TOP NEWS: Quaid's birth anniversary celebrated with gaiety
KARACHI: The birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was celebrated on Tuesday in a befitting manner.
The government declared a public holiday on this very occasion.
The day began with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people.
'Quran Khawani' was arranged at the premises of the mausoleum of the Quaid.
A change of guard ceremony was held at the Mazar of the Father of the Nation.
A smartly turned out contingent of the cadets from the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, performed the change of guard ceremony at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam.
The PMA Kakul has the singular honour of being the only military institution designated as 'Quaid-i-Own' by the Father of the Nation himself.
Quaid-i-Azam was the first and the only Colonel-in-Chief of the PMA Kakul.
The representatives of the three services also visited the mausoleum and offered 'Fateha' and laid floral wreath.
Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan, Caretaker Chief Minister, Justice (Retd) Abdul Qadir Halepota, and the members of the provincial cabinet visited the Mazar to pay homage to the Father of the Nation.
The National Museum of Pakistan is organizing a special exhibition to display the relics, historical documents, portraits and photographs pertaining to Quaid-i-Azam.
The exhibition will remain open till the end of December from 10 a.m. to five p.m. daily except Wednesday.
Political and social organizations have also chalked out programmes to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Founder of Pakistan.
GREAT people celebrate birthdays or observe death anniversaries of the Fathers of their nations not merely by pompous display of festivities but by strictly following the precepts and guidelines left by their founding fathers in letter and spirit.
On Quaid's 131st birthday anniversary, the soul of the Quaid would be restful with satisfaction to see the democracy surfacing in the country. The Quaid was a democrat, both in thought and action. No dictator in modem history has been more powerful than the Quaid whose word was law for his followers. But he never acted like a dictator. He derived his power from the people to whom he always considered himself accountable. At a time he was offered life presidentship of the All India Muslim League. He refused by saying that he would like to come before the Muslim League Council every year and get himself elected its president on the strength of his performance.
Prof Stanley Wolpret in his book 'Jinnah of Pakistan' says:
'Few individuals significantly alter the course of history.
Fewer still modify the map of the world.
Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.'
Jinnah had a firm faith in the democratic system of Government and throughout his life he continued to adhere scrupulousy to the democratic norms. Muslim League activist had assembled at a Muslim League General Council meeting under his presidentship. He invited participants to express their views. The councillors said "You are our leaders, you order and we-will follow." The Quaid said what was fun of assembling people from every nook and comer of the country. If he was to order, he would have issued a statement in the press.
It was through the democratic process that he was able to spearhead the Muslim freedom movement. This was one of the biggest mass movement in the history of All India Muslim League. Later as Governor-General of Pakistan he acted strictly in accordance with, universally accepted rules of business. Such was his stature and so commanding was his hold over the Muslim rank and life that an ordinary man would have turned autocratic in attitude and dealings but not so the Quaid. He was a constitutionalist.
When he was Governor-General Pakistan Government placed an order for purchase of an aeroplane for his travelling. The plane construction company suggested that certain additional accessories would enable the Governor-General to work while flying. The Governor staff accepted the proposal. When the file went to the Finance Ministry the Finance Minister observed that prior approval should have been sought from his Ministry. The Government had no funds for the additional accessories. The Quaid agreed with the Finance Minister and cancelled the order.
The Quaid would not deviate from the path of constitutional procedure even if it meant a delay in the achievement of his goal. He was in a position to take decision on his own but he never did so and always sought the approval of the Muslim League Working Committee. On the eve of independence British Viceroy sought an instant reply and threatened that otherwise he would not get Pakistan. The Quaid replied that he would answer only after the concurrence of the Muslim League Working Committee. Pakistan was achieved through the democratic process and it can progress only by pursuing the path of democracy.
Now that democracy has returned to Pakistan it is appropriate that we pledge afresh to follow the Quaid's views to strengthen the roots of democracy in Pakistan.
Principle on which the Quaid laid great emphasis in his practice as well in pronouncements was that of democracy. Quaid-i-Azam in his presidential address at the session of the All India Muslim League in Delhi on April 24, 1943 envisioned the Government of Pakistan in the words: " I have no doubt in my mind, that a large body of us visualise Pakistan as the people's Government. Either you seize it by force or get it by agreement. You will elect your representatives to the constitution making body. You may not know how to use it This would be your fault. But I am sure, democracy is in our blood, It is in our marrow. Only centuries of adverse circumstances have made the circulation of that blood cold. It has got frozen and your arteries are not fimctioning. But thank God, the blood arculating again. Thanks to the Muslim League's effort. It will be a people's Government."
