It's in Your Name!

Fad for new currency notes on Eid

2011-08-30T20:17:00.000+05:00

People across Pakistan are looking for new currency notes on the eve of Eid, and this fad of having new currency notes in the pocket for dishing them out as the Eidi to relatives, and to the beggars is a common scene on the day.
This has become an uncalled for necessity for the people, and gaining importance with the passage of time, and hence the business is increasing for those, who are selling the new notes. People are buying new currency notes on roads, especially near the State Bank buildings, where even women with big shoppers are seen dealing with male customers.
However, pocketing new notes is not as easy, and this has become a business, usually termed as a ‘black market’, while people are seen ‘trading’ in various areas of the city without any interference by the law enforcement agencies. This trend takes off every year, and gains hype ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as people feel good in giving new notes as Eidi, while they like receiving the same as well. Especially, the happiness of children is visible when they receive new currency notes as Eidi. Also, people feel good to have new currency notes in their pockets on the Eid, and on marriages as well.
The question is: Why do people like to have new notes? It has more to do with the psyche; second is the fad, and the third is the usual ‘tradition’ attached to the occasions. People find that new currency notes also find it fascinating that the new copies are in series as the last digit of new notes number start from one and end with 100. They consider that it makes easier for them keeping track of how much has been given away.
These notes reach the black market through two ways and sold to the interested buyers, who do so without any compulsion. One way is that the State Bank of Pakistan gives directly to widows and second, some black marketers and brokers allegedly get these from the SBP officials. Also the SBP every year as per its policy prints new notes and gives them to banks and widows. Moreover, widows are given the currency notes on monthly fixed quota in an effort to help them earn some livelihood.
However, people usually complain that banks refuse to give new notes to them, if one is not a big client or a friend of the bank employees.
Copies – one contains 100 notes – of Rs 5 and Rs 10 are being sold in the black market for additional charges of Rs 150 and above, while minimum of Rs 250 are being charged for new copies of Rs 50 and Rs 100.
This time around, like on previous occasions, the demand for Rs 5 notes is the highest.

Law ministry delayed Punjab power projects for bribe: Shahbaz Sharif

2011-08-29T23:08:00.001+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has demanded strict action should be taken against those involved in increasing the crises of power, and pushing Punjab into darkness due to negligence and corruption in 900MW power projects in the province.
“Criminal negligence has been demonstrated in the power projects of 450MW each in Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian, which is a deep conspiracy against Punjab and Pakistan. Due to delay in these projects, most areas of Punjab remained in darkness and industries were closed and now the nation has to bear additional expenses of Rs 20 billion on these projects,” he said, while requesting the prime minister to take those persons to task causing delay in these projects and deterrent punishment should be awarded to the criminals of the nation and should be hanged.
He was talking to mediamen here on Saturday on his return to Lahore from the Council of Common Interests meeting held in Islamabad the same day. Senior Advisor to him Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was also present on the occasion.
Shahbaz Sharif warned that if action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, then he would be forced to raise voice at any forum against them.
While giving details about the projects, he said the power project of 450MW in Nandipur had to be completed a year ago and the machinery of this project worth billions of rupees was lying in the godowns of Karachi on which heavy demurrage was being paid. He mentioned that this project was being executed by Chinese company and it should have become operational in the beginning of this year but unfortunately it could not be made operational. “The file of this project remained pending in the law ministry for the last about two years and the desired letter could not be issued by the finance ministry due to bribe. The same situation is of the 450MW project of Chicho Ki Malian. This project had to be completed next year but this project has also been delayed for further two years due to criminal negligence. These projects remained pending due to the hurdles created by law ministry, and had these projects been completed within stipulated time, the Punjab would have got substantial relief from load-shedding,” he observed, adding that Punjab was made a target through delaying these projects due to which factories were closed and irreparable loss was caused to exports. “Not only huge loss was caused to the industrial and agriculture sectors due to the delay in these projects but lakhs of people were also deprived of their livelihood. Whom people of Punjab should hold accountable for this economic murder?” he questioned.
Shahbaz Sharif was of the considered opinion that investors and industrialists were transferring their capital and the country was being pushed into darkness under a conspiracy, which was a heinous crime. “The nation is in need of every watt of electricity whereas plundering and corruption is rampant in the country. A conspiracy has been hatched against agriculture, industry, 180million people of Pakistan, and 100m people of Punjab by delaying power projects of Nandipur and Chicho Ki Malian,” he said, while mentioning that he had always talked to the prime minister about these projects, and on Saturday succeeded in getting the approval of these projects in the CCI meeting. “Now the country will have to bear the additional expenses of billions of rupees due to delay in these projects and it is impossible to pay the cost of negative impacts caused to the economy of the country. Who should be held responsible for these losses of billions of rupees, and the criminal negligence?” he quizzed.
He demanded strict action against those who caused this loss to the nation and the country as such persons were criminals of the nation and those should be hanged trying to ruin the country. “If action was not taken against these criminals of the nation, we will raise voice at every forum and expose them and recover the looted money of the nation from them,” he reiterated.
During the press conference, Shahbaz Sharif did not reply a question about Shahbaz Taseer’s abduction, and said, he would talk about the subject at some other time. However, as per sources, he held a meeting with senior cops at the lounge of the Old Airport who were waiting for him prior to his arrival.

PPP to launch drive, requisite PA session against Taseer’s abduction

2011-08-29T23:01:00.000+05:00

Punjab chapter of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party has warned the provincial government of launching a protest movement from the coming Monday if the dispensation failed in recovering Shahbaz Taseer, son of assassinated ex-Governor Punjab Salman Taseer.
This was told to the mediamen on Saturday at a press conference by President PPP Punjab President Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, who also mentioned that Opposition Leader at the Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmed would submit a requisition for convening Punjab Assembly session to discuss the issue after Monday. “All constitutional options will be adopted,” he asserted.
Warraich further added that a protest movement would be launched against the Punjab government from Monday if Shahbaz Taseer was not recovered. “Protest rallies will be organised at district level to press for the recovery of the abducted,” he stated, while condemning the incident, and asserting that the incident had disturbed all citizens of the province. “This has amply substantiated the poor situation of ever-increasing crime, and law and order in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif must improve the law and order situation in his “own province” and then talk about other provinces,” he suggested, in an implicit reference to the CM’s Punjab recent visit to chaotic Karachi. “Lahore is Punjab’s capital and has headquarters of the Punjab Police, but no progress has been made in young Taseer’s case so far,” he mentioned.
To depict what he believed poor law and order situation, Warraich quoted crime figures in the Punjab, and mentioned that last year, 75,419 crime cases were registered, and 627 of these were murder cases. “As many as 170 rape and 160 cases of torture against government servants have been registered last year. So far almost 13,497 cases of kidnap were registered, while 2,176 were in Lahore alone. 8,974 cases of kidnap for ransom have been registered so far during the current year,” he noted, while asserting that the crime ratio in Punjab had increased by 30 per cent. “The PML-N leadership cannot make tall claims of good governance in the province when these figures are taken into consideration,” he maintained.
While responding to a question about the suo motu on Taseer’s abduction, Warraich did not offer any comment, except “Courts are independent to take notice.”
While bitterly criticising the provincial dispensation in failing to control law and order situation, especially abduction of his predecessor’s son Shahbaz Taseer, Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa has condemned the Friday’s incident, and termed it unbearable.
“This amply proves failure of the Punjab government in controlling law and order situation in the province,” he remarked, while talking to the mediamen outside the house of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, where the incumbent had gone to meet the family members of Shahbaz Taseer. He assured the family that both federal and provincial governments would leave no stone unturned for recovering young Taseer.
Khosa said that all federal law enforcement agencies and the Punjab police were jointly making efforts to recover abducted Taseer. He also told the mediamen that the Inspector General Police and Home Secretary Punjab had briefed him since they were called by the Governor to tell him about the investigation. While mentioning that he had been a criminal lawyer with a vast experience of the subject, Khosa said he had given guideline to the IGP and the Secretary, and the officers had been directed to expand the purview of the probe.
He also mentioned that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan had also telephoned him, and as per Article 131 of the constitution, the Minister briefed the Governor about the administrative matters.
To a question about the investigation, Khosa replied that the law enforcement agencies had gathered some evidence, and hoped that soon the agencies would recover Taseer safe and sound.
Khosa remarked that unfortunately the incidents of kidnapping were increasing every day, and the Punjab government would have to seriously think about making the law and order situation better since it was the duty of the provincial dispensation to do so. “The Centre will provide all assistance for this,” he said, adding that the most important issue at the moment was to secure release of alive Taseer. “The rest are provincial matters, and reservations, which will be transmitted to the federal government later on,” he said.

