing export. But as it happens in government departments a blue eyed totally unconcerned cashier from accounts department was officially nominated only for the reason to afford him an ?official tour? and some allowances. I too attended the same course but on totally my personal expense taking leave as I was interested to increase my own personal knowledge). Since the representative of Post Office was an unconcerned person hence naturally lacked any real interest for the department. In the meeting instead availing of opportunity to support the demand of a citizen who had raised a good point in the larger interest of the department, he stated that ?he was satisfied that his department was getting appreciable volume of business from banks?. Whereas the naked fact was department had no knowledge, and even today cannot have, that how much volume of courier was daily being generated by banks out of which how much was going to private couriers and how much to Post Office.It is generally believed that most of the private courier services, except for some real reputed ones like TCS DHL etc have no proper network and these couriers charge heavily from public but use the Pakistan Post Office network for delivering booked items. And there perhaps, as is generally suspected, allegedly is some invisible blessing hands of some postal people on such companies. The private courier services spend a major portion of their budget on ?public relationing? and this public relationing is by ?keeping happy? people in banks, insurance companies etc who are the bulk customers to fetch more and more business. How madly the private courier is used or patronised by vested interests can be understood from one example. Some 6/7 years back a bank in Karachi had to pay me Rs. 60/-. For sending me pay order of Rs. 60/- it utilised a reputed international private courier whom bank must had paid at least Rs. 400/- plus because at that time I was abroad. This courier never delivered me this article. The bank had to issue me a duplicate and this time, on my instruction sent it under Pakistan Post Office registered mail service at Rs. 20/- and it reached me in 5/6 days safely.August 1997 during Nawaz Sharif era when all the money obtained under ?Qarz Uttaro Scheme? was finished on luxury trips, never ever previously seen high salaried appointments like Chairman PTCL, huge perks in as much as allegedly 5 years advance salaries etc, needing more money to continue spending a campaign was started under the label of ?recovering? bad loans. The loans recovered were mostly from those who had taken small amounts for real business and big sharks never ever cared for bullies of arrests etc. July 1997 each bank under this campaign issued thousands and thousands of letters to people having outstanding loans like yellow cab owners etc. ALL THESE LETTERS demanding outstanding loans and advising settlement were despatched by these banks through courier services whereas post office registered mail was much more secured. These banks ?deliberately? give such letters to couriers as more the banks give the business the more couriers in return keep them ?happy?. It is well known a fact since a decade profit on bank accounts is decreasing. The reason of which is huge unwise expenses by banks which also include unnecessary mad use of courier service etc. Since banks had started charging in the name of so-called service and administration charges under the principle of natural justice account holders also have the right to protect their own rights namely investment. Accordingly being myself an account holder and a citizen drawing the attention to an earlier decision re: couriers and postal service I approached the Federal Ombudsman praying to see this mad use of courier service by banks. The Federal Ombudsman very kindly registered my complaint and in September 1997, asked the State Bank of Pakistan for its comments. Later I never heard any progress from Ombudsman Secretariat Karachi despite my requests.It is generally believed no wrong whatsoever can be done unless there is someone sitting in the concerned department helping in the wrong. For example we the Karachities know well many mini buses do not ply on full length of route. For example U4 Mini bus. Its official route was from Ancholi (now from new Karachi) to Mahmoodabad but each and every one of us residing on this belt have never ever since mid 70 when this route started seen any U4 going from Ancholi to Mahmoodabad. U4 will ply from Ancholi to Saddar and another group of U4s ply only between Saddar to Mahmoodabad. No U4 mini bus owner can do this ? but they are doing this because in the road transport their blessers are sitting. Pakistan post office through its official net work help spread an illegal scheme of ?chain money order? early 80s and when it was brought to the notice had there not been ?interest of any insider? the wrong should had been accepted but it was resisted tooth and nail. Pakistan Post Office has started an e-mail service for Overseas Pakistanis under which an Overseas Pakistani can send his email letter to Pakistan Post Office from where it is despatched by the department to addressee by mail. This service presently is free as department will prescribe its fee later. This is really a very good service. Surfing the internet I came across a site www.pakmall.com/eletter/ where a heading attracted my attention. The private site offers ?Mail and E-Letter Now - Pakmall Guaranteed E-Letter Service? under which an Overseas Pakistani will send his letter to the site under the same format as is of Pakistan Post Office. On receipt of email letter in Pakistan, the site will despatch this letter through a private courier (named therein} to the addressee on a fee of US$5. Now this site in collaboration with private courier is sending letters and department despite knowing this that a private courier cannot accept ?letters? for delivery is silent and this silent should not be a. Pakistan Post Office is one of the best Government Department in Pakistan. When I say this some people laugh but true fact is this department still is doing a good job compared to many other government departments. One can only understand what I say if he is a real judicious and realistic person and evaluates my words keeping in view that postal department and its functionaries have not come ?specially from heaven? but are from amongst our own general society we live in. The people working therein are our brothers, cousins, relatives and friends of us ? if I can leave my seat say in income tax department 30 minutes before time, or spend half an hour during duty sipping tea with a visitor friend why cannot an official working in Post Office do the same.I have lived abroad. We are a nation who criticise too much our traditions, our religion, our nation, politicians, government and so on and praise the others. We love foreign products whereas many of our own indigenous products are of much better quality than imported ones. While working in foreign countries like in middle east I saw very nice post office buildings fully centralised air conditioned, bright lights, beautiful counters, different counters for different services etc but the service which our postal functionaries are giving that I never saw abroad. For example our sub post offices comprise mostly in a single rented room with a 40 watts bulb, without any fan or proper stationary, 30 years old stools and chairs for staff, no ball pens and the total staff strength 3 or in some cases two {one clerk called Asst. Sub Post Master, a clerk and third one packer]. This sub post office of 2 to 3 staff right from selling postal stamps, envelopes deals with insured letters, money orders, utility bills, postal insurance premiums, parcels, identity card forms, arms licence, food stamps and so on. Can we expect this in foreign post offices? Certainly not. In middle east what I saw was one counter and one person deals with only one item. The person who sells postal stationery like stamps envelopes will not register it, for registration counter/clerk is separate. For parcel separate clerk. Wrong delivery or Mail posted not received!!! We the Pakistanis has a psychological impact on us about ?England?. From England where there are modern sorting machines and we take it best postal service, I have found letters addressed to a person clearly mentioning the country of addressee but being delivered and dropped in my post office in middle east country only because my post box and post box number of real addressee matched. But both at England postal staff did not care it was sending the article to a wrong country and likewise in middle country postal authority did not see letter was destined to another country and not to their?s but just seeing the post box drop it in the corresponding box. Loss of mail!! It is my firm belief that Pakistani postal staff both poor Postman and delivery zones staff do not do any stealing of mail as is a general conception. The stealing of the mail or pilferage from mail is done by so-called ?censor staff? which is not postal staff and posting at which section is obtained by high influence. In this era of emails, digital transmission of data faxes etc one would be fool enough to send censorable stuff by mail. But mail censor department has still been kept for certain other ?obvious interests?. A few years back I raised this issue with the request that we the ordinary people have no fear of censorship, it may be done on our mail if it is necessary in the interest of the country but it be done in a proper manner namely that when censor staff takes mail from post office it may be counted and weighted. After censor has been done post office receives censored mail back duly counted and weighted and records the difference in weight. Additionally censor staff should not take mail away from post office premises, rather it sits in a hall where a little away from them remain two three senior post office officers who keep seeing opening of envelopes etc. Censor staff after doing needful officially packs and seals the envelope. Post Office Seniors never took any interest on my struggle despite the fact it was in the larger interest of protecting organisation?s