Challenges for Pakistan

WFP Battling To Reach Pakistan Flood Victims

2010-08-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

WFP Battling To Reach Pakistan Flood Victims

Ban requests generous international help for flood-hit Pakistan

2010-08-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

Ban requests generous international help for flood-hit Pakistan

Senator Lugar: Greater Transparency, Clear Objectives Needed for U.S. Aid to Pakistan | Nancy Birdsall | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Senator Lugar: Greater Transparency, Clear Objectives Needed for U.S. Aid to Pakistan Nancy Birdsall Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

Aid to Pakistan by the Numbers : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

2010-06-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Aid to Pakistan by the Numbers : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

About the Study Group : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

2010-06-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

About the Study Group : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active: U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan

Yes, Governance Matters in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas | Wren Elhai | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Governance Matters in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas Wren Elhai Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

Where’s the Great Pakistan Aid Effectiveness Debate? | Molly Kinder | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Where’s the Great Pakistan Aid Effectiveness Debate? Molly Kinder Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

Senator Kerry’s Letter on U.S. Aid to Pakistan: Five Highlights for Ambassador Holbrooke | Molly Kinder | Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

2010-06-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Senator Kerry’s Letter on U.S. Aid to Pakistan: Five Highlights for Ambassador Holbrooke Molly Kinder Rethinking U.S. Foreign Assistance Blog

U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active

2010-06-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan : Center for Global Development : Initiatives: Active

The U.S. image in Pakistan - TheHill.com

2010-06-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

The U.S. image in Pakistan - TheHill.com

Pakistan’s Energy Sector: Groundhog Day for USA?

2010-06-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Pakistan’s Energy Sector: Groundhog Day for USA?

Beginning of Afghan-America Jihad?

2009-12-04T23:27:00.001-08:00

It may seem to be odd or premature at the moment, but I am convinced in my heart and mind that the US is now hastily heading towards the beginning of Afghan-America Jihad which is going to be worst than the Afghan-USSR Jihad for multiple reasons.

1--Afghan Taliban are well-entrenched in most part of Afghanistan. They have the will of the people, the weapons and the warfare training.

2. Afghan Taliban are expected to be backed by all and sundry, tacitly or explicitly, for the people of no country in the region wants America to be based in Afghanistan.

3. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran are the main stakeholders. There is first and foremost commonality of religion, followed by a common hatred of the USA. These countries would not let the US and the NATO massacre the people in Afghanistan for too long.

4. There is every reason to believe that the Muslims in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran as well as those in India will stand united against the US and the NATO forces and will help their Muslim brothers in Afghanistan with money, material and manpower.

5. Russia, Central Asian Republics and China will have genuine concerns about the foreign occupation of Afghan land. They will not hesitate to back up resistance against the US and the NATO in every possible manner.

6. India will be isolated if it tries to back up the US and the NATO in Afghanistan. It can also be in serious trouble with its 15 million Muslims in the country.

7. Pakistan will be on the receiving end from the supporters of Afghan Taliban within its own house. Firstly, Pakistan does not have the civilian capacity to face the internal turmoil and its people will rise against the pro-America political government. Secondly, the military cannot remain aloof from the internal security concerns for too long. Besides, the military will be fighting the Pakistani Taliban and their comrades-in-arms on the one hand and guarding the borders against India on the other. Thirdly, the clergy in Pakistan comprising the Ulema, deeni madaris and mosques will create an unmanageable uproar and mobilize the public sentiment against the government, the US and the West.

Ultimately, the Afghan-America War will become a multinational Jihad as it happened in the earlier Afghan-USSR Jihad. Will the US and the NATO be able to withstand the onslaught from 57 Muslim countries and their 1.5 billion people around the world?

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Chairman
Good Governance Forum
www.goodgovernanceforum.com

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2009-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

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Judicial Commission on Insurgency

2009-06-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

It is so deplorable that our mainstream political party leaders including those of the PPP, PMLN, PMLQ, ANP and JUI(F) have had the courage to ask the governments in NWFP and the Centre as to what plans had been drawn for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons, now estimated at one million, from the territories where military operation is going on to weed out militants. The federal and the provincial governments should have had drawn plans for the evacuation and settlement of civilians BEFORE ordering military operation in the affected areas.

On behalf of the Good Governance Forum and on my own behalf, I demand establishment of a Judicial Commission on Insurgency comprising the Chief Justices of the four High Courts and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to inquire into the causes of the insurgency, loss of lives and property of the people of the affected areas, responsibility of the political governments in the whole affair, punishment for those who failed to discharge their moral, legal and constitutional obligations and compensation for all affectees as well as the infrastructure of the affected territories.

I sincerely urge all network members to join hands in demanding the truth, role of political parties and fixation of responsibility for the ongoing debacle. The media MUST also play its role in preventing disintegration of the country at the hands of the civilian politicians.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 9, 2009 2:44 PM

Revamping the bureaucracy: Whose job is it?

