Jefferson Review

FreePakistan Newsletter # 23

[March 16, 2004]

FreePakistan exists for the promotion of individual freedom, private property, market economy, limited constitutional government, and the rule of law. Its vision is a free and prosperous Pakistan; for only such a Pakistan can contribute positively to the creation of a free and prosperous world.

FreePakistan is an affiliate of Alternate Solutions Institute, Lahore, a registered non-profit non-political first free market think tank of Pakistan, whose mission is to seek solutions to the challenges in the areas of economy, law, education and health in accordance with the principles of classical liberalism, and to promote the implementation of these solutions.

For more information, contact the institute at asinstitute@hotmail.com

FreePakistan URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreePakistan

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FreePakistan welcome your comments and contributions!

Contact at: khalilkf@hotmail.com; khalilkf@yahoo.com

FreePakistan Newsletter links:

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http://www.jonathangullible.com/projects.htm

Volumes can be and have been written about the issue of freedom versus dictatorship, but, in essence, it comes down to a single question: do you consider it moral to treat men as sacrificial animals and to rule them by physical force?

Ayn Rand [1905-1982]

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CONTENTS:

0 In Praise of Ayn Rand

By Michael Cloud

0 Failure of Public Transport

By Aoun Sahi

0 Letters to FreePakistan

0 Letters from the Press

0 FreePakistan News Briefs

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WELCOME TO www.asinstitute.org http://www.asinstitute.org

Alternate Solutions Institute, Lahore, Pakistan, has launched its website.

For information and feedback, info@asinstitute.org

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What is Philosophy of Liberty? A screensaver by Lux Lucre and Ken Schoolland explains it.

Download and install it. http://www.free-market.net/rd/321907219.html

LIBERTARIAN CONVENTION APRIL 3 - 4 LEIDEN, HOLLAND

The Libertarian International Spring convention takes place in one of the buildings of the very old University of Leiden in Holland. Leiden is a very nice city, close to Schiphol Airport and the (hopefully) then blooming tulip fields. We have 12 well known speakers with interesting subjects, especially relating to the big changes now happening in Europe. Time for questions and discussion will be arranged.

There will also be a big debate whether the EU is for Europeans the best way to the future or if we should try to get out as soon as possible. This debate is sponsored by FREE EUROPE. On Saturday night there will be a banquet, (included in the price), with the granting of Libertarian Awards, a speech of the wellknown Dutch columnist Pamela Hemelrijk and plenty of time to make contacts with old and new friends.

And all that for ONLY 70 EURO PER PERSON!

Enjoy this beautiful country and great libertarian speakers at the height of tulip season -- but register soon! http://www.libertarian.nl/NL/archives/001098.php , and if you have any questions or wishes, just contact at info@libertarian.to

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IN PRAISE OF AYN RAND

By Michael Cloud

[This article is republished here with due permission from Libertarian International www.libertarian.to ]

*2005: YEAR OF AYN RAND*

Ayn Rand was born on February 2, 1905 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ninety-nine years ago.

Though she died in 1982, her work still lives and breathes and moves.

Ayn Rand was a novelist-philosopher best known for her two major novels: "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged."

During her life, she also wrote and published an early full-length novel, a novella, a play, and numerous non-fiction essays that she assembled by themes and published in several books.

Ms. Rand's work has challenged, influenced, provoked, shaken, and stirred the passions and minds of millions of readers.

I am one of them.

I first read "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" 34 years ago, while I was a student at the United States Air Force Academy. These novels shook me awake. They lit up every circuit in my brain. They aroused in me a gnawing hunger to read deep and wide. They showed me extraordinary possibilities.

I left the Air Force Academy, enrolled in the University of Arizona, found my way to students who read and discussed Ayn Rand - and a political philosophy called "libertarianism." I soon found my way into the libertarian movement and, in 1975, the Libertarian Party.

I wasn't the only one who walked this path. Most early Libertarian Party members became libertarians because of Ayn Rand.

Dave Nolan, co-founder of the Libertarian Party, said, "Without Ayn Rand, the libertarian movement would not exist."

Even today, her books bring thousands to libertarianism.

If you've never read "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged", or if you haven't read them recently, buy a copy of each.

Read "The Fountainhead" first. A story of a gifted and original young architect who must overcome great odds to succeed. This gripping novel explores and dramatizes the meaning of independence, creativity, honesty, and integrity. It showcases Collectivism vs. Individualism.

