Prime minister’s US visit
Awami Awaz
IT is hoped that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s three-day visit to Washington will make the present government more steadfast in taking decisions on domestic as well as foreign policy matters. He is expected to meet President George Bush, the secretary of state, members of American think tanks and presidential candidate Barack Obama. He will hold talks on Pak-American relations, the war on terror, Pak-Afghan relations and other important issues. It is believed that the future of President Gen Musharraf and the restoration of the judges will also come under discussion.
If the prime minister succeeds in building a working relationship with the US, the government will be in a position to work in an undaunted manner. Otherwise dictatorship and undemocratic forces will prevail. Therefore, this visit is of the utmost importance and is an opportunity to strengthen ties between the US and the PPP.
A meeting of the coalition partners took place prior to the departure of the prime minister. In a briefing by Information Minister Sherry Rehman the press was apprised of the fact that a balanced outline for the talks has been worked out which will prove to be of mutual benefit to both countries and should be acceptable to the US.
Will Pakistan be able to use this opportunity to put forward the grievances of the populace? We believe that Pakistan should convey what the world expects from the US as a superpower. The prime minister should articulate the perception of the Pakistani people that the US is the root cause of all the problems in Pakistan. This is due to its unwavering support for undemocratic and unpopular forces which has damaged the image of the US, portraying it as an imperialist force.
The US might be a functioning democracy at home but in the rest of the world it is recognised as an imperialist and undemocratic country. The US should be informed that the world considers the 9/11 incident to be a farce, a drama played out to use force against Muslim countries on the pretext of terrorism…. The US previously promoted fundamentalism to contain the Soviet Union. The people of Pakistan consider the US responsible for creating obstacles in the way of democracy and extending support to undemocratic and dictatorial regimes.
If this impression is wrong, the US should cooperate with the elected government which should be allowed to carry on with its independent policies so that it may succeed in introducing a democratic system in accordance with the wishes of the people. Pakistan will have to convince the US that the solution to all the problems lies in democracy and through negotiations and that America should change its stance. — (July 27)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Sindh’s share in Thar coal
Sindh’s share in Thar coal
Kawish
The government’s decision to use the Thar coal reserves for power generation is a positive move. According to the plan, 1,000 megawatts of power will be generated and within six years the figure will rise to 6,000 megawatts. An international conference is to be held in Washington to seek foreign investment in this endeavour. This will surely help overcome obstacles which have so far hindered progress on this project. Foreign companies have expressed interest in the project time and again but these moves have been jeopardised by certain hidden forces.
However, there is no gain for the people of the province whenever Sindh’s resources are utilised. It is evident from the Badin oil and Ghotki gas [projects] that Sindh is the richest region in terms of natural resources. It is unfortunate that despite these resources abject poverty is widespread and the poor are compelled to commit suicide. A number of such incidents have been reported in the press. Sindh did not benefit from the oil exploration and similarly it got nothing when it came to gas.
Now when coal is being exploited, authority and power have been transferred to the centre. Constitutionally and in accordance with fundamental human rights, the first right of utilisation of natural resources goes to the local indigenous people. Regrettably neither the constitution nor human rights are adhered to, hence the local population gets no benefit whatsoever from its own resources.
Leave aside a share in the income from these resources, local people are not even given jobs in the companies which extract oil from their lands. Media reports provide ample evidence of protests by local people demanding jobs in these companies.
It is universally recognised that wherever companies explore or exploit oil or gas, priority vis-à-vis jobs is given to the local people. As neither the political parties nor civil society organisations have properly represented these people and played a positive and effective role, this universally recognised principle does not get implemented here. It should be noted that the issue is not of jobs alone but the also the fact that locals are deprived of even this small part in the overall gains made by exploitation.
The people of Sindh have been demanding exploitation of Thar coal but not at this cost. It is imperative that any agency that is involved in the exploitation of black gold should work under the Sindh government. This is purely a provincial matter and its administration and implementation should come under the Sindh government. If power over provincial resources continues to be transferred to the federal government, it will create more doubts and misunderstandings. When the PPP came to power, it announced that provincial autonomy is among its top priorities. This begs the question: how does the transfer of natural resources to the federal government make provinces autonomous? — (July 18)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.
