Editor
Notes
Dear Readers,
Elections 2002 have been concluded. As expected,
non of the main stream political parties have been able
to achieve even simple majority at the Federal level,
to form government on its own. From streets to palaces,
almost every one predicted a hung parliament, but a very
few expected a strong emergence of politico-religious
parties on national scene. In fact, in the post election
scenario, it is being viewed as a “surprise”,
by many pseudo-intellectual analysts. The keen observers
believe that the events following 9/11 compelled voters
to rethink in terms of existence as sovereign muslim nation.
Moreover with “crupts” being kept out of the
scene, coupled with great “sermons” about bringing
in new faces the “voter” has indeed, paid heed
to the “advices.” These religious parties, headed
by able leaders, had always been playing positive role
in national politics in the past and now, after being
elected in a sizable numbers through transparent democratic
process, they are expected to carry themselves in a more
dignified manner for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
It is very unfortunate that the world media including
some of our own so called analysts are projecting the
victory of these religious parties, as if heavens are
falling.
We are a mature nation with a great sense of responsibility
towards ourselves and the global community. I have no
doubts in my mind that our elected representatives shall
always keep our national interest supreme irrespective
of their political affiliations or inclinations. We hope
and pray for bright future for our nation.
We
wish our readers a very Happy Ramzan and good reading.
Nisar Sarwar
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Readers
Views:
Legal status
of NA
The Northern Areas are legal and historical parts of
Jammu and Kashmir state and fall within the "disputed
territory" like other parts of the state. As per
Article 257 of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, the
future of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit and Baltistan,
will be determined according to the wishes of the people
of Jammu and Kashmir. The solution of the problems of
the people of Northern Areas is that they should have
representation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir government
and seats according to their population should be given
to them in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
They should also come within the jurisdiction of Azad
Kashmir High Court and Azad Kashmir Supreme Court. Saalim
Salam Ansari Karachi |
Fake
Letters
I am a student of the Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants in Britain. I received a letter on July
22, which bore the ACCA logo and was in the usual envelope
of the association. The letter informed me that I had
won a worldwide gold medal in one of the subjects of
professional examinations. It was surprising but I was
happy, and informed my family about it. The letter was
from some Martha Jones of the ACCA medals and ceremonies
department. When I communicated with the ACCA in Britain,
I came to know that the letter was fake and the papers
had not been checked as yet. This was really embarrassing
for me and my family. I am writing these lines so that
other students can be spared such shocks. Muhammad Adil
Aleem Lahore |
Private
universities
I want to draw attention towards a problem which almost
every student faces after passing out from a private
university. Government-run universities do not accept
the degrees of most of the private sector universities
even if they happen to be chartered by the government
of Sindh or recognized by the University Grants Commission.
Fairness demands that a student obtaining his degree
from any recognized\chartered university in the country,
public or private, should be eligible to continue his
further studies at any of the public universities. The
governor of Sindh is requested to kindly look into the
matter and helps the students through some legislation.
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Closure
of roads
More than a month after the blast outside the US consulate,
which killed innocent Pakistanis, the road in front
of the consulate building as well as the residence of
the consul general is still closed for two-way traffic.
This is causing serious traffic jams and a great deal
of inconvenience to the public. Looking at the new concrete
blocks being put outside the US consulate, it seems
that this is going to be a permanent feature. May I
ask the authorities concerned if they think the US government
would close down Pennsylvania Avenue if there was a
bomb blast near the Pakistan embassy in Washington?
Frere Hall is off limits to the citizens of Karachi.
Would the US government do the same with Central Park
if Pakistan's consul general lived in its proximity?
Please don't relegate us to second class citizens in
our own country. Zahid F. Ebrahim Karachi |
Hostage
to loudspeakers
I would like to draw the attention of the higher authorities
to a highly disturbing situation that has existed in
our locality for a very long time.
I am a resident of Block 13 of the F.B. Area, Karachi,
in the vicinity of Masjid-i-Farooq-i-Azam. The imam
of the said mosque has literally kept the entire neighbourhood
hostage to his speeches which continue for hours. Although
there is a ban on the use of loudspeakers, except for
azaan and Friday khutba, the public address system is
used with full blast at the gatherings held in the mosque,
which are mostly attended by people from outside this
locality. The speeches are full of hate and incitement
and preach extremism. As President Musharraf has taken
the bold decision to tackle religious extremism, I feel
that the time has come for such activities to be stopped.
A Resident Karachi |
Deeds,
not words
The US Ambassador to Pakistan, Mrs Windy Chamberlain,
has decided to give up her diplomatic assignment in
Pakistan. What she said in a recent interview reflected
a very un-enviable image of Pakistan.
In the beginning, Mrs Chamberlain had been very active
and articulate in improving US-Pakistan relations. But
it seems that the sense of insecurity created by some
recent incidents of terrorism against foreigners in
Pakistan have dashed her hopes. But what would be the
message sent all around the world by her decision? It
would be simply that Pakistan has become a land not
safe for foreigners. And it would have a tremendous
effect on so many aspects, the most drastic being that
on economy. Sincere efforts are, therefore, needed to
bring an end to the incidents of terrorism.
And please, no words, deeds only.
Salim Shah Hoti Peshawar |
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