Read "Atlas Shrugged" next. "This is the story of a man who said he would stop the motor of the world - and did," said Ayn Rand. The motor is human intelligence. Ms. Rand makes a compelling case for reason and freedom. She challenges readers to come to grips with the most fundamental issues of human life. Agree or disagree with her, but she will make you think.

A warning. These novels require your undivided attention. Your full intelligence. They will challenge you to see things with new eyes. To think differently. To think ideas all the way through.

They will repay you handsomely for your efforts. You will experience a sense of accomplishment - and radiant possibility.

After you've read "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," if you'd like to learn about Ayn Rand's life and work, you'll want to read: "The Passion of Ayn Rand" by Barbara Branden. The author of this biography was "one of Ayn Rand's closest friends and professional colleagues" for 19 years. This biography is accurate, honest, and fair - and a joy to read."

If you love what I love about Ayn Rand, if you appreciate what I appreciate about her life and work, savor "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" once again, and share them with the people in your life - especially those in high school and college.

Let Ayn Rand open their minds to individual liberty.

FAILURE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

By Aoun Sahi

All experiments in public transport have failed so far!

A SHORT HISTORY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

During the past 57 years successive Punjab governments have been experimenting with transportation to ease the traffic load on Lahore roads. But unfortunately, none of these plans succeeded in facilitating the commuters so far.

In 1964 Punjab Road Transport Board (PRTB) was formed to manage urban transport routes. In 1978 Punjab Urban Transport Corporation (PUTC) was shaped exclusively for urban routes and in 1985 PRTB and PUTC were joined to form PRTC (Punjab Road Transport Corporation). It proved a white elephant.

After the failure of PRTC, in 1997 the Government of Punjab started a new transport system. Thus Lahore Transport System came into existence the first time when private entrepreneurs were asked to operate buses under a government authority. Under this scheme different routes have already been given to six companies including New Khan Bus service, Daewoo Bus Company, Premier Bus Service, Baloch Urban Transport Company, Monolite Urban Star and B.H.K Company. New Khan runs the largest number of buses, 250 in number on nine different routes. Agreement with four other companies is under process.

New Khan Bus Service was first to start bus service in Lahore on 1st July 1999. Daewoo was the first ever company to start an AC bus service in Lahore. It started its services on November 11, 1999. Prior to this all the routes were occupied by commuter vans whose future is very uncertain as they cannot ply vans on franchised routes.

According to Transport Department, in Lahore there were almost 6,000 commuter vans running on different routes. They started plying in 1971 and in 1972 these vans got route permits from government for the first time. According to an old transporter, "In the beginning there were only 40 vans in the city, the number increased rapidly and in one year's time it crossed 2000 mark."

People who were and are earning livelihood through commuter vans, find the government's transport policy apathetic towards them and commuters at large. Women with children see it as a curse as rarely does one come across a person who has the courtesy to let a woman with a child have a seat in the bus when people are being transported like sheep and cattle because of shortage of buses.

ESTABLISHING PRIVATE MONOPOLIES IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR

Buses will replace all vans very soon. Six hundred buses of six different franchised companies are plying in the city on different routes but there is no competition - every route is a monopoly of the company running buses on that route. An agreement with four others is in process under which 160 new buses will ply in the city.

According to an official of Ministry of Transport, "These buses are environment friendly; their fuel consumption is very low. Vans cannot ply on a franchised route. They can only run on any route open for vans or move to other cities. The main reason behind bringing buses to the city is to eradicate pollution and smoothen traffic."

But this has not eased the situation on the roads. The main problem faced by people is that buses are very few in number. Passengers have difficulty reaching their destinations in time, especially in the morning.

Bus owners say that, in most cases, they are running more buses than mentioned in the agreement. Muhammad Hanif, director marketing and public relations Monolite Transport Company, said, "We have an agreement to run 30 buses on route 47 but we are already plying 32 buses on the route, which is still insufficient. We had appealed to the government to permit us to run two double deckers on this route which are on road now."

A government official explained the reason why there are fewer buses: "According to the deal the franchised companies were bound to replace five vans having legal route permit, with a bus. So, if 100 vans had legal permit on a route they were replaced by 20 buses. The franchised companies fulfill this requirement but the problem is that if 100 wagons on a route had legal permit there were at least 60 running illegally 'without' permit on the same route."

"We never franchise a route until the company gets the complete number of buses required. We are also directing them to increase the number of buses. This problem will vanish gradually. Government supports buses and for this we are offering a 4% subsidy on the mark-up of loans and are also providing a place for stands and parking to companies on lease," the official added.

