Who are these “Men of Opinion” – promoting their opinion at the cost of taxpayers’ money! - 1

In Pakistan, political meanness has thousands of ways to maneuver the things!

Obviously, if one doesn't follow moral principles, no rules, no laws could restrain him from doing what he is intent upon doing!

In view of the forthcoming general elections in the country, "The ECP(Election Commission of Pakistan) has slapped a ban on ads carrying pictures ofpolitical leaders on TV channels and newspapers. It also warned of action overviolation of its directives." (The News, January 4, 2013) 

However, among other things, for the last few days, newspapers are publishing the following ads with pictures of "men of opinion" commending the "Services of the Government of Sindh."

See some instances:

[The News, February 9, 2013]

[The News, February 10, 2013]

[The News, February 11, 2013]

[The News, The Express Tribune, Roznama Express, February 12, 2013]

Mafiya Siyasat Ki Janam Kundli

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Mafiya Siyasat Ki Janam Kundli

Saving Humanity from the Grind of Education

The Grind of Education is milling generations of human beings to waste their life, talent, creativity, and the genius of their unique individuality in a drab of degrees and diplomas. It’s by taxing heavily the growth and development of the human world holding it back instead.

That’s why especially political elites (read States and Governments) are fond of it. They have inspired a huge industry of NGOs and a flourishing crop of intellectuals to come to exist which remain busy to put more and more pressure on states and governments to allocate more and more funds for Education.

Among other things, that justifies the political elites’ indoctrination of individual citizens with their ideologies. It’s a long list of unending artificial constructs, such as nation-ism, ethnic-ism, class-ism, religion-ism, sect-ism, language-ism, province-ism, party-ism, clan-ism, caste-ism, so and so forth, that by feeding which the political elites prey on the lives of individual citizens.   

It is in this backdrop that the Education crucially and fatally needs to be released from the burdens of this Grind may have its rationale explained.

The issue is how to get rid of this Grind of Education and how to unleash the talent, creativity, genius, and uniqueness of every individual human being to play freely. It is the born right of every child born to human beings.

To start with, a few suggestions are given below. They may unleash the individual human beings from the grinding mill of the present-day Education.

They are not utopian. It requires only a will to put them into effect, and they will free the individual creativity of their choice.

First – All the examination systems be done away with.

Second – To prepare the course, teach and evaluate it, teachers be given full autonomy.

Third – After the completion of required period of education in an institution, participation certificates 

be issued.

Fourth – Details of the courses studied be shown on the participation certificates.

Fifth – Along with the courses, names of the teachers, who taught them, be mentioned in bold.

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Muslim League (Nawaz) Aur Punjab Mein Public Transport Ki Kharabi

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Muslim League (Nawaz) Aur Punjab Mein Public Transport Ki Kharabi

Dr. Abdus Salam and his Science of Development

Intellectually Pakistan is quite a barren country.

One reason, it has never encouraged the spirit of free inquiry.

Instead, it goes for short-cuts to grab “progress,” “growth,” “development,” -- thinking them as separate manifestations having no links with knowledge.

In the wake of 9/11, in a local mosque in Shahdrah, Lahore, it was prayed: O God, give us all that America has achieved!

Professor Dr. Abdus Salam too contributed to that short-cut thinking. Especially during Zia-ul-Haq regime and at his instance, there were hectic efforts to promote the education of Science and Technology in Pakistan.

I had reservations on that approach, and wrote the following letter to Dr. Salam:

Lahore, Pakistan

May 2, 1988

Dear Sir,

Of course, it is not pleasant to differ with our ideas, but one cannot help, he ought to disclose his differences honestly.

You are of the clear opinion that to attain the present level of developed nations, Pakistan cannot do without Science and Technology. These are the only weapons, making use of which different forms of poverty can be fought and eradicated.

This needs no argument to convince. But to explicate the entanglements of the problem, I want to bring into light some important side-issues:

1) Present Science and Technology are the phenomena appeared as a logical development of a particular civilization. Dialectically, it is not possible to put aside both of them from the complex of social, historical and philosophical milieu of their birth-place.

2) Material welfare and intellectual enlightenment are inseparable. It is one process. One is no guarantee for the other. However, in a conscious situation, as ours is, mind should come first.

