Sending  just a para on energy crisis  for publish on one of the major problem Pakistan is facing with hope that we start learning from others who keep perfecting their systems looking into future. More importantly we start doing something for the future generations . Hope this  strikes  mind of a decision maker and we may also come out with something called “plan to fight energy shortfall”.

 By: Waheed Hamid

America’s Energy Opportunity

Published in Foreign Affairs By CFR

How to Harness the New Sources of U.S. Power

Michael Levi

An energy revolution is unfolding in the United States — but unlike most past or promised revolutions, this one is not confined to a single fuel or technology. After falling for more than two straight decades after 1985, U.S.crude oil production has now risen for four consecutive years, and in 2012, it posted its largest one-year increase since the dawn of the oil industry more than 150 years ago. Meanwhile, in 2011, natural gas surpassed coal as the United States’ biggest source of domestically produced energy, thanks to surging output and plunging prices. And all this growth in U.S. fossil fuel production has not prevented the rise of zero-carbon energy sources: the amount of electricity generated from cutting-edge renewables – wind, solar, and 

geothermal — has doubled since 2008, and prices have plummeted. Moreover, as technological innovations have made U.S. motor vehicles more fuel efficient, the country’s oil consumption has fallen by nearly ten percent since 2005, reversing what previously seemed to be an interminable upward trend. The U.S. energy landscape has not undergone such drastic changes since the 1960s and 1970s, which witnessed the emergence of nuclear power, peak U.S. oil production, two oil crises in the Middle East, and the birth of the environmental movement. Not surprisingly, the present transformation is prompting big predictions about the future. Oil and gas enthusiasts are projecting such massive growth in production that the United States might soon grasp the Holy Grail, energy independence; natural gas, meanwhile, is being hailed as a one-stop solution to climate change and a replacement for petroleum. Advocates of renewable energy are just as jubilant, predicting that their technologies will soon be cheaper than fossil fuels, and supporters of advanced automobile technologies are heralding an impending move beyond oil. Virtually every energy booster is also insisting that his or her fuel or technology of choice will turbocharge the U.S. economy.  There is something to all these claims. Yet what they often miss — and what too few players in the usually zero-sum world of energy politics embrace — is that the best future lies in capitalizing on all the new developments. The energy revolution is splitting Americans into two rival camps: one that is enthusiastic about the resurgence of oil and gas and another that favors renewable sources and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. The first camp typically rejects government support for renewables and advanced automobile technologies, warning that it wastes taxpayer money and threatens the country’s economic health. The second camp often opposes efforts to enhance U.S. oil and gas production, arguing that these fuels pose grave risks to the environment and could kill progress on clean energy. Both camps raise important concerns, but each regularly overstates its case — especially when it claims that the other’s gains are intolerable. The truth is that the best way to strengthen the American economy, bolster national security, and protect the environment is for the country to take advantage of all the new energy opportunities. No single fuel or technology can solve the country’s problems: increased oil production will not free the United States from involvement in global petroleum markets, natural gas alone will not solve climate change, renewables remain expensive, and vehicles that do not rely on oil are far from being broadly economically competitive. The central challenge, therefore, is figuring out how to  capitalize on all the new opportunities, which will require enthusiasts of different energy sources to start cooperating, or at least to stop fighting so  bitterly. Leaders around the country, and particularly in Washington, need to adopt a most-of-the-above approach: carefully increasing opportunities  for energy production of all kinds, while penalizing dangerous energy consumption that would worsen climate change and sustain U.S. dependence on oil.

Find Complete : http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/139111/michael-levi/americas-energy-opportunity

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By Enum Naseer

The economic problems of Pakistan are multifarious. The country has the lowest tax-to-gdp ratio in the world and a taxation system that is characterized as unjust and discriminatory. The macroeconomic variables are dismal at best yet the economy shows signs of resilience. The secret lies in the sizable shadow economy that makes growth a ‘private’ affair. The task before the new government will be huge and it will need to take the bull by its horns to help the country out of its current problematic state. 

A complete paradox- the economy of Pakistan continues to confound observers. The sentiment is understandable. Logic suggests that a country that suffers from the woes of terrorism, increased sectarian conflict, frequent political turbulence and poor human development indicators should be fighting a war on all fronts for its survival. Hence, it is strange that the stock market in such a country should maintain a record-breaking spree soaring at levels higher than 18,000 points (reflective of good investor confidence) while macroeconomic indicators continue to paint a dismal picture of economic standing. There is growth- plenty of it, but at the expense of a government that continues to get poorer by the day.

