Loud Thinking

Archive for the ‘My Views’ Category

In Pakistan, every body knows that we are no less behind any nation in corruption.

Moreover, we are also no less behind in raising hue and cry against corruption. But, the problem is that corruption can neither be curbed with hollow slogans nor by declaration of assets by the politicians and government employees.

Times of India reported on 19 November, 2011(Link:-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Black-money-India-to-sign-agreements-with-42-more-nations/articleshow/10793795.cms) that After signing agreements with 48 countries, India will shortly ink pacts with 42 more nations to bring backblack money stashed abroad, Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs Harish Rawat said. Once these agreements are signed, India will be in a position to bring back black money stashed in different banks abroad, he told reporters here.

Corruption can only be minimised by deterrent legislation; which ensures that crime of corruption will not pay, neither in the short nor in the long term.

And effective judicial verdicts, like the one announced today by the Delhi court in which former Indian 86 years old telecom minister Sukhram, has been sentenced for five years jail, for taking Rs 3 lakhs as bribe to give a lucrative contract to a private firm in 1996. He pleaded for leniency in court on grounds of his old age while the CBI called him a “habitual offender” and sought maximum punishment for him.The 86-year-old former minister was held guilty for misusing his official position during his tenure as telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao’s cabinet in giving a contract worth Rs 30 crore to a private company, Haryana Telecom Limited (HTL), to supply 3.5 Lakh Conductor Kilometers (LCKM) ofPolythene Insulated Jelly Filled (PIJF) cables to the telecom department.

We in Pakistan, must realise that our main problem is not the existence of corruption. Rather, the fertile culture which help breeds corruption pay, as the most lucrative and profitable activity in Pakistan.

Till such time, we attack the very roots of this cancerous culture of corruption in Pakistan, no positive improvement should be expected in any sphere of life.

And we must be aware of the fact that, corruption is a bigger menace than terrorism.

Since, we have all the required institutions and no dearth of honest and honourable people, what is required is developing a system to post these DYNAMITE people to be head of NAB, FIA and Anti-Corruption departments of provincial governments.

Towards the achievement of this goal, a committee is proposed to be constituted, consisting of Chief Justice of Supreme Court, all Chief Justices of High Courts and leader of the opposition of National and all provincial assemblies, for appointing on a tenure post, all heads and key personnel of NAB, FIA and Provincial anti-Corruption departments.

Moreover, NO person in the country from civil, military, judiciary and any other department should have the immunity from interrogation, on corruption matters before these departments.

It is earnestly hoped that the above said mechanism if, put in place, will strike such a fear in the hearts of all and sundry, that no one will dare even think, of doing corruption in Pakistan.

India and BCCI must apologise over chemical attack on the captain of visiting Pakistani blind cricket team in India.

India has a history of terrorism with visiting Pakistani cricketers. Earlier, in the 60’s the finger of Pakistani legendary batsmen Hanif Muhammad, was cut during the teams tour of India and no one got punished.

Now India has resorted to chemical terrorism against the captain of blind Pakistani cricket team Zeeshan Abbasi, with a conspiracy to murder, by killing him with acid, in disguise of drinking water in a bottle, served at break fast, in a five star hotel.

Today it was acid, tomorrow it can be poison in the food. And then Indian media will say poison accidentally got mixed with food. Is this the way Indians treat their guests?

Indian responsibility of the security of the Pakistani players can’t be put under the carpet with the excuse of accident. Did they cut the finger of Hanif Muhammad by an accident. All such acts are 100% deliberate, else by now the Indian government and the BCCI would have unconditionally apologised.

However, more shameful is the reaction of Indian media, which is calling it as an accident. And more abhorrent is the silence of Indian government, BCCI (board of control of cash in India) and the ICC (Indian Cricket Conference). Under the circumstances, the England cricket team members, touring India, are advised to excercise extra caution during their stay in India, as they are touring a country heavenly infested with terrorists, who can go to any length to punish the visiting players, if they are giving a resounding drubbing in the matches to the Indians. It is a well known fact that Indians are the worst losers.

