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Devising rules
of game
By Amanat Ali Chaudhry
Nations often have to go through painful evolutionary
processes. Going by the recent history of the world, it becomes
certain that those countries now ‘commanding the destiny’ of the
world were in similar chaotic conditions as is the case with the
third world countries. Pitted against seemingly insurmountable odds
that threatened the existence of the countries, what really enabled
them to overcome these crises and turn threats into opportunities
was the internal strength produced by unity within diverse set of
opinions.
There is no doubt about the fact that
Pakistan is also
passing through a painful transition from a dictator-led country to
a democratic one. It has quite a good number of crises facing it
both externally and internally. Unfortunately there are no systems
and structures left to make consensus-based decisions as the country
continued to be governed by a military dictator for nine long years
without participations of any stakeholder.
Feb 18 elections heralded a new beginning for
Pakistan as
people voted for democratic forces by defeating the remnants of the
dictatorship. Upon taking over with the support of nation, the
democratically elected government inherited a large number of
crises. Finding short- and long-term solutions to these raging
issues is not an easy task. However, there is a fundamental
difference between the approaches employed by this government and
the previous one. In the previous regime, the decisions were taken
by a single man without involving the stakeholders with parliament
only rubber-stamping them. Parliament did not have any concrete role
to play in the policy formulation. This resulted in robbing this
august institution of respect and sanctity it deservedly is entitled
to as the elected chamber.
Given the gravity of situation at home and external fronts
especially with regard to war on terror, the government thought it
fit to debate all these issues in the parliament and solicit
opinions of people’s elected representatives on diverse set of
issues. Look at the issue of war on terror for example. Not even
once did this issue crop up in any house of parliament for serious
debate during last years since the initiation of the war. Leave
alone the common people, even legislators remained clueless as to
what were the broad contours of
Pakistan’s
anti-terrorism policy. This resulted in the formulation of public (mis)conception
that this was not Pakistan’s war, contrary to the fact that security
forces and Pakistan army were rendering enviable sacrifices for the
protection of the motherland from monster of terrorism and
militancy.
The government’s decision to discuss the issue of war on
terror in an attempt to formulate much-needed consensus in an
in-camera session of joint sitting of parliament is historic in ways
more than one. To cap it all, it was a praiseworthy attempt to
revive the role of parliament as policy-making institution. This
decision also showed that the government is keen on taking the
inputs of oppositions and different strands of opinion represented
at the parliament while formulating such a policy. While the
proceedings of the in-camera session are underway, leakages to the
media have betrayed the dissatisfaction of some parliamentarians and
out-of-parliament groups who expressed their reservations with the
quality of the briefing. In one way or the other, media also
participated in fuelling this perception.
It should be known that dissatisfaction reportedly
expressed by a few members is not something to be blown out of
proportions. This is part and parcel of a democratic system where
different opinions on a given issue make intended policy much more
dynamic and acceptable. Furthermore, no absolute consensus can be
achieved in a parliamentary system of government. There would still
be some members who would air their opponent views. Taking relevant
quarters into confidence on a given policy measure and carving out a
consensus of the majority is the ultimate ideal to be achieved. It
is an attempt at making
Pakistan’s
response homegrown to the external and internal security challenges.
The point this writer is trying to make is that instead of
jumping to hasty conclusions, one should attach importance to the
process. Initiation of processes is important as it involves
positive outcomes provided if such a process is allowed time to
mature. Consensus on a minimum number of critical policies and their
continuity requires that our political parties need to devise rules
of the game. Democracy suffered in the past because politicians had
conflicting opinions which non-representative forces used to their
advantage and succeeded in derailing democracy off rails.
Charter of Democracy marks a good beginning and shows that
perhaps much needed lessons have been learnt but there is a further
need to conform to its provisions. Widening its scope to have other
political forces on board may be a good idea at this point in time
when forming a consensus is at hand on important geo-strategic
issues. The responsibility of taking initiative in this regard lies
on the government of the day. If PPP-led government is able to
accomplish this feat, there can be no better homage to Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto and her legacy than this.
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President’s
successful visit to China
By Prof. Ather Ali
The four days
first official visit of President, Asif Ali Zardari to China not
only proves the close, deep and time tested friendship with our
great neighbour that always stood like a rock with Pakistan in hour
of trial throughout our history but also signifies a new phase of
cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. This visit
is being made when the whole world is undergoing through a period of
great depression and economic crunch as well as political turmoil in
Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle East. Our great neighbour is perhaps
the only country which has shown political stability and economic
resilience in these testing times. Pakistan, inspite of being a
Non-NATO-Ally and a front-line-state in the war against terrorism is
facing many economic, political and security problems created, or at
least augmented by its own so called allies. Pakistan is also
facing challenges to its sovereignty from the drones and predator’s
violations of our space and bombing of targets within border areas
with Afghanistan. The terror attacks in the country have also
negatively affected the economic activity and growth in the country.
In such state of
affairs, we need to reconsider our political, economic and security
options in the fast-changing international scenario, where even the
closest allies of US, like UK, Germany, France and other NATO
countries have shown their serious reservations about the hawkish
policies of the outgoing US administration. There are strong voices
of dissent even within US regarding its polices in Afghanistan which
are counter productive in the war against terror and creating
problems for US as well as its allies.
In this scenario,
President Zardari, after the successful interaction with world
leaders including President Bush and leaders of France, Germany,
Britain and India in the sidelines of UN General Assembly session
which he also addressed, is visiting China. His visit, as was
expected, making headways in many fields. Pakistan and China have
signed twelve agreements, Protocols and MoUs, including Agreement on
economic and technical cooperation; Amending protocol to Free
Trade Agreement; framework agreement to set up $300 million National
Electronics Complex in Pakistan; Framework agreement on mineral
cooperation; MoU on cooperation in petroleum and
natural resources; Agreement on environmental protection;
Framework agreement for cooperation in the field of radio
and television; Paksat-IR Satellite procurement contract;
Mou on scientific collaboration in agricultural research and
technical cooperation, and MoU on cooperation between China’s
Cricket Association and Pakistan Cricket Board.