2009-06-02T05:12:00.001-07:00

The competence, character and commitment of our civilian bureaucracy has been declining since the regime of Mr Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The Administrative Reforms of the Bhutto era amalgamating all services into an unified cadre was the first critical blow to the power-base of the civil servants. It was probably done to diminsh the power of the elite of the Civil Service of Pakistan or CSP officers who were known to exercise the powers next to none. Next and fatal blow was inflicted by the National Reconstruction Bureau's wizard under the former president Pervez Musharraf who attempted to neutralize the power of the former CSPs by changing their designations and the nature of functions and authority while strengthening the Police Service of Pakistan or police officers to the detriment of the district administration and district nazim. NRB pregnated the conception of the district nazims, district police officers, and district coordination officers without realizing the ground realities and the competence level of each echelon of the hierarchy.

Over the past 10 years, our federal ministries and divisions swelled to abnormal proportions making it inevitable to hire more federal secretaries to head each division whereas only one secy used to head a ministry having two or three divisions or more. Today, I am told, we are seriously short of officers of grade 20 and above. As a result, junior officers are officiating in senior positions. I wonder how the federal government is going to make up for the shortfall without compromising on the quality of work and the performance of the civil servants.

Over the past 10 years in particular, the military government installed military officers, active as well as retired, in civilian positions, thus creating feelings of jealously and bitterness between the civilian and military officers and denying the right of promotion to the civilian officers.

As the situation stands today, there is an urgent need of revamping the bureaucracy from the bottom up at a fast pace. Every step needs to be done on merit, absolute merit. The service record of all the federal civil servants needs to be computerized, career path to be defined, annual confidential report to be redesigned and reinforced, and selection boards to be reconstituted and the methods of judging the suitability of a civil servant for promotion to the next higher grade made transparent, authentic and scientific, thus eliminating personal liking and disliking, biases or prejudices.

All officers of the Central Superior Services should be promoted from one grade to the other within 5 years, subject to the prescribed conditionalities to be clearly defined and enforced for all. The salaries and perks of all the grades should be thoroughly reviewed and made compatible with the required standard of living of the respective officers. The officers should be provided with adequate transport, housing, medical care, education facilities and loans for special occasions so that the temptation to draw upon corrupt practices is minimized. At many places, the district field officers are provided with huge bungalows which need to be squeezed and the extra land to be used for building more houses and apartments. Likewise, in cities and towns, the government should build houses and apartments for civil servants or arrange such accommodation on installment basis from private developers. Similarly, the cars can be arranged on installments from private banks and leasing companies. The medical care can be arranged through insurance companies.

All appointments, postings, and promotions MUST be done on merit and merit alone and lateral entry MUST be banned. Active or retired servicemen MUST not be hired for civilian positions except through the federal public service commission under the prescribed quota for the armed forces.

There MUST be accountability of all civil servants who abuse their powers for their personal benefit or for the benefit of their benefactors. There MUST be clearly-laid down procedure and forum for the accountability of each and every public servant who is accused of irregularities, illegalities, corruption and maladministration. There MUST be departmental setup as well as judicial setup for the accountability of all the civil servants.

Last but not the least, de-politicization of the bureaucracy is a MUST and the sooner it is done, the better it is for the country. All civil servants must be given firm postings of two to three years, opportunity to perform within the rules, and rise on merit and merit alone. The whimsical transfers, suspensions and OSDs MUST be stopped forthwith at all levels.

Whose job is it?

Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 13, 2009 5:09 PM

Pakistan is heading towards another debacle???

2009-06-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Way back in the 60's when I was studying in class X at Rangmahal Mission High School, Lahore, earlier known as the Forman Mission High School, my father used to take me along on his visits to Karmanwala, a small place near Okara, on Sundays. There, we used to spend time with Hazrat Ismail Shah sahib, popularly known as Hazrat Karmanwala. He often said to my father in Punjabi that I will be very 'parhakoo' (learned). I was'nt 'parhakoo' at that time and so did'nt take his comment seriously. Shah sahib was, undoubtedly, a Wali Allah and one could feel it right there in his presence. Monthly 'Shama' Lahore, a very popular magazine of the time, used to publish personal experiences of the visitors to Karmanwala.

Hazrat's prophecy came true as the time passed and I became a passionate reader and writer. From reading to writing had been a long but pleasant journey, opening up the windows of my intellect, intelligence, and intuition. As I understand it, knowledge is 'roshni' that guides one to research, analyse and interpret the phenomena around us. At the same time, it makes you more sensitive, more human and more concerned when the events around you become enigmatic or unbearable and those who could change the course of events are found to be insensitive to the human suffering, national interests and global perspective.

The game that is being played shall have a tragic end unless Almighty Allah steps in and saves our country and its people. As far as the human endeavour is concerned, we are all set for a disaster of unimaginable and unmanageable magnitude.

Today, as I see it, there is a pyramid of power in place. At the top lies the US and the West and at the bottom is the politicians in one corner and the military in the other one. In our country, there has always been mistrust, misunderstanding and misjudgement between the politicians and the military. At the same time, both looked upto the US and the West for guidance and support.

In my humble opinion, the US has one-point agenda in the region i.e. to establish a pro-America government in Afghanistan. All the military might could'nt accomplish this task over the past 8 years. Taliban, warlords and the Northern Alliance rule most part of the country and only a small portion is being ruled by Hamid Karzai government in Kabul. It is my gut feeling that the US believes that the ISI can help establish US-sponsored govt in Kabul, duly supported by Taliban and others. The US also believes that the ISI is not helping its cause; rather the ISI officials, present or past, are helping the Taliban against the US and Nato. The ongoing insurgency is nothing but a ploy to pressurize the government and the military in Pakistan to help the US realize its agenda, I presume.