For the Quaid, democracy and Supremacy of people's will was the paramount political philosophy. It was through democratic process that Quaid-i-Azam guided the Pakistan movement and rallied 90 million Muslims of the sub-continent round the motto of "Unity, Faith and Discipline." It was the democratic and dynamic leadership of the Quaid, that a large number of Muslims were united under one banner and at his beck and call. At a public meeting on March 21, 1948, the Quaid said:
"The Government can only have for its aim one objective-how to serve people, how to devise ways and means of their welfare, for their betterment What other object can the Government have and remember now, it is in your hands to put the Government in power. But you should not do it by mob methods. You have the power. You must learn the art to use it. Constitutionally it is in your hands to upset our Government and put other Government in power if you are dissatisfied to such an extent
The Quaid-i-Azam was a great exponent of social justice. In this speech at Delhi, about capitalism and vicious designs of landlords who flourished at the expense of the common man, he said:
"Here I should like to give a warning to land lords and capitalists who flourished at our expense by a system which is so wicked, which is so vicious and which makes them selfish,, that it is 'difficult to reason with them. The exploitation of masses have gone into their blood. They have forgotten the lesson of Islam. Greed and selfishness have overpowered 'them. A lot of mischief is created. Is going to bit an Islamic State? Is it not a cause of begging a question? Is it not a case of passing vote of censure on yourself? The constitution of the government will be what the people will decide."
The Quaid was all for welfare of the masses. In his address to the Constituent Assembly at Karachi on August 11, 1947 he said:
"Now I want to make this State of Pakistan happy and prosperous and we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people and specially of the masses and the poor."
After the establishment of Pakistan,, the Quaid refused to continue as the President of the Muslim League because as, the head of State he could not function as the head of a political party. Combining the two offices in one person, he considered it was violation of the democratic principles.
The Quaid was a great champion of the freedom of the press and advocate of civil liberties. He always played the game of politics according to the established rules of democracy. He was indeed democracy personified.
The Quaid could give to his countrymen a constitution on his own which would have been accepted without any hesitation but he left it to the elected representatives of the people of Pakistan to frame their own constitution. It was Quaid-i-Azam's democratic temperament which did not like to dictate the Constitution he would have liked.
In a broadcast talk to the people of the United States of America in February, 1948, the Quaid said: "The constitution of Pakistan has yet to be Framed by the Pakistan's constituent Assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of the constitution is going to be, but I
am sure it win be a democratic constitution embodying the essential principle of Islam, as Islam and its idealism has taught us democracy." In February, 1948, at the Sibbi Darbar, Quaid-i-Azam reiterated his belief that our salvation lies in following the golden conduct set before us by our great law giver the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW). Let us lay the foundation of our democracy on the basis of Islamic ideals and principles. The breakup of East Pakistan in 1971 was the result of deviating from the democratic path. The absence of democracy had led to widespread sense of alienation among the very people who had struggled so hard for the creation of Pakistan.
Political instability started right after the early death of the Quaid. May be if he had survived for a few more years, Pakistan would be more politically strong and stable in the democratic form of government.
A befitting tribute has been paid to the Quaid by Mr. Lansrence Zining , Professor of Political science in Western Michigan University (NSA) in his article, "Quaid the indormittable democrat", he said, " Jinnah had to overcome the British. He had to overcome Hindu dominated Congress Party. The burden of leadership hung very heavy on that thin and tall frame. He was very successful in his contest with the British. He was most successful in his contest with the Hindus, the only man to defeat Gandhi." Now that democracy has returned let us pledge not to derail it again.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE QUAID
Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born on 25th December 1876 at Vazeer Mansion Karachi, was the first of seven children of Jinnahbhai, a prosperous merchant. After being taught at home, Jinnah was sent to the Sindh Madrasasah High School in 1887. Later he attended the Mission High School, where, at the age of 16, he passed the matriculation examination of the University of Bombay. On the advice of an English friend, his father decided to send him to England to acquire business experience. Jinnah, however, had made up his mind to become a barrister. In keeping with the custom of the time, his parents arranged for an early for him before he left for England.