The signing
ceremony of these agreements held at the Great Hall of the People
was witnessed by President Asif Ali Zardari and his Chinese
counterpart Hu Jintao, after an hour long one-to-one interaction
between the two leaders and two hours of talks between delegations.
During their
talks, both sides agreed to strengthen strategic partnership in all
sectors, reinvigorate the multi-faceted bilateral relations,
intensify economic cooperation and foster people-to-people contacts.
President Hu
Jintao and President Zardari expressed satisfaction over the growth
of Pakistan-China relations and agreed that their friendship had
emerged stronger with every important change in the international,
regional and domestic environment.
The two leaders
stressed the need for reinforcing efforts for “deepening the
Pakistan-China strategic partnership in new circumstances. It is
heartening to note that President Hu Jintao unequivocally supported
Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial
integrity. He also condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan
and appreciated sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in its struggle
against global terrorism.
President Zardari
reiterated Pakistan’s resolve for strong and long-term relationship
with China and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue its fight
against terrorism and extremism making it clear that the fight is in
Pakistan’s own interest, adding that terrorism threatened the
country’s stability.
With regard to
economic cooperation, President Zardari pointed out that Pakistan
provided ample opportunities for investment in trade, industry,
financial services, banking, energy, construction, real estate and
tourism sectors and Chinese companies were welcome to invest in the
fields to help develop the country’s untapped potential.
The President also
observed that with half of the world population living in China and
SAARC countries, the increased China-Pakistan cooperation could
promote development and prosperity in the region.
The President also
highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s location at the
confluence of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East and its
vast coastline provided a trade and energy corridor to many regional
countries. He also promised all possible facilities to be provided
to Chinese investors and to set up a special cell for development of
Pakistan-China industrial and economic zones across the country.
All the diplomatic
circles of the world are attaching great significance to the
President Zardari’s visit to China which will enhance cooperation in
the world’s most thickly populated region and boost economic
activity promoting peace and stability in the region.
BISP: A Significant Step towards MDGs
of United Nations
“The significance of the BISP can
be judged from the fact that it is the third largest allocation in
the current budget and constitutes 0.3 per cent of the GDP and it
will cover up to 15 per cent of the population in low income bracket
in the entire country.
For families earning Rs5000 to Rs6000 per month, the Rs1000 payout
will amount to a 16 to 20 per cent increase in their current
purchasing power.”
By Ayesha Shafqat
A recent report has shown that
the food crisis in Pakistan has deepened with an estimated 60
million people facing food insecurity. The phenomenon is a mere
result of global price hike especially of food staples and oil and
unprecedented economic depression. Of course, the reports portray
an alarming situation, which need to be dealt with urgency. To
respond the menace of food insecurity rapidly, President Asif Ali
Zardari has just recently unveiled a huge subsidy scheme,
comprising Rs. 34 billion fund and aiming to support the poor. The
Scheme, named as Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will
benefit four million people (15 percent of the population in the low
income group).
Considering the hardships that a huge
segment of populace of the country is facing, the government has
enhanced the ambit of Benazir Income Support Programme from initial
target of 3 million to 4 million poorest of the poor households
throughout the country. Efforts have been made to extend the
facility to give support to maximum families, who are hard hit by
over 24 per cent inflation.
The much needed financial help will enhance the income of poor
segments of the society from 20 to 30 percent as these families
would be given Rs2000 after every two months. According to available
break-down, 1,640,000 families would get the assistance in Punjab
province followed by 776,000 in Sindh, 520,000 in NWFP, and 312,000
in Balochistan under the scheme. Moreover, 160,000 families that
will get assistance under the scheme belong to FATA, 48,000 live in
the federal capital territory and 80,000 minorities across the
country.
It’s worth mentioning here that a number of good schemes introduced
by various regions could not obtain the stated objectives due to
lack of transparency in the implementation. Hence, keeping in view
past experiences, effort has been made to make the Benazir Income
Support Programme more transparent.
The significance of the BISP can be judged from the fact that it is
the third largest allocation in the current budget and constitutes
0.3 per cent of the GDP and it will cover up to 15 per cent of the
population in low income bracket in the entire country.
For families earning Rs5000 per month to Rs6000 per month,
the Rs1000 payout will amount to a 16 to 20 per cent increase in
their current purchasing power.
Besides financial assistance, the
thoughtfulness of the people who have devised the scheme reflects
from the vision of implementing it in a way that it can serve the
purpose of women empowerment as it was envisioned by Mohtarmma
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. Under this vision, the eligible family will
be a female having CNIC, monthly income is less than Rs.6000,
widowed/divorced without adult male members in the family, any
physically or mentally retarded person in the family and any person
suffering from a chronic disease.
To divert the resources towards the people who are in dire need of
immediate financial assistance, a careful criterion has been set for
the eligibility. The family cannot avail itself of the facility if
any of its members is in employment of government, semi-government,
authority, department or armed forces or drawing pension from either
of these offices; receiving any post-retirement benefits from any
department or agency or a family member owns more than three acres
agriculture land or residential house/plot of more than eight square
yard (3 marlas).
To eliminate the chances of duplicity, it has been decided that
those persons are also not entitled where any member of a family is
receiving income support from any other sources; family possesses
machine readable passport; possesses national identity card for
overseas Pakistanis and where any person has account in foreign bank
branches.
