By Afnan Khan
LAHORE: Residents of the provincial capital are breathing poisonous air due to the government’s failure in controlling massive industrialisation in residential areas and containing the growth in the number of vehicles on the road, which has increased significantly with the passage of time, Daily Times has learnt.
The level of all the major contaminants in the atmosphere has exceeded the given standard, which is not only harming the environment and the city’s ecosystem, but also causing an increase in the number of diseases related to lungs and various types of cancer.
The key pollutants, which are threatening the atmosphere of the city, include carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb) and suspended particulate matter (SPM), while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the major pollutant out of all other oxides of nitrogen in the air.
The major sources of all these pollutants include furnaces and other factories – mostly operating around the walled city and in the peripherals of Lahore – the relatively higher population growth, the massive increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, the absence of a proper public transport system and garbage and desolated infrastructure such as roads.
Most of the vehicles in Lahore, especially the heavy ones, are not complying with the given standards of international environmental agencies – called Euro-II and Euro-III – which means that the vehicles are not fit enough to avoid spreading any kind of contaminant in the air through their exhaust.
The majority of diesel vehicles using crude diesel oil, two-stroke rickshaws and motorcycles emit excessive graphitic carbon (visible smoke) due to faulty injection nozzles and weak engines. Two-stroke vehicles are the most inefficient in burning fuel and thus contribute most to emissions.
According to experts, air pollution either causes or triggers ailments like Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, fibrosis, heart-related problems, cancer and diabetes among others.
An Environment Protection Department official told Daily Times that under the World Health Organisation’s standards the level of nitrogen oxide in the air should not be more than 40µg/m3 throughout the year, but the level in Lahore is now 170µg/m3.
Similarly, the level of particulate matter should remain less than 25µg/m3 round the clock, but it crosses 200µg/m3 during different timings in the provincial capital. The limit of SO2 is supposed to be 100µg/m3, but it crosses 200 in Lahore. Similarly, the maximum level of O3 is set at 100µg/m3 within every eight hours, but it also crosses its limits at different points in the city, while other pollutants like CO are also excessively present in the air.
The official said that The Mall was still considered one of the most green areas of Lahore, yet the level of all these pollutants in the area is extremely high, which is enough to understand the plight of the people living in the walled city, Ichra, Mozang, Yateem Khana, Sanda etc, where there is almost no greenery and the highest ratio of population density.
All options: Environment Protection Department spokesperson Naseemur Rehman told Daily Times that the department was looking at all options to control pollutions, including air pollution, and they were running several awareness programmes in this regard.
“The department sealed more than 100 polluting industries during 2009 in Lahore alone, fined 19,298 vehicles for emitting smoke and polluting the atmosphere, specially checked more than 200 chemical units in the city while conducting around 200 follow-up visits on different sites,” he said, adding that citizens should also understand that they have to adopt an environment-friendly life style.
Lahore Bachao Tehreek senior member Imrana Tiwana told Daily Times that the city was now being quoted at international levels for being one of the most culturally rich yet polluted places on the planet, which is a great embarrassment for our government and citizens.
She said that air pollution had already crossed all set limits in the city and it was time to start a proper programme to control air pollution and thoroughly monitor it in collaboration with local and international organisations.
She said that an international environmentalist organisation, called Clean Air Commission, had visited Lahore to lend their support for the eradication of air pollution as they previously did in India, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries, but the government did not accept their proposals.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Turtles’ genocide on the rise in Pakistan
Sarfraz Ali
The genocide of turtles in the waters of Sindh is on the rise, posing threat to the generation of this wildlife.
The turtles are being soled in the markets of Karachi at high prices as their demand is very high. The contractors in Karachi have set links to people in Lower Sindh for catch of turtle from waters.
The local people provide turtles to them at low prices, who sell them at high rates and thus are minting money.
It is reported that people catch turtles from canals and then keep them at their own water ponds for growth. The turtles are caught from Phuleli and other canals of Thatta, Hyderabad and Badin.