Some common complaints against the vans and their drivers are that they do not obey law, do not ply strictly on the routes laid down for them by Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and the Transport Ministry, drive rashly and misbehave with commuters. Mansoor, a medical student and a regular traveler on public transport told this scribe, "Many vans do not complete their route, drive rashly and avoid passengers who have to travel long distance."

Muhammad Arshad, a commuter from Krishan Nagar shares the view. "Buses are more convenient and their seats are more comfortable. It is true that you have to wait for at least 10 minutes and buses often overcharge as well but these are minor problems that can be worked out."

Adnan, a 20-year-old passenger, held a contrary view: "Vans are still better than buses. I don't find a bus on the roads after 11 pm, and have to wait for 10 to 20 minutes for one at any time of the day. As franchised companies have no competition, they do not care for passengers and do not stop the bus for one passenger, even on their specified stops. They also overcharge."

Private vehicle owners have their own problems. Jamil Chaudhry, a car owner and a student of M.Phil said, "Big buses can be dangerous on the encroached roads of Lahore. They do not park buses on their stops, which results in traffic jams. Either they should widen the roads or redesign buses according to our conditions."

Wagon drivers and owners say that they should be permitted to run their vehicles along with buses. Abu Bakar, owner and conductor of a wagon on route 43 said, "We have been doing the business for 20 years and now the authorities tell us to get out of the city. But where should we go. A dozen capitalists are destroying us and the government is equally responsible. No protest has been recorded by the transport union either because its bigwigs are traitors. They have taken bribes from franchised companies; the two sons of our union's chairman have got jobs in two different franchised bus companies. We also went to the court to seek justice but in vain. Those who protest are threatened. We have no option - we cannot sell our vehicles because there is slump in the market of Toyota vans. Besides in this situation, a van will sell for a lakh less than its value."

A driver added that RTA (Regional Transport Authority) secretary has his own buses in a franchised company and alleged that other relevant bureaucrats and politicians got high incentives that was why they are imposing the decision so forcefully.

RTA Secretary when contacted was indifferent regarding the charges: "I don't care for anybody and don't deny this."

Yasin Butt, vice chairman of Local Mini Bus Federation Lahore, is of the view that in Lahore there is still much space for mini buses and vans "There are so many routes in Lahore where mini buses and vans can be shifted. We are not against the big buses but before the closure of a route, vans should be allotted new ones."

"The number of motorcycle rickshaws has increased alarmingly with the closure of vans in the city, which are a great source of pollution; besides these rickshaw drivers have no road sense," he said.

The purpose of public transport will only be served if government develops a long term policy rather than short term solutions as it has been doing in the past. There is a need to reflect on all aspects - how much load a road can sustain, what will be the population of city, say after 10 years, and how the public transport will handle it. And it must not ignore the van owners, drivers and conductors, while doing so.

[Courtesy: The News]

Letters to FreePakistan

Hello,

Please add: writers_forum@yahoogroups.com

for your Free Pakistan letter. It will go to over 1100 people.

Thanks.

Munir Saami

Moderator

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Writers_Forum/

Hi there

. . . it's just a quick note to thank u 4 uer newsletter (well edited!) that’s a treat 2 read. While going through your article on PEMRA i couldn't agree with you anymore on all the opinions regarding the output of this so called "instructive, catalytic tool" of our ministry of information and broadcast. However i'd like to know if u r really complacent (as i detected) about the onslaught of imperialism of foreign media in our society!? Keeping PEMRA and other such elements of this helpless and hopeless society aside, how would YOU(as Mr. Khalil and not some newsletter's editor) respond to the decadence of our social structure at the hands of imperialism thru useless channels like STARPLUS (i know women luv it 4 those "hypnotizing" dramas..i call them chewing gum 4 eyes)....One can't shrug one's shoulders at this demise and move ahead. Can we afford that? Anyways i just felt like rolling down my thoughts to you, though u are not necessarily required to even think about replying but nevertheless thanks 4 reading till the end :)

keep up the good work

nadya

[Thank you!

My answer to your objection: I don't believe in clichés such as 'the onslaught of imperialism of foreign media.' I think the whole world is one human world and one market and everybody is/should be free to live as he/she wishes. No other person, group, party, legal or illegal institution, (or PEMRA or ministry of information), government or me or you have any right to decide for the others what is good and what is bad for them. People should be free to decide for themselves. This is the only way they can become responsible because with freedom comes responsibility. StarPlus, if people or most of the women like to watch it we should have no objection; otherwise it means that it is we who should decide for the others; why not others should decide for us? So, me and you must watch the dramas telecast on the StarPlus. Would you like to watch them? I won't! Let people live the way they like to live!