The current state of affairs is not entirely unforeseen. The tax-to-gdp ratio decreasing from 9.8% (FY 2007-2008) to 9.1% (FY 2011-2012) during the tenure of the previous government was more than the nation’s failure on moral grounds. It was reflective of the incompetence and complacency of the rulers in ensuring compliance with tax laws. With 0.9% of the people of Pakistan paying taxes and the country having the lowest tax-to-gdp ratio, it comes as little surprise that it is unable to generate enough revenue to break free from the shackles of the IMF and other donors.

Such a blatant disregard for the country’s law (as depicted in the statistics) warrants severe repercussions for offenders. It is certainly a sad piece of news that not a single offender has been prosecuted for tax evasion in 25 years in the land of the pure. The system in Pakistan offers easy escape to those who do not pay taxes so the affluent classes continue to evade taxes while the economy suffers. Yet, there is hustle and bustle in the streets as restaurants and shopping areas are jam-packed with gourmands and enthusiastic shoppers. These are but the tell-tale signs of ‘private’ growth via a flourishing shadow economy estimated to be around 36% of GDP.

The amount of tax evasion estimated by the NAB is equal to Rs7 billion per day. The culprit is corruption that comes at a heady cost of an estimated Rs. 12 billion per day and is an evil that has been growing at an unchecked pace. Even institutions like the Federal Board of Revenue have fallen prey to corrupt practices. State-owned enterprises like PIA, Pakistan Railways and Pakistan Steel Mills have bled the national exchequer of Rs. 625 billion. The people are thus discouraged and demoralized as they feel that taxpayer money is being used for reasons other than social welfare and uplift. The taxation system is also viewed as unjust as it is regressive and indirect.

A significant amount of academic literature is devoted to examining the tax culture in Pakistan. A study titled ‘Fresh Assessment of the Underground Economy and Tax Evasion in Pakistan: Causes, Consequences, and Linkages with the Formal Economy’ by M. Ali Kemal (2007) claims that if there were no tax evasion, budget balances could have been zero and positive for some years, therefore, removing the need for borrowing altogether. This means that the goal was achievable to some extent- if completely eliminating tax evasion was not possible, its percentage could have been reduced through stricter enforcement of laws.

Under the previous government, however, public debt surged to an alarming figure of Rs14,561 billion in 2012 as against Rs6,691 billion ( the pre-2008 figure) adding to the dismal situation of Pakistan’s economy. The government replaced 5 finance ministers, 4 governors of the SBP, 5 finance secretaries, and 6 heads of the FBR raising doubts about its commitment to the cause of improving Pakistan’s dwindling economy. Economic policies, framed by some of the best minds in the country failed to help pave way for betterment.

The Tax Amnesty Scheme for example, an effort to bring evaders into the tax net came under sharp criticism as an incentive to tax evaders. The Institute of Chartered Accountants Pakistan opines that “these initiatives have never helped broadening tax base in the country rather these have encouraged tax evaders and non-compliances”. In fact, if anything, such a measure endorses discrimination between the subjects of a state where honest taxpayers will surely feel disgruntled.

The very idea of tax collection is based on the theory that not many people wish to voluntarily pay taxes. It follows thus, that the system must be chalked out with a view to ensuring flow of taxes into the coffers of the State. Having said that, it is important to add that the system should go a step further and ideally provide funds for development expenditure.

As IMF loan repayments of $250.7 million have already been made and $143.7 million is due on May 10, 2013 and another $390 million is due on May 24, 2013, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. Foreign exchange reserves of the country will suffice for only 2 months of the import bill payments (wherein reserves held by the State Bank amount to $6.697 billion and reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.061 billion). The GDP growth rate is not encouraging either. It stood at 3.7% in 2011-2012 as opposed to 5.4% for India, 7.8% for China, 6.1% for Bangladesh and 6.8% for Sri Lanka thus reducing Pakistan to an equivalent of the likes of Senegal and Guyana.

With the elections right around the corner, there is hope that the democratic process and emancipated institutions will usher in a new era of tax reforms and compliance. The onus is on the next elected government to serve as the proverbial messiah and face the issue head-on. The ambitious manifestos of the political parties contesting the elections surely provide a reason to be optimistic about the future and for the public to expect better. The task is monumental but luckily, the winner does not have very big shoes to fill.

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   By Enum Naseer

Pakistan’s Economy

“During the past 5 years of government, the economy of Pakistan has suffered at the hands of the myopic vision of its political leaders.  The dismal economic condition raises concern about the future and results from lack of vision, corruption and instability. The problems will pose enormous challenges to the new government and will be a true test of its sincerity and commitment to national interest”.