The Wildlife Department Sindh is not paying any heed for the protection of turtle generation in the lower Sindh. It is reported that these turtles are used for making medicines while people also eat their meat.
Two species of marine turtles nest on the Karachi coast, the green turtle (chelonia mydas) and the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). The main threats are commercial trade in turtle skin, shell, medicines and cosmetics, and destruction of eggs by predators, especially feral domestic dogs.
Other dangers to turtles come from poachers, accidental capture in fishing nets, and extensive coastal development, which results in human disturbance at the nesting sites and pollution.
However, WWF-P is striving to protect endangered marine turtles and conserve their critical nesting sites. The many freshwater ponds and small lakes have dried in Sindh, decreasing the growth of turtles.
The threatened species of turtles are sold across Sindh as there are no checks to stop their illegal trade.
Furthermore, the flow of pollutants including industrial effluent in Keenjhar Lake also pose serious threat to turtles, therefore, urgent steps are required to be taken to conserve them.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Coastal area without health amenties, water
SHAFI BALOCH
KARACHI - Coastal areas of Karachi, which is the stronghold of the Pakistan People Party, is deprived of the basic facilities, says a survey.
During last the general election, all PPP's candidates won the election in fishing locality. "We are supporters of the PPP. We have been casting our votes for the PPP' candidates since its formation," said Dad Baksh, a fisherman of Mubarak Village, while talking to this scribe.
He complained that the government had not taken any concrete step towards developing their village into a model village despite making a pledge to do so. The Sindh government had announced in October 2009 that it would develop Mubarak Village, which is located along the western coastal side of Karachi, into a model village having all basic facilities of life.
However, he complained that the government had not taken any practical step to fulfil their long-standing demands.
According a survey, several fishermen's villages in Keamari Town have been facing numerous problems including lack of civic amenities for long time. These villages situated near the sea shore of Arabian Sea have been neglected for years due to apathy on the part of civic agencies.
Haji Daraya Khan Goth, Moosa Goth, Haji Faizo Goth, Haji Juma Goth, Pub Faqir Goth, Manjar Goth, Sukkur Goth and Mubarak village of Deh Mann and others are among the more affected ones.
The above-declared villages lack in water supply and electricity, health and education facilities, causing tremendous problems for their residents. They are compelled to live as wretched of the earth, having seldom hope of salvation. .
It is learnt that in October 2009 Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah visited the Mubarak village and handed down ownership rights and lease documents to some residents of the village, announcing that that the village would be developed into a model village where fishermen would enjoy all basic facilities.
However, the fishermen regretted that despite the chief minister's announcement, no officials concerned had paid any visit to the village. They said that it had yet to be confirmed whether they had prepared any plan in this regard or not.
A vast majority of villagers live in abject poverty and nearly 95 per cent of the population mainly depend on small-scale fishing. The fishermen complain that they have been facing a lot of problems in unloading fish catch because there is no any jetty facility.
Mostly these fishermen transport their catch to the Karachi Fish Harbour for auction and they have to sell their catch to middle men at throwaway prices.
There are 100 large boats in Mubarak village, which travel up to Gwadar and Pasni and about 300 small boats providing livelihood to these small fishermen, the survey shows. Talking to this scribe, the fishermen demanded immediate construction of a small jetty at the Mubarak Village.
They complained that availability of potable water was the most pressing problem for them. At present water is being supplied to these villages through tankers by the Union Council of Gabopat and the public health engineering department.
They said that the supply of water was not regular and insufficient. A majority of the people still depends on wells. In a number of villages, women and children have to walk long distances to fetch water from ponds. This water is usually contaminated and unfit for drinking and washing purposes. The villagers urged that a water supply scheme be launched by connecting the village with the water distribution system of the Hub Dam.
Villagers from Moosa Goth, Haji Faizu Goth, Haji Juma Goth and Sukku Goth also complained of lack of healthcare facilities and urged construction of maternity homes in these villages.
The writer is a staff member of 'The Nation'. www.nation.com.pk
Shortage of infertility centres hits desperate couple
AMRAIZ KHAN
LAHORE - About eight per cent population of the country is facing infertility issues, while 90 per cent causes of the disease are curable and only 10 percent are complicated.