Kawish
The government’s decision to use the Thar coal reserves for power generation is a positive move. According to the plan, 1,000 megawatts of power will be generated and within six years the figure will rise to 6,000 megawatts. An international conference is to be held in Washington to seek foreign investment in this endeavour. This will surely help overcome obstacles which have so far hindered progress on this project. Foreign companies have expressed interest in the project time and again but these moves have been jeopardised by certain hidden forces.
However, there is no gain for the people of the province whenever Sindh’s resources are utilised. It is evident from the Badin oil and Ghotki gas [projects] that Sindh is the richest region in terms of natural resources. It is unfortunate that despite these resources abject poverty is widespread and the poor are compelled to commit suicide. A number of such incidents have been reported in the press. Sindh did not benefit from the oil exploration and similarly it got nothing when it came to gas.
Now when coal is being exploited, authority and power have been transferred to the centre. Constitutionally and in accordance with fundamental human rights, the first right of utilisation of natural resources goes to the local indigenous people. Regrettably neither the constitution nor human rights are adhered to, hence the local population gets no benefit whatsoever from its own resources.
Leave aside a share in the income from these resources, local people are not even given jobs in the companies which extract oil from their lands. Media reports provide ample evidence of protests by local people demanding jobs in these companies.
It is universally recognised that wherever companies explore or exploit oil or gas, priority vis-à-vis jobs is given to the local people. As neither the political parties nor civil society organisations have properly represented these people and played a positive and effective role, this universally recognised principle does not get implemented here. It should be noted that the issue is not of jobs alone but the also the fact that locals are deprived of even this small part in the overall gains made by exploitation.
The people of Sindh have been demanding exploitation of Thar coal but not at this cost. It is imperative that any agency that is involved in the exploitation of black gold should work under the Sindh government. This is purely a provincial matter and its administration and implementation should come under the Sindh government. If power over provincial resources continues to be transferred to the federal government, it will create more doubts and misunderstandings. When the PPP came to power, it announced that provincial autonomy is among its top priorities. This begs the question: how does the transfer of natural resources to the federal government make provinces autonomous? — (July 18)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.
Regime’s survival
Regime’s survival
Awami Awaz
THE present political situation is not acceptable. Groups with vested interests and imperialist forces are amplifying the uncertainty that has prevailed in the country. This is part of the recurring cycle of the last 60 years in which democratic governments have not been allowed to function. Once again there has been an attempt to raise perceptions of ineptitude and the incapability of the government. The real antagonism lies between the forces of democracy and dictatorship. Undemocratic forces are dominating the system of the country and are not allowing the democratic government to flourish.
It is regrettable that the undemocratic forces have joined hands with each other and are engaged in weakening the democratic process, paving the way for dictatorship.
Here democratic forces should come forward and play their part. A hue and cry has been raised in the short span of three months of the present government. It is strange that judgment is being passed on these three months in office as if the mandate was for only three months. Lapses in implementation of the ‘100 days plan’ are being perceived as a total failure of the government, notwithstanding the fact that the government has given a plan for improving its performance. The need of the hour is that the people’s mandate should be respected and this government and the democratic process should be allowed to work. — (July 12)
Bhutto’s murder
Sindh
FOREIGN Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s visit to the UN headquarters has resulted in an announcement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s office that a broad understanding has been reached between the UN and the Pakistan government on the nature of the proposed commission [that will probe Benazir Bhutto’s murder], the composition of the commission, unhindered access to all sources of relevant information, and the commission’s impartiality and independence.
People are raising questions about the death of their leader which has been shrouded in mystery. They want the culprits to be tried and the hands behind this conspiracy to be exposed. This is the demand not only of the PPP but also the people of all four provinces.
The PPP is in power and there should be no hurdles in conducting an impartial investigation. There might be some elements that do not want such an investigation but while the PPP is in power these quarters should not be in a position to influence the investigation. The other coalition partners are also supporting this move, which has further strengthened the position of the government. The UN commission to investigate this murder case is a welcome development and it is now incumbent on the government to provide facilities to the investigators. — (July 13)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.
Awami Awaz
THE present political situation is not acceptable. Groups with vested interests and imperialist forces are amplifying the uncertainty that has prevailed in the country. This is part of the recurring cycle of the last 60 years in which democratic governments have not been allowed to function. Once again there has been an attempt to raise perceptions of ineptitude and the incapability of the government. The real antagonism lies between the forces of democracy and dictatorship. Undemocratic forces are dominating the system of the country and are not allowing the democratic government to flourish.