Pakistan’s economy is in a state of free fall. Long-standing social and political problems have thwarted macroeconomic progress reducing the country to sheer helplessness. The experience of democracy is still new- it is the first time in history that an elected government has completed five years of its tenure. While this is a fact to celebrate, the present economic scenario has left the future of the country in doldrums.

What became evident during the 5 years of uninterrupted democracy was a sad tale of conflict of interests. The national interest and the interests of the ruling elite were seen to be standing poles apart. It seemed that the struggle for democracy by the latter was in effect one for accession and then holding on to power. Ethics, fairplay and rule of law were the victims. Numerous cases of mega corruption were unearthed- thanks to an empowered media. Yet, not a single culprit was brought to justice and the looted money recovered. In fact, it became apparent that the custodians of public trust were among the beneficiaries. Disillusioned Pakistanis chose to emigrate in droves to look for a more egalitarian environment.

The economic troubles will carry over. Dwindling foreign currency reserves of $6.64 billion will be further depleted as IMF repayments in the next two years amount to a whopping $5.3 billion! With no substantial FDIs to speak of, this will leave nothing in the kitty. Acute power shortages have not only crippled the industry but have made the life of a common man miserable. Besides costing him his job as the industry continues to lay off workers, it has taken a toll on his personal life as well. Essential amenities are all dependant on availability of electricity-nowadays a fickle commodity to come by.

The public debt has ballooned to a record Rs14,561 billion in 2012 just to cater for the day-to-day expenses without the launch of any megaprojects for public welfare whilst the printing of Rs.2-3 billion continues everyday with scant regard to runaway inflation and its impact on the economy. No solution was found to the circular debt which amounts to an alarming figure of 872 billion and continues to grow.

Financial experts believe that the annual losses of Pakistan Railways, PIA and Pakistan Steel Mills collectively amount to an equivalent of funds allocated for defence of Pakistan. These are estimated to be Rs.625billion. PSO is on the verge of bankruptcy. Furnace oil reserves for power generation will be exhausted by early May as no new import orders are in place as yet. The cash-stripped government is generously paying Rs. 3.10 per unit subsidy on electricity that it cannot afford. The government is also unable to generate enough taxes to help its situation. The tax-to-gdp ratio (9.1% in FY2011-2012) remains the lowest in the world. Besides this, the tax revenue collection target has been revised downward thrice. The current target fixed at Rs2,116 billion is still highly unachievable.

     The law and order situation continues to get precarious as cases of target killing and kidnapping for ransom are on the rise in financial hubs such as Karachi. Attempts on the lives of prominent ANP and MQM leaders force them to curtail their election campaign drastically. Attacks on security forces are escalating. Close to the election day in May, with the day-time temperatures soaring to mid forties and above, huge electricity outages with consequent water scarcity, high food prices with critically reduced incomes and job opportunities and a chaotic law and order situation make for a venomous mix.

Under these circumstances, it is quite ironic to see the different political parties vie for power for the seat of the next chief executive- the prime minister of Pakistan. The challenge is gargantuan to stare the myriad of economic, social and security issues straight in the eye without flinching. It would need a proverbial Herculean strength and effort coupled with vision and sincerity. It is going to be a difficult road to tread for a long time to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The only question that is lingering among the masses is: do our leaders realize how difficult the task before them is or does their naïveté and lack of vision convince them that they are in for another regal self-enriching term?

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   The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has published a Special Report entitled “Pakistan and the Narratives of Extremism”. The report has been sponsored by USIP’s Center for Conflict Management and focuses on how extremist narratives have penetrated into Pakistani society and the challenge that they pose to Pakistan’s stability as well as perceptions about the country in the international arena.

The report has been authored by Amil Khan, a journalist based in the U.K. with experience of working with Reuters and BBC in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. He now heads a strategic communications’ firm “Breakthrough Communications Ltd” in London.

A gist of the salient points made in the report are:

• In Pakistan, violent extremists have successfully exploited the country’s social, political and historical narratives, using them as an effective tool to portray its own viewpoint as the country’s perspective to the rest of the world.

• Al-Qaeda’s “war against Islam” narrative resonated with and has served to rally together the various local militant, religious outfits in Pakistan around its cause.

• The attack on Malala and the assassination of Governor Taseer demonstrate how the narratives surrounding other actions can be construed as being part of a broader world view of Al-Qaeda.

• The expansion of what is considered “anti-Islamic” in Pakistani discourse has led many stakeholders in Pakistani society to readjust their positions to better e.g. Punjab Assembly adopting a resolution against musical concerts in girls colleges, T.V. anchors interrogating young couples in public parks etc.