As far as transparency and apolitical aspect of the BISP is
concerned, application forms will be distributed by all MNAs and
Senators without any consideration of their political affiliations.
These forms, filled in by the applicant will be verified by any one
union councilor and by the MNA/Senator according to the criteria.
MNAs/Senators will collect completed and signed forms and mail them
via post office to NADRA in pre-addressed envelopes provided by BISP.
No “human touch” is involved during
this verification process and the NADRA will verify the applications
and prepare a final list, which will be forwarded to Pakistan Post.
Those who will be included in scheme according to criterion will
receive money orders amounting to Rs.2000 by Pakistan Post every
alternative month to designated female members of identified
families on production of CNIC copy.
It’s quite encouraging that UN and some other credible international
institutions have termed BISP a significant step towards poverty
alleviation. Moreover, several international donors and local
private sector have also shown interest in the scheme and offered
contributions. One can hope that if more funds are available by
above mentioned resources, the programme may be extended to rest of
the 15 to 20 per cent populace of the country, which is facing food
insecurity problem.
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Pak-Saudi Relations: Continuity of "Bhuttos" Legacy
"It's a strange coincidence that the onus of bailing Pakistan out
from worst economic conditions is again on "Bhuttos" party and
following its traditions the leadership of Pakistan peoples Party
has yet again accepted the challenge and doing it best to streamline
the economy which is at present dangerously shattered as a result of
the inability and vision-less policies the nation has to borne
during last decade."
By Farhana Shakir
Amidst the efforts of correcting national economy, the visit of
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari to Saudi Arabia has stipulated a
great deal of significance with it. Before analyzing various aspects
of this tour, one needs to have a close look upon the history of
Pak-Saudi relations with a special context of the long history of
unique relations of the Custodians of two holy mosques with the
leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party. The relations based on mutual
understanding and respect between Saudi Royal family and Bhutto is a
saga almost comprising upon four decades with a special gesture of
kindness and affection from former towards later.
During the era of early seventies, Pakistan was facing almost
similar economic crises while going through re-building process
under the dynamic leadership of Zulfiqar Ali Butto Shaheed, than
Prime Minister of Pakistan and the founding Chairman of Pakistan
People's Party. He revived the hope of the people with his inspiring
character and at same time took vital steps to expand the horizon of
trade and economic opportunities for the people of Pakistan and
secured valuable economic cooperation from fiends and brotherly
countries of the world. At these testing moments, it was Saudi
Arabia whose generous assistance in various economic sector enabled
Pakistan to confront with all economic woes successfully.
After a long and dark era of martial law, Pakistan again found
itself under huge economic crunch during late eighties and again in
mid nineties, the timely help from Saudi Arabia saved the day and
helped our democratic government to take initiatives to bring the
economy back on track. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, as the
custodian of the great legacy of Z.A. Bhutto Shaheed was able to
cultivate historic relations with Saudi Arabia in a way that it not
only resulted as further strengthening of bilateral relations but
also to get various economic concessions including the deferential
payment of the oil worth billion of rupees. The financial assistance
from Saudi Arabia was again a reflection of brotherly relations
between two countries as well as special affection of the royal
Saudi family for Buttos.
It's a strange coincidence that the onus of bailing Pakistan out
from worst economic conditions is again on "Bhuttos" party and
following its traditions the leadership of Pakistan peoples Party
has yet again accepted the challenge and doing it best to streamline
the economy which is at present dangerously shattered as a result of
the inability and vision-less policies the nation has to borne
during last decade. The present government has taken various
measures at domestic level to meet the challenge and at the same
time is engage with international communities especially with
friends of Pakistan to secure a viable cooperation from them, hence,
the immediate threats to national economy could be redressed and
government may be able to concentrate on long-term agenda of
development and prosperity of the country.
Unfortunately, some pessimists were busy in spreading the humor that
the friends of Pakistan were not willing to lend their hand in the
efforts of correcting our national economy. The fact is quite
contradicting and many of the "Friends of Pakistan" has pledged that
they were willing to help and aid Pakistan during these testing
hours. The tour of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari to Suadi
Arabia should be taken as a giant leap to secure international
cooperation and some significant development are already underway
regarding the outcome of this tour.
According to reports emanating from Riyadh, Saudi authorities have
already given their nod for deferential oil payments for Pakistan.
In this regard Pakistan has urged Saudi Arabia to defer payments for
its crude oil imports, which are expected to be worth about $5.9
billion during the 2008/09 fiscal year (July/June). Besides seeking
economic cooperation from Saudi Arabia in regard with current
economic hardships, the visit of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari
has many other significant attributes as well. It can be regarded as
an important step to signify that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would
continue to enjoy close brotherly relations in a host of areas and
the People and the government of Pakistan have great love and
respect for the leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia.
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The
Joint Resolution of Parliament: A Good News Finally
“At the end of
in-camera joint session of Parliament, the resolution which was
endorsed by all political forces in parliament, emphasized upon an
anti-terror policy based on principles that Pakistan must have
zero-tolerance for all manifestation of terrorism and the country
must pursue an independent foreign policy. Moreover, it says that
territorial integrity be safeguarded and the government must
strongly resist foreign incursions into Pakistani territory. The
resolution dictates that Pakistan must respect the sovereignty of
other states by not allowing its territory to provide sanctuary for
militants launching attacks on neighbors and state should negotiate
with those militants willing to abide by the Constitution of
Pakistan and respect the rule of the land.”
By
Farhana Shakir
Undoubtedly, Pakistan is
confronting with more serious problems at a juncture where entire
world is going through various kinds of turmoil and troubles. The
gravity of situation we are facing dictates that it cannot get
improved without a national resolve to take the bull by horns,
especially, the contemporary wave of terrorism and extremism cannot
be fought by the government alone. Amidst all the troubling news
around, the nation is having a respite finally when the in-camera
joint session of Parliament, through a resolution adopted
unanimously noted with great concern that extremism, militancy and
terrorism in all forms and manifestations pose a grave danger to the
stability and integrity of the nation-state.