image. Matter was referred to Ministry of Interior from where there was usual bureaucratic reply of no sensible logic. One may say one time while I criticise the Pakistan Post Office eg its notice to public but on the same breath am praising the postal system. The fact is both of view are correct. Pakistan Post Office service still is much better than many other similar public services eg PTCL. And this is only because the structure of Pakistan Post Office was put on a very concrete footings and despite top management lethargy since long due to its sound footing it is still working to a good extent satisfactory. The service is deteriorating gradually because top management is paying more attention in painting a more brighter picture than practical work. For example it claims today to engage its own aeroplanes for transporting mail but has not attention to properly maintain letter boxes. Last year the head of postal department was to visit some town in Sindh. His tour was, if my memories are not misguiding me in this old age, twice postponed which can well be appreciated because of some other urgent business. But what was strange, as per the news item appearing then that ?expenses twice incurred on preparation of visit thus went waste?. Why should there be expenses on preparing inspection visits in a debit ridden country?I have all the best wishes for our Pakistan Post Office. I have practically seen people dedicatedly working there but I am much disappointed now seeing the trends prevailing now in the senior management who appears to have no practical interest rather than thinking of new plans like obtaining planes for post office ? in line we are for the last more than 15 years hearing from each successive mouth worth of his slat turning Karachi into Hon Kong Singapore but in practical terms they have failed even to return us back our old Karachi let alone making it Hong Kong.. PS: Whatever above is written based on my memories as I feel I do not have any record of above after such a long time. TELL THE THIEF WE DID NOT CATCH YOU THAT FOOL INFORMED AND ASKED US AND ASKED TO CATCH YOU: By Javed - 22 February 2002 Chairman, National Accountability Bureau has the other day appealed people to bring to the notice of government cases of property and other assets made by politicians and bureaucrats with ill gotten money or misusing authority so that action could be taken against them. Since Junco government a tendency has started each new successive government trying to give an impression to the nation that top agenda of new government is to kill borrowing, live through self resources by tapping all doors of leakage?s and in this regard people are advised to report cases of corrupt people with a promise name will not be disclosed. First such a slogan was vigorously raised by Dr. Mehboobul Haq as Finance Minister. His contention was if all taxes like income tax, sales tax, duties etc are paid honestly government then does not to take international loans or increase prices. He appealed in the name of patriotism citizens to bring to his notice areas of tax evaders. As a too stupid foolish man (all patriotic honest and sincere citizens are stupid) my patriotism boiled. I was not then of age as today. I was fool then. Every one of us reads so many "in box" advertisements in national newspapers specifically on Sunday editions or pamphlets being distributed on bus stands etc from some "Bari Bajee" or "Baba Jee" claiming that grand father of their grand father was once travelling in jungle where he saw a sick old man. This grand grand father attended this sick man who in return donated a "prescription" to grand grand pa which cures all complicated diseases like cancer, sugar, infertility etc. And today these grand grand sons only and only for humanity sake were dispensing this family inherited prescription "Free Free". The sick man had cautioned the grand grand pa if he ever charged for the prescription the "secret healing element" will lose its effect. Knowing well the truth of all such "free" medicines I addressed two such advertisers one named Baba Jee and the other Chan Bava at Lahore. I addressed them in broken urdu handwriting posing as if I was a semi literate worker. In return both Baba Jees, as expected, told me through their very costly printed letter heads containing telephones and faxes (fax machine was then being used only by private big international companies and banks only) that the cost of their prescriptions was Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 13,000 which was only cost of herbs used and did not include any labour which the family was doing in preparation of the medicine. And according to these Baba Jees "dozens" of people every day obtain this. In other words it meant each Baba Jee was earning at least Rs. 15000/- per patient this medicine. Multiply this daily income by 365 days of a year whereas a person earning Rs. 40,000 annually then was under tax net. I forwarded both these letters to all income tax commissioners by name listed in the Lahore telephone directory to know if these two Baba jees were paying income tax in proportion to their incomes. None replied but I kept on sending reminders. Seeing a stupid man in his so-called patriotism was not stopping a P.S to a commissioner income tax gave a short reply saying one baba jee had closed his business and other had shifted to Rawalpindi. For more than a year I kept on sending reminders to this PS that point was not if Babajees have run away rather the point is had they been paying income tax in proportion to their income when they were operating in Lahore or were they just paying Rs. 700/- income tax like one of our ex prime minister or none at all. This PS later never turned back. His silence was the answer.. Sometime during perhaps in 1996-97 a similar empty routine slogan was raised for enhancing the tax net. Since bad habits do not die this fool again addressed to a regular advertiser offering free treatment. He quoted me Rs. 14,000/- which was only cost of material and was likely to increase soon. This time having experience with income tax commissioners I directly by name addressed Chairman Central Board of Revenue Islamabad. While I was expecting a thank you letter from Chairman CBR which till today never came, I got in 10/12 days from date of my addressing the Chairman CBR a letter from said advertiser saying " we thought you were a good man but you are a "......." [can not write here]. I addressed the chairman CBR how it was possible that from within his own office the letter so speedily was siphoned out to the Baba Jee? He never replied. When I addressed Nawaz Sharif in response to his appeal to public I got a letter from an income tax officer advising me to "submit proofs" about evasion of taxes rather than finding out from the departmental files if such parties were paying income tax proportionate to that which such parties claim on their letter heads "patients daily" were visiting them . Every week box advertisements whole the year in different national dailies, printing of pamphlets and engagement of huge manpower to put these through buses windows, through your car window on each traffic signal of the country costs a lot. One how can spend so much how much would be his income? So if a member of public someone foolishly passes on such an information, if he had any, then it means he should also be ready to submit "proof". MELA ONLY TO STEAL THE BLANKET By Javed - June 2003 Since decades every year in March a national level ?Horse & Cattle Show? is held in Lahore Pakistan. Tourists and people of this field from world over attend this. In a remote village where life was very simple and limited to basics no one had seen city Lahore or this cattle show. Since horses and cattle are bread and butter line of village life once an elder decided to go Lahore and see the Show. March in Pakistan is cold. He took with him usual village essential his blanket which villagers use in place of an overcoat. In the show some one stole his blanket. When he returned back villagers gathered around him curiously to know about the show. Now the village VVIP visitor told them ?what show; this show Lahoris had planned with deep conspiracy only to steal my coat?. There are numerous stories about most expensive attack on the poorest nation Afghanistan who then had only old age ammunition and war communication system. Some suggest this was to end terrorism. Some say it to get bases. Some predict it is to closing the noose around China Iran Pakistan and lastly around India. Some forecast it is to control potential oil gas mineral reserves there. For me this whole game is to bring Afghanistan to the clutches of IMF/Word Bank as it is beyond imagination that word?s poorest country and had no loan on it. And world bank and IMF (in fact behind scene drivers) cannot bear a country remaining independent sovereign. Today a loanee is the worst hostage in hands of lender or donor. A loan or a grant today is more bigger effective than nuclear weapon and the sure successful blackmailing tool. Traditions, customs, peoples habit and environments all have changed. For example 30/40 years back (i) in East a son could not even think of smoking a cigarette in presence of his father but today he does (ii) in summer fevers doctors strictly advised to cover the patient in blankets and not even to touch cold water but today even in winter fever patient is advised to remain in AC and drink lot of too cold 7 Ups. Gone are the days when to rule Indian subcontinent British Raj needed to establish an East India Company as a first step, send forces from London and post a Viceroy. Today same job can be done with more strong clutches sitting home through economic attack. Afghans best pride was not that British or Russians had not been able to conquer it but its main pride was it had never been under debit and that pride is in a days to go now. EXTORTION BY PIA STAFF By Javed - 23 August 2002 Under a headline ?Extortion by PIA staff? one Mr. Abid Japanwalla of Karachi narrated {DAWN Karachi 13.1.2002] the story how her daughter was to travel to London by PK-787 on December 30, 2001 when check-in-counter at Karachi airport demanded Rs. 35,000 towards 27 