These views were expressed by In-charge Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) Dr Salman Ahmed Imtiaz in an interview with The Nation on Friday.
Assisted Conception Unit In-charge Dr Salman Ahmed said ACU was the only infertility centre in Pakistan, which is running under the Punjab government at Services Hospital. He was of the view that infertility rate was increasing alarmingly in the country but unfortunately there were no enough infertility centres in Pakistan to provide medical facility to the infertile couples.
Dr Salman who is consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, embryologist and infertility advisor at Services Hospital said that there are only three to four qualified embryologists in the City who are authorised to treat the infertile couples in accordance with the latest concepts called Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
But unfortunately at present many doctors who are simply gynaecologists are engaged in exercising latest techniques on the infertile couples.
Dr Salman said reasons behind infertility in Pakistan are 40 per cent because of male, 40 percent because of female, 10 because of both and 10 per cent are unexplainable. He said 90 per cent diseases are curable while only 10 per cent are unexplainable.
In many cases youngsters feel shy to contact a qualified doctor and resultantly they are trapped in the hands of quacks, hakeems and inexperienced practitioners for their treatment. And these very quacks treat them with heavy metals and steroids without going into their problems, resultantly these steroids damage not only their kidneys but also enhance their fertility problems. About the common problems of infertility in the male, he said there could be sperm productivity problem with males, or blockage in the sperm delivery system.
Moreover injury to testis, hormonal imbalance, anatomical problem, past infection specially mums, tuberculosis, diabetes, blood pressure and medicines of blood pressure and ulcer could cause infertility in males. Dr Salman was of the view that dietary habits, less exercise, smoking, drugs, steroids, alcohol and steam bath could also cause infertility like diseases in men. He said people performing hard duties like drivers and those who have to stay in sunshine during duties suffer with infertility.
I have treated more than 400 infertile couples and with the blessing of Almighty Allah they are now having their babies, some of them had to go through latest technologies like IUI, IVF and ICSI and some were treated normally.
ACU centre was inaugurated in Services Hospital in the year 2000 by then governor Punjab. Punjab government then planned to provide medical facility to the infertile couple on cheaper rates. Certain private circles who were running their private clinics in the market tried to create hindrance in the operation of the unit.
He said ACU is providing cheaper treatment to the people as compared to the private clinics running in the country. He said 20 to 30 infertile couples visit the unit daily for their treatment. He said consultancy fee is not being charged from the these people while nominal charges are taken from them on their different tests being carried out against heavy amounts in the private testing laboratories. He suggested the government to introduce more infertility centres in the country to provide better and cheaper health facilities to the infertile couples.
He also stressed upon the need to start public awareness campaign regarding infertility causes and precautionary measures countrywide and asked the infertile couples for the counselling with a qualified embryologist.
The writer is a Staff Reporter of daily 'The Nation'. www.nation.com.pk
Monday, March 22, 2010
Human trafficking, a ‘major problem in Pakistan’: Report
Sarfraz Ali
A UNHCR report entitled "Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 has revealed that Pakistan is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation. The report further says the largest human trafficking problem of Pakistan is that of bonded labour, which is concentrated in Sindh and Punjab provinces, particularly in brick kilns, carpet-making, agriculture, fishing, mining, leather tanning, and production of glass bangles; estimates of Pakistani victims of bonded labour, including men, women, and children, vary widely but are likely over one million.
Parents sell their daughters into domestic servitude, prostitution, or forced marriages, and women are traded between tribal groups to settle disputes or as payment for debts.
Pakistani women and men migrate voluntarily to Gulf states, Iran, and Greece for low-skilled work as domestic servants or in the construction industry. As a result of fraudulent job offers made and high fees charged during recruitment, however, some find themselves in conditions of involuntary servitude or debt bondage once abroad, including restrictions on movement, non-payment of wages, threats and physical or sexual abuse.