In London he joined Lincoln's Inn, one of the legal societies that prepared students for the bar. In 1895, at the age of 19, he was called to the bar. While in London, Jinnah suffered two severe bereavements-the deaths of his wife and his mother. Nevertheless, he completed his formal studies and also made a study of the British political system, frequently visiting the House of Commons. He was greatly influenced by the liberalism of William E. Gladstone, who had become prime minister for the fourth time in 1892, the year of Jinnah's arrival in London. Jinnah also took a keen interest in the affairs of India and in Indian students. When the Parsi leader Dadabhai Naoroji, a leading Indian nationalist, ran for the English Parliament, Jinnah and other Indian students worked day and night for him. Their efforts were crowned with success, and Naoroji became the first Indian to sit in the House of Commons. When Jinnah returned to Karachi in 1896, he found that his father's business had suffered losses and that he now had to depend on himself. He decided to start his legal practice in Bombay, but it took him years of work to establish himself as a lawyer. Pakistan thus emerged as an independent state in 14th August, 1947. Jinnah became the first head of the new state i.e. Pakistan. He took oath as the first governor general on August 15, 1947. Faced with the serious problems of a young nation, he tackled Pakistan's problems with authority. He was not regarded as merely the governor-general; he was revered as the father of the nation. He worked hard until overpowered by age and disease in Karachi. He died on 11th of September, 1948 at Karachi.?
Modern Gulmarg auditorium on anvil
Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister Muzzafar Hussain Baig has said that the government is committed to bring more unexplored areas of Jammu and Kashmir on the tourist map in order to give a major boost to the tourism industry
The Deputy Chief Minister was interacting with media persons after inaugurating the three- day long Snow Festival at Gulmarg today.
Baig said the state government has already established 19 Tourism Development Authorities, 12 of which are funded by the central government and 7 by the state government. He said establishment of these development authorities has resulted in accelerated development of these areas resulting in increase of tourist traffic. He further added that these authorities will help in building the tourism infrastructure which will result in more tourists visiting these areas and thereby increasing the tourist inflow besides helping in increasing the economic development of the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir has tremendous potential of attracting both domestic and international tourists and consequently the government has divided the tourism sector into heritage, religious, business and adventure tourism segments. He said the government has set up various avenues in adventure tourism which include upgradation of infrastructure at Gulmarg, installation of ski-lift at Kangdoori, import of Ski equipment, holding of 5th National Winter Games in Gulmarg and holding of Federation of Skiing approved race in Gulmarg from the first week of March next.
Regarding promotion of Water Sports, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government will set-up Water Sports Centre at Nigeen, procuring equipment like high speed boats, tents, rafts etc and organizing rafting at Pahalgam, Ladakh, Sonamarg and Gurez. He said National Rafting Championship was also held in Leh this year, which also resulted in attracting adventure tourists.
Referring to the development of Golf, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government has upgraded the Pahalgam Golf Course to 18 holes and measures are underway to make the Gulmarg Golf Course a world class a circuit.
The Deputy Chief Minister said steps have also been undertaken for improvement of infrastructure at pilgrim spots and renovation of pilgrim sites, which will be helpful in giving pilgrim tourism a big boost. He said tourist villages are also being developed in selected areas in confirmation of guidelines of eco-tourism. He said conservation of local environment will also be taken into consideration and locals will be involved in these ventures so that the local economy also gets a boost.
Regarding heritage tourism, Baigh said renovation of Aali Masjid, illumination of Hari Parbat fort and Pari Mahal has also been done. He said the government contemplates to develop Parihaspora Budhist circuit from Harwan to Ushkura which will again lead to a major attraction to the tourists all over the world.
Baigh said the Tourism department will also utilize various media sources like publishing advertisements in newspapers and magazines, production and distribution of publicity material, telecast of promos on national and international channels and participate in travel marts within the country and abroad (World Travel Mart London, ITB Berlin, Arabian Travel Mart, Dubai, Behrein International Travel Exposition). The government will also organize familiarization tours for media and members of travel trade from New Delhi, Kolkatta, UK and New Zealand. He said in order to bring Jammu and Kashmir on the international tourist circuit vis-à-vis infrastructure, the government will also rope in certain international consultancy agencies so that the tourists visiting this part of the globe do not feel any lacunae regarding the facilities provided.
The Deputy Chief Minister also released a brochure of festivals of Jammu and Kashmir and a calendar of winter festival.
Member Legislative Assembly Sartaj Madani, Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda , DDC, Baramulla, Baseer Ahmad Khan Director Tourism Kashmir Farooq Ahmad Shah, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority Farooq Ahmad Lone and other senior officers were present on this occasion.
The Deputy Chief Minister also witnessed a cultural programme organized by Department of Tourism last night in which some of the leading artists of the state performed.
While addressing the gathering on the occasion and quoting a historical incident which had evoked a strong resentment from the then ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaj Hari Singh when a king of a neighboring state had passed a derogatory remark against a artist of the state, the Deputy Chief Minister said that we should take performing arts as an esthetic endeavor rather than a recreational one. He said we should always encourage artists so that they give out their best performances.