The joint stand and
resolution adopted by the elected representatives of the nation was
need of hour. Besides, many of the political forces were previously
strongly voicing for in-camera joint session of Parliament so that a
better strategy with the help of collective wisdom of the nation
could be chalked out regarding the dangerously growing menace of
extremism and terrorism in the country. It’s also an encouraging
sign that the parliament has exert its supremacy by making
significant decision in regard with future course of actions of the
nation. It’s worth mentioning here that in the past ‘Supremacy of
the Parliament”.
People from all
walks of life including academia and intelligentsia have termed the
new development as a step forward in our collective effort to build
a homegrown anti-terror policy that is less divisive and gives moral
clarity and logical consistency to Pakistan's fight against
crippling violence. The members of the House considered the issue
thoroughly and at great length and expressed their commitment in
terms of framing laws, building institutions, protecting citizens
from violence, eradication of terror at its roots, re-building
economy and developing opportunities for the disadvantaged. During
the hectic session, the Parliament underlined an urgent review of
national security strategy and revisiting the methodology of
combating terrorism in order to restore peace and stability in
Pakistan and the region through an independent foreign policy.
At this important
moment, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has aptly said
that the joint resolution has given the government much needed
fresh mandate to fight against terrorism with full zest and vigor.
The resolution has also broadened the responsibilities of the
government as well as opposition political forces as the newly found
spirit needs to be persuaded accordingly. The 14 points of the
resolution identify at least six principles to guide the government
in devising an indigenous anti-terror policy, prescribe a mechanism
to facilitate the evolution of this policy, and provide pointers
with regard to the preferred strategies to be incorporated into a
new policy.
At the end of
in-camera joint session of Parliament, the resolution which was
endorsed by all political forces in parliament, emphasized upon an
anti-terror policy based on principles that Pakistan must have
zero-tolerance for all manifestation of terrorism and the country
must pursue an independent foreign policy. Moreover, it says that
territorial integrity be safeguarded and the government must
strongly resist foreign incursions into Pakistani territory. The
resolution dictates that Pakistan must respect the sovereignty of
other states by not allowing its territory to provide sanctuary for
militants launching attacks on neighbors and state should negotiate
with those militants willing to abide by the Constitution of
Pakistan and respect the rule of the land.
The resolution
further says that the violence must be routed with a resolve to
address its root causes by strengthening the federation on the basis
of democratic pluralism, social justice, religious tolerance and
equitable resource sharing and by creating economic opportunities
for the less privileged and redistribute national resources. It
further says that Pakistan's strategic interests should be furthered
by deploying soft power and enhancing trade activity on the eastern
and western borders.
The sufferings of
innocent people in the terror-struck areas were also a worrisome
issue for the government. In this regard, the president Asif Ali
Zardari and the Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on numerous
occasions have expressed the resolve of the government to make
maximum efforts for the rehabilitation and safety of these patriot
people. In the same context, the Parliament has called for devising
a mechanism to institutionalize the internal security by paying
compensation for victims of violence, and rehabilitate those
displaced from their homes as soon as possible. The resolution
passed by the Parliament emphasizes that public consensus should be
built against terrorism through media and religious participation to
contain the spill-over effects of terrorism.
A recent letter of
Prime Minister to PML (N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif, which was in
response to a letter written by later to the Prime Minister, also
shows the same commitment of the government to root out the menace
of extremism and terrorism from the country. The people of Pakistan
while taking the acts of Parliament as a sigh of relief are now
expecting that the resolve of Parliament against terrorism will bore
fruit but the same spirit of the nation needs to last in future as
well. A good step in this regard is in offing in the shape of a
Special Committee of Parliament to periodically review, provide
guidelines and monitor the implementation of the principles framed
and roadmap given in this Resolution. One hopes that this
unprecedented act of the Parliament would be resulted as a catalyst
for the change and to make Pakistan a Modern progressive state.
Sherry’s trust-building
endeavour
S.Rahman
What more would
establish the Gillani government’s seriousness of purpose than the
decision to take the parliamentarians on board on the most alarming
issue of terrorism through some very brilliant people that include
Information Minister Sherry Rehman and DG ISI (briefed in his
capacity as DGMO) Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha.
One may like to take it
in any manner on the basis of preconceived notions or prejudices but
if an objective evaluation is carried out, one is left with no
option other than lauding this act of President Asif Ali Zardari and
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani.
The PPP top leaders
have, in fact, once again proved that they consider the people of
Pakistan as the real masters of this beloved homeland. The in-camera
briefing is nothing but a reiteration of that confidence in the
people of Pakistan who
are represented through their democratically elected
parliamentarians in both the Houses of the parliament.
It is like making the
institutions subservient to the masses. That in itself is a
commendable act.
However, more laudable
is the selection of a learned, versatile member of the cabinet,
Information Minister, Sherry Rehman, for more detailed briefing in
the wake of briefing by DG Military Operations.
Sherry Rehman, as many
insiders know, was not picked up just on random or whimsical basis.
Her selection was made quite wisely and with concern. It was wisely
in the sense that the top leadership is convinced of the abilities
of Sherry Rehman of elaborating the facts with confidence and after
intensive research and investigation. She does not belong to the
inarticulate lot who say things abruptly and mindlessly. Above all,
Sherry knows that she is answerable to the fellow parliamentarians
being the member of a political party whose struggle for
parliament’s supremacy is matchless.