Moreover, NGOs contend that Pakistani girls are trafficked to the Middle East for sexual exploitation. Pakistan is also a destination for women and children from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, and Nepal trafficked primarily for forced labour. Women from Bangladesh and Nepal are trafficked through Pakistan to the Gulf States.
The report alleges that the government of Pakistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; "however, it is making significant efforts to do so".
Despite these significant overall efforts, including the prosecution of some trafficking offences and the launch of public awareness programming, the government did not show evidence of progress in addressing the serious issues of bonded labour, forced child labour, and the trafficking of migrant workers by fraudulent labour recruiters; therefore, Pakistan is placed on Tier 2 Watch List.
Convictions of trafficking offenders decreased during the reporting period. The government continued to punish victims of sex trafficking and did not provide protection services for victims of forced labour, including bonded labour.
The report recommends Pakistan should significantly increase law enforcement activities, including adequate criminal punishment, against bonded labour, forced child labour, and fraudulent labour recruiting for purposes of trafficking; continue to vigorously investigate, prosecute, and punish acts of government complicity in trafficking at all levels; and expand victim protection services for victims of forced labour and sex trafficking.
The report acknowledges the Government of Pakistan made insufficient law enforcement efforts to address trafficking in 2008, particularly in regard to labour trafficking. Pakistan prohibits all forms of transnational trafficking in persons through its Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance (PACHTO); the ordinance's prescribed penalties range from seven to 14 years' imprisonment. The government uses Sections 17 through 23 of the Emigration Ordinance to prosecute internal cases of trafficking. In addition, the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act prohibits bonded labour, with prescribed penalties ranging from two to five years' imprisonment or a fine, or both. Prescribed penalties for all above offences are sufficiently stringent and commensurate with those for other grave crimes, such as rape.
Pakistan did not provide data to demonstrate any significant law enforcement efforts against labour trafficking. Though Pakistan has a substantial problem of bonded labour, neither the federal nor the provincial governments provided evidence of criminal prosecutions, convictions, or punishments for perpetrators of bonded labour, or for other acts of forced labour, including fraudulent recruitment for the purpose of forced labour, and forced child labour. With respect to sex trafficking, primarily prosecuted as a translational crime under PACHTO, during the reporting period, the government secured the convictions of 28 trafficking offenders - 24 fewer than last year; unlike in past years, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) did not make available the specifics of the punishments given to trafficking offenders. During the reporting period, FIA, with assistance from IOM and NGOs, continued to offer training on investigating trafficking cases and sensitively treating victims; FIA did not provide data on the number of law enforcement officials that received such training.
Government officials at all levels have been implicated in human trafficking; there were reports of bribery of government and law enforcement officials during the reporting period. Pakistani authorities disciplined 147 law enforcement officers for complicity with human trafficking under the Government Service Rules and Regulations; 12 were permanently removed, four were compulsorily retired, and seven were reduced in rank. The remaining cases resulted in administrative actions.
The government's efforts to protect victims of trafficking were inadequate during the reporting period. Pakistan did not report any programs to identify and protect victims of forced labour – the largest sectors of Pakistan's trafficking victims – particularly bonded labour and forced child labour in informal industries such as domestic work. Foreign victims of trafficking also did not receive government protection services. Protection for victims of commercial sexual exploitation remained limited; internally trafficked women could access 25 federal government-run "Women's Centres" or 276 provincial government-run "Darul Aman" centres offering medical treatment, vocational training, and legal assistance to abused women and children.
Pakistani sex trafficking victims were sometimes arrested and incarcerated for prostitution without screening for evidence of trafficking, and some were subjected to punishment under Islamic law for fornication and adultery. During the year, the Punjab Government's Child Protection Bureaus in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Faisalabad sustained efforts begun in 2005 to rescue child beggars from the streets and provide rehabilitative services; at the time of this writing, Lahore's facility housed 219 boys.