We should not play the role of a self-appointed intellectual or leader as so many are there to advise, admonish, direct or lead the people. We should be our own leader but not of others!

I hope you won't mind this stream of thought which I keep on teaching and reminding myself repeatedly because there is so much distraction (or infatuation) in intellectualism and . . .

Of course, we are free to judge but have not right to punish anybody.

With best wishes and regards, Khalil Ahmad]

Thanks 4 your reply

I got your point. i'd like to 4give myself 4 "intellectualism" it's a pardonable sin in youth i suppose i still have to see and learn alot. Maybe a few years down the line i'm as practical, complacent or perhaps staunch advocate of 'freedom to choose' as u r but nevertheless id cherish this time of idealism....yes i'm "infatuated and distracted". Anyways it's been informative to hear uer opinion....btw i read freedom is a mixed blessing there's something consoling about lack of option ...so never mind! regards

nadya

How are you?

You see my web page?

www.acrata.org

I am a teacher in History and Geography. I like Midle East, hier is very necessary new thinks, and clear objectives for development.

Acrata.org is a libertarian institution in Lima, Peru. Organizer forums and conferences for free market, justice and liberty, theory of justice in liberal and libertarian view.

I like liberal ideas: Smith, Hazzlit, Milton Friedman, Mises, Hayek, Douglas North, and others.

For the future my project not is clear, now. I have election: Sud america or Midle East, for example: Afganistan, Irak, Pakistan, Iran.

For my is very important: islamic people dont know Liberal ideas. And dont like, but is necessary one explain islamic Right is opposite for free market or no? is enemy for democracy or no? the islamic tradition is important for people.

Sorry, maybe my speech is not good, my english is poor.

In Cato.org, and Atlas Foundation webs you see my web, acrata.org

thanks

Husain AbdulHaq

Letters from the Press

PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION

[M. Muzaffar-Ul-Haque, Karachi]

Professor Jakrani's death as a sequel to the agony he underwent due to non-payment of his pension is shocking. This is not the only case. There are other cases in which government functionaries do not perform their statutory duties in accordance with the law and, thereby, deprive citizens of the right to be treated equally.

The police and other government official unnecessarily delay such cases, resulting in harassment to the public. The law cannot be enforced in these cases because nobody comes forward to file a case for the public interest litigations. This is so because such cases cannot be filed in the constitutional jurisdiction by an NGO because public interest litigation is not permissible under Article 199, as held by a division bench of the Sindh High Court in a reported judgment.

Such a litigation is allowed only under Article 184(3). And though this can be filed in the Supreme Court at the Karachi registry, its hearing will take place only after scrutiny by the deputy registrar concerned at Islamabad, who may some time dispose it of summarily.

To streamline this procedure, the chief justice of Pakistan may reexamine this matter and issue direction to all concerned that such a petition under Article 184(3) should be heard at the relevant registry where it is filed directly and be placed directly in the court for preliminary hearing, without disposing it of on administrative grounds, and such a petition could be heard on merit and decided judicially.

This will help a citizen living in Sindh who cannot afford to go to Islamabad to pursue a case and engage a counsel and advocate-on-record who can personally appear before the Supreme Court in such public interest litigation in order to have proper control over the state functionary.

It is necessary that such litigation is encouraged and justice done to everyone. I hope the chief justice of Pakistan will look into this matter and allow all citizens to file public interest litigation in any registry and it must be heard at the same registry where it is filed and be placed directly for judicial decision.

Moreover, administrative examination of such petitions should be stopped by the relevant deputy registrar. This arrangement will give speedy justice to the common man. [Dawn]

DEATH FROM STARVATION

[Mirza Ghulam Haider, Multan]

Professor Ghazi Khan and his wife died of starvation in Karachi some time back, as the professor could not get his pension for three years after his retirement, in spite of his best efforts.

Government employees are unfailingly relieved from their service on the day of their retirement without any exception at all, but the cases of their pensions are seldom settled well in time.

It throws them into the cauldron of untold problems because pension is the only source of their income to fall back on.

The accountant-generals of the provinces often issue directives to their subordinate officers to decide pension cases in time, but usually such directives are ignored. Will the relevant authorities intervene in the matter and ensure that pension cases are decided on time? [Dawn]

THE TEACHER WHO DIED OF HUNGER

[Z. H. Baber, Karachi]

The tragic death of Professor Jhakrani and his wife in Karachi reflects how fast our society is degenerating. This event has left many sensitive souls pierced to the heart with shame and guilt. How could this happen? No matter what people say about his isolated way of living, the unavoidable question is as to why people have stopped caring about one another.