The physical presence of the US and the Nato forces in the region is hardly palatable for other players such as China, Russia, and Iran. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is in a fix. It cant possibly go against the wishes of its neighbours and friends. At the same time, Pakistan cannot trust the US because of the past history when the US never came to its help vis-a-vis India. The ongoing courtship between the US and India is a clear indication of where the US interests lie and who has priority over the other. Under such an environment, only fools in Pakistan would opt for the American patronage.

The tilting gesture of the US towards India is a major concern to Pakistan and its people. A stronger India versus a weaker Pakistan means nothing but disaster for Pakistanis and the end of the sovereignty and independence of Pakistan.

Pakistan has all along been a staunch supporter and trust-worthy ally of the US and the West since its inception. In return, Pakistan received mistrust, humilitation and indifference to its interests in most of the US and the Western administrations.

The Obama administration is trying to woo Pakistan's government and military by offering military and non-military aid without understanding the public sentiments in the country. Neither the present political government nor the military is popular with the people at this point of time. President Zardari is hardly trust-worthy; he has proved it several times during the last one year. That is probably the reason why the US is also working on Mian Nawaz Sharif. General Kayani is highly respected for his professional approach and his desire to keep the army away from active participation in the political system. He is trying hard to reinvent the army's public image after the 9-year distasteful rule of Gen Pervez Musharraf. The present government is least backed by other political, religious and sectarian forces in the country. PMLN's changing moods and the PMLQ's white paper are evidence in place. ANP, JUI(F) and MQM are minor partners and vulnerable to changing their loyalties.

Under the present scenario, the Obama admn has no choice but to review its Pak-Afghan strategy side by side the US-India strategy
and take confidence building measures with the people, politicians and the military of Pakistan. The US has got to create a new perception of its relationship with Pakistan. It has to build a strong bond with Pakistan based on mutual respect, trust and fair-play. Words alone will not help; the US will have to prove its intentions by practical measures. That is going to be a long-drawn process and any attempt in haste can alter the scenario altogether to the disadvantage of the US and the West.

I hope extra common sense will prevail upon the Obama admin, Pakistan's politicians, government and the military in the larger interest of the country and its people as well as the region.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 10, 2009 2:32 PM

Justice at Your Door Step: A Dream That Never Came True

2009-06-02T05:09:00.000-07:00

The other day, Pakistan's most popular leader of today in the IRI poll, Mian Nawaz Sharif repeated his oft-spoken dream in the 'Najam Sethi Special' program that the people should have justice at their door step or close to it. I wondered why Mian Sahib could not provide it during his two terms as the prime minister of Pakistan and one term as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Was'nt it possible at that time?

The other day, Pakistan's most popular Chief Justice of the Supreme Court stated in a meeting of the Judicial Policy Committee that the people of Pakistan will get justice in next 3 to 4 months. I wondered why he did not do it earlier as the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Was'nt it possible at that time?

The other day, I suggested to Mian Shahbaz Sharif, CM of Punjab, to direct the Punjab Prosecution Service (a) to examine the cases of the under-trial prisoners in Punjab who have completed the maximum of the sentence under the law for their alleged crimes and proceed to have them released and (b) to examine the pending cases in courts in Punjab and withdraw all those cases which are weak and unlikely to bring conviction to the accused. The conviction rate in Punjab less than 10 percent. He appreciated the proposition but nothing has yet surfaced on the implementation of the proposition.

The jails in Punjab are heavily over-crowded so much so that there are three to four times more prisoners than the prisons' capacity. The prisoners, under-trials as well as convicts, are living in inhuman conditions, to say the least. There are prisoners who got jail term because they were unable to pay a few thousand rupees of fine. There is hardly any differentiation in the treatment of the jouvenile and the women prisoners and women prisoners with their minor children living with them.

The government of Punjab pays Rs 35 for 3 meals of each prisoner. Even if the entire amount is honestly utilized, no prisoner can have three meals in thirtyfive rupees. Our elite should be spending far more amount on their pets.

Tears rolled down my cheeks when I heard Javed Chaudhry saying at the end of one of his programs: One dog said to the other dog: Be careful these days in moving around lest you die the death of a human being in a blast. What about those living in our prisons?

Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 15, 2009 8:05 PM

Bureaucracy in Pakistan: scholars' viewpoint

2009-06-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

Bureaucracy in Pakistan

A candid and perceptive expose of the complex and intricate administrative network of Pakistan, this study traces the steady transition of the bureaucratic elite from an important constituent in the state to a pervasive power in statecraft. Covering pre-reform, reform, and post-reform periods, Kennedy presents a balanced, critical analysis of the role of various aspects of the bureaucracy and contends that Pakistan's bureaucratic philosophy remains governed by 19th-century conventions that hinder administrative reform and development.
http://www.amazon.com/Bureaucracy-Pakistan-Charles-H-Kennedy/dp/0195773640\

Pakistani bureaucracy: crisis of governance and prospects of reform

This paper is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of literature on how the role and assessment of bureaucracy in the Third World in general and Pakistan in particular has undergone change. The second part examines the changing socioeconomic profile and corresponding attitudinal changes if any, in Pakistan's bureaucracy. The third part provides guidelines for possible reform in Pakistan's federal bureaucracy.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_6788/is_4_38/ai_n28759579/

PAKISTAN: Feudalism: root cause of Pakistan’s malaise
Under Sharif's rule, Pakistan's bureaucracy, police and public services were so infested with corruption and political favouritism, and so starved of resources, that few Pakistanis expected anything from government except employment.

http://www.newsweekly.com.au/articles/2000mar25_pfrcopm.html

Posted by Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 18, 2009 7:16 AM

What is cooking up in foreign kitchens?