In past years, the government encouraged foreign victims to participate in investigations against their traffickers by permitting them to seek employment while awaiting trial; there is no evidence of the government providing assistance to foreign trafficking victims in 2008 or encouraging their participation in investigations. Foreign victims reportedly were not prosecuted or deported for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked, but some foreign victims may have been subject to punishment for fornication, even as victims of sex trafficking.
The government did not provide foreign victims with legal alternatives to their removal to countries where they may face hardship or retribution. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis provided assistance to repatriated Pakistani trafficking victims, such as medical, legal, and financial assistance.
Pakistan made a number of efforts to prevent trafficking in persons during the reporting period, though lack of public awareness continued to be a problem. In 2008, the FIA sponsored anti-trafficking advertisements in major Urdu- and English-language newspapers, and its officers visited the five Punjab districts identified as major source areas to convene discussions with typical source communities.
The FIA launched a hotline for reporting cases of trafficking and smuggling that received 811 complaints, but did not specify the number of trafficking-specific calls. In addition, the Ministry of Interior produced and distributed a film about the dangers of trafficking on state television and to vulnerable populations along the border with India.
The government, however, did not take any reported measures during the reporting period to reduce the country's considerable demand for bonded labour, nor did it address demand for commercial sex acts. The government did not provide anti-trafficking training to its nationals deployed abroad for international peacekeeping missions. Pakistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol.
This report has also been published in Daily "The Nation". www.nation.com.pk
A UNHCR report entitled "Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 has revealed that Pakistan is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation. The report further says the largest human trafficking problem of Pakistan is that of bonded labour, which is concentrated in Sindh and Punjab provinces, particularly in brick kilns, carpet-making, agriculture, fishing, mining, leather tanning, and production of glass bangles; estimates of Pakistani victims of bonded labour, including men, women, and children, vary widely but are likely over one million.
Parents sell their daughters into domestic servitude, prostitution, or forced marriages, and women are traded between tribal groups to settle disputes or as payment for debts.
Pakistani women and men migrate voluntarily to Gulf states, Iran, and Greece for low-skilled work as domestic servants or in the construction industry. As a result of fraudulent job offers made and high fees charged during recruitment, however, some find themselves in conditions of involuntary servitude or debt bondage once abroad, including restrictions on movement, non-payment of wages, threats and physical or sexual abuse.
Moreover, NGOs contend that Pakistani girls are trafficked to the Middle East for sexual exploitation. Pakistan is also a destination for women and children from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, and Nepal trafficked primarily for forced labour. Women from Bangladesh and Nepal are trafficked through Pakistan to the Gulf States.
The report alleges that the government of Pakistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; "however, it is making significant efforts to do so".
Despite these significant overall efforts, including the prosecution of some trafficking offences and the launch of public awareness programming, the government did not show evidence of progress in addressing the serious issues of bonded labour, forced child labour, and the trafficking of migrant workers by fraudulent labour recruiters; therefore, Pakistan is placed on Tier 2 Watch List.
Convictions of trafficking offenders decreased during the reporting period. The government continued to punish victims of sex trafficking and did not provide protection services for victims of forced labour, including bonded labour.
The report recommends Pakistan should significantly increase law enforcement activities, including adequate criminal punishment, against bonded labour, forced child labour, and fraudulent labour recruiting for purposes of trafficking; continue to vigorously investigate, prosecute, and punish acts of government complicity in trafficking at all levels; and expand victim protection services for victims of forced labour and sex trafficking.
The report acknowledges the Government of Pakistan made insufficient law enforcement efforts to address trafficking in 2008, particularly in regard to labour trafficking. Pakistan prohibits all forms of transnational trafficking in persons through its Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance (PACHTO); the ordinance's prescribed penalties range from seven to 14 years' imprisonment. The government uses Sections 17 through 23 of the Emigration Ordinance to prosecute internal cases of trafficking. In addition, the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act prohibits bonded labour, with prescribed penalties ranging from two to five years' imprisonment or a fine, or both. Prescribed penalties for all above offences are sufficiently stringent and commensurate with those for other grave crimes, such as rape.