3) As the present stage of human history, things (commodities, machines, etc.) are like quanta carrying philosophical potential. They can, and do engulf human beings. Philosophically speaking, in the absence of a total scheme of things, things make a scheme of their own, placing human beings at the lowest.

4) Against this background, my view is that along with the acquisition of imported and indigenously worked out Science and Technology, we shall have to pay equal attention to effect an intellectual renaissance. It is said: Possessing a thing is of no merit, merit consists in it proper use. If we are ignorant as to the use and place of Science and Technology in our philosophical world view (if any!), their acquisition, and that too partially, would do us no good. I am not rejecting, just trying to evaluate them. Further, my emphasis is on creating an intellectual and philosophical atmosphere in which scientific inquiry and thereby Science and Technology could flourish.

The exploitation of the South by the North in terms of Science and Technology is evident. But the struggle of the South has different aspects. Exploiters obstruct transfer of Science and Technology to the South; the ruling elites of the South protect the interests of their masters for double exploitation of the masses of their countries; so, they are not sincere in acquiring Science and Technology. Neither the ruling elites of the South nor their masters like to see the people liberating themselves from the bondage of intellectual backwardness, rather they suppress such attempts inhumanly; also for this reason, the ruling elites of the South do not seek collaboration of the masses of their countries in the so-called struggle for Science and Technology. They have fear of ‘Science and Technology’ itself. Its acquisition is, in fact, the demand and need of the masses of the Third World countries.

In short, the problem of acquisition of Science and Technology is connected with the problem of Revolution of the masses, for which, in my view, intellectual enlightenment and material development should go hand in hand to achieve positive results.

Moreover, I want to draw your attention to the specific state of education of Philosophy and social sciences. As far as physical and biological sciences are concerned, struggle under your guidance has already begun. The state of education of Philosophy and social sciences is the worst as compared to other sciences. Inability in any other field qualifies a student for Philosophy and social sciences. There are no competent teachers, no worthwhile institutions for higher learning and research. Even the “social scientists” remain intellectually as backward as any ignoramus.

Under these circumstances, emphasizing the education of scientific and technical subjects is not convincing, whereas the whole state of education is in doldrums. At best, it shows the absence and need of a vital philosophy of education.

It is hoped you would be kind so as to give serious thought to these reflections, and I will be awaiting your views.

Thanks,

Sincerely,

Khalil Ahmad

On June 26, 1988, the unexpected reply made its way to me (wherein I was wrongly addressed as Dr. Ahmad!). It included a copy of Dr. Salam’s book, IDEALS AND REALITIES: Selected Essays of Abdus Salam (Second Edition), Editor: C H Lai (World Scientific, Singapore, 1987). Its contents are copied below:

10 June, 1988

Dear Dr. Ahmad,

Professor Abdus Salam has asked me to write to you and thank you for your kind and interesting letter of 2 May 1988.

I read your letter with much pleasure, and with regard to your remarks, I would like to say the following:

1. Science is culture and throughout history it has always been an integrated part of human life. It is unique and the same for everyone, for the rich and for the poor and everyone should therefore have access to it.

2. It should be realized that Science is the most important guide for the development of a country. It should therefore exist at a very early stage and before any other step towards development can be taken. The concept of science for development is indeed a very important aspect of the wider question of economic, social and industrial development.

3. Nowadays, there are not different models of development for different countries; it is only science and science-based technology to which all the attention should be paid. This does not of course preclude the efforts which should be made for the development of social studies, literature and other related subjects in any society. For example, an important issue of development policy is the language and the languages spoken within a country. Very much attention should be paid to this issue.

4. In the recent past science and its development has been completely neglected in developing countries. These countries should realize that the solutions to their problems t(l)ies in creating a strong scientific basis upon which the development process can be built. For the time being this is the only way towards development, as was the case in the West in early days.

Having said all that, one easily notes that in developing countries one should pay much more attention to science and science education along with the development of other disciplines with the culture of a society, as you have pointed out.

Professor Salam has discussed this issue in detail in his Book, “Ideals and Realities”. Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the book.

I thank you once again for your kind attention and hope to hear from you again.

With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

H. R. Dalafi   

Here is the scanned copy of the letter:

With a “Thank you” letter to Dr. Salam, this correspondence closed.