The most troublesome aspect of this tragic incident is that Professor Jhakrani was a teacher who spent his whole life in educating people. Is this the way our society rewards those who struggle for spreading knowledge and enlightenment amongst people? It is time we start rethinking our value systems.

Misery and helplessness are shaking the very foundations of all our social institutions. The super-structures erected over the bodies and souls of helpless people will not last long if such a state of affairs continues. It is no use delivering high-sounded speeches at seminars and conferences while knowing that poverty has affected most of the people in this country.

The nightmare of poverty should make us wake up from our slumber. We should look at what is happening around us in the form of jobless masses, hungry and thirsty individuals, hands spread out for charity outside well supermarkets, shining automobiles and banks full of credit schemes.

It is indeed an irony that the very institutions people have served their whole lives fail to respond properly at the time of their retirement. If Professor Jhakrani had got his pension, he would not have faced such a terrible and shocking death. This state of affairs calls for an urgent measure to make sure that people belonging to educational institutions who cannot earn money through any other means just because of their life-long commitments and self-respect are taken care of at the time of their retirement through a well-ordered and prompt system of payment of pensions. Justice delayed is justice denied. [Dawn]

FACING WTO CHALLENGES

[Air-Cdre (R) Azfar A. Khan, Rawalpindi]

It has been reported that according to the Senate special committee's recommendation on the challenges of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the operation of various task forces will be brought under one roof.

After going through the news, I think the real issue for the Senate body was to resolve the biggest puzzle - how to become competitive and face the WTO challenges.

The public will be surprised to know that there are businessmen in our country who till now don't know the implications of the WTO on the country's trade and that how it could affect them. The commerce minister should also to share a major portion of the blame for not making serious efforts to create awareness amongst our businessmen.

One of the many requirements of the WTO is the availability of legal experts. Do we have a sufficient number of such experts armed with complete knowledge and intricacies of the WTO who can fight cases on behalf of our businessmen in WTO courts? The hiring of legal experts from the international market will be too costly.

The cut-off date, January 1, 2005, is just round the corner when our markets will be flooded with foreign goods, better in quality and cheaper in price as compared to those being produced locally. The consumer would be free to make a choice amongst a large variety of items, and would buy only those which would suit his pocket and fulfil his requirements.

Are we geared up to face the challenges of this grim reality? [Dawn]

SAARC: ACCESS TO INFORMATION

[Zohra Yusuf, Karachi]

This refers to the section on information and communication in the Saarc Islamabad declaration. It is regrettable that certain crucial provisions are missing from the declaration. The governments of the South Asian region should have at least committed themselves to:

1. Free access to information through availability of publications across all borders.

2. An assurance that television channels of other countries will not be banned.

3. An end to propaganda in the official media channels.

4. An end to stereotypical depiction of citizens of other countries whose culture or religion may be different.

5. Regular and objective coverage of all member countries.

Experience shows that special slots such as those proposed in the declaration - Saarc Roundup and Saarc News - have little viewership and interest. [Dawn]

FORTNIGHTLY RAISE

[Burhanuddin Hasan]

The government has formed a committee called the Oil Companies Advisory Committee and has unleashed it in the market like a raging bull to increase the prices of petroleum products punctually every fortnight, seemingly without any check from any quarter. Nobody knows to whom this committee of oil companies is responsible, nor does the committee ever give any convincing reasons for the increase in the prices of petroleum products, which in turn leads to overall increase in the prices of hundreds of item of every day use for the common man. But who cares for the common man? Our government, it seems is more interested in the fortnightly increase in the profits of the oil companies rather than the welfare of the people.

I would appeal to the president and the prime minister to look into the callous manipulations of prices of petroleum products by the oil companies. They should give valid reasons for every increase and should not announce it without the approval of the finance minister, who should also share the blame for the galloping price spiral in a poor nation where poverty level is already on the rise. [The News]

PLEASE, MINISTERS

[Sohail Maqbool]

Year 2003 actively preoccupied our very own Ministries of Commerce and Industries in a long drawn cat and mouse contest with automobile manufacturers, distributors and dealers on the issue of cars in Pakistan. No offence, but our bureaucracy is world renowned in creating national issues from non-issues. Such non-issues as of supply and pricing of new cars ridicule our smart comeback on the macro economic front. Being a novice on the economic issues it even beats me when it comes to a simple understanding of demand and supply. If our two honourable ministers cannot handle a simple matter of ensuring car supply at competitive rates to the public then they should relinquish their charge (on this issue only) to economic expertise of Shaukat Aziz or Hafiz Sheikh. I am sure either of these two experts can resolve this miniscule matter within no time. Please, for God’s sake, spare us, the poor citizenry from the continued harassment of ‘paid wait’ and exorbitant ‘premiums’ on over priced locally manufactured cars. [The News]

DEVOLUTION PLAN'S VIABILITY

[Sohail Ahmed Pathan, Hyderabad]

In spite of being in place for three years, the system of devolution has been a miserable failure. The government's claims that the system will bring a revolutionary change in the efficiency and working of the government officials, and will bring democracy to the grass roots level, was mere lip service.