Sherry, with an
intellectual-cum-journalistic background, possesses tremendous
communication skills which, combined with the spirit of fellowship,
can yield better results. Not only that, the handling of difficult
situations with confidence by people blessed with communication
skills, tends to evoke intelligent responses. And when any
government or parliament becomes capable of evoking responses from
all the quarters representing the public, policy-making and
decision-making becomes easy, even in the odd most circumstances.
The well-informed
circles are of the considered opinion that the PPP-led government
firmly believes in taking major decisions with consensus. It is
rather in keeping with the track record of PPP that has to its
credit the adoption of a unanimous Constitution (of 1973) with the
collective support of all the political parties worth the name
including those parties that were once known as PPP’s rival parties.
This spirit of
collectivism is otherwise the need of the hour especially because
the country is faced with the worst ever crises born of terrorism
that has been imposed on us by our ill wishers who abound within us
and also outside us.
And although this sorry
state of affairs have not emerged suddenly since being the product
of years of political infighting, social strife, economic
bereavements and ideological confusion, it is no use crying over the
spilt milk or to enter into blame game. Neither of these things will
help us in any manner. If we blame rulers of the past, will it do us
any service? The answer is ‘no’. Will it bring quick or lasting
peace? The answer again is ‘no’. And if we try the other option that
of blaming the external world, will that help us? The answer is
‘no’.
So, what should be done?
The key to these problems lies in finding out a solution ourselves
followed by firm, sustained action. Thank God the country’s national
institutions and almost all walks of life are unanimous on this
point of view. The credit for this goes to the government of the day
that is working incessantly to work out a comprehensive and
effective strategy with mass consultation. It is really encouraging
to note that the government is fully alive to this issue and knows
the intricacies of the situation that demand for collective
approach, vision and action.
The in-camera briefing
has been undertaken in the same spirit and if taken with
responsibility by the non-government parliamentarians, it is going
to end up in the formulation of far-reaching and far-seeing policies
especially the anti-terrorism policy.
The parliamentarians,
whatever their affiliations or party line, must keep in mind one
thing that the in-camera briefing is not a point-scoring game. The
selection of DGMO or for that matter the selection of Information
Minister is not a game of giving credit to any single individual.
The spirit behind is exposing the hidden side of the crises. The
idea is loud and clear: that of evoking responses from the people
through their representatives and getting rid of country’s worst
ever problems with the collective power and wisdom of the people.
The opportunity available at present in the form of greater
understanding among the institutions, the people’s representatives
and among all other pivotal pillars of the state must be seized well
in time to put the country back on the track of stability,
prosperity and lasting peace.
-----------------------------
No room for slackness
S. Rahman
In case the Gillani government succeeds in
delivering effectively, the size of the newly expanded cabinet won't
make any difference.
No doubt that the country is faced with many
kinds of difficulties including the financial crunch but somehow
that owes not to one but many factors.
In the past, on top of the list of these
factors has been the lack of seriousness of purpose or the willy
nilly approach of our various regimes that had been contenting
themselves with mere rhetoric and luring policy announcements.
The end result has been dismal even during
those phases of governance when the cabinets had remained limited in
size.
But now the direction seems to have changed
substantially given the PPP-led government's sincere endeavours to
tackle the problems forcefully and perseveringly. The fact is that
no stone is being left unturned to hit hard at the problems
confronting the nation at present.
Even the bad legacy, in terms of mismanaged
economy, has not been made an excuse to shun the responsibilities.
And the work has started in full gear. This is
what is needed direly. Even the completion of cabinet, to date, is
being viewed by many observers, as a practical step in the direction
of national development. The delay in the cabinet's completion was
causing sluggishness in the realm of governance.
So now that problem is no more there with the
finalization of the cabinet. As regards the question of inducting
some more members in future from the political parties like MQM
whose cooperation the PPP leadership would like to solicit again in
the near future, only one thing can be said that politics is the
'game of the practical and the possible'. Apart from that, politics
is also a game of 'give and take'.
A situation like this can't be described as
ideal where cabinet members have to be picked merely on the basis of
expedient considerations or purely on the basis of 'give and take'
entailing too much compromises. But then, ideal situations don't
prevail always. Nations do have to experience unhealthy situations
at times.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister
Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani have rather done their best to 'persuade'
each and every political force worth the name, to be a part of the
government. The composition of Public Accounts Committee and some
other parliamentary or quasi-parliamentary bodies, comprising even
hawks from the Opposition camp, is clearly reflective of
Zardari-Gillani duo's strong desire to work hand in glove with all
the political players, irrespective of their party size and
representation in the parliament.
Those not cooperating at this crucial hour or
during these moments of trials and tribulations ought to show grace.
These politicians should learn lessons in humility, decency and
restraint from American presidential election rivals. How did they
behave with each other especially on the eve of Senator Barak Obama
bagging 349 electoral votes (as against 150 plus votes bagged by
John McCain)?
This does not mean that we should endorse each
and every policy or decision of the American administration or
leaders but it does bring home an example of peaceful coexistence
within the boundaries of one country.
If we all love Pakistan, then we should promote
the sitting government besides trusting it so as to strengthen it to
fight the challenges and threats from different directions. This
trust will also help correct and reform the ruling elite where they
go wrong, albeit by default.
Let the people speak through elections. The
people's mandate is the biggest 'reward' as well as the biggest
'punishment' depending on the conduct of the ruling lot.
We must rather keep in mind one thing that if
Zardari or for that matter Gillani fails in achieving some immediate
targets like oil imports on deferred payment basis or like funding
from overseas sources viz 'Friends of Pakistan' or IMF or whatever,
it will be the failure of Pakistani nation.
So why promote ideas of ill will or failure of
any party or leader when the ultimate failure is that of the nation.