• The enduring ambiguity over Pakistan’s original purpose is often attributed to the untimely demise of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The extent of the role of Islam in affairs of the State continues to remain a question mark. Pakistan’s founding fathers sought unity through Islamic identity, but the people failed to abandon their ancestral and clan-based origins.

• Pakistan’s narrative contends that the country was established to serve Islam, it is beset by non-Muslim enemies that continuously conspire against it, the army is the protector of the nation’s ideology and a symbol of pride, it is Pakistan’s destiny to become an Islamic superpower, a “pure” Islam that is free of corrupting influences is the ultimate goal.

• Ten out of eighty-five audio/visual messages from Osama bin Laden and/or Aiman al Zawahiri focused on Pakistan. This reflects a great degree of importance to a country, which Al-Qaeda felt it could seize control of and use as a base to expand its power. It was particularly vulnerable to those forces which could project themselves to be more “Islamic” than the State.

• The ten messages on Pakistan by Al-Qaeda’s top leadership portray Pakistan as an Islamic refuge for persecuted Muslims, a hope for a strong Muslim government, a bastion against the “anti-Islam crusade”, a victim of greed rulers who disobey Islam, and a hospitable and welcoming populace.

• Al-Qaeda exploits existing narratives in Pakistan, cloaked behind conspiracy theories against Western, Indian or Jewish aggressors, to mount attacks on Pakistan’s security establishment while escaping suspicion or public backlash.

• Any counter-extremism communications strategy in Pakistan should draw on its existing narratives and the country’s sense of itself. Indeed, these narratives provide significant opportunities for counter-extremists to attack the vision and worldview of groups like al-Qaeda.

• Strategic communications efforts against extremism need to move away from crafting the “right” message from the practitioners’ point of view and move toward focusing on emotionally engaging the audience.

• A successful counter-extremism campaign should focus on enabling and empowering the youth, developing and reforming the media and “crowding out” the extremist’s narratives.

• All such efforts should be long-term and Pakistani-led, with the capacity to involve state and private entities. They may not necessarily subscribe to the foreign policies of any particular actor e.g. the U.S. or other Muslim countries.

• The country’s suffers from a certain “narrative fragility” due to the lack of opportunity for various stakeholders to debate and evolve narratives for themselves and for Pakistan as a whole.

Complete:   http://www.usip.org/files/resources/SR327-Pakistan-and-the-Narratives-of-Extremism.pdf

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Press Release

Foreign Minister Khar briefs Envoys of the regional countries

Foreign Minister Khar today invited the Ambassadors of the “Heart of Asia Group” to brief them on the perspective and approach of the democratically elected government of Pakistan towards its neighbours as well as in the context of its broader region.

The briefing was attended by the Ambassadors / Representatives of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

The Foreign Minister said that the regional pivot of the democratic government of Pakistan was based on wide political consensus that the challenges and complexities that Pakistan faced could only be addressed through improving and deepening relations with all its neighbours, both immediate and distant. Consequently, Pakistan had been single mindedly focusing on improving relations with not only its immediate neighbours but with all Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries as well as with Russia and Turkey.

Talking about Pakistan’s relations with its immediate neighbours, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan enjoyed exemplary relations with China which were based on complete trust and convergence of strategic interests. With Iran, Pakistan enjoyed strong cultural and historical relations. The government has further invested in deepening its friendship and cooperation with Iran.

Regarding India, the Foreign Minister noted that despite difficult relations in the past, Pakistan strongly believed that the only way forward was through building trust and confidence. While Pakistan remained committed to normalizing its relations with India, to sustain these relations on a long term basis, it was essential that the two countries addressed all their outstanding issues, including Kashmir, in a meaningful way.

While discussing Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister noted that peace and stability in Afghanistan was not only essential for peace and stability in Pakistan but also for the broader region. She briefed the Ambassadors about the various initiatives Pakistan had taken on the request of High Peace Council to facilitate the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Talking about regional connectivity, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan fully supported CASA-1000, TAPI, IP Gas Pipeline Project and extension of APTTA to Central Asian countries. She also briefed the Ambassadors about the excellent relations Pakistan has with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Russia and all the Central Asian countries.

The Ambassadors acknowledged and praised the role Pakistan was playing in facilitating the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. They also commended Pakistan’s vision for the region and the efforts it had made towards normalizing relations with its neighbouring countries.