The reality is somewhat different; the working of government officials has, if anything, become worse, corruption remains unchecked and the law and order situation remains unchanged. The only thing that has come out of all this is that it has provided an opportunity to nazims, naib nazims and UC nazims to make profits while remaining on the side of the elected government. Nothing has been accomplished otherwise.

I think that the government rushed into the implementation of the devolution plan without examining its impact and outcome. Due to its complicated hierarchical structure, everyone is baffled at their workplace amidst uncertainty and confusion. Such experiments with the state machinery lead to only one thing; the people end up suffering. [Dawn]

DENTAL HEALTH ISSUE

[Anwar Saleem, Karachi]

Dr. Mahmood Shah’s letter in an English daily (not The News) is very eye opening regarding unethical advertisements of toothpastes. But an eye that Dr. Shah as president PDA, Karachi and also the president PDA, Pakistan has closed upon is the appearance of the real working dental surgeons on tele-ads of the toothpaste saying it to be a "home dentist." Is this the ethics of the health professionals? Were not these slogans like "doctor ko bhool jaiye" and "home dentist" the real issue that forced the doctors of Fatima Jinnah Dental College to go for the study of steroids in toothpastes?

I appreciate Dr. Shah’s concern but I must steer his concentration to the fact that if a problem is to be eliminated one must reach to the root cause and not just rely on hypothesis. [The News]

BAN ON INDIAN TV CHANNELS

[Salar Masud Ahmad, Islamabad]

Now that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee of India is here and talks are going on for better and more cordial relations between Pakistan and India, would it not be wise to lift the ban on Indian channels as a gesture of goodwill?

Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha has obliquely hinted that such a move will not only be welcomed in India but also open up new vistas for Pakistani viewers who have in any case a longstanding demand for lifting of the ban. Mr Sinha has held out an assurance that no anti-Pakistan propaganda will be dished out from Indian channels.

Incidentally, lifting of the ban will do good to our channels also by infusing spirit of a healthy competition in them. Do not let PTV and private TV channels go the way of our cinema which hardly anyone likes to see. [Dawn]

PORNOGRAPHIC EXPLOSION

[Dr Mubashir Khan, Indianapolis, IN., USA]

This is with reference to the letter "Pornographic explosion".

I am surprised at the suggestions made by Dr Tanauli for preventing pornography from destroying the 'moral fabric' of our society. His suggestions (I don't doubt the nobility of aims behind these) may work well in a theocracy but not in a moderate democracy.

It is true that pornography is unacceptable to many and may have many evils associated with it, but certainly not more than those associated with smoking (cancers, loss of revenue in health care and other evils of addiction), drinking (cirrhosis, drunk driving fatalities, domestic violence), corruption (general breakdown of society), karo-kari (deaths) and gun culture, etc.

I would rather have a 'reporting cell' made for drunk drivers and illegal gun owners and 'state censorship' of cigarette advertisements than for pornography. It is important to remember that modernization does not mean westernization (towards which many harbour negative feelings) and uncensored media is part of a modern world and not only of the West.

It is right to protect one's children and underage adults from exposure to pornography but taking action across the board is wrong for this day and age.

The following are some suggestions for preventing the evils of pornography: - Encouraging parents to educate their children about pornography. This can be done through newspaper articles, advertisements and community programmes.

- Laws requiring legal action against those who provide pornographic material to underage children and adults.

- Advertising parental control software programmes which parents and educational institutions can install on their computers to protect children from accessing pornographic sites. (Let's not just wipe the whole internet off; let's allow adults to make some decisions on their own as well).

One thing we must remember is that as adults and as a free people we must be allowed to choose between right and wrong as long as it does not harm anotherperson. Dr Tanauli's suggestions, if implemented, will take that right away from us. [Dawn]

PORNOGRAPHIC EXPLOSION

[Munzir Naqvi, Atlanta, GA, USA]

This is apropos of the letter "Pornographic explosion" by Dr Tariq Sultan Tanauli.