It is in this area that advanced democracies of
the world like United States of America have excelled. The
differences among political parties and politicians are never used
to weaken or dislodge each other. Defeat is accepted with largesse.
Things will change considerably if we learn
tolerating one another's point of view with largesse. Only then, we
will be giving a fair chance to the people to speak through their
vote when they get their turn in the form of general elections.
We should focus our energies and attention on
the moves being taken so swiftly and energetically by the top PPP
leadership including President Zardari and PM Gillani. No doubt,
they are placed in a very complex and difficult situation but the
fact that is that greater the crisis, the greater is the degree of
their sincere endeavours to steer the country out of all kinds of
crises. Slackness or even casualness is unaffordable at this
critical juncture, believes PPP top leadership.
------------------------------------------
Supremacy of the
Constitution
S. Rahman
Living with dignity
is as much old a human desire as the history of humanity. And when
we talk of living with dignity, we must keep in mind the man's alter
ego, the womenfolk, who have suffered most at the hands of men in
the man's world for centuries.
The government of
Pakistan has taken it upon itself to enact laws that should ensure
living of women with dignity besides providing the womenfolk
protection against sexual harassment at workplace in the beginning
and at spots outside the workplace soon afterwards.
The lady
spearheading these endeavours is none other than Information
Minister Sherry Rehman who also holds the portfolio of Women
Development.
To womenfolk's good
luck, the matter is being pursued with full vigour and with the
consultation of all the stakeholders including those organizations
that have achieved marvelous successes in this area at the global
level. This indicates that the legislation about to come will not be
like many laws of the past that would be enacted merely with a
narrow, governmental mindset without taking into consideration the
aspirations and problems of the people concerned.
Take for example the
draft legislation titled 'Protection for Women from Harassment Act'.
Consultative
sessions have been held with the participation of representatives of
leading civil society organizations for women and the proposed Bill
has been drafted by the Women Development Ministry along with the
AASHA (Alliance Against Sexual Harassment), a network of Civil
Society Organizations working against sexual harassment at the work
place for the last six years.
According to Sherry
Rehman, consultations on the draft bill on Domestic Violence, by
Women Development Ministry, and the Freedom of Information Bill by
the Ministry of Information, have also undergone a similar
procedure.
The Minister says
that the proposed Bill is a set of legislations on Gender Harassment
and includes a comprehensive Bill titled 'Protection of Women from
Harassment Act', and a Bill to amend the Pakistan Penal Code 1860
and the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898.
The Bill proposes
a Code of Conduct that provides a guideline for behaviour of not one
or two employees but all employees, including management, and the
owners of organizations to ensure a work environment free of
harassment and intimidation. The good news about this humanitarian
endeavour is that this Code has already been voluntarily adopted by
around 300 private organizations.
It proves that the
PPP-led government has been able to earn the confidence of business
community in the private sector. That's a big accomplishment in
itself also because, in the past, the laws would be enacted without
proper follow-up and implementation strategies. This time, the
response is good from all sides. The trust the government has
reposed in all sectors has been reciprocated in the same coin i.e
positively. This will also leave no room for any lapses or failures
in meeting the objectives of the proposed legislation.
And, according to
the Minister, the Bill would also facilitate critical structures for
its implementation across the board.
One thing is very
important in this context: that the government is also thinking
about protection of men side by side with the protection of women
subjected to harassment.
Minister for Women
Development says, "We have broadened the ambit of law, extending it
to cover harassment against both women and men. Harassment is a
common phenomenon at work, and men could be as much of a target as
women are."
Full attention is
also being given to providing the victims an expanded range of
choices in terms of authorities dealing with complaints.
Accordingly, a structure of Inquiry Commission', Ombudsperson and
Appellate Authority are being put in place to ensure that there is
an internal as well as an external setup to redress the grievances.
For private organizations, the government will constitute Tribunals,
headed by a High Court judge, at the provincial headquarters.
Not only that, a
good numbers of measures are being contemplated with the idea of
providing the work force protection against injustices, harassment
and intimidation. These measures include:-
- Inclusion of one
woman in the Inquiry Committee that would consist of three senior
management members.
- Making it
obligatory for organizations to arrange for psycho-social
counselling or medical treatment in case the complainant is in
trauma.
- Providing for
structures for confidentiality requiring the Inquiry Committee and
others to respect the privacy and dignity of all involved in a
sexual harassment case.
- Amendments in
section 509 of the PPC (Pakistan Penal Code) 1860 and other codes
of procedures, expanding its ambit to cover sexual harassment at
work place with increase in maximum punishment for such acts from
one year to three years.
- Changes in PPC
and CrPC to make the offence non compoundable, minimising any
possibility of a forced deal to allow the perpetrator to escape
the course of justice.
- Given the
efforts launched at such a massive scale with the active
collaboration of civil society and human rights organizations, one
is left with no choice other than agreeing with Minister Sherry
Rehman that the current democratic government keeps public welfare
at the centre of all policy actions and that laws guided by
constitutional principles cannot only guarantee protection of
rights, but also ensure the supremacy of the Constitution.
____________________
PM's sane utterances
S. Rahman
Media reports are not always
confusing but some times they are published in such a manner, as if
out of context, that the meaning conveyed takes an altogether
different form from the original quote or event as the case may be.
Take for example one of the reports
about Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani declaring vehemently to
safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of the country at all costs.
To this extent, the report is
morale-boosting that the chief executive of a developing country has
shown courage giving such a strong-worded statement in the
contemporary world that continues to be unipolar.
On the other hand, however, the
report gives an entirely different impression as if the Prime
Minister of Pakistan has opted for a confrontational path that too
with the sole superpower of the world, the United States.
For sure that is not the case. The
Prime Minister has stated that the country's integrity and
sovereignty would be defended at all costs.