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Baldiya Factory Saniha - Intiqaam Ya Insaaf

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Baldiya Factory Saniha - Intiqaam Ya Insaaf

The Kashmir conflict: how to keep it alive

The Kashmir conflict, like other ones such as Palestine, does have a history. Parties to it write, rewrite and exploit this history to a point where its ability to offer a solution becomes precarious. Besides, this kind of use of history complicates the conflict inextricably, and one wonders whether it would ever be possible to resolve it. So, I think, instead of delving into the history of Kashmir conflict, it's better to look forward to its possible resolutions.

For the last decade, I have ignored the news stories on Kashmir (and Palestine, as well). I do not read them with serious attention -- not that I am callous to the suffering of the people, but because I am too much concerned with the misery of the people, the real victims of these conflicts. Also, because I know what the stories may contain; I know what they would recount; I know the end-result. Isn't it surprising to predict human affairs with hundred per cent accuracy!

Sometimes, there came a break. My interest and hope revived. But, then, I lost interest even in the news of diplomatic visits, meetings, negotiations, etc. Everything seemed receding into the ever-burning conflict. I had to tell myself that every move from either side was a trick of diplomacy and politics. Nothing else! Nobody is sincere and willing to resolve the conflict. Are they not just a conflict-minded people?

Nor do I try to keep abreast with the latest developments on the issue of Kashmir (and Palestine, too). Because I know even the future developments. Because I know there would be no development, in fact. Because I know that for the last several decades no progress has been made; and, I like to stick to my conclusion: no progress can be made either. I know my reasoning is invalid; but I know it has repeatedly proved correct.

Let me be clear. I am not a pessimist. I know the history of the resolutions of the conflicts -- the recent history, too. Settlement of the East Timor is a big example. But, these two issues, Kashmir and Palestine, defy my short-term optimism. I don't know how and when they are going to be solved or resolved!

Locally, when two guys start fighting each other, many people come over to try to stop and pacify them. But, undoing their efforts, they jump on to fighting more and more vigorously. In desperation, these people leave them to their fighting. Now, after a while, they stop fighting. But, of course, parties to the Kashmir (and Palestine) conflict are not like these two guys. This conflict is not a two-party conflict. There are so many parties involved in it. And, at times, it appears the original parties of the conflict are not the real parties to the conflict. Thus, the nature of the conflict changes altogether; and its resolution becomes more distant.

Let's stay a while with the two fighting guys. Sometimes, some of the people out of the crowd side with one guy, while the others with the other one; thus, the fighting between two guys becomes a brawl, but I would like to call it a crowd-fighting. Interesting thing about the crowd-fighting is that no one knows why he is fighting, why he is siding with this guy and why not with the other one. Same is the case with the Kashmir (and Palestine) conflicts. The support for this or that party of the conflict is never based on rational analysis of facts, and is never resolution-oriented. It is usually sentimental, artificially created by propaganda, and based on religious, political, racial, regional, prejudices and the like. This sort of crowd support is used and abused by various parties of the conflict to further their vested interests; but never positively to the resolution of the conflicts.

After the recent "bout" between India and Pakistan in which both brought their armies on the borders, there was a news item telling how much arms were sold by the UK (of course, its arms manufacturers) to India during this hot situation. I don't know in addition to UK who else is selling arms to India. Equally, I don't know where Pakistan buys arms from. But, I know that the USA, UK, China, and certain European countries, and for that matter, all the countries that sell arms to India and Pakistan, are a party to Kashmir conflict. I don't know how high the stakes are for these countries, but no doubt they have an interest in what is going to be the fate of Kashmir. I won't lend support to the theory that it is they who cause a war to start between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, but I find sufficient weight to corroborate the view that they may be interested to see this conflict alive. Yes, alive -- but, within limits (not to let it go nuclear). The recent diplomatic hustle-bustle on the part of the USA, UK, China, and other European countries to stop the nuclear collision between India and Pakistan is enough to prove that. Let's wait for the times when nuclear arms, like the conventional ones, will be selling legally through international contracts!

Another party to the Kashmir conflict is the military establishment of both countries. [Kashmir, either Indian or Pakistani, has no army of its own.] The armies of India and Pakistan have a life and death interest in this conflict. If this conflict is resolved, there will be no justification and no need for both countries to maintain such huge armies. So, the conflict needs to be kept alive!