The Deputy Chief Minister evinced interest in performance of a particular artist saying youth of the state should imbibe the qualities of virtue in them. He said the girls should imbibe the virtue of Hazreth Fatima (RA) in them and they should not be discriminated against in any sphere of life.
Reacting to the demands of the artists regarding the building of an auditorium at Gulmarg, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government will construct a state-of-art auditorium there which will have all the modern amenities.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced a cash award to the performing artists.
EDITORIAL: Deadline set at 2009
It is heartening that the world climate negotiators have set a 2009 deadline for a landmark treaty to fight global warming. U N secretary General Ban Kimoon, who flew to the Indonesian island of Bali for a late appeal for flexibility and praised the deal as a pivotal first step to confront climate change. The conference of 190 nations finally launched a process to negotiate a new treaty for when the U N Kyoto protocol’s commitments expire in 2012. It comes after a year of stark warnings from Nobel-winning scientists, who say millions of people will be at risk of hunger, homelessness and disease by 2100 if temperatures keep rising at current rates. Stress is laid on the world’s developed and developing countries to cut back their emissions to prevent what could be a catastrophic rise in temperatures. The Bali talks would inspire environmentalists and activist nations until the end of Bush" mandate in January 2009.
It is worth mentioning that global warming refers to an increase in average global temperatures, which in turn causes climate change. The climate change refers to changes in seasonal temperatures, precipitation, wind and humidity for a given area. It can involve cooling or warming. The industrial revolution has given rise to global temperatures. The scientists opine that most of the increase is due to human economic activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities contribute to a build-up in carbon dioxide and other gases in Earth’s atmosphere.
It is to be remained that our atmosphere is made up of gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapour, which act like a blanket draped around the planet. Some of these gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane absorb heat, reducing the amount that escapes to space and increases global temperatures. This is what is called the greenhouse effect and these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases. If the blanket were to become too thick, Earth would be uninhabitable.
It was in this background that a treaty was negotiated in Kyoto japan in December 1997, opened for signatures on March 16, 1998 and closed on March 15, 1999. The agreement came into force on February 16, 2005 following ratification by Russia. Later 164 countries ratified the agreement. Notable exceptions include the United States of America and Australia. Now U S has agreed to reduce the emissions.
As a matter of fact, all the countries of the world must realize the gravity of the situation. If our environment is safe and harmless, the better for the humanity. If all environmentalists and well-thinking people launch a drive and remain engaged in sustained campaign against greenhouse gases, the day shell not be for off when this mother earth will be safe not only for humans but other species too. What will be the use of factories, discharging harmful gases, If these turn our planet uninhabitable. Allah has provided us safe environmental but It is only human interference that turns the plate. It is the human specie that has destroyed green wealth, precipitated siltation of water bodies and thus aggravated flood conditions. Thus we have turned an advantageous and favourable set-up into the most disadvantageous and unfavorable one.
WE THE PEOPLE
Despite Govt’s ban, above 192 private clinics have become absolute mint for docs in Kashmir
Hence people demand ruthless drive against them to improve patient-care in Govt hospitals
ISHFAQ AHMAD
SRINAGAR: Since J&K Government often makes promises and dishes out announcements about higher priority given to health sector, so it provides an extra interest to watch developments and conditions of the Health Department. Leaving aside the issue of infrastructure of the hospitals, if one takes a casual look on the present scenario about how well the patients of the valley are being treated in the hospitals then one gets disappointed. A doctor who should examine the patient in the hospital is always in hurry in the hospital and rush to the private clinic as the patients there might be waiting in queues.
The State Govt has imposed ban on the private practice of doctors, especially those working in the SKIMS but still one can see a mammoth number of private clinics in every nook and corner of both Srinagar city and other districts of the Valley being attended by such docs. The only job of these private clinics, people say, is to fleece the poor patients in the name of treatment. “There is no need to visit a doctor at his private clinic if the same is available in a particular hospital at the peak hours, instead the doctors are in hurry to close their shifts in hospitals and open the shutters of the clinics”, lament the sufferers in different hospitals of the valley.
“I am committed to ensure that SKIMS is a non-practicing institute and will give optimum time to check out the lacunae, if any. In this regard”, says Director SKIMS, Dr.Ab.Hamid Zargar. The menace of private practice by doctors of the valley is going like the one of coaching centers as they can be seen after every kilometer or so. Everywhere one can see hoardings and advertisements indicating addresses and the qualifications of the doctors and inviting patients to pay a visit. Poor patients having no way than to try their luck by visiting the doctors at these places but ultimately nothing comes out as the medicines they prescribe are either of low standard or the diagnosis are appropriate. And if both these requirements are fulfilled then the prescription fee is much higher and the rush towards such doctors is too high.