It is regrettable that the undemocratic forces have joined hands with each other and are engaged in weakening the democratic process, paving the way for dictatorship.
Here democratic forces should come forward and play their part. A hue and cry has been raised in the short span of three months of the present government. It is strange that judgment is being passed on these three months in office as if the mandate was for only three months. Lapses in implementation of the ‘100 days plan’ are being perceived as a total failure of the government, notwithstanding the fact that the government has given a plan for improving its performance. The need of the hour is that the people’s mandate should be respected and this government and the democratic process should be allowed to work. — (July 12)
Bhutto’s murder
Sindh
FOREIGN Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s visit to the UN headquarters has resulted in an announcement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s office that a broad understanding has been reached between the UN and the Pakistan government on the nature of the proposed commission [that will probe Benazir Bhutto’s murder], the composition of the commission, unhindered access to all sources of relevant information, and the commission’s impartiality and independence.
People are raising questions about the death of their leader which has been shrouded in mystery. They want the culprits to be tried and the hands behind this conspiracy to be exposed. This is the demand not only of the PPP but also the people of all four provinces.
The PPP is in power and there should be no hurdles in conducting an impartial investigation. There might be some elements that do not want such an investigation but while the PPP is in power these quarters should not be in a position to influence the investigation. The other coalition partners are also supporting this move, which has further strengthened the position of the government. The UN commission to investigate this murder case is a welcome development and it is now incumbent on the government to provide facilities to the investigators. — (July 13)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.
Why fight others’ war?
Why fight others’ war?
Hilal Pakistan
The statement of ANP leader Shahi Syed has elicited a strong response from the nationalist groups of Sindh who argue that, given the fact that only the indigenous people of the soil as opposed to outsiders and immigrants have rights to the land and resources of the province, Pathans have no right to lay claim over Sindh. The fact is that not only Pathans, but people belonging to different ethnic groups and areas have come here for labour, economic and other interests. They have settled here through legal and illegal means and are now laying claim to the land and resources of Sindh.
If this statement had been issued by ANP chief Asfandyar Wali or some other central leader it would have carried some weight.
Another interpretation of this statement is that the ANP leader was not addressing the Sindhi people but the Urdu-speaking section of the population which is supported by the MQM. The proper context seems to be that segment of the Urdu-speaking population which considers itself to be the sole owner of Karachi. The conflict of interest between the two sections is evident which has resulted in bloodshed at innumerable occasions in Karachi. The latest one was that of May 12, 2007 followed by intermittent outbreaks of violence.
It was the city nazim of Karachi who apprised the Sindhi people of the growing influence of Pathans in Karachi.
Why should the Sindhis get involved in the prevailing situation of a war between two groups fighting for greater influence? We think that Sindhi nationalists should take stock of the situation and formulate their point of view and strategy while keeping ground realities in view. — (July 6)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Hilal Pakistan
The statement of ANP leader Shahi Syed has elicited a strong response from the nationalist groups of Sindh who argue that, given the fact that only the indigenous people of the soil as opposed to outsiders and immigrants have rights to the land and resources of the province, Pathans have no right to lay claim over Sindh. The fact is that not only Pathans, but people belonging to different ethnic groups and areas have come here for labour, economic and other interests. They have settled here through legal and illegal means and are now laying claim to the land and resources of Sindh.
If this statement had been issued by ANP chief Asfandyar Wali or some other central leader it would have carried some weight.
Another interpretation of this statement is that the ANP leader was not addressing the Sindhi people but the Urdu-speaking section of the population which is supported by the MQM. The proper context seems to be that segment of the Urdu-speaking population which considers itself to be the sole owner of Karachi. The conflict of interest between the two sections is evident which has resulted in bloodshed at innumerable occasions in Karachi. The latest one was that of May 12, 2007 followed by intermittent outbreaks of violence.
It was the city nazim of Karachi who apprised the Sindhi people of the growing influence of Pathans in Karachi.
