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