There is no regular check on the running of private clinics and looting the patients. Doctors on their own set the prescription fee and compel the patients to pay such hefty sums. Besides there is now a tendency that surgical operations are also carried out at private clinics which are not less than slaughterhouses. The machinery and the equipment available in the govt. hospitals are not up to the mark, which propels the flow of the patients to the private clinics with the hope for better treatment. “We came over here in the hope that our patients will get a better surgical treatment, but now it seems pretty difficult as there is no good surgeon available in this hospital”, said a dejected father of a heart patient at SMHS Hospital. This clears the doubt about the availability of well-trained technical staff in Valley’s Hospitals.
“There is nothing bad in doctor’s practicing besides their regular duties in hospitals. The only thing to be kept in mind is that it should be before and after the duty hours and a regular watch about the fee and facilities is to be arranged”, says an attendant in SKIMS. “The availability of doctors at different places is always a facility for people but the only thing that makes this practice doubtful is the recognition of doctors practicing by the due authorities and the fee charged”, he adds.
There are about 192 private clinics in Srinagar City alone where doctors of different streams invite people and offer them treatment of various ailments. Prominent among them being gastro-enterologists bones and joints specialists, ENT’s, heart specialists, chest disease specialists’ etc. Their business is thriving like anything and these doctors have earned such fame and name that their absence is not felt in the hospitals as they are more known for their work in their clinics. Add to this the medicines these doctors prescribe are also from the companies which allegedly provide baits to these doctors so that they help them to sell their medicines.
Private practice by doctors is an issue to be dealt with extra care in J&K as the hospitals is not in a position to accommodate the ailing population. But people want strict rules and regulations to be made and allow the doctors to cure patients with due care. At the same time these clinics should not be allowed to become fleecing and business centers and the fame of the noble profession should be maintained.
IMPRESSION: Emissions: A map without proper roads
Dear Sir,
In a series of pivotal reports this year, a U.N. network of climate and other scientists warned of severe consequences - from rising seas, droughts, severe weather, species extinction and other effects - without sharp cutbacks in emissions of the industrial, transportation and agricultural gases blamed for global warming. To avoid the worst, the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said, emissions should be reduced by 25 percent to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and the need for emissions to peak in the next 10-15 years. The Panel also acknowledged the need to strengthen existing commitments and enhance their implementation, especially with regard to developing countries. They said that greenhouse and other heat-trapping gases should be reduced at least by half by 2050. Hence the Bali Conclave on Climate change.
Two weeks of annual UN international Climate Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, on 3-14 December, took place at the Bali International Convention Centre and brought representatives of over 190 countries together with observers from intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, and the media. Some fifteen thousand people (including two from Oil Change) were in Bali for the Conference. This year's meeting was the largest ever. It was seen as the most important in years as delegates are under pressure to deliver a new post-Kyoto global agreement on how to cut rising greenhouse emissions beyond 2012. The summit sought a breakthrough in the form of a roadmap for a future international agreement on enhanced global action to fight climate change in the period after 2012, the year the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires. The main goal of the Bali Conference is threefold: to launch negotiations on a climate change deal for the post-2012 period, to set the agenda for these negotiations and to reach agreement on when these negotiations concluded.
The United States is the only major industrial nation to reject Kyoto. For years, the rest of the world has sought to bring the Americans into the framework of international mandates. The Bush administration instead favors a voluntary approach - each country deciding how it can contribute - over internationally negotiated and legally binding commitments. The European Union had threatened to withdraw from separate U.S.-led climate talks if Bali did not endorse the numbers. President Bush started those talks at the White in September, seeking pledges from 16 other nations to curtail greenhouse gases according to their own formula. Russia was now arguing against the target range. Russia, Japan and Canada have often sided with Washington at these talks. Japan, Canada and Russia backed the US line, with Australia's new government, which ratified Kyoto as its first act in office, yet to clarify its stance.