Government of Pakistan and PCB must demand an immediate apology from the Indian government and the BCCI, failing which, the impending tour of our cricket team must be cancelled (else our team must take along all its food and drink requirements from Pakistan) on the grounds of un-precedented life threatning and most probably, delibrate security breach.

The FICA (Federation of International Cricketers Association) must also take cognizance of this chemical attack on a Pakistani cricketer, before other foreign players are targeted with food poisoning etc.

IS THIS THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ISLAMABAD OR OF PAKISTAN?

The National Assembly of Pakistan has at last unanimously passed the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill 2012; which is related to free and compulsory education for all the children from the age of five to sixteen, as a fundamental right; and its provision is a responsibility of the state. 

However, our NA passed the aforesaid bill which is only applicable to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Now the general public is right in  asking the question to the Pakistani National Assembly members, whether other areas of the country does not come under the Parliament? And why they have limited the partial and vital scope of the bill to the capital areas of Islamabad only. 

The bill also bounds private schools. to give free education to 10% of the poor children in the vicinity of their school. In India. this ratio is 25% and since, we are much behind India and all other SAARC nations in the field of education, this percentage at least should have been 30%, and that too FOR SCHOOLS ALL OVER PAKISTAN AND NOT ONLY IN ISLAMABAD. IS THIS THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ISLAMABAD OR OF PAKISTAN?

May be, our NA members are afraid of the private schools owners? So much for the love of the poor, by our parliamentarians.

May be, such performances of our Parliamentarians has created hatred for politicians and democracy in the minds of the general public, which always, repeat always welcomes military takeovers in Pakistan.

Now our economic malaise has reached such a stage that business as usual, is going to jeopardise our statehood, not in years, but in months.

The degree of the sovereignty of a country, is directly proportional to the state of the economy of that nation. Actually, in constant growth & development lies our salvation. Secondly, we Pakistanis must know, that without any doubt, the …

Definition of Banana Republic in Wikipedia

A banana republic is a politically unstable country that economically depends upon the exports of a limited resource (fruits, minerals), and usually features a society composed of stratified social classes — a great, impoverished working class and a ruling plutocracy, composed of the élites of business, politics, and the military.

Kleptocracy, government by thieves, features influential government employees exploiting their posts for personal gain (embezzlement, fraud, bribery, etc.), with the resultant government budget deficit repaid by the native working people who earn money, rather than make money. Because of foreign (corporate) manipulation, the kleptocratic government is unaccountable to its nation, the country’s private sector–public sector corruption operates the banana republic, thus, the national legislature usually are for sale, and function mostly as ceremonial government.

Look at the level and difference of Pakistani government’s slavery to America, compared with Afghanistans.
Afghanistan’s government, which is an occupied country, stopped NATO supplies for 17 days (July 22 to August 07) into their own country from Pakistan, for non payment of a paltry sum of Rs.80 million i.e. Pak Rupees 8 Crore. 
In contrast to the Afghan government’s action stated above, Pakistani government doesn’t even thought of stopping NATO supplies, for the years of over due payments, of billions of US dollars. 
Even now, the US has not paid any amount, due since last June 2011. 
Under the circumstances, it can be easily said that, Pakistani government of a nuclear nation, has allowed the US to treat Pakistan, worse than the occupied Afghanistan, which doesn’t even have a regular army.
The moral of the story :- The sovereignty of a nation is not dependent on the nuclear power or the strength of its armed forces, rather, on the guts of the government.

Link :- http://dawn.com/2012/08/09/afghanistan-restores-nato-supplies/

QUETTA: The Afghan authorities restored on Wednesday Nato supplies after private companies paid a customs duty of Rs80 million.

Nanhiali Faizi, a senior official of Afghan Customs, said the issue had been settled and now there was no restriction on the entry of Nato containers into Afghanistan.

Later, 20 containers were allowed to cross the Chaman border into Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials in Chaman confirmed that the Afghan authorities had restored Nato supplies.