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Office of the Spokesman

Record of the Press Briefing held on 24 January 2013

Main Discussion points

1. Pak India Relation
2. Drone Attacks
3. Release of Taliban Leaders by Pak

Question

There are contradictory statements about India Pakistan relations from all corners. Where do you think we stand visa a vis our relations with India and the dialogue process after the LoC incident?

Answer

Let me remind you about the Foreign Minister’s statement that she made in New York and also in the National Assembly. We are very clear on this issue. She made a very sincere offer that Pakistan is ready to sort out all issues particularly regarding violation of LoC. We know that there are concerns on their side but there are concerns on our side as well. The best way to deal with these concerns is certainly thorough dialogue. We strongly believe that we should sit down and try to work thorough our issues under the established mechanism. We want to resolve all issues through dialogue in a very constructive manner.

Question

The Indian Home Secretary and the Indian Home Minister have admitted that the Hindu extremist faction is involved in the acts of terrorism in India. In the wake of t the allegations terrorism levied on Pakistan by India, when they are admitting the involvement of Hindu faction has Pakistan taken a position on that?

Answer

We have noted the statements with concern. However, I would reiterate our earlier demand for having a thorough investigation into the incident of Samjhota Express. Pakistan has repeatedly said that we want a thorough investigation into the incident and we want the investigation to be shared with Pakistan, and whosoever are the perpetrators or culprits, should be punished in accordance with the law.

Question

In the Indian held Kashmir, the Indian government has reportedly sponsored a newspaper advertisement which contains preventive and protective measures against prospective war. Is it a hoax or Pakistan considers it as something alarming?

Answer

It is a non-serious and ridiculous attempt.

Question

Does Pakistan consider it rubbish?

Answer

Of  course.

Question

There are threats coming from the Republic of North Korea for carrying out tests including rockets and uranium based tests that might target the United States. Is it something that Pakistan has looked at? Does Pakistan have a response to that as a member of the world nuclear club?

Answer

We are concerned about these statements and we would strongly urge them to exercise caution and restraint. We hope that they would honour their international obligations and respect the relevant UN resolutions in this regard.

Question

There is a report in The Guardian about a recent UN enquiry on drone attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. It is also mentioned that this report was issued on the request of Pakistan and two other countries. What is your stand on it?

Answer

The enquiry that you are talking about is being conducted by UN Special Rapporteur, Ben Emmerson and is part of the broader mandate given to him by the UN Human Rights Council to examine any abuse of human rights while countering terrorism. Pakistan, along with the other like-minded countries, had called for examining, among other things, the extra judicial and targeted killings, including through drone strikes particularly when they result in the deaths of civilians and non-combatants. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited Pakistan last year and if you remember, she also raised this issue and expressed concern over it.

Question

There is a report in “The Washington Post” that President Obama has authorized the CIA to carry out drone strikes in Pakistan without any impunity. My question is that that the Foreign Minister raised this issue with the US Ambassador. Did she raise the question during the meeting with the US Ambassador?

Answer

Let me first reiterate our position on drone attacks. We consider the attacks a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. There are no legal bases for these attacks; they are not only questionable but also counter-productive. These attacks have been a constant source of concern for us and we have been conveying and communicating this to the US administration at every level.  During the meeting that you referred to, yes, the Foreign Ministers did express her concern over the continuation of drone strikes and the media reports that we have all seen recently.

Question

Pakistan has agreed to release all Taliban leaders. What is the update on this process?

Is there any chance that Iran may also be involved in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan?

Answer

We consider Iran an important player and partner in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. Infect, we already have a trilateral dialogue with Iran and Afghanistan on this issue.

Yes we have agreed to release all Afghan detainees that we, the Afghan government and High Peace Council think could be of some help to the reconciliation process.

Question

How significant will be the release of the Afghan Taliban leaders towards the reconciliation process. Have there been any diplomatic efforts to involve KSA in this process?

Answer

Saudi Arabia being a very important Muslim country can play a significant role in this process, but we don’t have any formal mechanism with them like the ones we have, for instance, with Iran, UK and USA.

Question

The Indian Foreign Minister, Salman Khurshid, their Interior Minister, and also their Interior Secretary were confirming that there are terrorist groups like Rashtria Sevak Sangh and similar elements in the BJP who have been perpetrating acts of terrorism. What do you think Pakistan stands on that?

On the Afghanistan issue, the government had some talks with China and Russia in the post 2014 scenario, and during the timeline leading to that. Are we framing a policy that will get these two sides, China and Russia, involved in the Afghanistan issue?