Nearly 200 nations agreed at U.N.-led talks in Bali on Saturday to launch negotiations on a new pact to fight global warming after a reversal by the United States allowed a breakthrough. Washington said the agreement marked a new chapter in climate diplomacy after six years of disputes with major allies. "This is the defining moment for me and my mandate as secretary-general," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said after making a return trip to Bali to implore delegates to overcome deadlock after the talks ran a day into overtime. UN chief applauded spirit of flexibility and compromise applied in the summit. A successor pact will be agreed at a meeting Copenhagen in late 2009. The deal after two weeks of talks came when the United States dramatically dropped opposition to a proposal by the main developing-nation bloc, the G77, for rich nations to do more to help the developing world fight rising greenhouse emissions. The United States is the leading greenhouse gas emitter, ahead of China, Russia and India.
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The United States is against any move that, it suspects, would haul it down the path toward Kyoto-style emissions curbs. Trying to break the deadlock, Indonesia's Environment Minister Witoelar - the conference president - later proposed revised language dropping those mid-range numbers, but still reaffirming that emissions should be reduced at least by half by 2050. His proposal gave the two sides room to work out the long-expected compromise, producing a relatively vague mandate for two years of negotiations. The U.N. climate chief, Yvo de Boer, told reporters the mid-range 25-to-40 percent was implicit - "an inevitable stop on that road" - in the 50 percent goal for mid-century. The task before the annual assembly was to launch negotiations for a regime of deeper emissions reductions to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which requires 37 industrial nations to cut output of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The nations should not dilute their commitment to take steps to stop global warming.
Thank You
Yours Sincerely,
DR.ABDUL RUFF Colachal
Delhi
NATIONAL:
India to expand trade tides with Pak
New Delhi: India is contemplating pruning the sensitive list to expand trade with Pakistan. Government officials said that two most important items which Pakistan has an export interest are textiles and agricultural products. An Indian Council for Research in International Economic Relations (ICRIER) study observed that Pakistani exporters feel that India rigorously applies import restrictions in these two categories.
India has 884 items under the sensitive list, while Pakistan has 1,183 items. Officials said that Pakistani trade negotiators have argued that India has a larger proportion of items in the list compared to Pakistan in key sectors such as textiles and agricultural products, a fact brought out by the ICRIER study.
India has 20 per cent of the items in the sensitive list in the agriculture sector and 34 per cent in textile products. The corresponding figures for Pakistan in the two sectors are 4 per cent and 24 per cent respectively, the study said.
Pakistani industry and policy makers have been voicing concerns about India's protected market and feel that India imposes non-tariff barriers that restrict market access of Pakistani goods into India. As a result, the trade balance continues to be in India's favour even though Pakistan follows a positive list approach.
In August, both countries took a host of measures to improve trade relations and set a $10-billion bilateral trade target by 2010.
India has given Pakistan a list of 484 tariff lines for inclusion in Pakistan's positive list of items importable from India, and has asked Pakistan to submit a list of the 20 items that might be facing non-tariff barriers.
Indian trade officials, however, maintained that a positive list policy is in gross violation of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). The expansion of the positive list is done in consultation with industry bodies, though no clear criterion is applied to determine these items.
"There continue to be products that are of trade interest but have not been included in the positive list so far. This was indicated by the fact that in the recent expansion of the positive list by 302 items, only 2 appeared in the top 50 items that were of export interest to India and of import interest to Pakistan," an official said.
INTERNATIONAL
Oppn asked to provide evidence
Islamabad: Pakistan's caretaker government on Tuesday dismissed allegations by opposition leaders about the rigging of the January 8 general election, saying they should provide evidence to back up their claims.
Information Minister Nisar Memon said the interim government believes that the political parties and candidates should work together to create an atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and transparent polls.
Dismissing apprehensions of pre-poll rigging expressed by some political leaders, Memon said in a statement that the "unfortunate culture of questioning the electoral process has become a custom in our country".
Former Premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have alleged that the government would indulge in massive rigging to benefit the ruling PML-Q party which backs President Pervez Musharraf.
Bhutto has also demanded the suspension of local governments and mayors and the reconstitution of the Election Commission and the caretaker government.
But Memon said: "It will be appreciated if evidence is provided to the government about the authority or the officials allegedly involved in subverting the caretaker government's commitment to hold free, fair and transparent elections. Mere levelling of accusations would serve no purpose."
The government, he said, would welcome suggestions from political parties and proof of "anything that is contrary to the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission".
Memon noted that even "political leaders who have been in the government in the past have been questioning the fairness of the elections."
It is "imperative... that political leaders rise above their political interests and refrain from vitiating the congenial atmosphere as free and fair elections on January 8 will advance the national goal of a moderate, democratic and progressive Pakistan," he said.
"Elections on January 8 are in the offing. It has generated interest in the common man to change his or her destiny. But the smear campaign against the electoral process may confuse the common man," he said.