kgs excess baggage. The lady argued her excess was not that much as she had weighted it at home. The demand was reduced to Rs. 5,500. She agreed to pay through credit card which was not acceptable to staff. She came out took money from him. She was advised to make payment after clearance from Immigration formalities. The amount was allegedly then taken from her at the boarding gate without any receipt. He further says her daughter inside the plane was enquired if she had paid and he wondered if there was a chain of connection from counter to attendance inside the plane. Mr. Japanwalla requesting for investigation says similar other instances were in his knowledge. PIA has still not refuted the allegation through same column in DAWN, or at least it has not passed through my eyes in DAWN columns Early August 2001 my sister arrived Karachi on a return PIA ticket from Islamabad. Return date was open. 4 or 5 days before her departure she gave me her ticket to get it booked for her return to Islamabad. I visited PIA Rashid Minhas Road Gulshan-e-Iqbal Office. Seat was booked and confirmed and I was asked to pay Rs. 25/- cash which I did. Though at that time I gave this Rs. 25/- as mentally I was too upset as our family was that time sitting in hospital attending a paralysed head of family hence I could not think of towards what this Rs. 25/- tax was. However on 18 August 2001 I addressed MD PIA, not as a complaint but just as to know how it was that PIA a government organisation had levied a tax or fee on booking/confirmation of seats without any receipt or endorsement on ticket jacket. PIA Agency Affairs addressed me on 29 August 2001 asking me for a ?copy of ticket? in ?my favour? for investigation. This letter of PIA remained unattended as I was out of station. On my return on 4 October I informed PIA that ticket was not in my name rather in name of my sister and I provided full name of the passenger. As except for government servants who have free instant excess to government photocopying machines hardly any of we the ordinary citizens keep any photocopy of ticket, likewise I did not had the photocopy. Secondly I further informed PIA that after the travel when ticket is of no more use and in fact airline had by now had detached all coupons and only printed material airline terms & conditions of travel is left there hardly any one keeps that printed material, as such I too had not preserved. However in order to assist the PIA Agency Affairs I gave full name of passenger, date of travel, flight time leaving Karachi/Islamabad. I further informed that seat was confirmed by PIA Gulshan-e-Iqbal Office at about 1000 to 1100 hrs and that Rs. 25/- was charged by the officer wearing PIA uniform who was on counter and who by his own hand writing endorsed the ?booking and Confirmation? code on the ticket coupons. I drew the attention of PIA Agency Affairs that instead of asking me for a copy of ticket, it is very convenient and logical for PIA to take the coupon of ticket which was detached and retained at Karachi airport by CAA/PIA at the time of issuing of boarding card and which coupon is invariably preserved at airport and on which original hand writing of person charging Rs. 25/- and endorsing ticket confirmation was available. I further explained that since policies keep changing in our beloved country and new levies are not unexpected (I gave an example when only a week earlier then when I entered in my local Karachi area garden the new city government had imposed a new Rs.3/- entry fee] hence I though this Rs. 25/- may be some new levy of which I was not aware. I further stated that I was ready to take solemn affirmation holding HOLY QURAN in my hand that Rs. 25/- cash was charged by this official. I kept on waiting for further outcome when on 29th November I was informed matter was under enquiry. On 12th March after a long delay PIA addressed me, signed by a lady officer, advising me provide them ?my date of travel, copies of travel documents etc enabling them to investigate the matter. Reading this letter reminded me an observation by Lahore High Court on matter of illegal appointments that ?Government?s all merits are in files?. And this letter signed by the said lady officer in fact well explained why a debit ridden country like Pakistan needed to put early this year out of national exchequer huge 11 Billion Rupees to keep the airline alive. Passenger name, date of travel etc all were already with PIA provided by me. October 2001 it acknowledges and then in November it tells me matter was under enquiry on completion of which I will be informed and now after 5 months in 2002 I am asked to give initial basic information ticket, name of passenger etc. In Academies senior executives are taught how to deal with matters. They are taught in case they did not want a matter to discuss it should be marked to an unconcerned person or delaying tactics including asking stupid things be done which will frustrate the complainant and kill time ultimately the matter will automatically die. This is what PIA in this case has done. All passenger record as per my old time information is kept for 6 months in computer then it is deleted. And this tact has been used in this matter. This infuriated me that I have provided all possible information based on which in November 2001 I am informed matter is being enquired and now in March 2002 I am being asked same basic initial things which means actually now enquiry started or in fact there had not been any intention at all to do so. And in this infuriation I addressed MD that I am no more now interested in the enquiry. And this is what academic technique which was applied on me. I cannot produce any documentary proof at the moment but I do remember about 2 or 3 years back in a Saudi newspaper there was an item saying that PIA Rashid Minhas Road sales office allegedly refuses to issue PIA tickets on the ground that flights were booked but at the same time staff offers tickets of private airlines. This press clipping was forwarded to PIA by the then Member OOP Advisory Committee but unfortunately his copy is not traceable. And through more than 15 years hetic struggle people?s right to approach Federal Ombudsman against PIA on matters of such injustices, PIA got this right cancelled/barred. And even then we have the courage to claim that today we have reformed the whole system and today peoples suffering have reduced. PIA still is world?s one of the best airline. For the last 12 years despite being so often traveller I have never used except PIA leaving foreign airlines with better incentives. When my family travels alone I have no worry at all as I know leaving my family with PIA I have left them in fact in my own family. Yes such matter gives much frustration only because elsewhere higher managements take prompt and serious view on such feed backs whereas in case of PIA these are either nor taken note of or unnecessary routine correspondence is prolonged to kill the time and in that to kill the heat of the matter. Ps: Taking Holy Quran in my hand I can reiterate the truthness of the above. IT IS MAN SITTING ON CHAIR WHO GIVES JUSTICE NOT LAW, RULE OR REGULATION� By Javed - 27 Deceber 2003 According to DAWN 16.10.2003 ?There is a need to revisit ombudsman law ? says Khairi? the outgoing Sindh Ombudsman Mr. Justice � Haziqu-ul-Khairi. He said that the institution of ombudsman is not performing optimally as many of its judgements are set aside by the executive every year. There are two reasons for this and according to ex ombudsman one of the two is that in many cases people not properly schooled in legal matters have been made federal or provincial ombudsmen. He further says the president and governor are invariably advised by persons (in the Ministry of Justice and the Governor?s Secretariat etc) whose legal acumen is not as sound resulting in injustices to the aggrieved. Whether our ombudsman system (Ombudsman system as a whole; and not any particular federal or provincial ombudsman) needs any further teething power or not is a separate issue not subject of my letter. However in this connection the ever best article written is by country?s very senior intellectual Muno Bhahi entitled ?Farishtays do not need more powers?. He wrote his column on the background of the then Federal Ombudsman (perhaps Mr. Usman Ali Shah) on return from China shying that in China even the ministers are suspended on reference from ombudsman. It is generally universally said that these are not the laws or regulations which give justice to an aggrieved rather it is the man sitting on the chair who dispenses of justice. If the man on seat is public spirited believing laws are for collective betterment of the society and not for controlling or punishing it, he would interpret the law/regulation from larger public welfare point of view. But if the man is not public spirited he would interpret the same law from authorities point of view. As such it is wrong to say that only judges /legal fertanity can give justice. I have no political affliation of any kind. But I have seen from my own naked eyes that those who were yesterday raising slogans for restoration of democracy next morning standing in queues before Martial Law offices with complaints in their hands seeking justice as they believed military people (mostly having no legal eduation) were more public spirited and dispensed the justice truly and honestly. A highly reputed advocate I know instead going to court seeked and got justice from Martial Law Office for getting his house vacated. Here is story of one issue but with different decisions. In the story error of omission and comission re sequence of development, dates, timing etc are expected but main facts of the story are true. First half of 1990s due to law and order situation foolishly feeling the need to hold a Pistol or Revolvor I applied through a letter seprately to each Federal Interior Ministry as well as to Sindh Home Department. Incidentlly since my letter applications were recommended and forwarded by another Government Department I received NOC/approvals from both advising me to complete the necessary formalities to get the arms licence. Both with Federal Interior Ministry