CM Punjab nods veggie-fruit market at Kacha

2011-08-27T23:32:00.000+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval in principle to the setting up a modern fruit and vegetable market at Kacha on Ferozepur Road and constituted a committee to take all possible measures for the completion of the project within a year.
He also issued instructions for provision of necessary facilities as soon as possible in the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat.
He was presiding over a meeting regarding the project of setting up fruit and vegetable market here on Wednesday.
Addressing the meeting, the CM said a large peace of land had been selected at Kacha where a well-designed fruit and vegetable market would be set up which would be equipped with the latest facilities. He added that the project would introduce a new culture and promote economic and trade activities, and the site for the market was nearest to Motorway, Ring Road and railway crossing which would be of great benefit. He also issued instructions for contacting railway authorities for linking fruit and vegetable market with the railway system.
He also gave instructions to the committee set up under the chairmanship of Afzal Khokhar to visit Turkey, Thailand and China to review the model of such markets in these countries for setting up the modern fruit and vegetable market in Lahore. He further directed that all out facilities should be extended to the middlemen of the vegetable market shifted from Kot Lakhpat so that they could pursue their business activities without any problem.
Earlier, Secretary Agriculture Department Captain (retd) Arif Nadeem gave a briefing regarding the project of fruit and vegetable market at Kacha. The participants of the meeting also gave their proposals in this regard.

CM directs police for Taseer’s recovery

2011-08-27T23:29:00.000+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed that no effort should be spared for immediate recovery of Shahbaz Taseer, son of former Governor Punjab Salman Taseer.
He ordered immediate arrest of culprits involved in the incident. He was presiding over a meeting at the Lahore Airport on his return from Karachi on Friday. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Inspector General Police, Home Secretary and senior officers were present. The meeting considered all aspects of the case in detail. The CM directed the departments concerned to ensure early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and all resources should be utilised for this purpose.
Later, he went to the residence of the former Governor and met his family members. Ex-Governo’s wife Aamina Taseer and son Shehryar Taseer were also present on this occasion. The CM assured them that all resources would be utilised for early recovery of Shahbaz Taseer and no effort would be spared in this regard.
He mentioned that special instructions had been issued to the senior Police officers for this purpose. The CM said he would personally supervise the investigation of this incident and Capital City Police Officer would regularly inform the members of the family about the progress of the investigation.
The family members expressed complete confidence in the steps taken by the Punjab government for recovery of Shahbaz Taseer.

Youth to get Rs 1bn under Self-Employment Scheme

2011-08-26T23:11:00.000+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said the Punjab government has evolved a revolutionary project of self-employment under which loans worth Rs one billion will be given to the youth to help them stand on their own feet.
“The skilled youth will be given preference under the scheme and the upper limit of loans will be Rs 50,000. The Self-Employment Scheme will result in generation of job opportunities as well as promotion of economic activities,” he added, while issuing instructions for setting up a committee, which would devise a strategy within a few days in the light of which the scheme would be started in 36 districts of the province.
He was presiding over a meeting for the provision of loans to the youth under self-employment scheme here on Wednesday. MNA Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development Board, Secretaries of Finance, Law and Social Welfare, Chairmen TEVTA & Punjab Vocational Training Council, Executive Director Akhuwat and experts were present.
The CM said the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive policy for the generation of job opportunities in the province, which include projects like yellow cab scheme, distribution of one lakh laptops among talented students and self-employment scheme for the youth. He added majority of population comprised youth and provision of loans to them under self-employment scheme would help them stand on their own feet as well as eliminate unemployment. “Loans of Rs 1bn will be offered during the first year while this amount will gradually be increased each year. The Self-Employment Scheme will prove to be a milestone in the elimination of unemployment and provision of job opportunities to the youth. The Scheme for the welfare of the youth will be continued forever and setting up of a permanent institution for the project should also be considered,” he mentioned, while issuing instructions for selecting an audit-company of international repute for the Self-Employment Scheme, and said the Punjab Small Industries Corporation would distribute these loans through Akhuwat. “The Akhuwat has a wide experience of public service and provision of loans and will execute this welfare project in a transparent manner. Loans will be given to the youth under the Self-Employment Scheme in all districts of the province and special committees comprising experts and persons enjoying good repute will also be formed at the district level for monitoring the loans,” he added.
Shahbaz Sharif said such youth should be given preference in the provision of loans as were experienced in various skills and trades so that they could set up such businesses as could not only leave a positive impact on economy, but also generate further employment opportunities. He directed that the guiding policy for the provision of loans and other matters should soon be given a final shape so that the scheme could be started at the earliest. “The Akhuwat should further enhance its capacity and submit a plan within seven days for the distribution of loans under self-employment scheme,” he said.
Earlier, Managing Director PSIC gave a detailed briefing regarding self-employment scheme. He said the steering committee for Self-Employment Scheme, the PSIC and Akhuwat had finalised the strategy for self-employment scheme.
Executive Director Akhuwat Dr Amjad Saqib said 55 branches of Akhuwat were operational and it was fully capable to implement the scheme. He assured that this revolutionary project of the Punjab government would be implemented in a transparent manner.

No expansion in Punjab cabinet on cards

2011-08-26T22:51:00.000+05:00

Expansion in the Punjab Cabinet is not in the offing since the leading political party is not facing any such urgency to do so, sources confided with TheNation on Wednesday.
“However, the wish-list of MPs is long and they are waiting for such a move, and there has been huge rumour mongering in this regard,” said the source, adding that the PML-N was not in a mood to do so as these days the party was involved more deeply in the Karachi situation, and its leadership was not interested in initiating another subject. “The idea is to keep the status quo till it becomes politically imperative,” he mentioned.
Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervaiz Rasheed did not offer any comment in this regard, and said he was in Karachi for the last two days, and was not aware of any such situation.

Whither Sindh Rangers DG?

2011-08-26T22:43:00.000+05:00

The post of Director General Rangers Sindh is lying vacant since June 14 when its last incumbent Major General Aijaz Chaudhry was displaced from the slot after the Supreme Court ordered his removal when Rangers’ jawans killed a young man.
Now the Rangers in Sindh is being commanded by Brigadier Zafar Iqbal who is the acting DG, and sources have confided that as such there are no clues in the power corridors that the quarters concerned have made a move for appointing a regular DG Rangers for the province.
Defence analysts and senior ex-military officers deem that there was something ‘deliberate’ in it. They are confused about the continuation of the interim arrangement. “Why is an officer of the rank of a Brigadier heading an institution like Rangers? And who is a hurdle in the appointment of a Major General as DG Rangers, which is a constitutional requirement?” they questioned, while asserting that the situation was being allowed to deteriorate, and one of the implications of keeping a key-post vacant was that the concerned quarters were going soft on it.
They have also observed that though the top officers of the force are from the Army, but the paramilitary force falls under the purview of the federal government, and the present dispensation’s no effort in this regard raises certain questions, especially when the force has launched an operation against the miscreants and criminals in the blood-drenched city, which is bleeding for quite some time now, and there is no end in sight to this as well.
Experts believe that under normal circumstances an Acting DG can manage matters, but in an extraordinary situation when the operation has been initiated, this ‘sanctioned post’ should have been filled immediately when it fell vacant. They mentioned that as a matter of routine the Military-Secretary Branch of the Army’s General Headquarters sends a panel of three officers to the Interior Ministry for the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post. They also assert that since the matter was extremely pressing, the Ministry should have made a move, and if it has not, then it gives rise to serious questions. To them, this very fact amply proves why the Rangers have been ineffective so far. “In case, he – Brigadier instead of a Major General – has to get in contact with the GHQ for certain decisions, his communication will be certainly marred, and his decision-making power will be adversely affected as the present incumbent is also vulnerable to civil orders,” they observed, adding that the Rangers was familiar with the Karachi’ites primarily because of its long-time deployment. “If the Rangers has to do it, then give it all powers, and place the police under it. For this, neither new legislation is required nor nod from the federal government, but willingness to act earnestly after doing the spadework, including appointing DG Rangers,” they opined.
General (retd) Hameed Gull, while averring that one man rule suited the US, said it was wrong. “It is beyond the understanding why the slot has been kept vacant,” he added.
Brig (retd) Farooq Hameed maintained that the DG had to appointed, and the force should not have a Brigadier as an Acting DG. “It is a serious flaw since from the command and control point of view, it is an imperative and a full-time job, which leaves little room for adhocism,” he averred, adding that the operation was being carried out under the Interior Ministry, not Army. “Why is the federal government having an acting arrangement?” he questioned.
Brig (retd) Pervez Asghar Mian, who has served in Karachi, observed that in Karachi, the whole operation was a musical chair, and no body was serious to carry out it honestly.
When contacted DG Inter-Services Public Relations Major-General Ather Abbas said the DG Rangers was removed after the SC decision, and since then this post was vacant. “I cannot offer comment on it because I will have to check it from the MS Branch,” he concluded.
PPP’s Sindh leader Sharmila Farooqui sees no problem in this since “they are no administrative issues, and the acting DG is performing well. And you never know he could be elevated to the higher post,” she asserted, while admitting that appointment of a regular incumbent would have been an ideal situation.