Answer

Regarding your first question, yes we have noted these statements with concern. We, being a responsible country, do not want to get into a speculative mode. However, we do expect them to do what a responsible country would do in such a situation. Our stand has been very clear regarding Samjhota Express incident.  We hope the investigation to be completed at the earliest and whosoever is behind this incident, should be punished in accordance with law.

China and Russia have an important role to play in this region and we are in touch with them at various levels and are trying to work closely to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan, which is important to all of us.

Question

There are reports that President Zardari is visiting the UK in the first week of the next month. What is the agenda? Is it the” Pakistan- Afghanistan- UK”, the trilateral? Is Pakistan going to take a decision on giving MFN status to India by end of January or will delay it?

Answer

The visit is in the context of trilateral mechanism that we have with the UK and Afghanistan. Regarding your second question, the government remains committed to its decision to have normal trade relations with India and the concerned authorities have been instructed to take necessary steps to implement the decision.

Question

The US delegation will visit Pakistan this week. Can you highlight the significance of this visit being the first visit during Obama’s second tenure?

Answer

There are several visits on the cards, so I don’t know which visit you are referring to. For instance, currently, Mr. Peter Lavoy is in town and he is meeting with our defence authorities. These visits are part of the continuous process under which both sides keep meeting each other on various subjects.

Question

There is news that the European Union’s GSP Plus status has been delayed for Pakistan?

Answer

I haven’t heard any such news.

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An eye opener comparison of Pakistan’s GDP over past many decades received by the website Administrator through email is placed under for readers to evaluate themselves and draw conclusions.

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A cross post from a blogger site giving a new perspective to Balochistan problem in Pakistan

Link of Blogger site: http://waheedresearch.blogspot.com/

You will find summary of my reads which have been thought provoking for me and may interest the readers. Says Writer

Heading :   “Understanding the Baloch Insurgency”

Study- Balochistan Jun 2012 

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Is HISTORY the Best Teacher? Is Pakistan learning from Past or Present? An interesting Article By Waheed Hamid published at number of places. Reminds us that  how good is Pakistan at forgetting  past and learning from  present . Good or bad history irrespective.

  By Waheed Hamid

Pakistani Nation cries and bleeds at hands of corrupt practices which effects majority of society. Few benefit and successfully make others hostage to this corrupt culture. These few play with emotions of majority from rich as well as poor segments of society and use tools and techniques to convince that progress only lies in moving in line with the corrupt culture. The proposal of declaration of assets by the politicians and government employees and empowering organizations like FIA and NAB are all efforts in same direction but they all stop short of finality showing clear absence of will to do. Even the constitutional amendment to decrease the number of cabinet members was passed to be effective from next assembly. Unfortunately the continuation of this system keeps filtering out the honest who stand up and show that Pakistan can progress its institutions can grow and its citizens can prosper and glow.

An amazing article in one of the national dailies uncovered the facts from the railway scam when it said,  “Keeping aside the rough and rude behaviour of ex-army general after their recent appearance in NAB, if facts of the case are analysed objectively and without any emotions, the Railways Palm Golf Course was a wonderful deal”.  Most successful projects of Pakistan Railways’ history went into  scrutiny of standing committees who never visited the site which is indicative of the true objectives behind such inquiries. A Senate standing committee however did visit the site and declared it a good deal. Public Accounts Committee also took up the matter in 2005 and all issues were settled after detailed briefing by the then secretary Railways, Shakil Durrani. Re-Emergence of this case has once again refreshed the  blurring memories of Pakistan railway success in early part of this century which seem diminishing under burden of  a miserable state of present railways . The Railway pamphlet showing data of year 2002 says that railways earned Rs 13033 million and paid back Rs 5.50 billion back to the State Bank in 2002. The over draft from State Bank was decreased from 39% in 1999 to minus 10% in 2002 when the repayment to State Bank started. The passenger trains reaching in time, neat and clean railway stations and luggage trains boom registering increase in passenger and freight revenues  now seem like a dream was once a reality not very far in past. However, the investigations must still be done, evidence processed and completed, charges tried as it goes in interest of even the accused. If again found innocent will emerge even purer and if found otherwise deserve punishment. The only cost may be that few will again succeed in diverting attention of the majority.