But when we analyze this
pronouncement in its actual context, the term 'at all costs' does
not mean resisting or retaliating against a US drone attack
militarily or by firing a missile on attack planes or ground forces
(though main line of action revolves around aerial bombing). As a
matter of fact, Islamabad has chosen the path of international
brotherhood and believes in avoiding both confrontation and
isolation.
No country can survive, let alone
thrive, in isolation. And confrontation is yet greater source of
disaster. Confrontation, in fact, creates enmities, a condition that
not even a superpower like US can afford to confront, at least on a
constant footing.
Why should Pakistan opt for such a
dangerous course particularly when its incumbent leadership,
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza
Gillani consider themselves answerable to the masses?
This point can be understood further
by analyzing the composition of the present government. Both the
government and the President owe their existence to the people's
mandate. The President, Asif Ali Zardari, too has been elected the
head of state with a heavy mandate given by both the Houses of
Parliament and all the four provincial legislatures. That,
certainly, betrays strong democratic credentials of the present
government as well as that of the President.
Now which sitting government elected
on the basis of popular vote, would ever like to tread the path of
confrontation, whether at home or across the frontiers. The answer,
for sure, is none. The reason is that people never want war,
confrontation or strife. It is never in people's interest. People,
as is natural with their vast majority, always want peace and in
order to attain lasting peace, the people would always advise their
government to resort to peaceful and reconciliatory means.
So is the case with existing
Islamabad administration that
understands the people's feelings very well. And while it knows that
people want no confrontation, it also knows that people don't like
attacks on the country's sovereignty.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza
Gillani's statement ought to be understood in this context. As a
true representative of the Pakistani nation, he just can't let the
attacks continue inside Pakistani territory from across the border.
Simultaneously, as a true representative of the Pakistani nation,
the PM just can't remain unmoved over escalation in attacks on the
Pakistani soil.
This is exactly the standpoint of
Gillani administration that is really upset over rise in US drones'
and missiles' attacks resulting in many casualties among people who
happen to be Pakistanis as well (in addition to foreign militants
fomenting trouble here and there).
Obviously, this does not mean
physical, military retaliation by Pakistan. Those pleading for such
a response are living in fool's paradise. And if they think that
people with strong belief in Lord Almighty need not be scared, they
should know how to differentiate between courage and foolhardy
attitude. The power, as a lever of intimidation, influence and what
not, is not a plaything that can be wished away by mad sentiments or
frenzied emotions. Power (to any nation) is a direct gift from Lord.
This factor ought to be understood
in its entirety. And it should also awaken us to realities
especially to the dire need for our transformation into a
hard-working, intelligent nation.
Why not assume power? Won't that
give us the lever to talk at par with forces trying to compromise
our sovereignty and integrity?
Obviously, when nations go stronger
and powerful, they get a better chance of having a say in the
international affairs. We should strive to achieve that goal.
It is believed that the PPP-led
government is well aware of these realities and it is encouraging to
note that the government has practically embarked on a mission, at
local, regional and global levels, to endeavour for having a
considerable say in the ongoing affairs of the present-day comity of
nations.
If and whenever we are able to
retain our self-esteem, the impediments in the way of our
development would shed automatically through a democratic
process.
_________
Parliament asserts its
supremacy
S.Rahman
When parties or
politicians go hawkish, the end result is strife but when the
politicians go wise, the end product is consensus.
The 14-point consensus
owes much to the sincere, wise endeavours of PPP leadership which
comprises all ‘brands’ of politicians who have, over the passage of
time, learned to fine-tune their personal traits in the direction of
collective, national cause.
Take, for instance, the
two PPP stalwarts, Information Minister Sherry Rehman and Senator
Mian Raza Rabbani. If they were to be judged on the basis of their
strong commitments and resolve combined with their typical
restlessness, some people may like to call them hawks but have these
leaders ever been overpowered by their traits when it comes to
taking a position on issues of national import and concern?
The answer is in
negative, given the fact that the PPP leaders, under the able
guidance of two globally acknowledged visionaries, Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto Shaheed and Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, have learned
the art of the practical which means the art of reconciliation or
the art of consensus.
So, whenever we hear the
news about building up of consensus on national issues, it appears
just but natural as is typical of Pakistan People’s Party, the party
known for rendering sacrifices.
The case in point is the
14-point unanimous adoption of resolution on national security
strategy which is to result in the formulation of an independent
policy on combating terrorism with some rethinking about the
previous methodology.
Many newspapers describe
it as a landmark achievement. It certainly is, given the fact that
it has come in the wake of deliberations by parliamentarians from
both the Houses during 15-day in-camera session on security
situation.
Even the decision to
hold this in-camera session on an issue that has divided the nation
into many compartments is, in itself, an act aimed at removing the
irritants in national unity. It has also given confidence to the
democratic institutions that now feel more elevated with the most
powerful and organized institutions being made responsive – if not
answerable- to the representatives of the masses.
Some people draw lot of
encouragement from this fact. They deem the responsiveness of
national institutions like armed services towards the public
representatives as a first step in the direction of ‘answerability
to the masses’.
Well, for all that, the
credit must be given, without any considerations of political
affiliations, likes or dislikes, to Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza
Gillani and his all-time mentor, President Asif Ali Zardari.
The unanimity factor is
more encouraging from the angle of national cohesiveness although
the credit for that goes to all the key players in politics and not
to one party alone.
As the things happened,
it was after 8 hours of intensive deliberations by the 16-member
parliamentary committee headed by Sherry Rehman that the consensus
resolution was finalized.
The most important
dimension of this unanimous resolution is that it envisages the
replacement of army, where possible, with civilian law enforcement
agencies with enhanced capacity.