2009-06-02T05:03:00.001-07:00

We, the naive Pakistanis, thought that a new sun will shine over the troubled Pakistan after the Feb 2008 elections. The ouster of former president Musharraf added glow to our dreamy future. Alas! Asif Zardari suddenly changed his mind and stood up for presidency. That was the beginning of a series of conflicts between President Zardari and Mian Nawaz Sharif. The conflict is still ripe, though partly visible and partly invisible.

President Zardari was 'summoned' to Washington. He spent more time in Washington that his original program. He paid for his stay alongwith that of his 61 comrades as his visit was neither treated as the state visit nor as the official visit. He later moved to UK and France. Hopefully, he will soon land in Iran.

The former president Musharraf is roaming around the world, visiting the US, China, UK, Saudi Arabia etc. and issuing almost daily statements to the media as if he is still the president of Pakistan or president-designate.

Chaudhry Shujaat is refreshing his thoughts in Saudi Arabia.

Salman Taseer dashed to Abu Dhabi concurrently with the visit of Mian Nawaz Sharif to Dubai.

Mian Shahbaz Sharif paid a short visit to Iran, just before the impending visit of President Zardari.

The whereabouts of the Senate's chairman were unknown during this time.

The question is: What is cooking up outside the borders of Pakistan? Any guess?

Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 18, 2009 11:02 AM

Punjab CM's writ being challenged by bureaucracy???

2009-06-02T05:01:00.001-07:00

There is a growing perception in certain quarters that the bureaucracy in Punjab is challenging the writ of the Punjab Chief Minister by its usual tricks and pricks, making it more and more difficult for the CM to achieve the desired results. It is said that the bureaucracy is in no mood to go along the CM's fast-track as there is far more workload relating to the past, present and future than the administrative setup in the province can sustain. As a result, those who are committed to work alongside the CM come under tremendous pressure of work, thus encroaching upon their family and social obligations as well as their own health.

During the last one year of the present government, major public issues have remained unsolved or the progress has been too slow or too insignificant. The hyper-inflation, unemployment and poverty affecting a great number of people remain far off the mark. Other sectors such as education including the vocational and occupational training, health-care, police, prisons, law and order and electricity, gas and water issues are yet to be tackled effectively.

The issues that cropped up during the recent wheat procurement drive in Punjab and the frequent visits of the CM to enforce his directives speak loudly of the hidden tussle between the bureaucracy and the CM.

The crux of the problem probably lies in the way the CM has reshuffled the bureaucracy over the last one year. His ambitious plans and high performance demands are probably out of tune with the competence level of the bureaucracy, its morale and motivation, its performance appraisal and reward and the political pulls and pushes of the various political parties holding power in the province.

The CM may well now have to plan and program structural changes in the bureaucracy aimed at improving their competence level, character and commitment, inducting a scientific system of performance appraisal and rewards and punishment, and carrying out postings and transfers on merit and merit alone. Every civil servant should have a fair chance of performing his functions and rising in his career on the basis of his merits. The induction of the old team of the 90's can hardly be termed fair in the eyes of the bureaucracy as a whole. The Rule of Merit MUST replace the Rule of Personal Affiliations if Punjab is to become a model province for other provinces to emulate its role.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Founder & Moderator
Good Governance Forum
Pakistan

Will slogans ever stop and work begin?

2009-06-02T04:59:00.001-07:00

It is an irony for Pakistan and its people that virtually every civilian government makes promises but none fulfills it. I give below extracts from the official websites of our two giants, PPP and PML(N) for your perusal and suggestions as to how the parties can be made responsible for implementing its promises.

Mumtaz A. Piracha

.......The Pakistan Peoples Party is the only Federal, democratic and equal opportunity Party that can guarantee to our great people a great future. The PPP worker is selfless and committed to the values of Faith, freedom, fundamental human rights, family values and a wholesome society based on the rule of law and human dignity. The founding principle of the Party Islam is our religion places a responsibility on each PPP supporter to reach out in a spirit of accommodation and tolerance to all faiths, to prevent the state from interfering in the religious rights of the citizens (which breeds sectarianism) and to treat people of all faiths with respect enabling them to enjoy religious freedom and equality before the law.The second principle of the PPP ideology is that democracy is our policy. The PPP commitment to freedom and fundamental rights, including freedom from hunger and want, is written in the blood of its martyrs and in the red marks of lashes on the back of its workers. It is written in the suffering and sacrifice of its leaders the greatest of whom was Quaid e Awam. He faced the gallows refusing to bow before tyranny defending the human rights of our citizens to the last of his breath.