In today's society, along with modern achievements, come modern flaws. Indeed, there is no such thing as a perfect society, no matter how hard we strive for it. The best method of dealing with issues such as the pornographic explosion is to handle them at home. How do parents raise a child?

If a young man wants to see pornographic material, no matter how hard the technology stops him, he will always find a loophole. These days there is technology available that can pass through adult blocks. Even with the blocks feature, nothing is guaranteed to be fully blocked.

The best method of a society not becoming intoxicated by pornographic material is by the society educating its youth about the rights and wrongs, not using technology to shun them away, which keeps the youth wanting more.

We can't ignore the realities of the modern world. The only way to overcome a problem is to confront the realities concerning it. Whatever a person chooses to do is their own business. [Dawn]

FreePakistan News-Briefs

GOV THINK TANK FOR REVISITING SUBSIDIARIES ISSUE

The officially appointed think tank on ‘Challenges of World Trade Order’ has demanded a threadbare re-analysis of subsidiaries issue mainly of the agri-sector and small and medium enterprises. The country’s top house committee, Senate Special Committee, has agreed to enhance the capacity in the government departments to deal with the WTO-related issues. The committee declared it imperative to extend subsidiaries to the smaller entrepreneurs for improving their efficiencies, quality and the services. Pakistan agriculture-based economy has seen an end to a number of subsidiaries that were given to various agriculture and industrial sub-sectors. The respective governments had done so under the dictates from International Monetary Fund in the past years. The special committee on WTO is less likely to achieve a revival of subsidiaries to agriculture sub-sectors. But there is a strong possibility that Islamabad may win international lending agencies’ heart in extending subsidiaries to small and medium enterprises.

PTDC PRIVATIZATION DEMANDED

Pakistan Tourism Promotion Council has called for serious steps for the promotion of tourism industry and expressed grave concern over the performance of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. It also demanded to privatize all such tourism related government institutions including PTDC to improve the situation.

PRIVATIZATION OF POWER SECTOR

Federal Minister for Privatization & Investment has said that privatization of power sector entities is imperative for enhancing, improving and upgrading the system capacities through quality player from the private sector.

ANAD: PRIVATIZATION FOR THE PEOPLE

Some highlights from an ad of the Privatization Commission, Ministry of Privatization, Government of Pakistan read as: Privatization for the People. Helping the economic reform agenda through creation of opportunities and environment fro business & investment.

GOV URGED TO WITHDRAW PTCL AUDIT EXEMPTION

Auditor-General of Pakistan has requested the government to withdraw constitutional provision which provide Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited an exemption from audit.

LHC: ORDER FOR INFO ON ACCOUNT HOLDERS’ PROFIT ILLEGAL

The Lahore High Court has declared illegal State Bank of Pakistan’s directive to banks and financial institutions to provide the Central Board of Revenue with details of account holders drawing profit

Rs.10, 000 and more on their deposits.

LHC ALLOWS LAND-BASED PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM

Lahore High Court has dismissed 495 petitions against the prevailing mode of collection of property tax system. The petitioners had challenged Section 5-A of the Urban Immovable Property Tax Act, 1958, which authorized determination of annual value of building and lands for the levy of the tax.

TAX RATES TO BE REDUCED

The newly appointed chairman Central Board of Revenue has said that reduction in tax rates, taxpayers’ facilitation and vigorous reforms are Board’s top priorities.

BALCKLISTED FOR TAX FRAUD

The government has blacklisted 14 major twin cities’ (Rawalpindi-Islamabad) businesses for tax fraud and the operations of another 10 have been suspended.

FTO ASKS CBR TO RECTIFY ORDER

The Federal Tax Ombudsman while terming the action of taxation officers’ maladministration has asked for rectifying the assessment order for the year 1997-98 of the Commissioner by resorting to the two provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001so that the complainant is not changed to tax under section 80D. He further recommended that the tax collected be refunded to the complainant.

CALL FOR CUT IN POWER RATES

The president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for rationalization of duties and tariff and the cost of doing business in various parts the country along with the decrease in power rates.

AN AD: PROTECTIONIST CLAMOURINGS

A Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers ad reads as: Think! Let us not become a Nation that snatches defeat from the Jaws of victory? Are we again going to stop creation of employment in Pakistan and lose the double digit growth we are achieving now? Are we again going to succumb to a few vested importers lobby? Are we going to create employment in foreign countries and not in Pakistan? Are we going to cripple the best performing Industrial sector of Pakistan supporting over 1,000,000 (One million) people for the benefit of a few? Are we going to stop Exports of Auto parts from Pakistan? Why? PAAPAN is deeply concerned on the news of allowing reduction in CKD and CBU Tariff on Cars and allowing imports of reconditioned vehicles into Pakistan. For once please don’t hurt the industry. PAAPAM appeals to the general public not to pay premiums on cars. Consistency and Patience is Way to Grow. Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers. (Representing over 2000 industrial units in Pakistan)

PAAPAM, GOV DISCUSS USED CARS IMPORT

Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers has had a meeting with the federal finance minister to air reservations about the import of used vehicles allowed recently.

