Sindhi Press
Elections raise eyebrows
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POLLS are a major mechanism for free expression of opinion. Through them people elect their rulers for a specific period, with the hope that these representatives will take care of their needs and requirements, and also change their living conditions. These expectations are not far-fetched.
Given the changes taking place worldwide in all spheres of life, new problems and new challenges crop up and need to be addressed. If these problems are not resolved in a timely manner, they become complicated and are then beyond the capacity of the people’s representatives to resolve. Here people need institutions and good rulers to redress their problems. People feel helpless if the entire election process, which is about choosing rulers, is not transparent.
Except one, all elections held in Pakistan have not been seen as being free and fair. It is strange that no steps were taken to address the objections raised against the conduct of earlier polls.
Once again polls are being held in Pakistan. Political parties are questioning the fairness of the elections. But the government has not taken any step to remove these apprehensions and doubts.
The caretaker government has claimed on different occasions that elections will be free and fair. If the government is not party to the election, it should consider the demands of major political parties and redress their grievances. — (Dec 14)
Subh
Revoking emergency
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THE democratic process that had been obstructed when the emergency was imposed has now been revived with the restoration of fundamental rights and the Constitution — albeit with a few amendments. It is also being said that all the steps taken, which include the proclamation of emergency and the suspension of the Constitution, have been given constitutional cover that does not need the approval of parliament.
All said and done, these amendments are to come under consideration of the parliament which will come to be after the Jan 8 elections. The fact of the matter is that the changes have been introduced by an individual and the Constitution does not allow an individual to suspend basic law and then restore it in an amended form at his discretion. It was said that the emergency was imposed for the continuity of the democratic process. How can this logic be accepted when the basic law that guarantees rights and democratic governance is suspended? Later it was said that the emergency was imposed to fight terrorism. But the country witnessed an increase in incidents of terrorism and suicide bombings.
We are not asking why statements were changed regarding the need for emergency rule. Was the aim of the emergency to get rid of the judges and impose controls on the media? — (Dec 16) Kawish
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Sindhi Press Nov 23, 2007
Sindhi Press
Release of political leaders a laudable step
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THE release of over 300 people, who were arrested when the state of emergency was proclaimed in the country, is a laudable step. Whatever the reason may be which led to the imposition of the emergency, one thing is clear that it is an extra constitutional measure. The emergency and the consequent restrictions have never been popular with the people. The government may have its own point of view, but the restrictions were not approved by the world community either, as is clear from the recent press conference of the American deputy secretary of state, Mr. Negroponte.
On the other hand, protests calling for the restoration of the constitution, the independence of the judiciary and freedom of press continue. This situation has led to the emergence of an alliance between lawyers, journalists and other sections of civil society, which has further strengthened and bolstered their demands.
This proves that restrictions and arrests are hardly solutions to our problems. The crisis can be best handled by addressing the basic issues, which in the first place prompted people to take to the streets.
After the announcement of the election schedule, the election process has been launched. This calls for a tension-free atmosphere which can be promoted by revoking the emergency and lifting all restrictions. This would further create conditions conducive for electioneering. This is important for the credibility and authenticity of the polls. We hope the government will consider this demand. — (Nov 23)
Hilal-i-Pakistan
One more constitutional amendment
---------------------------------
AN executive order issued by President Musharraf further amending the 1973 constitution would give constitutional cover and validate actions taken during the period of the emergency and the Provisional Constitution Order. This means, the proclamation of emergency and all decisions made thereafter by President General Musharraf would not be questioned in any court of law or forum.
We have a track record of constitutional amendments, ordinances and martial law violations of constitutional provisions in the last 60 years. The point is: what has the nation gained from these negative traditions. History tells us that these had never proved beneficial for the system nor for the country.
Quite strangely, today people are told that democracy is harmful for the country. If seen in the wider perspective, one would realise, this is not a matter of direct concern to democracy or national unity.
It is as a matter of fact an issue that serves imperialist interests and promotes the cause of the dominating classes. The constitutional amendments, martial law, emergency, have been instruments to promote the interests of imperialists and the ruling classes.
This country and its people need relief. The only option for the survival of this country and its people lies in a democratic system, which could pull it out of the present crisis and ensure not only its prosperity but also the unity of the country.