Afghanistan had put restrictions on the entry of Nato containers on July 22 for non-payment of duty.—Staff Correspondent (DAWN).

Nation Calling PCB to Answer 7 Questions 

1.Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim, says that Abdul Razzaq, Imran Nazir & Kamran Akmal  were selected on the basis of experience, then why Raza Hassan selected  over EXPERIENCED Abdul Rehman?

2. The worthy genius chief selector further said, that Asad Shafiq was selected on the basis of his performances in Sri Lankan Test matches series. However, he should know that it is going to be a T20 world cup. And if there is no difference between the two games, why separate teams and  captains for the two formats? Moreover, if performances in the Test matches were the criteria, then who performed better than Junaid in Test matches? and who performed worse than Sami? So, why Junaid excluded from the team and Sami included?

3. And taking the overseas performances as  a basis of selection for Abdul Razzaq, who else performed better than Azhar Mahmood as an all rounder in BPL and IPL? Similarly, Shahzad was the best Pakistani fielder in ODI world cup held in 2011, in India, BD & SL. Plus, he was the most outstanding and destructive batsman in BPL, why he has been given a bad name for axing from the selection? 

4. Just give one reason for the selection of  spent cartridge Shoaib Malik, rated as the most pathetic performer in T20  INTERNATIONAL games, and also give one reason for non-selection of Wahab Riaz.

5. Similarly, every expert says that technically and in all other aspects, Adnan Akmal is a better wicket keeper than Kamran Akmal, who is too much over weight also; then why drop Adnan Akmal, who also batted exceptionally well, in SL Test series?

6. Why there is an emphasis on old spent cartridges rather than fresh legs and promising players.

7. Why the team has been selected in a great haste when there was time till 18, August 2012?

This chief selector previously resigned when Pakistani teams selected by  him consecutively lost 14 matches. The Team Pakistan is not the chief selectors personal or his fathers team. 

Since its a national matter, Pakistani public demands from the chairman PCB to personally answer the above questions, for the satisfaction of the Pakistani cricket lovers all over the world.

Turkey Approves Indictment of Israeli Commanders : Why Can’t Pakistan Try NATO Commanders?

A report published today (29 May 2012) in a news paper, tells that a Turkish court has approved an indictment, seeking multiple (8000 to 18000) life sentences, for the four Israeli military commanders, over their alleged involvement in the 2010 killings of nine Turks on a Gaza- bound aid ship. The indictment accuses Israel’s former COGS Gabi Ashkenazi & three other retired senior military commanders, of involvement in the raid on the Turkish aid ship. Turkey had previously said, it would try to prosecute all Israelis responsible, for crimes committed during the raid.

Now, coming to NATO Salala check post attack, which resulted in the killing of 26 & not 24 Pakistani soldiers and dozens others were injured, why can’t Pakistan also indict NATO commander and other responsible soldiers, for a far more serious crime than the Israeli attack on Turkish aid flotilla? Here, we must also remember that Pakistan has deployed its forces on the Afghanistan’s border, on specific request of NATO, to help them in their created WOT. So, by all means, killing the helping forces of Pakistan, attracts and deserves double the punishment, than in normal circumstances.

However, we hope that the news attributed in media to the Prime Minister of Pakistan (elected by 180 million Pakistanis), that the “Killed soldiers now can’t be back alive with US apology” is absolutely false. In the mean time, we are also hoping that the same worthy PM of Pakistan, will soon issue a defamation notice to the concerned news agencies, who reported that our PM during his latest visit to UK, purchased only 3 coats worth Rs.80/- lacs. At the same time, we are still waiting for the denial of the news, about the last time purchase in UK, of items worth about Rs.8 crores by the honourable wife of our P.M.

So, long live the cherished democracy in Pakistan, which is looking after our leaders and their families in a befitting manner. Long live our chosen democratic leaders.

For the dying poor Pakistani civil and military mortals “Democracy is the best revenge”.

How to involve public in increasing tax collection.

Without going into big preamble, I would jot down my suggestions for evolving a national culture of tax payment.