Source: http://www.ppp.org.pk/manifestos.html

Good Governance

The crisis of governance in Pakistan is extensive. We have to revitalize the Pakistani society, as envisaged by the founding fathers, so that it successfully integrates itself with the international community; a society in which there is mutual respect, protection of the rights of women, minorities and under-privileged.
Governance in Pakistan is almost in a state of collapse. The performance of bureaucracy at various tiers of the government is ineffective and inefficient (corruption notwithstanding) mainly on account of inappropriate and whimsical appointments, postings and promotions to various assignments. Immediate measures are required to correct the situation, restore the confidence of the bureaucracy and to ensure that they work with complete commitment. This will require elimination of the dead wood, de-politicization and encouragement to the qualified and competent. It has been claimed that the plan for devolution of power to local bodies has been carried out to empower the impoverished and strengthen the local governments. But actually it has undercut mainstream political parties, left widespread corruption unchecked and shifted power away from the provinces as a means to bolster military rule. What is required to develop institutions that will promote a democratic culture and provide moderate political forces an opportunity to serve the nation?
The key to good governance in Pakistan lies in the separation of powers: the legislature should legislate, the executive should execute laws and policies and the judiciary should interpret the constitution and laws. Such a system cannot tolerate the overbearing presence of the military with its uncontrolled access to the power and resource base of the nation.
With this paramount objective in view PML(N) will set up a high level Commission to look at the entire governance structure including the devolution/decentralization process and to suggest amendments in laws that recognize the ground realities in each province and are also suited to the needs of the people.

Good Governance is a cross cutting theme and must apply to all institutions that form part of the Government. There cannot be any exception to this rule. It is imperative, therefore, to select/appoint people of integrity to head all government institutions. PML(N) will take following specific measures in this regard:
· In order to depoliticize bureaucracy, government servants shall be given security of service through constitutional amendments. · All discretionary power at all levels will be withdrawn and all government decisions will be governed by law and merit.· The records of courts, land revenue and police stations will be computerized. These institutions will be provided with all necessary wherewithal and training so that they function effectively and efficiently to meet the requirements of the citizens at the grass root level without sifarsih and rishwat. · Kalashinkov culture, drug trafficking and smuggling shall be eliminated through a systematic and effective reform programme. · Reforming the system of administration to ensure that merit prevails over contacts and there are generous rewards for efficiency and honesty.
Source: http://www.pmln.org.pk/manifesto.php--

Testing Times for Pakistan, People and Politicians

2009-06-02T04:56:00.001-07:00

I have had the opportunity of listening to the excellent discourse of our former foreign secy Mr Riaz Khokhar the other day at Nazaria -e- Pakistan Trust, headed by Mr Majid Nizami, chairman of Nawa-i-Waqt group. He presented ex-tempore analysis, apprehensions and approaches on the challenges in the current domestic and geo-political scenario and the responsibilities of the people of Pakistan in this regard. He urged the politicians to apprise the nation of the gravity of the situation and the need to rise to the occasion. He urged the people to support the armed forces in their struggle to eliminate militancy and extremism.

I have been observing the political landscape of Pakistan from 1958 onwards when I was just 13 years of age, partly because of my newspaper reading habit and partly because of the political connections of my father who was'nt a politician himself. I started writing letters to the editor of 'The Pakistan Times' at the age of 15. I was based in Lahore at that time.

From all that I observed and understood over the past regimes of all shades and colours, I am convinced that the CHANGE in Pakistan in any sphere of our lives CAN COME ONLY THROUGH CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISM. Most of us are certainly aware of our past history and the character of our politicians and military rulers in and out of opposition at any point of time. So, it is hardly necessary to narrate the history and reopen our fragile wounds.

I would sincerely urge all network members of Good Governance Forum and the upcoming Good Governance Council, the only NGO of its kind in the world, to rise to the call and challenges of the times, present and the future, and make our politicians and the world at large realize that we are an educated, civilized and patriotic nation and shall in no way compromise on our independence, sovereignty and integrity of our country and its institutions including the parliament, judiciary and the military. That resolve has to be made and enforced by all ways and means at our disposal.

May I put in a word of caution for all Pakistanis, here and abroad. This country is earmarked for disintegration if we do not help the US and the Nato entrench themselves in Afghanistan through the present leadership in Pakistan and Afghanistan. That needs to be clearly understood by all. Either we do what we are asked to do; or the foreign masters are determined to eliminate Pakistan from the world map.

The ONLY hope lies in the people of Pakistan. It is only the people who can mobilize their strength and force the politicians to take a stand against the foreign designs and protect the boundaries of Pakistan. Time has come to judge the politicians on their character and throw out those who have their interests outside Pakistan. With the undaunted support of the people, the armed forces of Pakistan will discharge their moral, legal and constitutional duties to safeguard the country from within and outside threats and challenges. The politicians MUST be forced to shed their foreign affiliations, stop going abroad to solicit help or receive dictation and involve the people and their representatives in parliament in ALL major decisions of national interest.

May I also say it openly, unambiguously and boldly that if our politicians fail in their constitutional obligations, the people of Pakistan will have no choice but to invite the armed forces to take over WITHOUT any loss of time. So, the politicians need to make up their minds to mend their ways and perform in utter honesty, sincerity and loyalty, at least ONCE in a LIFE TIME.