Pakistan’s  main problem is not the existence of corruption. The fertile culture which help breeds and flourish  corruption and terrorism is the most lucrative and profitable activity in Pakistan. An environment leading towards lax government and more mafia control is the real worry. Till such time we attack the basics of this culture of corruption in Pakistan and provide a culture of deterrence to culprits , no positive improvement should be expected in any sphere of life. We must be aware of the fact that corruption is a bigger menace than terrorism. Presently the corrupt, land grabbers, ransom kidnappers and Bhatta mafia move hand in glove with the terrorists. Karachi stands as a live example where the corrupt and terrorist use the political parties to implement their culture and the entire country suffers. Country like India which also faces corruption challenges show a visible desire to overcome this problem. After signing agreements with 48 countries, India will shortly ink pacts with 42 more nations to bring back black money. Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs Harish Rawat told that once these agreements are signed, India will be in a position to bring back black money stashed in different banks abroad. The beauty of institutional decision which carry sincerity and a vision into future can be gauged by the control which you relegate to others who can impose a check on to your own decisions if they fall contrary to a corruption and terror free culture.

There is no dearth of ideas and suggestions and most of them have cogent reasoning and  plausible explanations. The  lack of implementation strategy and will to do under short term personal and party objectives dictated by corrupt and terror mafia seems to be the main hurdle. This culture formed by corrupt and terrorists is a parasite on long term National objectives . Most of the cases start and end in media without seeing day light of any worthwhile conclusion. The redefining of role for institutions like army by some intellectuals in  the media is injurious . Army has primary role to safe guard borders, it can only support internal security forces.The steps leading to weakening of institutions in Pakistan must be checked as we move towards more MAFIA and less STATE control and fail to Cure Corruption and Eradicate Terrorism.

Can We Learn

•  Railways Minister Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour says, Pakistan Railways is facing shortage of funds due to which it has failed to replace old and over-used locomotives; re-launches Kohat Passenger train service at Rawalpindi Railway station. (Dawn, Frontier Post, of 7 Nov 2012)

• Find some scanned copies of two booklets issued by the Railways possibly in 2002-2003 showing improving condition of Railways. Am not an economic expert but they show  that as compared to growing overdraft in 1999 Railway had not only overcome overdraft but started paying back overdraft to the Statebank. These are no more available on Pak Railway Website. You can read by clicking on to original size of each scanned copy

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• President Asif Ali Zardari summons the Senate and NA Sessions at the Parliament House on November 6 and November 12, 2012 respectively. (The Express Tribune, Daily Times, others)
• Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf reaches Laos to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-9) Summit; meets with Finish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen; discusses regional situation;
•  6th SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference elects Dr. Fehmida Mirza as Chairperson for the conference. (Majority of papers)
• India says no to Saeed offer to be quizzed, wants him arrested.Indian Express
• DUBAI – Malala Yousafzai, 15-year-old Pakistani girl who was shot a month ago, will soon undergo reconstructive surgery in the UK, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE has told Khaleej Times
• Punjab Assembly Speaker, Rana Muhammad Iqbal’s threat worked and Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait were fixed alongside the portraits of Z. A. Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in the Central Reception Hall of the Aiwan-e-Sadr. (News, Jang)
• Mullah Sangeen Zadran Senior Haqqani Network leader again calls on Turks, Kurds to wage jihad in Afghanistan. LWJ
• USA Army staff sergeant accused of massacring 16 Afghan civilians in southern Afghanistan this past spring is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday. WP
• President Asif Ali Zardari summons the Senate and NA Sessions at the Parliament House on November 6 and November 12, 2012 respectively. (The Express Tribune, Daily Times, others)
• Operation likely in Bara as talks make no headway (Dawn)
• Afgn army man among six held in Dir (Dawn)
• Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf reaches Laos to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-9) Summit; meets with Finish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen; discusses regional situation;
•  6th SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference elects Dr. Fehmida Mirza as Chairperson for the conference. (Majority of papers)
• Punjab Assembly Speaker, Rana Muhammad Iqbal’s threat worked and Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait were fixed alongside the portraits of Z. A. Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in the Central Reception Hall of the Aiwan-e-Sadr. (News, Jang)
• MQM Dy. Convener Farooq Sattar announces to hold a public referendum against Taliban on November 08; the people will be asked whether they want a secular Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam or rule of Taliban
• PTI Chief Imran Khan addresses a youth convention in Lahore; says, new PTI tsunami will wash away all political rivals in the next general elections; announces 25 percent tickets to young members for the coming polls
• Austerity aside: The high cost of diplomacy abroad; under a five-year period, Rs. 2.2. billion was paid in rent for Pakistan’s 69 diplomatic mission, report by Zahid Gishkori. (The Express Tribune)
• British Prime Minister David Cameron and CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif were duped into endorsing a controversial award ceremony in London, report. (News, Jang)
• Indian Lok Sabha Spaker Meira Kumar while addressing Sixth Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians in Islamabad said, she felt unease when she got the news of Pak NA Speaker Fehmida’s illness; immediately went to the shrine of Ajmer Sharif and prayed for her early recovery. (News)
• International Court of Justice will begin hearing of the Reko Diq case from tomorrow. (News, Jang)
• NLC scandal is a conspiracy against Pak army allegedly hatched by the bureaucracy, report. (Nation)
• Jammu and Kashmir Liberation League protests the recent statement of Pakistan’s Interior Secretary, filed in SC, wherein Jammu and Kashmir state was shown as province of India. (Nation)