PPP’s turn for Carmella Conroy’s Iftar

2011-08-24T22:32:00.002+05:00

As part of her farewell get-togethers, the out-going US Consul General Carmella Conroy hosted another political Iftar for the PPP’s provincial leadership on Tuesday.
Khalid Kharal, Munir Ahmed Khan, Tahir Khaleeq, Aurangzeb Burki, Mateen Ali Anjum and Tanvir Hussain were prominent among the gathering.
On Monday, she had hosted the PML-N leadership.

PML-N to elect provincial office-bearers after Eid

2011-08-24T21:39:00.001+05:00

The Pakistan Muslim League-N will elect provincial party office-bearers after the Eidul Fitr, party sources confided with TheNation.
They mentioned that the preparations were underway though no names as such had come to the fore, and the aspirants had not shown their intentions either openly. “The working is certainly underway, and the process will completed after the Eid when PML-N president Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will comeback from Saudi Arabia,” mentioned the source asking not to be attributed. He also added that the elections of the office-bearers would be made either through consensus or majority of vote, which would vary from province to province.
Also, after the Eid, elections in districts, where the exercise is inconclusive yet, would be completed as well.
About various names being floated in the media regarding leading the Punjab, the party insiders were of the firm opinion that Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa would be repeating the party position owing to multiple reasons, which makes him a strong candidate for the President PML-N Punjab. To him, Khosa from the Southern Punjab would be more suitable, and the Party needed such a man who could influence the belt. Secondly, the gentleman is a towering personality among the party ranks, and widely respected as well. “Plus he has been unflinching opponent to the military ruler during the absence of the Sharifs,” he said, while negating the media impression that Hamza, son of Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif, had been given a nod by Nawaz Sharif.
Party’s information secretary Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan is already on record that several names and options were under consideration, but nothing was finalised as such.

Nawaz Sharif on Pak-India relations

2011-08-22T23:15:00.002+05:00

Complete text of speech made by former prime minister and President PML-N Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at a function organised by the SAFMA. This turned out to be controversial for more than one reason. Later, he tried to clarify it as well.

"I had requested Imtiaz Sahab to let me speak in the beginning instead at the last. It is kind of Imtiaz Sahab that he had invited me here. You are seated here. I am pleased to see guests from Hindustan. Prior to me many beautiful talks had been delivered. First Imtiaz Sahab, and then Dr Sahab has said many good things. I think that such a condition should exist between two countries. This environment will get further better. Then certainly we will resolve our issues, will increase our cooperation as well, will progress too, moreover prosperity will be actualised, our issues will be resolved also. Both countries will resolve their respective issues besides settling matters of mutual concern too. And Imtiaz Alam Sahab’s dream ‘Let us join hands to write a new story’ will be materialised as well. And then Building Bridges in the Sub-Continent. Usually for politicians Building Bridges are not on rivers. I understand that this is not a good beginning. Imtiaz Sahab is working for long. SAFMA’s others members are involved in this struggle for long. For peace and brotherhood in this region, and especially in your ‘writing a new story’ I was ready to pen another new account. I was not aware that Musharraf was writing another narrative, which was in dire contradiction to the existent tale. It was so painful and sad that for the first time in the history of Pakistan and Hindustan that two prime ministers, as per your assertion, had come very close to each other and they had developed very good understanding. Hindustan n PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Pakistan. I respect him a lot, and pray for his good health. I think he was a brave man, and he himself expressed his desire that why we should not resolve Pakistan’s issues, find solution to problems, make a move to progress, and listen to each other’s troubles, understand, and make earnest efforts to resolve them. I liked his talk to the core of my heart. A day came when he arrived here. When he came, I think it was a historic day in the history of Pakistan and Hindustan. Upon

his arrival, he expressed a desire, and talked with sincerity. I was impressed by his truthfulness and his face depicted his honesty, his eyes stood witness to it. He had fairness in his talk. I am in the knowledge of the things and I have gone through the process myself. We talked face-to-face. Prior to this, we used to meet in conferences. I had meetings with his predecessor as well. I have talking to Narsima Rao as well since he was prime minister of Hindustan at that time. When I became prime minister of Pakistan it was the fag end of 1990. I met him and he talked about Pakistan’s economic progress and fiscal policy. He especially mentioned that your (my) economic reforms order was very popular in Hindustan. Indian business community repeatedly asks to implement the policy which is actualised in Pakistan, which included abolishing exchange control, and heading to the free market economy, and he said he wanted to study your (my) model. I said it was pleasing to me. The same we want. We wish to compete in the economic race, do not want military or defence rivalry. I think it has been a bad luck of Hindustan that we had tried to compete in arms race. If Hindustan had been running after MIG 29, then we chased F16. Hindustan purchased tanks, and we made it compulsory upon us to follow the suit. Because of this, our social sectors, our development areas were adversely affected to a huge extent. Our lagged behind in education, health services, industrial development. Huge sums of money were spent on the defence built-up. We had a tradition that if anything goes wrong in Hindustan, its onus should put on Pakistan. If some thing untoward happened in Pakistan, Hindustan was to get the blame. This has been the tit-for-tat, whether there was a reality to this or not. You and I have been seeing that we spent our 60 years in this. How much this damaged us! We missed our target. Here Imtiaz talked of the Motorways, which was my first project as prime minister in 1990 which was launched by us, and completed it though we did not get time. In the first tenure, we got two years, and in the second two-and-a-half years. You saw that we completed it in the second term. It could have been done earlier provided our stint would not have been disrupted. I think that Motorways could have been constructed earlier. In the ECO meeting, I talked to the Afghan president. Said in the Tashkent meeting, that why the Motorways is not extended to Kabul. Half of it should be financed by you, half by us. The project was that on one it would be stretched to Gwadar, and from second point to Tashkent. But Motorways could not be extended to Tashkent but I was sent to Jeddah. If I would not have reached Jeddah, then Motorways would have stretched to Tashkent. It was our commitment to our country. It would have very good if Hindustan would have constructed the same Motorways and take it to Calcutta (Kolkata) and carried out such a trade or business. Because of which I am sure that we had resolved our issues and problems; Jammu and Kashmir dispute could have been resolved simultaneously. I am certain that this would have solves the problem. Vajpayee said to me ‘Pakistan takes Jammu-Kashmir very seriously. It is not that we have come here, and sign a declaration. We want to resolve the Jammu-Kashmir problem. I believe that year 1999 should be declared ‘year of resolution of Kashmir’. I was hugely impressed after listening to Vajpayee’s this discourse. A person has this earnest desire in his heart that he wants to resolve the most important issue between two countries. And we will come close to each other after resolving our all problems.
Our religion teaches us to keep the relations healthy with our neighbours as they have the foremost rights over us. We must know whether or not they have slept hungry, if so, the responsibility lies on you, and if you could do some thing, why did you not do it. It is applied to the neighbours as well, but also applies to the bordering countries, and the same principle applies to the countries as well.
We hadthe same culture and heritage, and belonged to the same society. When you spoke in Punjabi, I wanted to do the same. There are many people in Pakistan who are known after the names of cities situated in India like Hafeez Jalandhri, Muhammad Ali Amritsari and many of them are called Ludhianvi. My parents migrated from Amritsar, but I was born in Pakistan. We are from the same place. Many a large number of people migrated from Pakistan to India who are known as Lahoris, Gujratis, Sialkotis, Lyallpuris and Kasuris. There is also a Lahore Sweet Mart. What is all this? There is one border between us.
We are members of the same society and share the same background, culture and even the dishes and vegetables. Like you, we also eat ‘aaloo gosht’ and it has been wrongly attributed to me that I eat ‘siri payee’ only which I never do. When all these things common between us, then we must conduct trade with each other and develop our infrastructure besides resolving the long standing issues including water and Kashmir dispute.
We should come out of the old mind-set that we had got entangled ourselves into by some of the people who also lived in our society. We should take the initiative to hammer out the differences in joints sittings, he said, for which he found the Indian leadership more willing than him in resolving issues between the two countries. I was reluctant to take this initiative fearing the people may misinterpret him, he further added.
I was glad to know that Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted to improve relationship with Pakistan, but the Indian prime minister complained that on one side the Lahore Declaration was being signed but on the other he was stabbed in the back through Kargil misadventure. I agreed to him as he (Vajpayee) was justified in expressing such concerns. This adventure caused a severe damage to the country but whom should I complain to and who is responsible for it?
Before this we had launched atomic explosions. I was grateful to India for playing a major role in making Pakistan an atomic state. It was better that both the countries did not reach this stage, but after it did happen, it was noticeable how the two prime minister sat together for bringing peace to the region.
New ways of negotiations always remained open and they had come closer to each other, but who did create distance between them was another story.
I appreciate the Indian government for probing the Kargil debacle through a commission. A day will come here as well when a commission will probe the war, and then doors will be closed forever.