Those of us who do not rise to the occasion, speak out and support the national cause shall have no time to do so in the future. Let there be NO false hopes.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Founder & Moderator
Good Governance Forum
Pakistan.
email: good.governance@gmail.com

Testing Times for Pakistan, People and Politicians

2009-06-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

Who is responsible for gross negligence?

2009-06-02T04:55:00.001-07:00

Our democractically-elected PPP-led government was quick in ordering mily operation in Swat, Dir and Buner but it did'nt bother to do its own homework. It failed to put in place civilian infrastructure to handle the expected influx of IDPs. Our political leaders inside and outside parliament are demanding stoppage of mily operation, silently or vocally, directly or indirectly, privately or publicly, but none of them is reprimanding the government on its gross negligence of duty and the resulting enormous human suffering to our own people who are displaced out of compulsion.

Is it part of a grand plan to neutralize the armed forces by tarnishing their public image and holding them responsible for the massive influx of IDPs in the eyes of the sufferers, directly or indirectly? What are our political leaders upto? Are they helping India whose infiltration is well-established and whom our armed forces are fighting for the sovereignty of our homeland? Dont they realize what damage they are causing to the country? Are we left with NO patriotic political leadership in the country? Dont they realize what the armed forces will ultimately do to them out of compulsion?

The people are deeply disappointed with the leadership of both PML(N) and PML(Q) who claimed to be the successors of All-India Muslim League on their dismal performance in the current scenario. Both are hiding behind the curtains to keep themselves 'qualified for a change' but Insha Allah the change wont come for their benefit UNLESS they come out of their shells and behave the way patriotic leaders behave anywhere in the world. Allah is the best accountant of all, let us not forget it.

I appeal to all patriotic Pakistanis to condemn these political leaders and stand by the side of our armed forces who are practically fighting another Pak-India war.

Mumtaz A. Piracha

Army Opens Window on Swat Conflict

2009-06-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

At last, the Army has opened window on Swat Conflict in an interview of the DG ISPR with the CNN, published on the front page of The Nation, Lahore today. It is worth reading and soul-searching for the whole nation. I wish the window had been opened long time back by the political government and political leaders outside it. The information contained in the interview largely supports the views expressed by a majority on this forum. DG ISPR also gets our emails on regular basis.

The highlights:

1. Swat is a political problem which can only be partially solved by military intervention.
2. Many of Taliban's arms are coming across the border from Afghanistan.
3. The weapons include those from Nato forces in Afghanistan.
4. The US should stop worrying about the nukes and start worrying about the weapons lost in Afghanistan.
5. The current conflict is intricately linked to the situation in Afghanistan.
6. He described the conflict in Swat as "an existential threat" - a fight for the very existence of Pakistan in its current form. And the portrayal of that conflict to the West would be critical.
7. He conceded Taliban were getting weapons and support from "foreign intelligence agencies."
8. He estimated 10 to 15 percent of Taliban there were foreign fighters: "well-trained Arabs, Afghans with a sprinkling of Central Asians and North Africans." There were also Yemenis, Saudis and Uzbeks fighting.
9. The military wants to get done in Swat as soon as possible, but troops would be there for some time. The army is set for a long fight.

A US government report las month warned that the Pentagon did'nt have "complete records" for about one-third of the 242,000 weapons the US had provided to the Afghan army, or for a further 135,000 weapons other countries sent. The Afghan army "cannot fully safeguard and account for weapons" the Government Accountability Office found.

The CNN broadcast says there is also the risk of the Taliban using the mass exodus of civilians from the Swat Valley as cover to penetrate other towns and cities of Pakistan."It is a very big issue - a serious concern," said ISPR DG. He also said security forces expected more attacks similar to the one carried out in Lahore on 27th May.

The mind-boggling question is: Why is the political leadership in and out of government mum? Why our Leaders of the Opposition in the NA and Senate are afraid to utter a word in line with the perception of the Army and the intelligentsia of Pakistan? Are these leaders representing foreign interests over Pakistan's interests?

It is high time the civil society activists stood up and demanded answers from the political leaders within and outside the government. Nobody else is going to do it. It is NOT the job of the Army to divulge the truth to the people; it can only do per force. If there is no political government worth doing it then why is the army being used to establish the writ of the government? Whose government?

Bravo! Army and its DG ISPR for his objective, balanced and candid analysis of the scenario. Keep it up General.

Mumtaz A. Piracha

Deadliest Terrorist Attack in Lahore May 27, 09

2009-06-02T04:50:00.001-07:00

Like all the fellow citizens, I am deeply grieved at the loss of life in the deadliest terrorist attack in the high-security zone in Lahore on May 27 encompassing the most-sensitive installations like the ISI building, City Police HQ, Rescue 15 HQ, Nawai-e-Waqt building and the Zoo as well as commercial buildings.

Without commenting on the blame-game that ensued the dastardly incident, I would once again re-iterate the utmost necessity of re-evaluating our security establishment, federal as well as provincial, involving the intelligence agencies such as IB and Special Branch, district police and CID and plugging the holes in their operations either because of the quality of men, training, staffing, equipment, logistics, finances etc. to arrive at the right conclusions to plan and implement changes on top priority. There is no point in blaming the militants or foreign hands all the time without learning lessons from our own losses and taking immediate corrective measures.