HOME
PDP accuses NC of proximity with Modi
SRINAGAR: Senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Tariq Hameed Karra today said National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah distinguishing Narendra Modi's Gujarat win as the mandate for an able administrator has exposed the opposition party's unseen proximity with the Sangh Parivar.
Abdullah couldn't hide his excitement over Modi's victory and went a step ahead by projecting him as a potent prime ministerial candidate, Karra said addressing a public meeting at Parimpora on the outskirts of the city.
"I am surprised by Abdullah's proclamation regarding Modi, as the NC leadership has been apologising to the people in Kashmir for the party's alliance with the then NDA regime, the state Finance Minister said.
After desperately hob-nobbing with the Congress for sometime and abruptly ending the brief honeymoon with the third front led by Mulayam Singh Yadav, Abdullah has finally landed up where his heart is - the Sangh Parivar, Karra said.
He said Abdullah had even defended Modi for his dubious role in post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002 by saying that Modi did what was needed administratively to manage the volatile situation in his state.
Abdullah's recent applaud for Modi have now cleared all the doubts regarding his party's political designs. They have once again started sending gracious signals to the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) after sensing a change of political discourse at centre, the state minister said.
He said the NC leadership once again stands exposed before the people of the state for its power-hungry designs and it can go to any extent to realise that ambition.
Karra said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have seen all the changing colours of the NC leadership and their desperate attempts to grab power at the cost of not only their own dignity, but that of the people of the state as well.
It is now clear that while for the NC leaders the Sangh ideology is close to their heart, they are shedding crocodile tears in Kashmir over the human rights violations in a desperate bid of emotional blackmail, he said.
The NC must realise that it stands unmasked before the people and its politics of deceit is not going to break ice with the public now who are emancipated enough to see through the party's designs, he added.
The finance minister said it is an irony that once a premier political party in the state, the NC has not only failed on the political and administrative fronts while in the government, but has also failed miserably to play the role of a responsive and responsible opposition.
They are still desperately hunting for an opportunity to see PDP out of the government so that they can get in, Karra said.
`K-conflict takes toll on mental health’
Srinagar: Tahira Begum is one of hundreds of Kashmir's so-called 'half widows,' a term used to describe women whose husbands have disappeared, after being picked up by state security agencies.
Begum's husband has been missing since 2002.
She sews clothes to feed her three children. Like many caught in Kashmir's conflict, Begun depends on pills to battle depression and related disorders.
"I cannot see too much of joy or sorrow. I just faint. Like at marriage ceremonies or at mourning. I was at a marriage ceremony last week, and as the women were singing, my teeth chattered and I fainted," she said.
Indian-controlled Kashmir has suffered an armed rebellion by Muslim militants since 1989. In the years since, hospitals say they have seen rising numbers of patients needing psychiatric help.
Arshad Hussain is a psychiatrist at the only psychiatric hospital in Srinagar, the summer capital of the region.
"Prior to '90, this hospital used to cater around 1,800 to 2,000 patients per year. And, last year, this hospital saw around 60,000 patients," said Hussain.
Hussain says that most of the increase, though not all, is related to the conflict.
Some patients, like Tahira Begum, suffer depression. But there are other problems.
"We have a disease called post traumatic stress disorder, which was absolutely not present prior to the conflict. We have [a] rise in substance abuse, a lot of it can be attributed to conflict. We have many cases of depression," said Begum.
Post-traumatic stress often is linked to incidents in which a person suffers injury or attack, experiences great fear, or witnesses extreme violence.
Hussain explains what they suffer.
"They start re-experiencing this event in the dreams, day-to-day life," said Hussain. "There are sometimes vivid images, which move in front of them. And then, the second complex thing that happens to them is avoidance. Then they are always in a state of hyper-arousal."
On the border between India and Pakistan, Kashmir is claimed by both countries, with control divided between the two. Nearly 70,000 people have died in the insurgency, and around 8,000 have disappeared, many taken in custody by state security agencies.
Both Indian troops and militants have been accused of human rights abuses in the region.
In the past few years, India and Pakistan have improved relations, after nearly going to war in 2002. Still, they have made little progress in resolving their dispute over Kashmir, which has been the cause of two of the three wars the two countries have fought.
While the governments negotiate, doctors such as Hussain say, mental health problems will continue to rise among those trapped in the conflict.
Drive against T- smuggling on cards
Srinagar: Minister for Forests and Environment Qazi Mohammad Afzal today announced that the Reporting Centre of Forest Protection Force (FPF) at Chadoora in Budgam district would be made fully functional soon to curb timber smuggling and ensure protection of forest wealth.