It is most difficult part in any culture to motivate its people to pay tax voluntarily. However, when tax burden, its collection and utilization is made equitable and transparent, majority of people, if not all, would pay their taxes on time and in full.

Although my suggestions would not cover all aspects, yet, when implemented these would definitely prove a major step forward towards establishing a society which pay its tax and feel proud of their contribution.
 
1.       Recognize tax payers and their contribution by:
 
a)      All those who pay personal income tax > Rs. 2.5 million in any one year should be on the list of invitees at President’s  receptions. While all those who pay personal income tax > 1.0 million in any one year should be on the list of invitees at Governor’s receptions.
 
b)      All those who pay personal income tax above Rs. 1.0 million in a year should be honored by nation by allowing them to fly national flag on their motor vehicles and at their residences.
 
c)       Honorary magistrates should be appointed from the list of those who have paid personal income tax above Rs. 0.5 million.
 
d)      Contribution of all personal income tax payers should be recognized by giving them national awards on 23rd March. Suggestions for honor list are:

Personal income tax payment > 5.0 million for 3 years consecutive – Nishan-e Kidmat
Personal income tax payment > 2.5 million for 3 years consecutive – Hilal-e- Kidmat   
Personal income tax payment > 1.0 million for 3 years consecutive – Sitara-e-Kidmat
Personal income tax payment > 0.5 million for 3 years consecutive – Tamgha-e- Kidmat
 
e)      All those citizens paying personal income tax > 1.0 million in any one year should be allowed one free arms license up to a maximum of three licenses.
 
f)       All registered income tax payers should be allowed free registration at NADRA for NIC renewal/reissue.
 
g)      Driving License fee of all registered personal income tax payers should be abolished.
 
h)      All income tax payers should be allowed 25% rebate in car/motorcycle registration at the time of purchase, and 50% rebate for annual registration after they have paid income tax for three consecutive years.
 
i)        All those who have paid personal income tax above Rs. 100,000 should be allowed free of cost new passport or renewal.
 
j)        When appointing members of board of governors of banks/corporate bodies/Government institutions/University Syndicates, these should be selected from the list of citizens who pay personal annual income tax above Rs. 1.0 million.
 
k)      All those Pakistanis sending remittances from abroad should also be recognized for their contributions. Some suggestions are:
 
1)      All those who remit more than $10,000, should be allowed to recommend one of their family member in Pakistan for one free arm license.

2)      All those who remit more than $25,000 should be allowed free passport renewal.

3)      All those who remit $10,000 or more, should be given 2.5% bonus (or Rs.2.50 per dollar) as incentive to use official channels. This incentive should be paid as certificates of investment, cashable after five years. These certificates should carry 10% annual profit and be tradable on stock exchanges.

4)       All those who have remitted $1.0 million or more in a year, should be allowed to hoist national flag on their homes in Pakistan.
 
l)        Peace and Harmony committees should be formulated at police station level. Only income tax payers should be included as private members in these committees.
 
m)    It should be made mandatory for all public office holders and all government employees to get personal income tax registration, even if their total income is less than minimum level. 
 
n)      It should be mandatory for all business accounts to provide national tax number. No bank should be allowed to operate any business account without NTN. All new firms, should be required to provide NTN within 90 days, otherwise their account should be frozen automatically.
 
o)      All bank accounts where credit or debit balance exceeds Rs. 500,000 should automatically (same day) be reported to Income Tax department, unless banks already have NTN in their possession. This includes all type of investments, as well. In case of default, banks/investment institutes  should be heavily penalized.
 
p)      No property (plot/shop/flat/house/farm/agri land etc) should be registered without NTN of buyer.
 
q)      No motor vehicle should be registered without NTN of buyer.
 
r)       Retired persons with no income, continue to file their income tax returns for three years. This should be abolished. Need to file return after retirement should be finished. However, their NTN should be kept alive/valid throughout their life like NIC.
 