I also appreciate Imtiaz Alam and pray for the success of the process.
The GDP growth rate of India is good. We had also the same growth rate in the past and I wished to resume the same by sorting out all the differences.
It is in the Holy Quran, that he is ‘Rubbul A’ala’meen’ not ‘Rubbul Muslimeen. The demeanour should be of dealing with individuals, which will do good to the progress of both countries.

Cricketer Aamir Sohail opens political innings

2011-08-19T23:44:00.000+05:00

Former captain of Pakistan cricket team and flamboyant opener Aamir Sohail has opened another innings on the political pitch of the PML-N when he joined the party after meeting its president Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at Raiwind on Thursday.
Aamir Sohail, who had also previously served head of selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board, announced his selection of the PML-N for starting his political career, and expressed his confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, who said Aamir had made his country proud on the playing field. “It is a good addition to the Party,” added the ex-premier, while welcoming the cricketer, who had played under N-League’s political adversary Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. In his meeting with Nawaz Sharif, he is said to have discussed the issues pertaining to sports and sportsmen.

His stats show that Aamir could not perform well in the World Cup of 1992, which was won by Pakistan under cricket-legend-turn-politician Imran Khan since in the last two games of the semi-final and final– virtually Khan’s also – Aamir could not do well both with bat and bowl, securing 14 in 20 balls and 4 in 19 balls, while being wicketlessly hammered by the Kiwis for 11 in his solitary over and by the English for 49 in 10 overs respectively.
Now it is yet to be seen how he would perform under cricket-lover and admirer Nawaz Sharif. “The country needs seasoned and experienced leadership, which I believe the PML-N offers. I have joined with an open mind and open heart, and there’s a long way to go,” asserts the novice politician Aamir, who has not been given any party office so far. However, he told the PML-N president that he wanted to work for the better future of cricket in the country. “I have decided to come into politics because I want to do something for sports and sportsmen as a former player and captain,” said the left-handed opener not known for being calculative in his aggression. Pakistanis still remember him for his careless shot, which helped India to win the quarter’s final of 1996 world cup in Bangalore, after a great start by the Pakistan cricket team.

It can be considered that he might turn out to be a good commentator of the political scene since Aamir had been cricket commentator for quite a long time though not as recognised as his fellow opener Ramiz Raja.
Also at the fag end of 1990s, when head Tehreek-e-Minhaj-ul-Quran Dr Tahirul Qadri was leading Pakistan Awami Ittehad, Aamir Sohail had meet Dr Qadri at the latter’s residence. However, he withdrew after some time, and declined to have joining the Pakistan Awami Tehreek.
Aamir might have taken inspiration from another flamboyant opener of Sri Lanka Jay Suriya, who is member of his country’s parliament.
He is certainly not the first Pakistani cricketer to become a politician. Prior to him, former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz is already with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Also ex-fast bowler Atta-ur-Rehman is with the PAT. Late Fazl Mahmood remained of the Tehreek-e-Minhaj-ul-Quran till he drew his last breath.
Aamir Sohail's constituency is likely to be less as far as the cricket lovers are concerned. However, he belongs to a family of 22 brothers and sisters, and three mothers. So for sure, he should be pretty certain of winning a Councillorship by bagging a few of the party votes. However, he has left his ancestral home situated in the Walled City, and has gone to the Defence Housing Authority, where he might be that popular since little is known about the next neighbours in that locale.
44-year-old Aamir Sohail had played 47 Tests and 156 one-day internationals, taking part in two World Cups in 1992 and 1996.

Shahbaz for no political, babus’ interference in Daanish management

2011-08-19T23:35:00.000+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said students of Daanish schools will prove to be Pakistanis in the real sense and play an active role in the development of the country and service of the masses.
“Setting up of the Daanish schools in backward and far-flung areas is resulting in promotion of education in these areas which will ultimately spread to as every corner of the province. While these Schools are imparting modern knowledge to the children of deprived segments of the society they have also promoted a feeling in them that they have as much right over national resources as the elite, he said, while presiding over 7th meeting of Daanish Schools Authority here on Thursday. MPAs Zaib Jaffar, Rana Muhammad Afzal and Major (retd) Abdul Rehman, Chief Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretaries of Schools and Finance Departments, Vice Chairman Daanish Schools Authority, Vice Chairman Punjab Educational Endowment Fund and other members of the authority attended the meeting. Managing Director Daanish Schools System Yousaf Kamal gave a detailed briefing regarding the project of Daanish schools.
Shahbaz Sharif mentioned that six Daanish schools were imparting modern education to the students in Bahawalpur Division while eight more schools would be set up in Attock, Mianwali, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan during current year. Giving approval in principle to a special quota for the students of other provinces in Daanish schools, the CM said that it would promote national solidarity and brotherhood in accordance with the policy of Punjab government.
The CM said Pakistan was created for the purpose of ensuring equal rights to all citizens, but while a handful of elite enjoyed all privileges during the last 64 years, the majority of people remained deprived of even basic facilities and the poor were shedding their blood and sweat for national development and progress and it was the responsibility of the society to ensure due returns to them for their labour. “The entire credit for bringing the deprived segments of the society into national mainstream goes to Pakistan Muslim League-N which has diverted resources to the marginalised classes and less-developed areas and laid the foundation of a revolution in education sector by starting the project of Daanish schools,” he asserted, adding that the poorest of the poor students were getting modern education in Daanish schools and the scope of this project would be extended to the whole province.
Issuing instructions for giving a final shape to the financial model of Daanish schools as soon as possible, the CM directed that such individuals should also be inducted in the board of governors of these schools which ha an urge to serve the country and equip the new generation with modern education. He said retired teachers, judges, civil servants and the best individuals from various sectors of life should be selected for this purpose but it should be ensured that bureaucracy and political influence should not have any interference in the management of these schools. He also issued instructions for conducting performance audit of the teachers and students of Daanish schools. He said discipline in students was of vital importance and the students should be trained on proper lines for grooming their personality. “Pakistan is a poor country and government has limited resources; therefore, it cannot afford extravagant expenditure. Six Daanish schools have been set up and in the light of the experience in the construction of Daanish schools, measures should be adopted for curtailing cost of construction of new schools. However, no compromise be made on the quality and standard,” he said, while issuing instructions for taking immediate steps for construction of mosques in Daanish schools and directed that administration of the mosques should be completely free of sectarian prejudices and educate the students in the Quran and Hadith. He directed that starting of second shift in Daanish schools should also be considered and recommendations should be submitted to him in this regard in the next meeting. “Financial assistance is being extended to talented students facing economic problems from the PEEF for pursuing their academic activities and lakhs of students of all the four provinces as well as Azad Kashmir are benefiting from this fund. The fund had been set up with a sum of Rs four billions and an amount of Rs 2 billion is being added every year,” he said, adding that establishment of the PEE Fund was a revolutionary step for the uplift of education sector and helping talented students complete their education; therefore it should continue.
He added that quota for the students of other provinces should also be reserved in Daanish schools for promotion of national solidarity and brotherhood and a policy should soon be evolved for this purpose. He mentioned that five percent quota had already been allocated for students of Cholistan in these schools. “Students of other provinces are also included in the programme of the Punjab government of sending position-holders of the province to the prestigious universities of the world and now a quota should be reserved in the Daanish schools for students of other provinces as well,” he said.
He commended the services of Yousaf Kamal and other members of the authority, and said they were engaged in a noble cause.