NEW CAR ASSEMBLERS DELAY ARRIVAL IN PAKISTAN

At least three world renowned car manufacturers have frozen their projects in Pakistan at current levels following constitution of a ministerial committee with the task of drafting modalities for used vehicles’ import.

MORE THAN 20 TAXES ON HOTEL INDUSTRY

The hotel industry in Pakistan pays more than 20 different types of taxes which according to one analyst has discouraged the industry employing thousands of people and contributes to the national economy. “The hotel industry is perhaps only industry in Pakistan which pays multifarious taxes,” the analyst said. He says: “In Pakistan, the hotel industry is already bleeding and is hit by a variety of over 20 taxes like sales tax, bed tax, permit fee, vend fee, property tax, bakery fee, entertainment fee, sign tax, banner tax, weight, measurement fee, etc. besides income tax, social security, EOBI (Employee Old Age Benefit Insurance), but the government always gives deaf year and blind eye to its genuine grievances.” The hotel industry has appealed to the minister of finance that the “tax structure which is presently being levied on all hotel services be rationalized and utility rates be reduced.”

SHORT SUPPLY OF STEEL AND STEEL PRODUCTS

Light engineering and auto-parts manufacturers have threatened to shut their operations if the government fails to solve the ongoing steel supply crisis. The former president of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in his latest letters to the federal minister for production and finance has asked for immediate measures to solve the crisis. He said the inability of Pakistan Steel Mills (a state enterprise) to supply sufficient raw material has worsened the situation and almost all the industrial concerns consuming steel products as raw material are expected to shut down their business in the near future. He requested the federal government to allow import of all kinds of steel raw materials including cold rolled, electro galvanized and hot rolled steel sheets in coils along with other steel products on 5% custom duty and zero percent sales tax.

POPULATION RATE DECLINES IN PAKISTAN

Federal minister has said that the population growth rate has declined to 1.96% from 3.1% due to concrete steps taken by the government.

LHC: KITE-FLYING NOT A BASIC RIGHTS ISSUE

Lahore High Court has declared that kite-flying does not fall within the ambit of basic rights. The judge decided this while accepting petitions by three thread-making business concerns which moved the court against the ban in industry related to kite-flying. On January 21, the judge in a short order had declared the ban illegal on industry related to kite-flying. The judge said the district government’s notification issued in June 2003 for banning kite-flying and the industry related to it was illegal as far as the industry associated with concerned. The judge said neither any kite-flyer approached the court nor the practice to fly kites fell within the purview of fundamental rights.

POWERS SOUGHT TO PENALIZE THE POLLUTERS

Advisor to the chief minister of the Punjab province on Environment and Alternative Energy has said that his ministry has moved a summary to the chief secretary for getting judicial powers to penalize the violators of anti-pollution laws.

PAYS, PERKS OF PM, MINISTERS RAISED YET AGAIN

The government has increased the salaries of the prime minister, federal ministers and ministers of state by 15% besides more than doubling their house rent ceiling. The raise formally notified on March 3, 2004 was allowed from July 1, 2003.

52.96% PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITHOUT PROPER LABS

As many as 2546 (52.96%) high and secondary government schools in the Punjab province are working without properly equipped science laboratories. Amongst these schools, 2235 (50.07%) are high schools (boys and girls) working without multi-science laboratories. These schools may have some facilities for one or two science subjects but not for the complete set of three subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Biology). Similarly, 96 (27.90%) higher secondary schools (class 11^th and 12^th) for boys and girls are functioning at present without these multi-science laboratories. The total number of high and higher secondary schools in Punjab are 4463 and 344 respectively.

RS.7 MILLION FOR WEB-FILTERING SOFTWARE

The Pakistan Software Export Board has agreed to funnel a grant of Rs.7 million for the development of a web-filtering project. The project aims at blocking the pornographic websites.

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Edited and prepared by

Khalil Ahmad

Email: khalilkf@hotmail.com

khalilkf@yahoo.com

[No opinion expressed here should necessarily be taken as reflecting the view of FreePakistan Newsletter.]

	Jefferson Review
	"Your Liberty is Our Interest"	March 22, 2004
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