•  2 more bodies of soldiers have been recovered from Gayari sector, brining the total number of bodies recovered so far to 107. (Daily Times, others)

• COAS Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani  arrives in Lahore; meets with military officers. (Khabrain)

•  JF-17 Thunder, a combat aircraft jointly produced by Pakistan and China will participate in the forthcoming Zhuhai Air Show (China) from November 13 to 18, 2012. (News, Nation, others)

•  Curious case of 35 absconders on parole; all under trial prisoners were set free between August 7 and November 20, 2003, report. (The Express Tribune)

• NLC scandal is a conspiracy against Pak army allegedly hatched by the bureaucracy, report. (Nation)
• Jammu and Kashmir Liberation League protests the recent statement of Pakistan’s Interior Secretary, filed in SC, wherein Jammu and Kashmir state was shown as province of India. (Nation)

•  2 more bodies of soldiers have been recovered from Gayari sector, brining the total number of bodies recovered so far to 107. (Daily Times, others)

• COAS Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani  arrives in Lahore; meets with military officers. (Khabrain)

•  JF-17 Thunder, a combat aircraft jointly produced by Pakistan and China will participate in the forthcoming Zhuhai Air Show (China) from November 13 to 18, 2012. (News, Nation, others)

•  News: “Powership fiasco” The entire deal with Turkish power ship, which guaranteed 93 percent efficiency on the previous 231.8 MW for 60 months, lacked any sort of transparency and now we find ourselves in a somewhat embarrassing position

• News: “On deaf ears” The World Bank & ADB have now put their foot down and said ‘no more free lunches’ for Pakistan until it gets several of its houses in order.
• Nation: “Reckless borrowing” The federal government, according to the State Bank of Pakistan, has borrowed from the scheduled banks an additional Rs 313 billion in the first 113 days of the current fiscal year
• Dawn: “Need for caution” The Taliban threat needs to be taken seriously, and law enforcement should act against it with as much discretion as possible. But it should not be used to distract attention from Karachi’s underlying political problems, or to spark an ethnic war.
• Daily Times: “A lashkar leader killed” As a grim reminder that the Taliban are ready to obliterate anyone who stands in their way, one of the most prominent faces in the fight against the Taliban, Saeed Ahmad Khan
• Express Tribune: “Militancy on the rise in Swat” Pakistan needs to change its strategic thinking. And it needs help from the rest of the world also threatened with terrorism.
• Osman Khan (News): “Comprehensive efforts should be initiated to reform madrassas” Today, we find an over-whelming number of seminaries’ students forming major part of violent demonstrations and protests on religion based issues.
• Qamar Zaman Kaira (Nation): “The tale of delayed justice” Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto did not survive to see her stance about the rigging of the 1990 elections being proved right. After an inordinate delay of 22 years, the SC has accepted the PPP’s version about the rigging of the elections and asked that an FIR be filed.
• Shaheen Sehbai (Jang): “Bhagnay na paye” It is said that the Election Commission enjoy powers but Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim is avoiding to play on the front foot. I can say with authority that at least it has been debated at higher level to stop some important figures from fleeing the country.
• Syed Talat Hussain (Express Tribune): “The politics of military operations” No assessment of Pakistan’s present policy towards North Waziristan can be complete without factoring in the complexities of the army’s hot and cold relationship with the civilian leadership. These complexities have had a strong bearing upon the strange no-peace-no-war situation prevailing in this vital part of our western border
• Najam Sethi (News): “SC’s Balochistan recipe” To be sure, the SC has the authority to judge whether an action is unconstitutional or not. It can do so on the basis of a petition by any citizen or the provincial or federal governments… As long as mil is unaccountably obsessed with its regional “en & friends” thesis in a particularly narrow definition of “national interests”, there will be no reprieve
• Hamid Mir (Jang): “Kainaat baytee Shabaash” It is regrettable that our state institutions are violating the constitution by allowing private armies on the pretext of Amn Lashkars.
• Huma Yusuf (Dawn): “Too scared to testify…” Ultimately, though, the only solution to Karachi’s incessant ethno-political and criminal violence is political negotiation.

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