Punish those who brought death to Noor Inayat Khan

2011-08-19T07:19:00.002+05:00

Just finished reading 'Spy Princess the life of Noor Inayat Khan' written by Shrabani Basu. Brief sketch of the wonderful person is: Noor Inayat Khan/Nora Baker, (1 January 1914, Moscow - 13 September 1944, Dachau concentration camp), usually known as Noor Inayat Khan was of Indian Muslim origin. She was a British

Special Operations Executive agent during the Second World War, and the first female radio operator to be sent into occupied France to aid the French Resistance.
Although Noor Inayat Khan was deeply influenced by the pacifist teachings of her father Inayat Ali Khan, she and her brother Vilayat decided to help defeat Nazi tyranny: "I wish some Indians would win high military distinction in this war. If one or two could do something in the Allied service which was very brave and which everybody admired it would help to make a bridge between the English people and the Indians," she is quoted to have said, which amply hints at the thought-process behind the impending sacrifice.
On 19 November 1940, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), and as an Aircraftwoman 2nd Class, she was sent to be trained as a wireless operator. Upon assignment to a bomber training school in June 1941, she applied for a commission in an effort to relieve herself of the boring work there. Later she was recruited to join F (France) Section of the Special Operations Executive and in early February 1943 she was posted to the Air Ministry, Directorate of Air Intelligence, seconded to First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), and sent to Wanborough Manor, near Guildford in Surrey, and from there to various other SOE schools for training, including STS 5 Winterfold, STS 36 Boarmans and STS 52 Thame Park. During her training she adopted the name Nora Baker.
Her superiors held mixed opinions on her suitability for secret warfare, and her training was incomplete. Nevertheless, her fluent French and her competency in wireless operation—coupled with a shortage of experienced agents—made her a desirable candidate for service in Nazi-occupied France. On 16/17 June 1943, cryptonymed 'Madeleine'/W/T operator 'Nurse' and under the cover identity of Jeanne-Marie Regnier, Assistant Section Officer/Ensign Inayat Khan was flown to landing ground B/20A 'Indigestion' in Northern France on a night landing double Lysander operation, code named Teacher/Nurse/Chaplain/Monk. She was met by Henri Dericourt, who later on confirmed to be a double-agent, though he claimed to be a triple agent, that is, of MI6 as well. Trial was conducted at the end of the World War-II, but he was let go off the hook. However, he died in a plane crash in 1962.
She traveled to Paris, and together with two other women (Diana Rowden, code named Paulette/Chaplain, and Cecily Lefort, code named Alice/Teacher) Noor joined the Physician network led by Francis Suttill, code named Prosper. Over the next month and a half, all the other Physician network radio operators were arrested by the

Sicherheitsdienst (SD). In spite of the danger, Noor rejected an offer to return to Britain. She continued to transmit as the last essential link between London and Paris. She refused to abandon what had become the most important and dangerous post in France and did excellent work.
On 11 September 1944 Noor Inayat Khan and three other SOE agents from Karlsruhe prison, Yolande Beekman, Eliane Plewman and Madeleine Damerment, were moved to the Dachau Concentration Camp. In the early hours of the morning, 13 September 1944, the four women were executed by a shot to the head. Their bodies were immediately burned in the crematorium. An anonymous Dutch prisoner contended that Noor Inayat Khan was cruelly beaten by a high-ranking SS officer named Wilhelm Ruppert before being shot down from behind. Her last word was "Liberté". She was 30 years old.
It was also reported in the English media then, that 'these ladies were burnt alive'. However, it could not be substantiated later on. Nevertheless, 'the most dangerous prisoner', who never broke to any torture and harassment of the Nazis, was surely beaten badly by the Germans. Certain clues are of being raping her as well.
It is certainly a heart-wrenching portrait of courageous girl, who gave her life to the British survival against Hitler's advancing forces. A lot of observations have been made about the working of the SOE, its officers, and their criterion in the English annals and media.
I have read about putting the Germans to trial, very rightly so as well. But nothing has gone beyond my eyes which could dilate upon the post-World War-II probe or investigation into the careless acts or reckless handling by the British officers back home, which led to the killings of a very large number of good brains, like Noor Inayat Khan, in the foreign lands. It suffices nothing perhaps if one's chest is adorned with medals, posthumously.

May Allah rest her in eternal peace! Amen

Nawaz Sharif warns govt of long march

2011-08-18T21:55:00.001+05:00

President PML-N Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has maintained that the nation is

divided into two classes, as one segment puts its signature on files in offices and gets a house from the national exchequer, while another of workers, labourers, cultivators and marginalised persons who do not have even a two-Marla house.
“It is the responsibility of the state to safeguard the rights of the poor. The PML-N has started welfare projects for the poor people in its every tenure, but certain elements always thwarted its efforts,” he said, while addressing the ceremony held on Tuesday at Saroba Atari for the distribution of allotment letters to the lucky recipients of houses allotted to them through transparent balloting in the first Aashiyana Housing Project. Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest on the occasion. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Senior Advisor to CM Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Muslim League leaders Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, Mushahid Ullah Khan, members of national and provincial assemblies, provincial ministers, columnists, intellectuals and a large number of people were present on the occasion. Earlier, Chairman Punjab Land Development Company Sheikh Alauddin gave a briefing about the Aashiyana Housing Project. Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif inspected houses also. Later they gave allotment letters to the lucky winners.
Nawaz Sharif assured that he would safeguard the rights of the people and would even go to the extent of a long march for this purpose, if needed. “Pakistan is not for only a few but of 180 million people. Rights will be granted to the people at their doorstep. The promise made to the people on August 14 will be honoured and destiny of Pakistan will be changed through collective efforts. Time will come when Pakistan will become a prosperous country and every effort will be made for this purpose,” he assured.
While talking about his last term as prime minister, Nawaz Sharif mentioned that a project was started for the provision of five lakh houses under the Mera Ghar Scheme, and lamented that General Musharraf immediately after coming into power sold all the plots at a throwaway prices, but no one held him accountable. He added that besides Mera Ghar Scheme in the last tenure of the Muslim League, lands were also distributed among landless cultivators in Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while proprietary rights were granted to lakhs of dwellers of kachi Abadies. “The yellow cabs have also been given during this period and the same welfare projects are still continuing in Punjab,” he said, adding that provision of shelter to the shelterless was a big achievement of Shahbaz Sharif and the project started by him for the poor would be extended and the time would come when every Pakistani would have his own house. “Shahbaz Sharif has started the Aashiyana for the poor and lakhs of people will have become owners of houses through these schemes by the next general elections,” he said.

Shahbaz Sharif has said the PML-N had not only realised the dream of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif by providing houses to the poor, labourers, widows and deprived persons under the Aashiyana, but also translated the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal into reality. “By providing shelter to the shelterless, a feeling has been promoted among them that they are as much Pakistanis as anyone else. The Aashiyana Housing Project is free of corruption and a living proof of the transparent policy of the Punjab government,” he said, while presenting himself for any punishment if any irregularity was proved in the Project.
He cited that in addition to Lahore, work was also in progress expeditiously on the Aashiyana schemes in six other districts, and mentioned that the Schemes would be started in 18 other districts this year and the scope of the project would be extended to the whole province. “Even better civic amenities than the residential colonies of the rich have been provided in the Aashiyana, which is an abode of the common and poor Pakistanis. Had such schemes been started 64 years ago, the situation of the country would have been different,” he wished, while asserting that the Project was closely linked with August 14, and this was the most transparent and corruption-free project in the history of the country. He added that the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had given the message of hard work and acting upon his principle, this project had been completed by working round-the-clock. “The forefathers of the country had a dream on March 23, 1940 which was realised in 1947 after an epic struggle under the leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam and Pakistan came into existence. They had envisioned such a land where there would be justice and every citizen would have basic rights as well as equal opportunities. However, the 65th independence day of Pakistan poses a big question why this dream of the founding fathers of Pakistan has still not been realised?” he exclaimed.