As a layman with some common sense, I would like to point out that our security system is outdated, to say the least. Our security officials still believe in 'Naka bandi' in the traditional police work. 'Naka bandi' of the police style is NOT enough. For instance, our security officials erect barricades close to the main gate of the sensitive installation ONLY. The barricades or checkposts should start from quite a distance from the main installation from ALL sides, not just the main gate of the installation. The high-security zones need sophisticated electronic gadgets to monitor the movement of the people and the vehicles. The security personnel posted there need to be highly trained and fully equipped with sophisticated weapons to respond quickly and effectively. They need the best motor vehicles to chase the culprits if needed.

Will the federal and the provincial governments please STOP blaming and contradicting each other and START working on remedies?

Mumtaz A. Piracha

Deadliest Terrorist Attack in Lahore May 27, 09

2009-06-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

Community Response to Terrorism

2009-06-02T04:48:00.000-07:00

According to Geo News, the intelligence sources have disclosed that suicide attackers have entered major cities including Peshawar, Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, they belong to Waziristan, and can use different types of motor vehicles. The retailiation of the adversaries in the 'Rah-e-Rast' military operation is obvious. Much more can be expected as the military operation intensifies and expands to other militancy-infected territories.

Under the circumstances, it is highly desirable to launch community awareness program on a large scale through the print and electronic media, mosques, and other means to educate the people, elicit their support and motivate them to keep their eyes and ears open in their localities and report whereabouts of suspicious people and movement of suspected motor vehicles to the law enforcement agencies, district administrations, MNAs and MPAs of their respective areas. The people can serve as the watchdog if the government is able to muster their support and work with them in an environment of trust without creating hassles for the informants.

I invite all those members of the forum who could suggest specific measures for strengthening the community response to the terrorist threats as well as the law enforcement agencies to protect themselves and the people alike. The traditional police 'Naka Bandi' is hardly of any use in my humble opinion. It only puts the people to hardship and causes delays in their movements and work schedules.

Lahore is today the worst example of 'Naka Bandi' where people are going through the most senseless exercises by the police. You may like to read " Cultural hub under siege" on the front page of The Nation of 1st June.
Regards.

Mumtaz A. Piracha

Civil Society Must Rise to Challenge of Change

2009-06-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Quaid of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Mian Nawaz Sharif, adjudged as the Pakistan's most popular leader in an I.R.I. poll recently, scoring 75% popular rating, is yet to rise to the stature of a national leader. He is presently confined to Punjab, though he has the opportunity to become a leader in other provinces. What keeps him away from penetrating into other provinces is hard to understand. Maybe, he is waiting for the right moment to strike. Will that right moment come before 2013?

MNS has often been outsmarted by his contemporary and one-time brother Asif Ali Zardari. MNS has come a long way from his exile to the removal of his disqualification to contest the National Assembly election. All through this long and arduous journey, he was dooped and dropped in one way or the other by his trusted comrade. As luck had it, MNS swung to popular power by leading the Long March. That was the month when the I.R.I. conducted its poll.

Asif Ali Zardari, adjudged to have popular rating of just 19% in the I.R.I. poll in March 2009 countered MNS by rising in popularity with 'the powers that be' in a short while. Today, he is the 'Man on the Spot' delivering what 'the powers that be' want. He may be the least popular leader in the country but he is the most sought-after leader across the frontiers of Pakistan. He appears to have secured his future for a few years, at least, by coming to terms with 'the powers that be' within and outside Pakistan.

What is there NOW for MNS is a question that boggles one's mind? Another 'olive-branch' from AAZ ? What will that be?

MNS has the option to join the PPP-led federal cabinet and become part of the crowd of 80+ and share the responsibility and accountability of the deeds and misdeeds of the government within and outside Pakistan. A gamble for just 10% of the seats? No way, I believe.

He has the option to replace Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani as prime minister under the shadow of president Asif Ali Zardari. What will he then do?

He has the option to become the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. What to do? He can't antagonize the PPP while being partner in the Punjab government. The present Leader of the Opposition is also afflicted with the same dilemma.

Is MNS hoping for the annulment of the 17th amendment and 58(2)B? Is he hoping for the scrapping of the NRO which has already lapsed? Will Mr Zardari be sacrificed by 'the powers that be' under the present circumstances when the moon is shining for him? The mily operation has given Mr Zardari a new leaf of life. How long will the mily operation last is yet another big question. Hopefully, it wont be over in months.

How long will Mr Zardari let the PML(N) keep the bastion of power in Punjab? Only as long as inevitable. He is shrewd enough to know that Punjab was once the homeground of the PPP. His party is now largely confined to Sindh. He needs to reclaim PPP's stronghold for the next elections or to remain in power to complete his term. How will he do it? By 'blowing the hot air' of the southern Punjab and fostering disenchantment of the central Punjab with the PML(N)-led government? Not too difficult, I suppose. He has the support of the PML(Q), the federal bureaucracy in Punjab and the PPP votebank etc.

The rising tide of terrorist attacks, mostly deadliest of all, is yet another opportunity for Mr Zardari to discredit the PML(N) govt in Punjab. There is hardly any doubt that the security establishment of Punjab has been failing again and again in its obligations to protect the people and its own personnel. The traditional police 'Naka Bandi' after the May 27 terrorist attack has created a nightmare for the citizens in Lahore. The Nation headlined 'Cultural hub under 'siege' in one of its recent issues.