and Sindh Home Department necessary paper work including payment of prescribed fees was completed and both the Departments gave dates for collection of arms licence. On due date the licence was not ready and a further fresh date for collection was given by Federal Interior Ministry which date was further re-extended. On fresh date Interior Ministry refused to give the licence on the ground that now government had imposed an embargo on issuance of new arms licence. A formal complaint with Federal Ombudsman was lodged. The Interior Ministry submitted that no-doubt approval was given to the complainant but before licence could be ready the government placed embargo hence licence can not be issued. The Federal Ombudsman (a Judge having studied law) agreed to this submission and turned down my complaint. He did not consider even a minute that it was the inefficiency of the Ministry in the first place that it did not made the licence ready by target date which is an act of ?Mal Administration? and the complainant suffered due to this inefficiency as had the licence been made ready by given date there was no embargo then. After some time (perhaps when new Federal Ombudsman took charge) with a new hope a revision petition was filed with Federal Ombudsman. This time to the best of my memories in this revision petition I took up a new stand by submiting many figures showing how many licences were issued after the ban and thus I was deprived despite having obtained prior approval. The Federal Ombudsman who was a ?Law Judge? again turned down my revision petition agreeing to Interior Ministry that complainant can apply for refund through a very long procedure (which perhaps will cost me more than the refund). Thus for the last perhaps about 10 years my hard earned money deposited as Fee is lying with a Federal Government Department whereas there exists a Federal Ombudsman in the country. When on given date Sindh Home Department was approached it refused to issue licence on the ground that there was now a government ban. A formal complaint was made with Sindh Ombudsman. Sindh Ombudsman was not a Judge or from legal fertanity but purely a bureaucrat (Mr. S. Wasim). In his order he stated Arms licence was merely a small paper book while the real thing is approval/NOC. After issuance of NOC and accepting fees from the complainant it was merely a matter of issuance of a paper book certifying that the citizen was entitled to hold a licence. Since the Sindh government had already scrutinised and found the applicant capable of holding an arms and had accordingly received payment from him hence emarbo does not apply on him as that embargo was on new fresh applications. Accorodingly in his final order the bureaucrat ombudsman ordered Sindh Home Departent to issue the licence. Case is the same. Issues is the same. Law is the same, rules are the same, embargo is the same. Rather clearly in case of Federal level involving inefficiency. But decisions are totally different. On one seat is a Judge who spent his life in law field, on the other seat is purely a bureaucrat which in our soceity is considered as ?heartless and stone heart? class. What is justice, who gives justice, one can visulise from the above two. PAKISTAN EMBASSY BUILDING BUGGING ? DONOT OUR DIPLOMATS KNOW BASIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS By Javed - 25 December 2003 Sunday Times in November 2003 reported that British Intelligence M15 used a building contractor to plant bugging devices during its refurbishment in a friendly Embassy. It did not name the embassy but circumstances indicated it was Pakistan. Later as per Pakistani newspapers Government of Pakistan raised the issue at different levels, lodged a protest by calling British Embassy to Foreign Affairs. Dozens and dozens of columns have appeared. More than 100 letters to editor in different newspapers I have read. British Government has refused to give any comments. But I fail to understand that why all these letter writers, high profile wise columnists and our authorities including parliamentarian have not raised the real ?core? issue which actually should had been raised. ?Spying? or keeping a ?vigil? for negative enemity or just as a routine data collection of other countries and activities of every Embassy on the soil even between two friendly countries had always been a non-refutable open secret. As such British spying Pakistan High Commission should in now way be a strange thing. I worked abroad for 15 years. My job had been in a general security type Government organistion. In Pakistan I also served equal period and here also my job had been in such an organization which dealt with some national interest. During all my 30 years service I saw organizations more particularly Embassies etc always paid utmost attention to secrecy and security aspect. I do remember in Pakistan a friend whose brother in 60s worked in US Embassy Karachi just during a general talking on the topic of our own office told us that even when an in-house electrician or an outsider painter came for work, the concerned office room or place was totally emptied including removal of the telephone sets for security purpose. Only the other day our President General Musharraf who is day and night struggling for putting the country back on right track addressing Punjab Cabinet stated corruption and nepotism was the main cause of national ills and this can only be overcome by putting right man on right job. We have a large army of highly paid staff in our High Commission in London. And as per my general knowledge like prevailing practice, we also have Military Attaches in some of our Embassy including London. Were all these people in High Commission sleeping that a contractor came and installed vigilance equipment? Did our embassy official had now knowledge of checking after the work was done? Were our files and documents there lying open that contractor got all information. The point to ponder is this and not why M15 bugged our embassy. Country?s senior intellectual columnist Mr. Abdul Qadir Hassan once stated he went to High Commission where he was taken to meet the Information Minister. The secretary introduced Mr. Qadir to the Minister that he was columnist from leading daily Jang. The Minister, an Information Minister, conveying usual greetings enquired from Mr. Qadir ?what does you do?. Qadir Hassan wrote I wished I could tell the Minister I drive a Taxi. My memories vividly remember reading somewhere, not far long (how nepotism works) that an officer was posted in our High Commission only because his child was sick and to afford him treatment at London the convenient way found was posting him there. GRAVEYARDS: By Javed - 05 November 2003 Recently a few letters in this esteem have appeared concerning Islamabad graveyard. The writers say graveyard is covered with four to five feet high thorny bushes leaving no trace of footpaths leading to graves so much so that it is not possible to locate the graves of dear ones. I have not ever been to Islamabad graveyard but I am sure same situation prevails every where. With the general decline in moral values even graveyards have been turned into a source of income. I have grave of a dear one in Azizabad graveyard in Karachi since mid 70s. It was a clean graveyard. I used to visit weekly, clean the my dear one?s grave as well as those within a little radius. Growth of thorny stray bushes is a natural phenomena. I observed with the passage of time the little older areas of graveyard are neglected deliberately by graveyard staff and no maintenance is done. More particularly they deliberately allow thorny bushes to grow haywire making it unable to reach a grave. Thus forcing people to ?hire? the services of graveyard staff to cut these bushes. I used to take with me a small axe in my hand riding cycle. Those were calm days in Karachi and there was no harm in taking an axe in the hand. Came mid 80s when law and order situation started changing and since late 80s it became highly risky to take an axe in the hand passing through roads and streets to reach graveyard. Since 1985 to till 2000 I addressed repeatedly wherever I could like Municipality, ministers, governors, councilors etc requesting that some system may be adopted where staff properly cuts these thorny jungle bushes but never ever got any response. Even I do remember if my memories are not misguiding me now in this old age I also addressed the Sindh Ombudsman in those days. These thorny bushes are deliberate as it gives ample income to those who sell water buckets etc in the graveyards and in effect are the graveyard staff. WHEN THIEF WAS LOOTING WHERE WAS THE CHOWKIDAR By Javed - 30 October 2003 A reader M.T. Ali (21.9.2003) is surprised that Forex companies were in business for over four year, not discreetly or covertly and since they maintained offices, advertised and were open about their modus operation then during this daylight robbery where were the State Bank, NAB, judiciary or multitude of intelligence agencies. I don?t think NAB, judiciary or intelligence agencies have anything to do with this matter except for the State Bank, Finance and Interior Divisions. However the answer is very simple in the following two self explanatory examples. One: A housing scheme in 1993 advertised its housing project. The advertisment stated Rawalpindi Development Authority had issued it an NOC reference number so and so dated so and so of 1993. People seeing this NOC reference applied. When it was seen till 2000 all instalements have been paid Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) in 2000 (after 7 years) felt its duty to inform the public that people should not deal with the project. Deputy Commissioner in its official Report stated project was fraud. Despite that the DC delcared the scheme a fraud the Punjab Ombudsman (you can say a type of judiciary) even then felt agrrieved complainants to discuss (the fraud?) rather than taking serius note and issue some serious directive to DC/Administration/Police etc to investigate how fraud was committed, why RDA remained silent for 7 years what should be done against people doing fraud. The complainants approached NAB directly as well as Overseas