— (Nov 23)
Awami Awaz
Release of political leaders a laudable step
---------------------------------------
THE release of over 300 people, who were arrested when the state of emergency was proclaimed in the country, is a laudable step. Whatever the reason may be which led to the imposition of the emergency, one thing is clear that it is an extra constitutional measure. The emergency and the consequent restrictions have never been popular with the people. The government may have its own point of view, but the restrictions were not approved by the world community either, as is clear from the recent press conference of the American deputy secretary of state, Mr. Negroponte.
On the other hand, protests calling for the restoration of the constitution, the independence of the judiciary and freedom of press continue. This situation has led to the emergence of an alliance between lawyers, journalists and other sections of civil society, which has further strengthened and bolstered their demands.
This proves that restrictions and arrests are hardly solutions to our problems. The crisis can be best handled by addressing the basic issues, which in the first place prompted people to take to the streets.
After the announcement of the election schedule, the election process has been launched. This calls for a tension-free atmosphere which can be promoted by revoking the emergency and lifting all restrictions. This would further create conditions conducive for electioneering. This is important for the credibility and authenticity of the polls. We hope the government will consider this demand. — (Nov 23)
Hilal-i-Pakistan
One more constitutional amendment
---------------------------------
AN executive order issued by President Musharraf further amending the 1973 constitution would give constitutional cover and validate actions taken during the period of the emergency and the Provisional Constitution Order. This means, the proclamation of emergency and all decisions made thereafter by President General Musharraf would not be questioned in any court of law or forum.
We have a track record of constitutional amendments, ordinances and martial law violations of constitutional provisions in the last 60 years. The point is: what has the nation gained from these negative traditions. History tells us that these had never proved beneficial for the system nor for the country.
Quite strangely, today people are told that democracy is harmful for the country. If seen in the wider perspective, one would realise, this is not a matter of direct concern to democracy or national unity.
It is as a matter of fact an issue that serves imperialist interests and promotes the cause of the dominating classes. The constitutional amendments, martial law, emergency, have been instruments to promote the interests of imperialists and the ruling classes.
This country and its people need relief. The only option for the survival of this country and its people lies in a democratic system, which could pull it out of the present crisis and ensure not only its prosperity but also the unity of the country.
— (Nov 23)
Awami Awaz
Sindhi Press Nov 1, 2 - 2007
Sindhi Press
Sindh coal remembered in the last days of rule
THE Sindh government had accused Nepra and Wapda of obstructing the plan for the gainful exploitation of Thar’s huge coal reserves and had demanded the review of the power policy. As the rates of electricity generated through Thar coal of Sindh were not fixed, a Chinese company left work halfway and returned home, while other investors were reluctant to take up the project.
The use of Thar coal might be obstructed by the oil mafia and other vested interests…though the coal reserves of Sindh are the seventh largest in the world. Due to a flawed policy these reserves of black gold were not exploited. Gen Musharraf’s government has totally ignored this project — a negligence that has led to the current power crisis.
In the gainful exploitation of Sindh’s coal, Wapda has been the main hurdle. The Chinese company wished to fix the electricity rates first, but Wapda refused to do so.
Wapda’s role in Sindh is very dubious, and controversial, as its priority is the construction of the Kalabagh dam at all cost. Sindh considers the dam a death warrant to its environment and economy. Wapda has been supporting the cause of the dam on the ground that it will meet the power needs of the country. Hence it has obstructed the development of coal in Sindh as it will weaken its argument for the Kalabagh dam.
It is regrettable that the Sindh government has at no stage made a concerted effort towards that end and now with only two weeks to go for its tenure to end, it is raising the issue of power policy and the development of Thar coal. This is just an empty boast and a cover-up for its inefficiency. — (Nov 1)
Emergency and interest of the country
PPP chairperson Ms Benazir Bhutto has warned that the people of Pakistan would resist the imposition of emergency in the country. After the Oct 18 incident, blasts in Rawalpindi and Sargodha have further tarnished the image of the country and also affected the people’s faith and interest in the political process.