2.       Tax collection system should be reformed. Apart from detailed overhauling of FBR, following changes should be announced immediately:

a)      Chairman FBR should be an eminent person without any political affiliation and with experience of business management. He should be selected from private corporate sector. Appointment of Chairman should be for one term three years.

b)      FBR should be given constitutional autonomy in operational matters.

c)       An FBR Supervisory Board should be constituted whose remit should be to quarterly review FBR’s working and submission of quarterly reports to government of its findings and recommendations. This report should simultaneously be published on internet. This board should consist of Finance Secretaries of Pakistan and all provinces, Auditor General of Pakistan, two prominent chartered accountants (non-political) from private sector, Leaders of Opposition in Senate and National Assembly, Chairman Public Accounts Committee.

A Practical Solution for Saving Pakistan.

Somehow, I have a hunch feeling that if, at the time of partition, our leaders had decided that Eastern Pakistan and Western Pakistan, will be two autonomous units of a confederation of Pakistan, it would been a very fruitful and beneficial decision, both politically and economically, for the Crores of Muslim population, in this part of the world. 

Anyway, it is always easier to be wise after the event. But the decisions of history always teach us some lessons, for our correct guidance and right decision making for the future.

Now after sixty five years of age, Pakistan is a more fragmented society than our forefathers could have ever imagined. It looks that polarization is so intense that if, immediate corrective steps are not taken, that too, on a collective basis, God forbid, this great country may not be confined to the dust bin of history. There are signs for all to see, of the decadence of Pakistani society, in every sphere of life, be it the political, economical, educational, industrial, agricultural,  religious, law & order or any other segment worth naming. Hardly, any day passes without reports  of  suicides due to the economic hardships of the poor and hapless people.  The ever widening gap in the fractured society, is there to see for all and sundry. In fact, Pakistan is slowly inching towards economic bankruptcy and civil war. 

Now, in order to stem the rot, may be, we have one last chance, to unite the people and give them a prescription, to rise again and build the nation from the ashes.

All stake holders of Pakistan, must open their eyes immediately, as the nation is moving towards fragmentation and into an abyss, as well. 

Our survival is directly linked with the existence of the nation. Hence, for all Pakistanis, failure is NOT an option.

In this regard, I would like to suggest that, let us formulate a new social contract (specially designed for the 95% have nots) for the PEOPLE of Pakistan, which should take care of 95% down trodden, poor people who always pay 100% bills and taxes and never default on bank loans. Let us make a new Pakistan, which is redesigned to practically cater to needs of the exploited masses, in true sense.

In order to achieve the above objectives, it is proposed that the following steps may be initiated jointly, by ALL the organs of Pakistani government, opposition (in & out side the assemblies), bench and bar, civil & military bureaucracy, all students and trade unions and representatives of the civil societity.

1. Constitution may be amended to change the current faulty election system, which ensures the rule of minority over majority.

2. The election system should also be changed in a way, so that the whole country directly votes for a President or the P.M. However, before the voting, the candidates of all the political parties for this top post, must notify a list of their MPA’s, MNA’s and Senators, who will be automatically considered elected according to percentage of votes cast, in favour of the main candidate for the top post of the country. For example, if a candidate for the top post gets 35% votes, his team’s 35% (from top of the list) candidates will be deemed to have been elected, for all the assemblies and senate, as well. 

3. The decision for Pakistan’s charter of  development  (for building dams & mega projects, educational, industrial, infra structural & communications, religious, agricultural, science & technology, poverty eradication, health and defense policy ), for the next fifty years, should also be finalized, on which later on, no politics shall be allowed. In other words, the entire representatives of the nation should decide now, where they would like to see Pakistan, in each and every field of life, after 50 years.

4. In order to decentralize and empower maximum number of people, to enjoy the fruits of self rule, we should convert every division of Pakistan into a province. This will also work as a panacea for the eradication of linguistic and any other type of  frictions and doubts about hegemony of people, of certain big area, over the people of other smaller area. In fact, it will work wonders in the speedy development and unity of Pakistan and kill instantly, any secessionist or separatist activities (by marginalization and localization of such people having nefarious designs against Pakistan), currently prevailing  in some parts of the country.

Pakistan Paindabad.