There are politicians and political parties, too, in both countries who are a party to this conflict. But, they are one of the parties that may be interested in the settlement of this conflict. For instance, in 1999, A. B. Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India, came to Lahore by bus to meet the then Prime Minister of Pakistan. As is believed, that visit was meant to reach an agreement regarding the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. But that was sabotaged half way. One thing must be clear here. Particularly, in the case of Pakistan, there are politicians and political parties who play the game of army; but, some of the politicians and political parties sometimes play independently. It is they who want to see this conflict settled anyway. It is necessary for their survival. The Kashmir conflict has strengthened both armies, and especially the Pakistan army, to unknown limits. As Pakistan army's control on civil and political affairs of the country is tightening, the politicians are losing ground, and their share of the booty is getting smaller and smaller. Most of the politicians and political parties have accepted the leadership of the army to grab their little share of the booty. They, too, need to keep this conflict alive!

Religious groups and parties of both countries do have a stake in this conflict. They, too, are a party to it. They have transformed this conflict into a theocratic and religious one and treat it as a religious war. Some of these groups and parties survive simply on this conflict. Agitation, politics, funds, and recruitment to the ranks of the group or party, and "selling" the recruits to the religious battle-field, etc. will be vanished with the resolution of this conflict. So, keep this conflict alive!

Then, come Kashmiris themselves; no matter whether they live in, India's Kashmir or Pakistan's Kashmir. They are probably the weakest party to the conflict. They have no strong independent political party looking after their interests except the All Parties Hurriet Conference of India's Kashmir which has its own links and limitations; the Muslim Conference (Sardar Abdul Qayum); and the Pakistan Peoples Party (Barrister Sultan Mahmood) of Pakistan's Kashmir, which play the politics of establishment in Pakistan. But, as a matter of fact, all the groups and parties of Kashmiris are under the burden of vested interests from both sides. That is why I had to opine above that the original parties to the conflict are, in fact, no parties to the conflict. Whatever be the settlement, it will be reached between India and Pakistan with some Kashmiri group or party acting as a show-piece!

To be frank, in all such cases, I am intensely apprehensive of one thing: I always wonder how they get money for all their activities. I mean the Kahsmiri (and Palestinian, and for that matter, all others) politicians and mujahideen groups no matter they are armed or not. From where do they get their finances? They do nothing to earn their livelihood and apparently have no source of income, but they live expensive lives -- rather extravagant ones. They spend lavishly on their political and other activities also. If they have any source of income, it doesn't match with the cost of politics they do. Perforce I conclude as these parties and groups do not make their finances public, it means their accounts are not straight. So, from where the finances come, there lies the source of trouble. These financiers of the conflict become the unnatural party to the conflict; and, it is they who influence and determine the efforts made towards the resolution of these conflicts.

A strong party to this conflict are the various religious, political and armed groups. However, they are no real party to the conflict; they are artificial creations of the vested interests. But, they play an important role in keeping this conflict alive.

The real party to the Kashmir conflict has always been ignored. It is the Kashmiri individual; and it is ridiculous that he is completely unaware of this fact. He doesn't know he is going to gain nothing even out of the resolution of this conflict. He is being fooled in the name of religion, homeland, political freedom, self-determination, etc.

Let's come back once again to the two fighting guys. Each guy after fighting, if one does not kill the other in the course of fighting, learns and concludes that he can not wipe out the other one; and, they both realize better stop fighting. But, the major parties to the Kashmir conflict do not realize that; or, if they realize that, they don't act on that realization. Each party claims to have the whole pie. Though both India and Pakistan realize that they cannot conquer the other Kashmir, they keep on doing politics, claiming that they can. This has cultivated a dangerous sentiment in the minds of the people that they must never lose Kashmir. Hence, the dichotomy is: the whole pie or nothing!

So, I know beforehand what is happening and what is going to happen on the issue of Kashmir. I need not go into the details of news and news- stories. Because I know it is no more a conflict between the original real parties. Were it so, it is possible it could have been resolved long ago. But, in its present form, it's a conflict between the parties who have strong vested interests in keeping this conflict alive. So, no hope of its settlement. [Same is the case with the Palestine conflict!]

Under these circumstances where no will to resolve this conflict prevails, the game will remain in the hands of no-parties to the conflict, the parasites of the conflict. Kashmir (and Palestine, too) is like a wound that has rotted to produce worms within itself; now, these worms won't let this wound heal!

[This article was originally published in The Libertarian Enterprise on September 16, 2002.]

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