He also said workers and labourers were asking when the rule of oppression and injustice would come to an end, and though various dictatorial and autocratic governments ruled the country during the last 64 years, but no one has addressed this issue. “The common man is still living in miseries and is running from pillar to post for justice and basic facilities. The dictators and politicians made politics a business and indulged in loot and corruption and deprived the people of their basic rights. However, time has come to grant basic rights to the masses. The PML-N government has started revolutionary projects for the welfare and betterment of the people and Aashiyana Housing Project is such a welfare scheme which has realised the dream of the common man of having his own house,” he said, adding that balloting was conducted in a highly transparent manner for the Scheme and houses had been given to the applicants after complete scrutiny and verification of their particulars.

Punjab to write to Centre against cops

2011-08-18T21:11:00.000+05:00

The Punjab government is in the process of sending a letter to the Centre requesting the latter to take action against senior cops posted in the province for attending the Iftaar-dinner offered by US Consulate General Carmella Conroy.
As per sources, on the advice of the Provincial Police Officer Javed Iqbal the decision has been taken in this regard, and now it is a matter of timing now. “It has been done so because it is only the federal government, which can take action against these cops, while the provincial dispensation can either make them Officers on Special Duty or direct them to report to the Establishment Division,” he mentioned, while asserting that the Punjab could send a report in this regard as well.
The source enlisted Punjab Constabulary Deputy Commandant DIG Khadim Hussain, DIG Training Arif Nawaz, SSP Elite Force Major (retd) Sheharyar, SP VVIP Security Waqas Akram, SSP Headquarters Major (retd) Nasrullah, SP Headquarters Rommel Akram, SSP Sohail Sukhaira and SSP Admin Tariq Abbas Qureshi as the prominent police officers.

Govt to plan comprehensively for eradicating polio

2011-08-18T20:46:00.001+05:00

The Punjab Government has planned to implement a comprehensive strategy to eradicate polio from the province by implementing well-designed emergency action plan in collaboration with all the line-departments and donor agencies associated with the child-health.
In this regard, a high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Punjab Nasir Khosa at Civil Secretariat on Tuesday. Administrative Secretaries and representatives of line-departments attended the meeting. The meeting was told that national emergency action plan had been chalked-out to interrupt transmission of polio virus by the end of 2011. The meeting observed that vaccination during high quality ammonisation campaign was a strong barrier to protect the children from this deadly virus. “It is important that we may not become complacent in the absence of polio cases in Punjab so far this year, but instead, must remain very vigilant and focused in our efforts to eradicate the virus from Punjab,” the CS said.
The meeting proposed that DCOs should hold meetings of district polio eradication committees two weeks before every anti-polio campaign with the purpose of planning for excellent implementation and high vaccination coverage. It is also essential that every plan should be endorsed by the designated medical officer and designated official from the DCO/TMA offices for the union council level and the same should also be reviewed by EDOs health and technical staff from the partner organisations.
The CS directed that vaccination staff should also reach to mobile populations by accurately mapping the location of all such settlements besides devising specific stand- alone plans for high quality vaccination coverage in high risk areas and populations, for example, children of brick kiln workers, construction site working families and nomadic camps. Similarly, it was also pointed-out that cable networks as well as the platform of Mosques is very effective to sensitise the parents to immunize their children.
Khosa directed that the provincial departments including Education, Revenue, Auqaf, Social Welfare, Police as well as Health related NGOs should be fully involved in this campaign so that no child, up to the age of five years, may not be left without vaccination.
“Eradication of polio virus from Punjab will be a great achievement. Let us all work together to protect the children of Punjab against this deadly disease. In order to achieve this goal, every child under five years of age must receive polio vaccine during the forthcoming polio campaigns,” added the Chief Secretary.

Benazir Bhutto... Computer trick?

2011-08-17T05:36:00.014+05:00

On December 2, 2007, about 25 days prior to one of the national tragedies of the recent history of Pakistan, I published a picture on http://www.awgc5.blogspot.com/2007/12/benazir-bhuttocomputer-trick.html of a great leader of the Sub-Continent late Benazir Bhutto. To keep a tap on emotions of BB's followers, it was 'maintained' that a computer-tricked picture has been released of the great lady. As per certain pundits, the religious-cum-political parties and politicians wanted to use the image for gaining political mileage out of it for general elections scheduled to be held on January 7 2008 (then delayed to February 18 after her very unfortunate assassination), like they did in 1988.
However, people from different walks of life commented on the above-mentioned picture, from being very nasty to hugely appreciative. However, bad-ones were digested though bitterly.
Recently I stumbled across another picture of Benazir Bhutto, which substantiated

the fact that the ex-premier of Pakistan was a modern lady, but she kept it to her private life, while she never try to be so both socially in and political arena. Those object must question either themselves about their doings in private or of their leaders.

Here are more pictures of the late leader, who contributed immensely, but history is to still to judge her to the maximum extent.

Great leader, mother and person no more in this world, but she continues to live in our minds and hearts, though yet to be seen for how many more years, decades and...
Now the question is: Why are we as a nation more interested in turning our leaders into the biggest of conservatives, and religious-minded? So far we have already done it by disguising the true personalities under multiple covers, and this process is continuing sans any hindrance. Can we just let them be whatever they are and just judge them on the bar of contribution they make to this nation?
To me she is...A liberal leader marginalised in divergent perspectives!
Lets be true!

Punjab govt misses enrolment, dropout targets in schools

2011-08-16T21:16:00.003+05:00

The Punjab government is facing a gigantic task at hand to deal with ensuring 100 per cent enrolment and curtailing ever-consistent trend of dropouts from primary and high public-sector education institutions respectively, which are equally facing lack of facilities and shortage of teachers.
Secondly, after the passage of the 18th amendment from the parliament, responsibilities of the education sector have been devolved to the provincial governments, but none of the dispensations, including Punjab, has initiated legislation in their respective parliamentary houses despite a lapse of one year.
Observed speakers at a seminar ‘Right to Free Education: Constitutional Obligations for Punjab’ held here on Monday at a local hotel jointly by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the Punjab government. Representative to Pakistan of UNESCO Dr Kozue Kay Nagata set the tone of the seminar in her opening remarks, and concluded by depicting hope for actualising the desired targets “seeing sincerity and working of the Punjab government”. Minister Education Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman did not turn up to deliver the concluding address.
Secretary Literacy and Basic Education Department Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik, while speaking on ‘Situation Analysis of Education in Punjab: Challenges and Issues’, talked frankly about the problems confronted by his government, efforts of the political leadership, overall development context, and role of education in social and economic development.
Dr Malik mentioned that the educational situation was not ideal because of high dropouts, that is, out of 40 per cent students reaching class-IV, 77 per cent never opt for obtaining the matriculation certificate.
About the legislative responsibilities of the provincial government, he mentioned that curriculum, syllabi, planning, policy, Islamic education and standards were with the provincial dispensation, while there was a need to improve interprovincial coordination as well. He told the audience that the Punjab government would be tabling the Right to Compulsory Education Bill 2011 in the Assembly soon.
About enrolment, he said with 15 per cent increase in education budget, 100 per cent enrolment could be achieved in 2024-25, with 20 per cent increase it could be done in 2019-20, and with 25 per cent increase in education budget, 100 per cent enrolment could be achieved in 2015-16. “Rs 3387 billion for the last, Rs 3895bn for 2019-20, and Rs 4064bn are required for achieving 100 enrolment rate of 5-16 years of population by 2015-16,” he mentioned, adding that achievement of targets was closely linked to resource absorptive capacity. While quoting a research, he admitted that the system lacked capacity to efficiently absorb even the available financial resources though the education sector had suffered from persistent and acute under-investment. “Pakistan ranks amongst the bottom five countries of world, so far as public expenditure on education, as a percentage of total public spending is concerned,” he quoted a source.
While speaking about the missing facilities, Dr Malik said 40 per cent of public schools at primary, elementary and secondary level, lack basic facilities like drinking water, 17 per cent had no roofs, 39 per cent were without drinking water, 62 per cent without electricity, 50 per cent without toilet facilities and 46 per cent did not have boundary wall.
However, he commended provincial political leadership for putting its foot forward to do the best for the sector. “We need to go extra miles, and the call is: education for all and by all,” he said, while hoping to actualise Millennium Development Goals.
Secretary Education Department (Schools) Muhammad Aslam Kamboh talked about the budgetary allocations, and wanted that these should be linked to the materialisation of the goals. He said the government was making appointments on merit, while handsome salaries were being offered to teachers.
Secretary General UNESCO Pakistan Muhammad Dawood said the largest illiterate population of Pakistan was in Punjab, while the problem was acute in Southern Punjab and rural areas. He also talked at length about ‘pulls and pushes of the influential’ causing damage to the sector, and impediments to legislation.
UNESCO’s Arshad Saeed Khan asserted that implementation for Article 25-A of the constitution – The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law – was linked to further provincial legislation of the Education Act and framing of rulers, but no province had achieved this. He further mentioned that 40 per cent children of poor parents did not go to school, and development of up-town schools versus improperly maintained public sector institutes was creating bifurcation in the system, which would ultimately lead to division in the society. “Hence equitable free standardised education should be available to all,” he demanding, while enlisting various parliamentary acts awaiting implementation after a passage of decades even. After elaborating various trends of non-enrolment and dropouts, he observed, “keeping these consistent trends in mind, unless exemplary steps are taken, only 70 per cent enrolment can be made possible by 2015.”