Why should the Sindhis get involved in the prevailing situation of a war between two groups fighting for greater influence? We think that Sindhi nationalists should take stock of the situation and formulate their point of view and strategy while keeping ground realities in view. — (July 6)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Providing information not sufficient
Providing information not sufficient
Kawish
The Sindh Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.47tr for the province. The house also approved 59 schemes presented by the chief minister and rejected 552 proposals from the opposition. Besides the passing of the budget, the information provided by the irrigation minister is of equal importance. He declared that Sindh is braving 46 per cent shortage of water, and the sea has eroded 609,000 acres of land. The opposition refuted the demands of the government and insisted that the expenses of the Sindh Chief Minister House and other amounts allocated for gifts and entertainment purposes should be curtailed and used instead for the benefit of the poor.
It is strange that the opposition was talking about the manifesto of the ruling party. It is also interesting to note that the opposition — whichever party it may be — acquires the ability to empathise with the poor only when in opposition. Their concern vanishes when in power. This is not only true for those in the opposition today but for those who have been there in the past and will be in the future. Can one have a pro-poor bias only while in the opposition? Is it mandatory that those in opposition should oppose every action of the government, rejecting all their proposals? It should be noted that there is a common factor between the opposition and treasury members — they have all been elected by the people to resolve their problems. We need to deal with the innate hostilities between the two or else the government will not be able to perform and neither will the opposition be able to play an effective role.
Another important aspect of the budget session was the information provided by the Sindh irrigation minister. Needless to say, sea erosion and shortage of water are interconnected problems. The sea eroded fertile lands of Sindh because the required amount of water was not released downstream Kotri. Sea activity has amplified over the decades and is affecting the ecosystem, making agricultural lands barren, contaminating aquifers and causing degradation of land. It is regrettable that a huge area of fertile land has been eroded by sea water, but what is unfortunate is that no effective strategy has been evolved to check this erosion. No measures have been taken to ensure that this does not happen in the future.
We are grateful to the Sindh irrigation minister for providing this ‘valuable’ piece of information. However, the provision of information will not suffice and the government’s inaction is deplorable. The government should devise strategies and take effective measures and obtain water for downstream Kotri, which is the only guarantee to limit sea water erosion. Successive governments were also providing information; this government should however behave in a different manner. If the incumbent minister keeps giving updates, there will be no difference between him and his predecessors. — (June 29)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Kawish
The Sindh Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.47tr for the province. The house also approved 59 schemes presented by the chief minister and rejected 552 proposals from the opposition. Besides the passing of the budget, the information provided by the irrigation minister is of equal importance. He declared that Sindh is braving 46 per cent shortage of water, and the sea has eroded 609,000 acres of land. The opposition refuted the demands of the government and insisted that the expenses of the Sindh Chief Minister House and other amounts allocated for gifts and entertainment purposes should be curtailed and used instead for the benefit of the poor.
It is strange that the opposition was talking about the manifesto of the ruling party. It is also interesting to note that the opposition — whichever party it may be — acquires the ability to empathise with the poor only when in opposition. Their concern vanishes when in power. This is not only true for those in the opposition today but for those who have been there in the past and will be in the future. Can one have a pro-poor bias only while in the opposition? Is it mandatory that those in opposition should oppose every action of the government, rejecting all their proposals? It should be noted that there is a common factor between the opposition and treasury members — they have all been elected by the people to resolve their problems. We need to deal with the innate hostilities between the two or else the government will not be able to perform and neither will the opposition be able to play an effective role.
Another important aspect of the budget session was the information provided by the Sindh irrigation minister. Needless to say, sea erosion and shortage of water are interconnected problems. The sea eroded fertile lands of Sindh because the required amount of water was not released downstream Kotri. Sea activity has amplified over the decades and is affecting the ecosystem, making agricultural lands barren, contaminating aquifers and causing degradation of land. It is regrettable that a huge area of fertile land has been eroded by sea water, but what is unfortunate is that no effective strategy has been evolved to check this erosion. No measures have been taken to ensure that this does not happen in the future.
We are grateful to the Sindh irrigation minister for providing this ‘valuable’ piece of information. However, the provision of information will not suffice and the government’s inaction is deplorable. The government should devise strategies and take effective measures and obtain water for downstream Kotri, which is the only guarantee to limit sea water erosion. Successive governments were also providing information; this government should however behave in a different manner. If the incumbent minister keeps giving updates, there will be no difference between him and his predecessors. — (June 29)
— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
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