Chairman, Legislative Council Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoura, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Abdul Razak, Conservator of Forests Mr. Jan and other senior officers of the FPF and Forest Department attended the meeting.
Decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Minister held to review the functioning of FPF in the valley.
The Minister directed the Joint Director, FPF to immediately initiate necessary measures in this regard.
It was informed that the Forest department has earned a revenue of about Rs. 19 lakh through sale of timber in the Budgam district during the current fiscal so far. About 56000 cft of timber have been dumped in the sale depots out of a fixed target of 66000 cft of timber in the Budgam division. This includes 5000 cft of dumping timber in Chrar-i-Sharief constituency alone.
The Minister directed the officials to ensure that the targets are achieved in full well in time. He asked them to release timber to the consumers by the end of coming January. He stressed for further intensifying the efforts to curb timber smuggling which has caused enough damage to the forests.
BRIEF NEWS
Fire exchanged
Srinagar: According to QNS, security personnel clashed and exchanged fire with militants at the residence of a political activist at Machama Shopian today. The firing was on when last reports came in.
Maruti car stolen
Srinagar: According to QNS, a maruti car bearing No. JK05-6939 was lifted from SKIMS Soura today. A case was registered in this connection with concerned police station. Further details are awaited.
206 Hajjis arrive
Srinagar: The first batch of 206 Hajjis arrived today at Srinagar Airport from Jeddah in a special Hajj flight after performing the holy pilgrimage. The Hajjis were received at the Airport by Minister for Hajj and Auqaf Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed.
Additional Commissioner Kashmir, District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Director Airport, SSP Budgam, SSP Airport and senior functionaries of the administration were present on the occasion.
The Hajjis expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the government during their stay in the holy land and said they prayed for peace and prosperity of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Power shut -down
Srinagar: According to Executive Engineer, Transmission Line Maintenance division-I, shut down of 220 KV DC Barn-Kishenpur Transmission line, the various 400/220 KV transmission lines, crossing the alignment of the said line including 400 KV Kishenpur-Wagoora Transmission Line shall be under shutdown from December 27 to 30, 2007 between 8 am to 6 pm. As such, the power supply to the entire valley shall remain affected during the shutdown period.
Governor happy
New Delhi: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S. K. Sinha has congratulated Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda for successful operation and release of hostages held by terrorists in a mosque in Kulgam
In a message to the Police Chief, Governor appreciated the restraint by the forces in dealing with the situation and maintaining the sanctity of the mosque.
This is in sharp contrast with the sacrilegious act by a suicide bomber in a mosque in Sherpao village of Charsadda district in North Western area in Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Eid in which unfortunately 54 persons were killed, the Governor added.
Panic grips
Srinagar: According to QNS, panic gripped the people at the crowded general bus stand here when gunmen hurled a hand grenade on security forces this afternoon.
However, it did not explode, but the entire area was immediately sealed and hundreds of people, including shopkeepers, customers and passers-by evacuated to safer places. Traffic from both sides on the busy road was stopped and vehicles diverted. Later, the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) defused the live grenade without causing any damage.
Three killed
SRINAGAR: Police claimed to have rescued all the five civilians held captive by militants inside a mosque in Jammu Kashmir's Kulgam district and killed all the three militants, ending the over 24-hour hostage crisis.
The security personnel lobbed tear smoke shells drawing the three militants out of their hiding and engaged them in a gunbattle in which two of the militants were killed, a police spokesman said.
Another militant managed to flee and took shelter in one of the minarets of the mosque and engaged the police in an encounter for nearly an hour after which he too was killed.
DIG H K Lohia said all the five hostages were unharmed and no damage was done to the mosque in the gunbattle.
Earlier in the day, three of the five hostages tricked their way to freedom even as the hostage drama rolled into the second day.
The three civilians were sent out by the militants to bring them food offered by the police but never returned to the mosque.
Three militants, said to be associated with Hizbul Mujahideen took five civilians hostage inside a mosque at Palnoo village yesterday when they came to offer prayers and demanded safe passage in return for return of the hostages.
Police refused to give them safe passage and instead strengthened the cordon around the place of worship, aiming to wear down the ultras who ran out of food and power supply which was snapped by authorities.
Earlier, a soldier was wounded as the militants opened fire from inside the mosque and the security forces refrained from retaliating to avoid risk to the lives of the hostages and damage to the mosque.
All villagers near the mosque had been evacuated to avoid large-scale casualty.
The civil administration and police earlier negotiated with the holed up militants with the help of a local cleric and other eminent persons.
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