To face the domestic crisis, the first and foremost need is to encourage the political process. It is the PML-Q’s responsibility to encourage and promote the political process. But the intolerant attitude and statements of its leaders were…giving the impression that they were not serious about the solidarity of the country. Even the election code appears to be another attempt to drive people away from politics. This may benefit the PML-Q but will not defuse the political crisis.
For fighting against terrorism, it is necessary that people should be pulled out of the state of fear that they have fallen into. They should be allowed to express their political opinion freely. Big rallies and processions are a symbol of people’s unity.
Our observation is that all measures taken by the government without taking the people into confidence have failed. In this dangerous situation if the government opts for emergency, it would be another big mistake as the government would find itself isolated in the war against terror. There are signs that the people would resist this extreme measure of the rulers creating further disorder and anarchy. Such a move would go against the people’s will. It is important that the government should refrain from declaring an emergency or postponing elections. — (Nov 2)
––Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Sindh coal remembered in the last days of rule
THE Sindh government had accused Nepra and Wapda of obstructing the plan for the gainful exploitation of Thar’s huge coal reserves and had demanded the review of the power policy. As the rates of electricity generated through Thar coal of Sindh were not fixed, a Chinese company left work halfway and returned home, while other investors were reluctant to take up the project.
The use of Thar coal might be obstructed by the oil mafia and other vested interests…though the coal reserves of Sindh are the seventh largest in the world. Due to a flawed policy these reserves of black gold were not exploited. Gen Musharraf’s government has totally ignored this project — a negligence that has led to the current power crisis.
In the gainful exploitation of Sindh’s coal, Wapda has been the main hurdle. The Chinese company wished to fix the electricity rates first, but Wapda refused to do so.
Wapda’s role in Sindh is very dubious, and controversial, as its priority is the construction of the Kalabagh dam at all cost. Sindh considers the dam a death warrant to its environment and economy. Wapda has been supporting the cause of the dam on the ground that it will meet the power needs of the country. Hence it has obstructed the development of coal in Sindh as it will weaken its argument for the Kalabagh dam.
It is regrettable that the Sindh government has at no stage made a concerted effort towards that end and now with only two weeks to go for its tenure to end, it is raising the issue of power policy and the development of Thar coal. This is just an empty boast and a cover-up for its inefficiency. — (Nov 1)
Emergency and interest of the country
PPP chairperson Ms Benazir Bhutto has warned that the people of Pakistan would resist the imposition of emergency in the country. After the Oct 18 incident, blasts in Rawalpindi and Sargodha have further tarnished the image of the country and also affected the people’s faith and interest in the political process.
To face the domestic crisis, the first and foremost need is to encourage the political process. It is the PML-Q’s responsibility to encourage and promote the political process. But the intolerant attitude and statements of its leaders were…giving the impression that they were not serious about the solidarity of the country. Even the election code appears to be another attempt to drive people away from politics. This may benefit the PML-Q but will not defuse the political crisis.
For fighting against terrorism, it is necessary that people should be pulled out of the state of fear that they have fallen into. They should be allowed to express their political opinion freely. Big rallies and processions are a symbol of people’s unity.
Our observation is that all measures taken by the government without taking the people into confidence have failed. In this dangerous situation if the government opts for emergency, it would be another big mistake as the government would find itself isolated in the war against terror. There are signs that the people would resist this extreme measure of the rulers creating further disorder and anarchy. Such a move would go against the people’s will. It is important that the government should refrain from declaring an emergency or postponing elections. — (Nov 2)
––Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Sindhi Press Dec 8, 9-2007
Sindhi Press
Why uncertainty prevails
UNCERTAINTY still prevails. In official circles the option of postponing the election was still being weighed. It seems the demand by many politicians has made an impact. The PPP has suggested that a national government be formed and elections be postponed for six months.
If a national government is formed, the proposal for the postponement of elections will be generally acceptable. If this is not done, the arrangements for holding elections will betray the likelihood of rigging. Postponement would also remove the cause for many parties boycotting the polls and would minimise the uncertainty. If possible, a national government should be formed.
Some official quarters have hinted at the construction of big dams, which has revived unrest among the smaller provinces. Sindh, Balochistan and the NWFP have been opposing these controversial projects for decades. Raising this controversy at this stage has further increased the gulf between the centre and the already estranged provinces. When people are considered irrelevant and problems increase to intolerable levels, the crisis worsens. If people are not taken into confidence when planning the entire political process and governance, it is inevitable that space is made for dictatorship.