Pakistanis Foundation repeatedly address NAB but never got any response. Two: In 1980-81 a motorcycle company introduced a lucky draw istalment scheme. Lucky draw by law at that time was illegal under the law. Home Departments of Punjab and Sindh gave written permission to a company for this lucky draw business which was illegal under the law. Lucky draw companies started coming out even at small towns. Seeing the mushroom growth of such lucky draws the people?s greatest friend Mr. Justice Sardar Iqbal the then Federal Ombudsman took a suo moto note of the sitution and advised the concerned authority to take note before public gets suffered. Now since it is 25 years old matter I can not produce the papers but my memories still guide me correctly that initial reply from that concerned authority was very lethargic viz it cannot take any action as when people would get damage they themselves would refrain from joining such lucky draws. Mr. Justice Sardar Iqbql got fuirious reading this and took a serious note only then both Ministry of Interior and Finance coordinated and a circular was issued to all provinces to ban all such lucky draws. The Federal Government order to chief secretaries was that lucky draw companies be advised to refund money to the ?satisfaction? in which case no action be taken against them but in case companies do not comply that then cases may be proceeded against such failing companies as per the law. Almost all companies disappeared. I struggled 10 years at Sindh and Punjab Ombudsman forums on the point to investigate as to how a written permission was given to a business which was illegal then under Pakistan Law. A genuine work is hard to get done easily, hence permission for a work not allowed under the law must have some very interesting story to reveal. Believe me in 10 years I got many replies, a lot of correspondence but never ever got a reply to the point raised by me. The Punjab Home Department submitted to Punjab Ombudsman that if the companies have not refunded then it is the aggrieved people who are to go to courts and proceed against such defaulting companies. And the Punjab Ombudsman appears to agree to it because he did not make any comment on Home Department?s this contention. The point is if it is the aggrieved citizens who are to proceed to courts against defaulting companies then what was the need of Ministry of Finance mentioning in its 1985 Order to Home Secretaries that proceedings may be done against defaulting companies as there had never been any bar on citizens going to courts on such matters. On my request for interprattion if these are the citizens who are to go to courts against defaulting companies or these are povincial governments (Police, State or Home Departments who gave legal permission to an illegal work) the Ministry of Finance who issued the 1985 Order clarified me that these are the provincial governments who are required to initiate legal proceedings procedings against defaulting companies. Since I have no more hope of any real justice fom ombudsman system based on my experience hence now I have almost finished my struggle except for occasion reminder or so. The answer to above query that as to why SBP or others remained silent for so many years when forex companies were doing this business lies in above 1984-85 initial reply from the ?concerned authority? to the Federal Ombudsman. MEHRAN TOWN HOUSING SCHEME FOR OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS By Javed -1 October 2002 According to a news item (DAWN 15 October) Karachi City Nazim has taking a strong note of sufferings of thousands of applicants of New Malir City Housing Scheme of Malir Development Authority has conveyed a meeting and will also to ascertain the facts about misappropriation of millions by MDS seniors. Earlier Honourable Sindh Ombudsman has also very kindly taken suo moto note and observing that MDA actually had not that much land for allotment as much land it allotted. The ombudsman ordered refund of money to allottees.MDA I personally feel would be much happy in refund because it has nothing to loose as in refund the loss will be that of allottees. MDA has earned a tremendous profit on deposits whereas allottees as and when returned would get their original deposited amount having lost appreciably purchasing value now.Allotting invisible or non existence land is a big and favourite techniques. For example Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, a semi autonomous body for so-called welfare of Overseas Pakistanis (Ops) invited applications for allotment of plots at Murree Chattar Scheme on first come first basis. No allotments was made. In fact there existed no procured land at all. After earning huge profits it refunded. In the name of Faisalabad Housing Scheme tremendous amount was collected but there existed no land for about approx. more than 7/8 years. OPs were asked to apply for ?Beach City Karachi? but when a senator raised the issue in senate the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis in the senate stated he was not aware of any such scheme having been approved. Actually there was no land. There is such a scheme floated in 1973-74 ?Mehran Town Housing Scheme? at Karachi for Overseas Pakistanis who have deposited full amount since then. Scheme was a little developed. In 1978 floods in Karachi development work got damaged. And since then KDA always repeats the same slogan ?in 1978 floods damaged it?. It is now 23 years 1978 have passed. Many floods came, many roads bridges villages totally got damaged but repaired and revived but this scheme. August or September 1997 at about 11.00 am I visited the site. It was unbearable to stand there for even 5 minutes not because of sunshine or temperature but because of smoke of burning garbage, dirty smell and stray dogs etc. In my presence a Municipality truck came and threw garbage number of which I did note. The site office was a skelton of small building and peeling through window glass it looked as if at least for the last 2/3 years no one had entered into in the office. I went to nearby Malir Bridge Development Office where I was told Mehran Town Site Office they never had seen ever opened. KDA always claims having continuously spent so much money since 1974-75 but site was still undeveloped he The Karachi City Nazim has very recently according to daily Khaleej Times of Dubai desired to revive the city Karachi with the help of Overseas Pakistanis.Perhaps in order to win the confidence of totally disappointed OPs City Nazim may also take note of this housing scheme only and only to ascertain one fact namely ?extent of practical development since 1978 v/s total amount of money spent sicne 1978? by appointing a Committee of independent citizens like Mr. Ardeshir Cowasjee, Ms. Yasmeen Lari Architect, Engineer from Shehri who may visit the site, take earthen random soil samples for laboratory tests to find out if stomach of site was really so big to have digested all that money appearing in KDA files having been spent or its stomach was upset like some children eat too much but due to ?thread worms? digested food does not result in physical healthy development. Nazim to know the truths may himself visits the site just for 5 minutes to see the site itself if it is worth for human living. Nazim does not need to waste his precious time in knowing the stories form KDA what happened, what is being done by KDA but to know the facts may just get the soil tested to know the amount having the site digested.In 1996-97 someone also filed a complaint with defunct Ehtisab Bureau on Mehran Town. For the last 4 years continuously I am struggling to get a copy of the same but not body wants to give copy to me. CURRENCY NOTES ? OMBUDSMAN PAKISTAN: By javed - 10 October 2003 The Federal Government will impose restriction on the use of currency notes garlands was a news item from a special correspondent. Commenting on it Mr. Hafizur Rehman in his weekly column DAWN 8.10.2003 wonders why did not the special correspondent go to the bottom to find out whose bright idea was this. Mr. Hafizur Rehman appreciates how the federal government was worried about people?s attitude towards money. A letter from Dr. M. Yaqoob Bhatti of Lahore in this esteem on 14.10.2003 quotes CNN that dirty currency notes contain bacteria which cause hepatitis B and other diseases. This letter of Public spirited Dr. Bhautti has appeared in other dailies too which show how concerned he is. Exactly I do not remember but it was approximately 1985-87 when Rs. 500 currency note was introduced. At that time I was working in middle east but was in Pakistan on leave. During my one month stay I could not see what design of new Rs. 500 note was though I saw its photograph in the newspaper. Whenever I en-cashed a cheque I got Rs. 100 notes. On my enquiry the bank casher told me newly introduced Rs. 500/- note had not so far come in the Bank. The second day on my return back to middle east I saw Pakistani Rs. 500/- crisp brand new serial wise currency notes with footpath money changers similar as we see in Boulton Market Karachi. It surprised me and I took up the matter with Federal Ombudsman that why this note was not available in the market and how in new packs it was available abroad. At that time Mr. Hafizur Rehman, the columnist read by serious readers, was Director General Public Relations in Federal Ombudsman Secretariat Islamabad and people?s real great friend Mr. Justice Sardar Mohammad Iqbal was the first Ombudsman Pakistan. It was the time which Mr. Hafiz would remember when no public raised issue was refused on the ground ?it is your suggestion, you are not aggrieved, under law so and so suggestions can not be entertained? etc. I have in my old record many letters signed by Mr. Hafizur Rehman on behalf of the then Ombudsman advising me to remain in touch with the Secretariat encouraging me to take up issues concerning community interest. I raised the question that when people do not even find a Rs. 1/- full bundle of 100 notes for Eid and always get on encashment of a cheque/draft soiled currency notes from banks how it was that brand crisp notes were available in large quantities with garland sellers, footpath currency