Police is neither trained nor equipped to combat terrorism. Instead of revamping the intelligence services, the government resorts to police help again and again. President Zardari has also announced the formation of a 'Special Police Force' to combat terrorism. Our governments have traditionally put one agency over the other to raise the pyramid without achieving the desired results. The Punjab government recently raised the salaries of the Punjab police from the constable to the IGP, reportedly 150% in one go. Is that enough to make the police perform? A heavily politicized force with least training and equipment can hardly be expected to deliver moon.

So, where does the future lie for the people of Pakistan? We have already witnessed the performance of the federal govt during the last one year or so. The armed forces will remain engaged in eliminating terrorism and protecting the citizens, thus relieving the government of the fear of a military coup. The US and the West will continue to have their field day.

Who is going to bring change or pressurize the government to perform? The only hope rests with the organized civil society. It is NOW or NEVER. The judiciary and the media are waiting for the organized civil society to step forward and join them in their struggle to meet the Challenge of Change. A society that fails to rise when the sun shines, fails to rise when the sun sets.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
Founder & Moderator
Good Governance Forum
Pakistan

Good Governance Must for Pakistan

2008-09-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

Good governance has been an over-riding, perennial, key issue in Pakistan during its 61-year history, starting from the 14th of August 1947. Without going into the past, the country is today faced with grave public issues of inflation, unemployment, poverty, law and order, electricity, water, gas, transport, housing, education, health, justice, corruption, maladministration, and political instability. The tasks ahead are gigantic and demand a high level of competence, courage and commitment from the political leadership, civilian bureaucracy, and civil society organizations to lead the country of 160 million souls to stability, progress and prosperity.

Pakistan has an immense geo-political strategic position. It borders Afghanistan, China, India, Iran and provides access to the CIS in Central Asia via Afghanistan. It has a direct route to the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Sea marks Pakistan's southern boundary with 1064 km coastline. It has been a long-time close ally of China and Iran. Being a major Muslim country, Pakistan shares religious affiliation with Iran and enjoys brotherly relations with Arab States in the Middle East and Muslim countries in the South Asia. It has been allied with the United States of America from the beginning of its establishment and remained a part of the US sponsored political and military alliances of SEATO and CENTO for a long time. It is also a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

The port of Gawadar in Balochistan, the largest land-mass province of Pakistan rich in natural resources such as natural gas, coal, marble, chrome, silver etc., has been largely constructed and financed by China. The Gawadar Port will provide a cheap, convenient and comfortable route for shipments to and from the Arabian Gulf, the Central Asian Republics and China. It could also be used by the American and European shipping lines. Road link to Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics from there onwards will greatly contribute to the international trade, bringing cost and time savings to the shippers and prosperity to the destination cities. There is already a road link from Quetta to Iran. Gawadar will also be linked by road to the major cities of Pakistan.

Pakistan is probably one of the rare countries of the world endowed with every thing. It has land, sea, rivers, four seasons, manpower, agriculture, industry, natural and mineral resources, oil, gas, vegetables, fruits, foodgrains, livestock, dairy farms, roads, railways, airways, shipping lines, telecommunications, coastline, and what not. It can meet most of its requirements from its domestic resources.

What Pakistan badly needs today is the WILL TO DO AND THE COMPETENCE TO DO to tap the country's vast resources. Nothing can stop the country from progressing fast once its will to do is put into full gear. Competence will come along. Money, technology, and foreign collaboration are no problem once the political stability is achieved, progressive policies are formulated, and well-designed programmes are implemented in all earnest to show to the world that we are determined to move ahead in the new century.

Under the country's Constitution, adopted by all political parties and provinces in 1973, the role of each organ of the state i.e. the executive, parliament and judiciary is clearly defined. What is needed is the adherence of the political government to the tenets of the Constitution. With Unity, Faith and Discipline in our heads and hearts, we can live together, work together and progress together. Sectarian, linguistic, and ethnic considerations cannot overtake the nation's determination to forge unity and live in peace.

The ongoing threat of militancy in the tribal belt is borne out of the absence of political government, equitable distribution of wealth and resources, economic, legal and social justice, respect for tribal traditions, customs and values and fair and firm settlement of issues agitating the minds of the tribes. The tribes are as good Muslims, patriotic and Pakistani as anybody else but like country's other regions, the tribal region also needs a different treatment. Once the government of Pakistan is fully conscious of the underlying stresses and strains and it determines with courage, confidence and competence to resolve the thorny issues, peace and tranquility are bound to return faster than imagined.

As far as the Kashmir dispute with India is concerned, we have lived with it and fought for it in 1948, 1965 and 1971, notwithstanding Kargil. We now have to stop thinking about using arms to resolve the issue and start using peaceful means with honesty and sincerety to come to an acceptable solution. Neither India nor Pakistan can afford to keep the issue burning for indefinite time and keep the people of Occupied Jammu & Kashmir in a state of despair and despondency for too long. The Kashmir issue has cost India and Pakistan huge sums of men, money and materials overtime and the defence budget of each country is still taking a major chunk of its national exchequer in the presence of mass poverty and under development in the rural areas.