Pagaro’s grandson becomes Nawaz Sharif's disciple

2011-08-16T21:12:00.003+05:00

In one of the surprising moves, Grandson of Pir of Pagaro and son of Raja Sain, Umer Mustafa Shah Rashidi called on PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif here on Monday, and announced that he would join the N-League.
Rashidi reposed his confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, and also invited the PML-President to visit Sindh.

While accepting the invitation, Nawaz Sharif welcomed Rashidi to the N-League, and advised him to consider politics as an ‘ebadat’. “Involve yourself in honest politics, and in it lies the very survival of the country,” maintained the PML-N top leader.
Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was also present on the occasion.

Kalma Chowk flyover opened for Lahori’ites

2011-08-16T00:40:00.001+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said the Kalma Chowk flyover project has been completed in a record period of 135 days by working round the clock and this project is a shining example with regard to speed, quality and transparency.

“The flyover will be a model for the projects throughout the country and this culture will be promoted in the country, including Punjab. I have announced the gift of a splendid project to the citizens of the provincial metropolis on the occasion of Independence Day and, thanks God, flyover has been opened for traffic on the Day. The Kalma Chowk Flyover is a master piece of construction and by completing it in a record period, we have proved that if work is carried out with sincerity and dedication, there will be no hurdle. We will make the future of the country bright with same spirit and hard work,” he maintained, while addressing the ceremony held in connection with the inauguration of the Kalma Chowk flyover on Ferozepur Road on Sunday. Senior Advisor Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Ministers, MPAs, Quarter Master General, Director General NLC, officers of NESPAK and concerned departments as well as a large number of people attended the function.
The CM said we had set a new tradition in the world of construction as besides saving in the estimated cost, and timely completion of the project, night culture had been introduced in the world of construction. “This project is unique as for the first time in the history of the country, it has been completed in a record period by working day and night. Six months ago, the cost of this project had been estimated at Rs 2.30 billion, but despite increase in the prices of construction material during this period, an amount of Rs 300 million has been saved by completing the project at a cost of Rs 2 billion, for which officers and officials of the Communication and Works Department and the concerned contractor deserve appreciation,” he said, adding that best traveling facilities would be available to the people with the completion of the project while trade and economic activities would also be promoted. He mentioned that four lakh vehicles pass through the Chowk daily and sometimes people had to face difficulties and mental torture due to traffic jam and their precious time was also wasted. He said ambulances taking patients to the hospitals were also stuck up in the rush of traffic but after completion of this project people would get rid of these problems. “Misappropriation of funds, nepotism and corruption are rampant in the name of development projects in the past and Faisalabad-Sumundri Road, Hafizabad Pindi Bhattian Road, Lahore Kasur Gunda Singh Road, Thokar Niazbeg Defence Road, Thokher Niazbeg flyover and Lahore Ring Road are proof of this fact. These projects bespeak of poor planning, dishonesty and plunder of the former rulers. We have changed these graveyards of plunder into monuments of development. The Barkat Market underpass will be completed at a cost of Rs 100 million by September this year and the speed and quality of construction of the Kalma Chowk flyover will also be maintained in this project,” he asserted.
While paying rich tributes to the officers and workers who took part in the construction of Kalma Chowk Flyover and completing it in a record period, he said today was a historic day when a big project of public welfare had been completed in only 135 days. He announced cash prize of Rs 1.5 million for labourers, who took part in the construction work and directed to constitute a committee which would distribute this amount among the labourers in a transparent manner.
The CM said the performance of the officers working on this project was also excellent and he would give them his new shirts and ties as gift. In a lighter vein, he said, “giving shirts and ties does not mean that I have started wearing shalwar qameez.”

Present democracy fails to deliver: Nawaz

2011-08-16T00:30:00.000+05:00

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has said the present form of democracy has given nothing to the nation, but disrespect and disrepute, and vowed to continue his struggle for the prosperity of Pakistan.
In his address at a ceremony held in connection with the Independence Day at Hazoori Bagh on Saturday, the former prime minister said, “We got democracy, but what the present ruling coterie has given to us. Every Pakistani should be concerned at this (state of affairs).”
Speaking to a huge crowd of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and workers, he said no doubt that democracy was essential for the progress of the country, and “we will sacrifice everything for it, but we are sick of sham democracy.” He also said they would not let the sacrifices of the forefathers to go in vain, as he vowed to leave no stone unturned for the development of the country and fight against all the odds with the help of the people, and overcome all the internal and external challenges with the force of the masses.
“I remain concerned about my country and seeing your (workers’) enthusiasm I have a feeling in my heart that Pakistanis still have the same passion and spirit as was demonstrated in 1947. This can take the country forward, and is a must for saving Pakistan,” he hoped, adding that it pained him seeing today’s country. “I want to warn that it would be dangerous for us and if it continued, then what will be the future of Pakistan?” he questioned.
Nawaz Sharif came hard on the present rulers, and said the wrong policies of the present rulers had landed the country in an abyss, defaced it and derailed it from the path of progress, but his party would do whatever it took to realise the dream of a prosperous and progressive Pakistan. He vowed to end corruption, illiteracy, poverty and terrorism “since the PML-N had a track record of actualising its promises.” He substantiated his claim by mentioning 2008 general elections to get the judiciary restored after getting elected, and was done later on. “We struggled against Musharraf, but this democracy did not give us anything. They (implicitly referring to the PPP leaders) blackened their faces, and brought democracy ignominy,” he averred. He said he would not have come to the venue if Pakistan and democracy would have been progressing. “But I am here to change Pakistan’s destiny,” he vowed.
Nawaz Sharif was of the opinion that Pakistan was not created to remain under-developed and stay so, but as a prosperous nation. “We must reverse this trend of negativities. It is difficult but possible provided people are with us,” he said.
On this, he took oath from the present on the occasion, and party-workers across the country. He mentioned that he was seeking pledge for changing the destiny of Pakistan. He read out that he was making the Quaid and all people witness in front the Mazar-e-Iqbal under the shadow of the Badshahi Mosque that securing peace, justice, stability and prosperity was not impossible if impregnable 180 million people of Pakistan decided to unite, work hard, honestly and diligently and bravely. “We can put Pakistan on the road of prosperity, solidarity and self reliance,” he said, while asking the people to pledge on the 65th Independence Day that all would continue their efforts for protecting Pakistan’s ideology, materialise dreams of the martyrs and founders of Pakistan, counter corruption, nepotism, injustice and extremism with determination, ensure supremacy of law and the Constitution at any cost. “We will struggle for the elimination of poverty, ignorance, nepotism and terrorism besides actualising out duties towards defending our integrity. We will ensure equal rights among Pakistanis sans considering their cast, creed and colour. Also, we will not desist from giving sacrifices for protecting Pakistan against military dictators,” he took oath, while praying to the Almighty Allah to provide strength and perseverance.
MNA Khawaja Saad Rafique conducted the proceedings. A large of number parliamentarians and party office bearers including Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Malik Riaz, Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Arifa Khalid Pervaiz, Hafiz Noman and Dr Asif Kirmani.
On this occasion, Fateha was offered for the departed souls, who rendered services during the Pakistan movement.