The opposition parties are expressing concern at the possibility of government-backed candidates rigging the elections. But there is no one to redress their grievances. This has created an unpleasant situation for many classes and parties. If elections are held in such circumstances, they will not have credibility. One can imagine the stature of the governments that will be formed.— (Dec 9)
Awami Awaz
NFC award & apprehensions
RECENTLY released official data suggest that the centre has transferred about Rs91bn to the provinces as their share in the federal revenue in the first quarter (July-Sept) of the current financial year, which amounts to less than 20 per cent of the year’s target of about Rs465bn.
The current expenditure of the federal government during this quarter stood at Rs340bn, marking a higher rate of spending. If the practice continues, the full year’s expenditure will stand at Rs1,350bn, almost 28 per cent more than the Rs1,056bn target.
According to the interim award the straight transfers to the provinces for the next year have been projected at Rs62.8bn, compared to Rs70.3bn during the current fiscal year, showing a decline of almost 11 per cent. The NFC award has remained a very contentious and controversial issue as provinces have been demanding a larger share. They have been claiming an enhancement in their share as their right.
The 20 per cent fall in the transfer of resources indicates that the economy of the country is moving in a direction that cannot be termed healthy.
Here we would like to remind the federal government that the level of development in the four provinces is not the same. The industrialisation, backwardness and poverty levels vary while the problems are compounded by factors such as migration, natural calamities and disasters which may affect some provinces more than others. These ground realities should also be considered while formulating the NFC award and the transfer of funds to the provinces. — (Dec 8)
Ibrat
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Why uncertainty prevails
UNCERTAINTY still prevails. In official circles the option of postponing the election was still being weighed. It seems the demand by many politicians has made an impact. The PPP has suggested that a national government be formed and elections be postponed for six months.
If a national government is formed, the proposal for the postponement of elections will be generally acceptable. If this is not done, the arrangements for holding elections will betray the likelihood of rigging. Postponement would also remove the cause for many parties boycotting the polls and would minimise the uncertainty. If possible, a national government should be formed.
Some official quarters have hinted at the construction of big dams, which has revived unrest among the smaller provinces. Sindh, Balochistan and the NWFP have been opposing these controversial projects for decades. Raising this controversy at this stage has further increased the gulf between the centre and the already estranged provinces. When people are considered irrelevant and problems increase to intolerable levels, the crisis worsens. If people are not taken into confidence when planning the entire political process and governance, it is inevitable that space is made for dictatorship.
The opposition parties are expressing concern at the possibility of government-backed candidates rigging the elections. But there is no one to redress their grievances. This has created an unpleasant situation for many classes and parties. If elections are held in such circumstances, they will not have credibility. One can imagine the stature of the governments that will be formed.— (Dec 9)
Awami Awaz
NFC award & apprehensions
RECENTLY released official data suggest that the centre has transferred about Rs91bn to the provinces as their share in the federal revenue in the first quarter (July-Sept) of the current financial year, which amounts to less than 20 per cent of the year’s target of about Rs465bn.
The current expenditure of the federal government during this quarter stood at Rs340bn, marking a higher rate of spending. If the practice continues, the full year’s expenditure will stand at Rs1,350bn, almost 28 per cent more than the Rs1,056bn target.
According to the interim award the straight transfers to the provinces for the next year have been projected at Rs62.8bn, compared to Rs70.3bn during the current fiscal year, showing a decline of almost 11 per cent. The NFC award has remained a very contentious and controversial issue as provinces have been demanding a larger share. They have been claiming an enhancement in their share as their right.
The 20 per cent fall in the transfer of resources indicates that the economy of the country is moving in a direction that cannot be termed healthy.
Here we would like to remind the federal government that the level of development in the four provinces is not the same. The industrialisation, backwardness and poverty levels vary while the problems are compounded by factors such as migration, natural calamities and disasters which may affect some provinces more than others. These ground realities should also be considered while formulating the NFC award and the transfer of funds to the provinces. — (Dec 8)
Ibrat
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
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