dealers at Boulton and Empress Markets and abroad. My argument was that it was not possible unless people from SBP and two departments I named therein were not giving their blessing to this trade. The Federal Ombudsman duly entertained my communication as a complaint and did not refuse that I was not an aggrieved. A lot of correspondence between SBP and me through Federal Ombudsman secretariat was exchanged and Final Decision of Ombudsman came wording of which according to my memories were that SBP will ensure that brand new currency notes do not find way to garland sellers as these notes get damaged there and public thus gets soiled and damaged notes. But who cares on implementation. Mr. Hafiz knows better than me that Federal government?s concern will remain a concern to be repeated again in next 8-10 years. EDUCATION ? LL.B IN KARACHI By Javed - September 2003 A young lady Javeria Shakil through her letter in Daily Nation on 9.9.2003) showed her surprise on the ?boldness? of an inter position holder saying on TV in presence of Board officials that he did not attend more than 5% classes. Javeria wonders when by law 75% attendance is required how position holder appeared in the examination in the first place. Javeria appears to be very innocent. If a true honest research oriented NGO makes a study that from 1950 to 1985 how many students belonging to NWFP passed LL.B examinations from Karachi based on their college certified above 75-95% attendance it will be revealed during same periods they had 95% attendances in NWFP in their offices and works. I do not know what is position today but during 1960 to 1985 people from all over Pakistan used to get themselves registered for LL.B in Karachi and come to Karachi only in examination days. The only reason was facility of false attendance facility and one another ?facility? which is another subject. Javeria being resident of Karachi can verify this fact. REGISTRATION OF SERVANTS: By Javed - September 2003 Recently Karachi Police high ups have emphasised people to get their domestic servants registered with the police. Early 60s new middle class localities in Karachi like Federal B Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal etc started surfacing randomly here and there. With this came on first of every month a Pathan brother knocking at door saying ?I am street Chowkidar?. Though those were peaceful days which now we can only dream of yet people paid Rs. 2/- each month to this knocking Chowkidar. Every year or two on first of a month a new face knocked at your door. When asked where was the man who came last month the reply came ?he was my brother and gone to Mulak?. But the old face never ever returned again from Mulak. With passage of time this fee kept on increasing from Rs. 2/- to present Rs. 20/- a house. One chowkidar covers more than 300/500 houses which practically he can not watch. From where this man comes, what is his name, where he lives day time, who appointed him, where can he be contacted at day time no resident of area ever knows. Since very early 80s I had been addressing different levels namely each every new governor, every new chief minister, every new concerned Minister, MNA, MPA, commissioner etc but never ever got even a single reply. I also approached the Sindh Ombudsman from where came a reply exact text of which is not remembered now but it was something under no law police can be asked to register these chowkidars. I could not stop thinking there was no law in 80s requiring landlords to register their tenants with the area police yet in Punjab Police in the interest of the community did it. So why cannot Sindh Police do in case of Chowkidars? In fact knowing well registering these illiterate chowkidars with Police means putting them into problem I had always suggested that some system be evolved where these chowkidars be registered with say area elders, area Mosque, area councilor etc. I addressed many many time newspapers of repute like DAWN, The News, Jang, Muslim, Nawai-e-Waqt etc but they could not afford any space for this stupid topic. Then disappointed I left trying after mid 90s. Now on taking over city local administration last year by Jamat-e-Islamic and feeling Jamat people are reputed for community service I addressed with four by name reminders Honourable Chief Nazim Karachi but never ever got any response. IRAQ By Shanaz - August 2003 Mirza Aman is an Arab columnist, one can say another Ardeshire Cosawje of Arabs. His column is very long but I wish to produce hereunder sentences from here and there from his column which are thought provoking;- Quote: ?Give us peace, we will give you water and electricity is an interesting important and significant motto and proposal?. He says this is not his proposal nor fabricated by US enemies. He said it is a motto painted on a US military tank patrolling Sulaimaniyah northern Iraq and thousands of people saw it during television newscasts. Aman says this shows that peace and security was not only an Iraqi demand but was also demanded by the occupation forces in Iraq. Since they declared themselves as occupiers they are loosing blood, weapons and military equipment and most of all the respect of the Iraqi people on daily basis. The army which 90 days ago was welcomed by the majority of the Iraqi people has become to many Iraqis the enemy number one {this week a photograph appeared showing an old aged Iraqi slapping a damaged US tank with his shoe]. The tanks which two months ago were welcomed on streets of Iraq and Iraqi children used to rush to take pictures with American soldiers and their tanks, those tanks have now become targets for militia rockets and children?s stones. The other fact is that those occupying forces consist of military people and not peace makers or peace corps. They are trained on how to defeat an enemy and not on how to rebuild what they destroyed during the wars. Yes they may be good in copping with some natural disasters but definitely not with military destructions. So why the Americans are making that offer? It is the need and becoming helpless which make people beg help and offer promises just to get out of miserable situation. I do not remember seeing or reading about US forces being humiliated as they are now. Even when they were in Somalia we did not see them begging peace and security. And of course they should not be blamed for begging. They are not trained to install internal security, patrol streets and arrest thieves. They are not trained in rebuild the infrastructure. Their duty after finishing military campaign should be patrolling Iraqi borders. Internal security should be assigned to people and troops who are trained and specialised in carrying out such tasks. What happened to the US Military Corps of Engineers who are normally deployed to help re-building infrastructure of countries after wars? Why the US does not send these people to work in Iraq? I remember immediately after cease-fire US Corps of Engineers were the first to arrive in Kuwait in 1990 war. As to helping Iraqis rebuild their institutions this should be left to the US Peace Corps which are sent to the countries of the world to help countries build/rebuild their education, health and community services systems. This 40 years old organisation founded by President Kennedy in October 1960 is providing such services to over 60 countries. Why not including Iraq? US has the means and sources for cleaning the situation if it really wants to. This great country and nation is full with volunteers, peace-makers and good noble people/organisations. In fact US was the first country in the world to institutionalize volunteerism?. Unquote: Sending Pakistani troops to Iraq on demand of US under umbrella of UN being a common citizen I cannot comment on it. My full backing is what President General Musharraf finally decides because I believe his is on the seat and he knows well what was in the interest of the country and what not, what are circumstances, intricacies, compulsions, future strategies. Being a common citizen on street I can not have vision to that. General Musharraf is sincere to the country from inside his heart. If he is insisting wearing uniform, there definitely must be some reason and being a true Pakistani citizen whose religion has taught ?obey the ruler of the time? I am fully with him. But as a common man having lived long in middle east something is in my mind. Why US wants Pakistani army personnel in Iraq? Is it because every week one or two of its soldiers are being killed in Iraq? Does it want to make soldiers of these ?black Asian? third world countries as escape goat. I do remember after 1990 Gulf war rebuilding what share Pakistan was given ?clearing of mines?. Does anyone knows how many Pakistani (soldiers) died (I have seen the dead injured). Leave Arab Governments aside which have never ever been independent. I know the sentiments of Arab people. Arab people (I am talking of Arab people and not a few hundreds of Arab governments) today do not respect Pakistan after its joining hands and helping attacks on Afghanistan. These people unfortunately in fact do no know in what condition Pakistan had to join hands with US and that our General Musharraf made a timely very right decision. When I was working in Pakistan there was one colleague with me Major � Aziz. He was with me in a civilian government office. On some official work he was sent to Somalia in 1978. When he came back he was so happy telling us hospitality and affection of Somali people towards Pakistanis and how Major � Aziz was treated as guest by each and every Somali he met. Then I also remember when mid 90s Pakistan sent its token Force as part of International Force in Somalia where (perhaps) two three Somalis died due to firing of Pakistani soldiers in Magudashuo. In fact these Pakistan soldiers fired in protection (if my memories are not misguiding me they fired to protect some group of American soldiers who had been encircles by Somalis). Then I saw photographs in international press Somali women crying and shouting ?Pakistani murders?. FIND WITH WHERE IS JUSTICE IN ALL THIS MICROSCOPE By Javed - 31 August 2003 Former Chief Justice Supreme Court Mr. Justice � Sajjad