Another important
dimension is the finding of middle course that of dialogue with all
stakeholders. This is important since engagement of stakeholders in
a dialogue process might assuage resentments, justified or
unjustified. If that target is achieved, it might herald an era of
durable and pervasive peace.
The deliberations have
also proved to be altogether different from those of the past in
many ways. In the past, no effective mechanism would be put in place
for implementation following the announcement of major decisions. As
a matter of fact, implementation has most often been willy nilly and
that has been the root cause of rampant, multi-sector deterioration.
This issue has now been
addressed effectively as the Sherry-headed committee has decided in
principle to form a committee for implementation of the principles
framed and roadmap given in the resolution.
That’s being practical
without which any sane or practicable strategy just can’t work, let
alone yield positive results.
Even the scope of
dialogue with all stakeholders has been expanded as it has been
decided that future strategies about tribal belt would be evolved
with the inclusion of local tribal representatives in the process.
The parliament has, in
fact, given a loud and clear message to the people not to worry
about escalation in the terrorism-related crises since their
parliament is fully awake to the issues and means business.
This is also after a
long time that the parliament has asserted its supremacy which is a
message of hope for the people more so for the democratic
institutions that now stand fully revived and reinvigorated thanks
to the incumbent leadership’s resolve to revert to the system run by
the people and not by autocrats, despots, bureaucrats or
technocrats.
______________________
Judging Asif by real
yardsticks
S. Rahman
Should one judge the
President’s credibility merely on the yardstick of American war on
terror or judges’ restoration pledges or do we have other yardsticks
available with us to carry out objective assessment of PPP
leadership especially President Asif Ali Zardari?
The answer to this
question is simple: that one should always apply respective
yardsticks to evaluate personalities or situations.
The same applies to
Zardari’s case. The first thing that we must always keep in mind
about Asif Ali Zardari is that he has been elected, with vast
majority of parliamentarians’ votes from different political parties
to become the President of Pakistan.
So, whatever criticism
his opponents are trying to build against him by drawing comparison
with his predecessor, Pervez Musharraf, on the basis of identical
policies, it is all negated by the very fact of Zardari’s election
to Presidency on the basis of people’s representatives’ vote. There
is hell of a difference between a democratically elected President
and an imposed President, even though Musharraf’s supporters had
been justifying his status on the plea that he (Musharraf) enjoyed
support of a reasonable number of parliamentarians.
The point that is being
stressed here is that when the base is different, the policies too
have to be different. That is a different thing that some times the
ground realities are so compelling that very limited options are
available with Zardari-Gillani duo or the present dispensation with
reference to war on terror, judges’ restoration issue and related
matters.
While one or two issues
like that of terrorism, have acquired international significance,
they negatively impact our own system as well. Rather the fallout of
escalation in terrorism is destructive for our society, polity and
economy.
Some well-informed
quarters even go to the extent of saying that certain office-holders
in the judiciary were toeing a line that was in conflict with the
state security interests. It became manifest in certain decisions
that provided relief (or were about to provide relief) to persons
whose credentials were dubious particularly from the angle of their
anti-state and violent activities.
As for terrorism, it has
crippled our businesses, blocked foreign investment and created a
mass sense of insecurity that is not going to diminish soon. The
situation is, therefore, grave and requires concrete, prompt
measures on war footing.
Some analysts liken the
situation to a petty occurrence but it is very much relevant to our
problems. These analysts quote the example of an occurrence of crime
like armed burglary. And they pose one simple question: what should
be done by the state or its agencies in case armed burglars take
over a house or a business at gun point? Should the wise men in
government or in politics hold a roundtable conference on that
occurrence and let the burglars accomplish their task with impunity
at the cost of peace-loving people’s lives, peace of mind and honour?
Or should the state apparatus, on that occasion, come into action
and act against the burglars?
The logical, abrupt
answer is that the state apparatus must act swiftly as per the set
procedures, rules and regulations that provide for safety and
security of the citizenry, their properties, lives and honour.
Drawing an analogy,
these analysts suggest immediate army and/or civilian
law-enforcement agencies’ action in case some armed insurgents or
militants launch an attack at any spot. It is exactly like an
assault of burglars or an attack launched by an enemy. However, the
selection of state apparatus can be made according to the gravity of
situation, whether it ought to be civilian forces or armed forces.
The fact is that both these forces are constitutionally meant to
defend the people of Pakistan.
The decision to employ
which force at a particular point of time depends on the intensity
and urgency of the circumstances. And when the decisions are made by
parliamentarians or state office-holders enjoying the trust of the
people, we are left with little choice other than trusting the
decision-makers like Asif Ali Zardari and PM Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani.
However, the American
‘incursions factor’ is quite disturbing. But it is disturbing for
all of us, President Asif Ali Zardari being no exception to this
rule. The question, however, is not that Zardari is not committed to
Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Zardari rather has no
alternate choice. His loyalties towards his compatriots and towards
his country are going to help strengthen his position. So, why he
should opt for a lukewarm attitude on the sovereignty question that
means a lot to him?
The sovereignty,
unfortunately, is being violated not only by a furious United States
at times but also by yet more furious Al Qaeda and a number of their
militant supporters who are armed to the teeth and who have no love
for Pakistan, even for Islam, given their fondness for killing
indiscriminately without caring a fig whether the victims are
innocent non-combatants, Muslim brethren, women, children or
destitute people.
Forget about collapse, says Asif (S.
Rahman)
PPP’s priority: rooting out terrorism (By
Azeem Daultana)
Combating Terrorism, A Social
Responsibility (By Prof. Majeed Khalid Ch)
BISP – Steps for Poverty Alleviation (By Prof. Majeed Khalid
Ch.
)
In camera session sets the pace (S. Rahman)
President’s successful visit to China
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