63 Punjab officers given commendatory certificates

2011-08-16T00:24:00.000+05:00

An impressive ceremony was held on Independence Day on Sunday at the Civil Secretariat for awarding prizes and certificates to officers of various departments showing good performance.
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif gave away prizes and commendatory certificates to 63 officers.
The officers included: Dr Shujaat Ali Secretary Industries, Jawad Rafique Malik Commissioner Lahore Division, Captain (retd) Zahid Saeed Commissioner Rawalpindi, Saeed Iqbal Wahla Commissioner Gujranwala, Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad Commissioner Bahawalpur, Ahad Khan Cheema District Coordination Officer Lahore, Nabeel Ahmad Awan DCO Gujranwala, Captain (retd) Saqib Zafar DCO Rawalpindi, Dr Naeem Rauf DCO Bahawalpur, Waqas Ali Mahmood DCO Sahiwal, Nasir Rafiq Focal Person Model Bazar (Chief WTO), Muhammad Ilyas Secretary Regulations, Nawazish Ali DCO Gujrat, Nasim Sadiq DCO Faisalabad, Nadir Chatha Additional Collector Lahore, Musarrat Jabeen Additional Collector Kasur, Kiran Khurshid Additional Collector Sheikhupura, Talat Mahmood Additional Collector Rawalpindi, Muhammad Abid Khan Additional Collector Attock, Zahid Saleem Gondal, Deputy Secretary Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Captain (retd) Khalid Mahmood Assistant Commissioner Sadiqabad, Captain (retd) Abdul Sattar Isani Assistant Commissioner Sialkot, Tariq Manzoor Assistant Commissioner Mianchannu, Saif Anwar Jappa Assistant Commissioner Rawalpindi, Zahid Suhail Assistant Commissioner Chiniot, Sohail Habib Tajik District Police Officer Rahim Yar Khan, Sohail Zafar Chatha DPO Rajanpur, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi DPO Vehari, Dr. Muhammad Rizwan DPO Sargodha, Muhammad Afzal Virk SP Investigation Gujrat, Muhammad Younas Butt SP Sahiwal, Captain (retd) Liaqat Ali Malik Additional SP (Investigation) Civil Lines Lahore, Irfan Ullah Khan Additional SP Sheikhupura, Rashad Mehmood Sandhu DSP Sadar Faisalabad, Abdul Rasheed Inspector Rawalpindi, Muhammad Nazir Inspector Sargodha, Muhammad Zubair Chief Inspector Finance Department, Basit Mehmood District Accounts Officer Sahiwal, Late Abrar Sultan Chief Engineer C&W (Due to his invaluable services, he was recommended for posthumous award), Khayyam Qaiser Chief Engineer Highways South Zone, Hafiz Masood-ur-Rasool Chief Engineer Highways North Zone, Younas Aziz Additional Secretary Technical, Asrar-ul-Haq Chief SPRU Irrigation, Sh. Muhammad Nawaz Superintending Engineer Nilibar Canal Sahiwal, Bashir Ahmad Zahid Superintending Engineer Drainage Faisalabad, Habib Ullah Bodla XEN C&W, Ghulam Murtaza Executive Engineer Faisalabad, Shakeel Ahmad SDO Monitoring Faisalabad, Shakeel Ahmad SDO Bahawalpur, Khadim Hussain Sub Engineer Khanpur, Shaukat Ali Director General Punjab Housing & Town Planning, Muhammad Saleem Nasir Director Local Government Board, Moazzam Ali Janjua Additional Secretary Local Government, Waheed Ahmad Butt EDO Local Government Gujranwala, Javed Iqbal Sheikh Director Finance Local Government, Ashiq Dogar PHA Faisalabad, Muhammad Ashraf Janjua Additional Director General, Muhammad Aslam Khan Deputy Secretary Local Government, Raja Zaheer Deputy Director Local Government Rawalpindi, Ahmad Bakhsh Additional Director, Muhammad Yaqoob Technical Officer Shahkot, Shagufta Salamat Architect City Local Government Lahore and Muhammad Zaman Wattoo Assistant Director Local Government Lahore.
Addressing the function, the CM said the Punjab government had set a new tradition by holding a ceremony for the encouragement of competent and hard working officers. “This step,” he said, “will encourage civil servants showing good performance it will also motivate those public servants who have not been able to perform well in their respective fields due to some reason.”
He also said, “Pakistan was created after innumerable sacrifices under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah so that there would be supremacy of justice and everyone would have equal rights and opportunities to move forward.”
Earlier, Chief Secretary Nasir Mehmood Khosa in his vote of thanks said that a comprehensive system had been evolved for evaluating the performance of officers and Punjab government had set an example by holding a ceremony on Independence Day for encouragement of officers showing good performance.
Later, the CM gave away cash prize of Rs 50,000 and commendatory certificate to officers.

Pakistan can progress despite all hurdles

2011-08-16T00:20:00.000+05:00

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said only those nations survive in the world which face all challenges and problems courageously and accept their faults and mistakes and meet success through indiscriminate accountability.
“History is replete with such examples when the ruined nations adopted honesty and hard work and changed their failures and despairs into successes and achieved the goal of national progress and prosperity. In order to put the country on the road to development and prosperity and regain its lost status, there is a need to follow Quran and Uswa-e-Hasna (SAW) and show commitment and dedication. He said that all the four provinces will have to move ahead with a national thinking and steer the country out of the quagmire of problems. It is the time to promote national solidarity, remove economic disparities, check plunder of national resources and eliminate corruption,” he said, while addressing flag-hoisting ceremony in connection with Independence Day at the Hazoori Bagh here on Sunday. Senior Advisor Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Ministers, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, diplomats, government officers and a large number of people of various walks of life were present on the occasion.
Felicitating the people on the 64th Independence Day of the country, the CM said it was the day to salute the founders of Pakistan and martyrs of Pakistan Movement on their heroic struggle and supreme sacrifices, and it was the day to pay tributes to those mothers and sisters as well as lakhs of Muslims, who were forced to leave their hearths and homes and migrate with the hopes of a better tomorrow. “The forefathers of the nation rendered sacrifices for such a homeland where there will be justice, equal rights and opportunities of progress and the new country will be a land of love, brotherhood and sacrifice. But, unfortunately despite a lapse of 63 years, Pakistan has not become such a country as had been envisioned by its founders. Though Pakistan met some successes during the last 64 years the biggest of which is its becoming a nuclear power due to the efforts of its scientists and determination of various governments but the list of its failures is very long,” he said, adding that no doubt Pakistan was facing such serious issues as energy crisis, price-hike, lawlessness, terrorism and corruption but history was witness to the fact that some nations faced even worst situation but achieved the pinnacle of progress though honesty and hard work. “The Pakistani nation by adopting Uswa-e-Hasna (SAW) can also achieve the goal of progress and development and materialise the dreams of the founders of the country. Begging bowl and nuclear capability cannot go together and in order to achieve respect and move forward it is necessary to get rid of the begging bowl,” he maintained.
Earlier, the CM visited the Mazar of the Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal and laid a floral wreath. He also offered Fateha at the Mazar as well as recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.
A smartly turned-out contingent of scouts presented salute to the CM who also hoisted the national flag at the Hazoori Bagh. Children presented national songs which were highly appreciated by the participants of the ceremony. The CM went to the children who presented national songs, encouraged them and also got photographed with them.

Nawaz Sharif for bold steps against terrorism

2011-08-15T00:45:00.003+05:00

President Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said we have to make collective efforts for restoring the lost image of the country throughout the world, and we will have to take bold stance for eliminating terrorism by leaving apathy so that the true image of Pakistan could be revived.
Nawaz Sharif pledged that we would play our role for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan sincerely and would not hesitate for rendering any sacrifice. He said Pakistan was the best gift of the Quaid-e-Azam and we had to come forward for changing its destination. “The present government has spared no effort for maligning the image of the country and the outsiders “aghyar” took full benefit of it and imposed wrong policies on Pakistan. Time has come that the dignity of the country could be enhanced. It is only possible if we respect the judiciary, abide by the law, through national unity and the outsiders should not be allowed to become the part our foreign policy,” he said, adding that the country was very beautiful and we had to eliminate the blot of terrorism through the beautiful colours of photographs.