Ali Shah on the title of ?Courts, Justice and Government? in his article in Nawai-e-waqt 2.6.2002 says a lady in her letter complained that in our beloved country there was no justice and she was so depressed that she was sorry why she was born in Pakistan. The lady in question is daughter of Ashiq Hussain Jatoi who was murdered with Mir Murtza Bhutto in which case alleged accused were not merely released on bail but also were appointed on import postings. I do not agree with those who go too extreme saying there is no justice in Pakistan. It is my personal unshakable belief justice does exist in Pakistan but it depends merely on your Luck? and not on your merit, evidence in your support or your arguments but merely a stroke of luck or in simple word it is just a ?lottery? that you get a ?justice?. It is well known fact there is a lot of difference between ?justice? and a ?Decision?. And this is what Justice Nizam in one of his papers a decade back stated that today tendency in courts was to deliver a ?Decision? rather than arriving at ?justice?. The example can be seen the person who was accused of ?contempt of court? with his neck tight walked out of court ?as usual? but a lower level newspaper reporter in same case went inside Jail. Justice Mr. Sajad Ali Shah says ?justice not merely should have been announced but it should appear to have in effect been given?. Here below is a self explanatory example of justice in which not merely ?justice does not appear to has been delivered? rather the ?lowest remotest justice? has ?even? not even been announced merely with lips. In 1993 a newspaper large size advertisement appeare from a private company of Islamabad named ABC Co. for allotment of plots in its ?New Islamabad? project. The advertisement stated Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has issued a NOC to it. People as usual seeing RDA a government authority?s reference applied and paid the money. When people were sending installments, all of a sudden installment receipts started coming from another company named MNP Co. Later correspondence started company from yet another named company XYZ company. Some allottees due to this change of continued change of company name and no substantial development got disappointed and approached Rawalpindi Development Authority which as usual did not give any response. When continuously pressed RDA took shelter that in 1992 it issued a list of housing projects which did not have approvals and advised people not to deal with those projects. But it did not give answer to a million dollar question you issued this list in 1992 but why then you remained silent when one year later in 1993 the advertising company quoted your NOC/approval reference quoted to have been issued in 1993. If the advertisers had given any bogus and fake approval reference then why did not you informed the public that advertiser was telling lies. RDA?s silence was not any surprising because it is well known no crime or irregularity can ever be committed unless there is someone backing you from the concerned dealing and controlling department. Surely there was some one whose palms must have been duly greased by the advertisers in 1993 which kept the RDA silent by not informing the public it approval reference was fake. People went to Punjab Ombudsman hoping there would some justice. Punjab Ombudsman seeked the report from provincial authorities. Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi submitted a report saying that both owner/advertiser of the scheme as well as the scheme itself was doubtful. The Punjab Ombudsman in his order merely mentioning DC?s report finalized the case and issues his decision without any instruction to DC or any mention if scheme was fraud/doubtful then what should DC or provincial authorities should do to save the complainants. When an aggrieved approaches a court, an ombudsman or any other judge that universally means that after finding the facts a ?Directive/Decision ? would be announced accepting or rejecting the complaint. In this case there is not a single world about directive, decision, instruction, any remarks about attitude of Rawalpindi Development Authority. Mr. Justice � Sajjad Ali Shah may perhaps find any ?even one percent? ingredient of ?true justice? in this Punjab Ombudsman decision. SCHEME FOR BAD LOANS WRITE OFF By Javed - August 2003�- READER Aftab Khan in Daily DAWN 27 May 2003 commented on State Bank?s recent circular extended upto June 30, 2003 advising Banks and DFIs to write off the loans following the Scheme announced. He says that IDBP made it a practice to feed data on hold along with some un-held or fake securities to obtain inflated valuation figures so liabilities could be settled on higher figures. It is a hard fact whatever schemes one may introduce, whatever incentives government may give those who are not to re-pay never ever will pay except by those who from the very beginning of taking loans had in fact in mind to return it but for reasons could not. While nation has very proudly been apprised about 20 billion written off to ?poor? during last 3 years have simultaneously been also warned to strengthen their hearts as a further 30 billion is to be written off in next three years which of course we the nation will pay through electricity bills, sales tax on medicines etc. With this news I was reading that Zarai Taraqiati Bank has arrested some 30 farmers who are defaulters of Rs. 6000 to Rs. 28,000/-. My brother since graduation in 1985 never having got any service took a yellow taxi loan from National Bank of Pakistan Karachi. He timely paid some initial installments. All of a sudden he had to undergo a very serious piles operation which made him unable to sit properly for the next two months and he did not ply the taxi. He did not tell the family that he had no money to pay. As is the fate with all ordinary people that they are all ?coward? my brother for the fear of having not paid did not bring the taxi on road. Family thought he was not plying due to his physical incapacity. However when real situation came to knowledge I approached the National Bank President through some recommendations that only late payment penalty be condoned and it be allowed to re-start paying installments afresh. My this request was well before the 1997 State Bank Incentive Scheme to defaulters. While I was issuing reminders over reminders the State Bank announced its 1997 incentive/amnesty scheme under which a demand notice was received mid August from the Bank showing Rs. 130,500 outstanding as Principal Sum plus different figures as mark up and other charges. At this time someone approached referring to my above application to the bank advising me to ?bargain? when matter would be fully settled eg case wold be totally finished. Since as I belong to silent majority coward class I refused. Immediately after my refusal a revised Demand Notice from the bank came this time showing outstanding Principal at 140,000/-. I or my family has never worked in any bank but my general banking knowledge has officially in writing been appreciated at many higher levels. Mark up, interest, penalty, late fee, duty, surcharge, total outstanding can always get increased but this was my first ever knowledge ever ?Principal? outstanding amount getting increased and that too just in 10/15 days. Right from National Bank President, Finance Division to Federal Ombudsman I struggled so hard to increase my knowledge as too how a ?Principal? amount can get increased but I never ever got this mystery solved. It is a general belief that State Bank too played a great role in destruction of banking economy. Banks were sending it regularly statements of loans issued, loans remaining outstanding and picture was all clear to it but it remained silent. Only the other day a report on National Bank loans quoted one example NBP having given loan to a named company which company never existed in Pakistan. Years back if my memories are not failing me in this old age a banking court judge remarked it appeared the NBP had no interest in recovery of its loan (for obvious reason must be a case of bargaining) as NBP for the last 15 years had not attended the court. Being a ?Shareef Adamee? I paid the whole loan calculated by the Bank but those who were not to pay still have not paid and will never ever pay. But still I wish if some one could help me to know ?how the principal? can get increased just in 10 days. DISAPPEARANCE OF SIX MONTHLY STATEMENTS By javed - July 2003 Recently one Dr. Nishat Afza from Lahore through DAWN 17.5.2003 stated that she has so far not receivde her six monthly bank statement for the period ending 31 December 2002 from Habib despite lapse of more than 4 months. She says National Bank of Pakistan has on the other hand almost stopped issuance of these statements. She further says State Bank of Pakistan seemingly is doing nothing. Each and every commercial Bank under the procedure issues six monthly statement twice a year to every account holder may it be current or PLS savings account. However, 90% saving account holders never get this statement. If some one approaches the Bank a standard reply is given that it was mailed to you at your official address. So point is where go all these statements? Centralised computer databank of these Banks every six month churns out all six monthly statements and ?in documents? these are despatched to each account holder and postage expense on this transaction is shown having been incurred. But in practice only 10% of these statements are physically despathed only to those conscientious people like Dr. Nishat who know getting six monthly statement was their right and on non receipt they do contact the Bank. Statements for the rest 90% lethargic and ignorant of their rights account holders are dumped on the strong room floor and money shown as having been spent on postage of these 90% dumped statement equally goes into the pockets of concerned Bank branch and postal staff who issues fake postal certificates to Branch. I have struggled on this issue in the past. I offered the Federal Ombudsman that he could accompany me where I will take him to any such office staff of which gets salary through Bank and enquire from the staff coming out of the building did they get their statement and reply from 90% will be No. Even I requested if Federal Ombudsman cannot do this he can check with his own staff half of whom must have their bank accounts. Maximum 10% only mail like letters, greeting cards get lost and 90% sooner or later do reach to the destination. So why it is that six monthly statements 90% get lost in mail and only 10% reach to the destination if actually those were ever posted? The answer to Dr. Nishat Afza?s question lies in this mystery. State Bank is silent. If one raises any question with state bank concerning matters like frequent increase of locker rents etc the reply comes Banks have been given autonomous free hand and SBP has no control over them. On the other hand where SBP?s own interest comes it keeps on showing its writ and jurisdiction on commercial banks by issuing Prudential regulations etc and in then it does not give reply if banks are independent and it has not control over them then how it keeps issuing administrative enforcement circulars etc. TAXI ? SINDH OMBUDSMAN: JUSTICE - JUSTICE By Javed - Augst 2003 A taxi driver refused to pick me from gate of a hospital and demanded a too high fixed amount. Being civic minded I refused and preferred to walk a little distance in search of some other. I complained to Secretary RTA Karachi who as usual never cared to take any note and sis nor give any response. Prescribed Rule says public communications are invariable and immediately to be acknowledge and final reply invariably given to the members of public. I approached Sindh Ombudsman against this non response act of mal administration by RTA. My complaint was not against taxi driver as he being a private citizen was out of ambit of Sindh Obudsman. RTA moved at this stage just to tell the Sindh ombudsman that owner of taxi had informed the said driver has left his job few days back. I had approached the Sindh Ombudsman on act of mal administration by RTA why it did not give me reply. Sindh Ombudsman did not mention a world about RTA?s non response in his decision which in other words meant ?errant bureaucracy as usual got escaped?. On 22 March 2002 I filed a formal appeal with Sindh Governor against decision of Sindh Ombudsman that my complaint was against RTA?s non response and a decision be made on the issue if by non responding did RTA commit an act of mal administration or not and if RTA by remaining silent delayed to give a chance to let the driver leave the job!! Since then I have thrice sent copies of this appeal to Governor of Sindh but go no response at all. Some time in 1995 a similar incident happened when RTA did not give response. On my taking up the matter though the RTA was let escape on its non response but the then Sindh Ombudsman mentioning in his finding that courage of the educated citizen should be apprciated, advised other citizens to follow suit as according to ombudsman authorities can only solve problems of people if they come forward and bring those to the notice of authorities. Governor is appellant authority. The point to ponder is when an appeallant/judicial type authrity like Governor does not give response why should junior level like RTA care. And this speaks why people in the country are suffering even from basic right of receiving acknowledgments to their letters complaints appeals addressed. ALLIED BANK ? A PRIVATE BANK BUT UNDER BANNKING OMBUDSMAN? By Javed - August 2003 Just surfing the internet search engine Google.com I came across a site www.obo.org.uk/2.2.1.2.1/html ?The Banking Ombudsman Scheme?. The site relates perhaps to U.K. It states ?Banks Covered ? And Date Covered From? and there included is Allied Bank of Pakistan covered from 01 June 1996. Allied Bank of Pakistan is a private bank and since its privatisation it has been de-listed even from ambit of Wafaqi Ombudsman in Pakistan. So how it is this private bank is covered or under the Banking ombudsman of UK. GOVERNMENT ADVISERS ? WELL DONE: By Javed - 31 July 2003 Imran Khan recently stated the President General Musharraf should change his advisers. One may differ with politics or predictions of respected Pir Sahib Pagara but what he says is mostly worth thinking. Sometime back he stated this government?s advisers need themselves services of honest advisers. And this is not wrong. A very senior retired wise bureaucrat recently in his column gave example that a person standing on deck of a ship fell into rough sea. No body was daring help the drowning man. All of a sudden a person jumped into sea, struggled hard and pulled the drowning man to the ship. Everybody praised loudly the courage and bravery of the person. Thanking everyone he enquired ?first tell me who pushed throw me into the sea?. The columnist giving example of recently referendum states that the very dedicated and really honest General Musharraf is being pushed into different things by his advisers. Director General National Savings was on a business promotion (but in fact on an enjoying Dubai official trip). Addressing the Pakistani businessmen in Dubai he stated people should invest in National Savings Schemes. But wonderful is he had no hesitation in realising that in one breath he was saying two different things. Perhaps being a senior bureaucrat he thought sitting in audience all are either fools or his subordinates who are bound to accept whatever he says. He stated rates of profit are guaranteed by the Government of Pakistan and at the same breath the same moment he was also said ?profits depends on many things like inflation etc and are adjusted accordingly?. It is well known a fact in Pakistan inflation under the every ?current? Government always ?decreases? and only in ?previous? governments ?had increased? hence naturally decreasing inflation (in files) means further decrease or adjustment of profits. So who would be out of his sense from the audience who would then invest in these scheme leaving Dubai or other places where there is no concept of reduction of profits etc. Our Finance Minister who does not get tired repeating his wishes for the welfare of the ?Poor? in the budget has further cut down once more profits on national savings in which mostly widows and retired have placed their domestic savings. New income tax levy has been imposed. Now anyone having more than Rs. 150,000 in National Savings would have to pay withholding tax. A national savings Director has the other day no shame on a question saying ?only with holding tax has been imposed and not the income tax and that withholding tax was adjustable against income tax?. How many thousands widows have the knowledge or means or resources or knowledge of a tiresome paper procedure to get their withholding taxes ?adjusted? from the income tax? For getting a refund of Rs. 100 withholding tax I think there needs equally Rs. 100/- photocopies, paper work, transport. Would an Overseas Pakistani in Dubai be a non sense to invest in National Savings his amount well knowing over and above his Rs. 150,000 is liable for withholding tax or income tax. Well done government advisers. Someone once very rightly stated why should we blame Israel or India damaging our country while we ourselves are self sufficient in this quality. Our advisers are well doing the same jobs. {NOTE 01 December 2003 - commenting on recent July-October 2003 decrease of remittances from Kuwait and USA etc the President National Bank of Pakistan stated one of the reason for decrease is overseas Pakistanis there are sending only what is required in their home and rest withholding abroad ? WEH?] OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS ? THEIR CONFIDENCE MEHRAN TOWN HOUSING SCHEME By Javed - 15 June 2003 The columnist Hussain Ahmed Piracha appeaing the other day appeared on PTV World Morning News stated that again and again governments had given shock to the confidence of Overseas Pakistanis (OPs) and that no Department concerned has any interest with OPs. This is what high profile Chairman Public Accounts Committee observed early this year that Ministry of Labour & Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation has no interest with OPs. Previously only Federal Governments always raised slogans about non existing ?love, care, affection, wishes? for OPs but of late now the provincial governments have too joined in this game in as much local governments have taken seat on this train. Chief Nazim Karachi Naimat Ullah Khan is repeatedly asking OPs to invest in Karachi. Sindh Government is one of them. But has any one of them really any ?real? interest with Overseas Pakistanis? The answer is Mehran Town Housing Scheme Karachi established in 1973-75 exclusively for Overseas Pakistanis. 100% payment in foreign exchange was obtained. The scheme was never ever nakedly developed but the financial files of KDA will show stomach of site having consumed a lot of hard cash. The site is today unworthy for living of human being. A large part of land for which payment was received by KDA and allotment letters issued under some modus operandi was ?handed over? to a private housing scheme by Sindh Revenue despite knowing KDA had allotted these plots to OPs. Since such things are done under wishes of ?very big guns? hence KDA despite knowing it has obtained payments from OPs at the time when double allotment was being made and duplicate allottee was erecting boundary walls remained silent so let the ?hand over? get firm foundations. When the OPs were deprived of their allotted plots, the KDA half heartedly just to complete the file formalities started a ?show piece battle?. The Sindh High Court?s dismissing the KDA case against said private housing scheme does not surprise any. But real point to ponder is Sindh Government which at present is showing its well wishing heart for OPs welfare and is inviting them to invest in Sindh where their money is claimed to be very safe, its Advocate General instead of speaking in favour of OPs who have since 20 years paid full money and hold allotment letters spoke against KDA and in favour of private housing society which technically means against OP allottees. >This page has been visited

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