Pakistan did not provide data to demonstrate any significant law enforcement efforts against labour trafficking. Though Pakistan has a substantial problem of bonded labour, neither the federal nor the provincial governments provided evidence of criminal prosecutions, convictions, or punishments for perpetrators of bonded labour, or for other acts of forced labour, including fraudulent recruitment for the purpose of forced labour, and forced child labour. With respect to sex trafficking, primarily prosecuted as a translational crime under PACHTO, during the reporting period, the government secured the convictions of 28 trafficking offenders - 24 fewer than last year; unlike in past years, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) did not make available the specifics of the punishments given to trafficking offenders. During the reporting period, FIA, with assistance from IOM and NGOs, continued to offer training on investigating trafficking cases and sensitively treating victims; FIA did not provide data on the number of law enforcement officials that received such training.
Government officials at all levels have been implicated in human trafficking; there were reports of bribery of government and law enforcement officials during the reporting period. Pakistani authorities disciplined 147 law enforcement officers for complicity with human trafficking under the Government Service Rules and Regulations; 12 were permanently removed, four were compulsorily retired, and seven were reduced in rank. The remaining cases resulted in administrative actions.
The government's efforts to protect victims of trafficking were inadequate during the reporting period. Pakistan did not report any programs to identify and protect victims of forced labour – the largest sectors of Pakistan's trafficking victims – particularly bonded labour and forced child labour in informal industries such as domestic work. Foreign victims of trafficking also did not receive government protection services. Protection for victims of commercial sexual exploitation remained limited; internally trafficked women could access 25 federal government-run "Women's Centres" or 276 provincial government-run "Darul Aman" centres offering medical treatment, vocational training, and legal assistance to abused women and children.
Pakistani sex trafficking victims were sometimes arrested and incarcerated for prostitution without screening for evidence of trafficking, and some were subjected to punishment under Islamic law for fornication and adultery. During the year, the Punjab Government's Child Protection Bureaus in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, and Faisalabad sustained efforts begun in 2005 to rescue child beggars from the streets and provide rehabilitative services; at the time of this writing, Lahore's facility housed 219 boys.
In past years, the government encouraged foreign victims to participate in investigations against their traffickers by permitting them to seek employment while awaiting trial; there is no evidence of the government providing assistance to foreign trafficking victims in 2008 or encouraging their participation in investigations. Foreign victims reportedly were not prosecuted or deported for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked, but some foreign victims may have been subject to punishment for fornication, even as victims of sex trafficking.
The government did not provide foreign victims with legal alternatives to their removal to countries where they may face hardship or retribution. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis provided assistance to repatriated Pakistani trafficking victims, such as medical, legal, and financial assistance.
Pakistan made a number of efforts to prevent trafficking in persons during the reporting period, though lack of public awareness continued to be a problem. In 2008, the FIA sponsored anti-trafficking advertisements in major Urdu- and English-language newspapers, and its officers visited the five Punjab districts identified as major source areas to convene discussions with typical source communities.
The FIA launched a hotline for reporting cases of trafficking and smuggling that received 811 complaints, but did not specify the number of trafficking-specific calls. In addition, the Ministry of Interior produced and distributed a film about the dangers of trafficking on state television and to vulnerable populations along the border with India.
The government, however, did not take any reported measures during the reporting period to reduce the country's considerable demand for bonded labour, nor did it address demand for commercial sex acts. The government did not provide anti-trafficking training to its nationals deployed abroad for international peacekeeping missions. Pakistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol.
This report has also been published in Daily "The Nation". www.nation.com.pk
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Ministry prepares draft to protect environment
Noor Aftab
The Ministry of Environment as part of its endeavours to outline future plans for protection of fast-damaging natural environment has prepared a National Rangeland Policy after in-depth review of current environmental scenario in the country, a high-level official of the ministry told this scribe here on Friday.
The draft of the policy available with this correspondent showed that the national policy revolves around enhancement of productivity, promotion of rangeland enterprises, conservation of rangeland biodiversity, mitigation of negative impacts of global warming and climate change, improvement of skills and capacity building of the key stakeholders and conducting applied and action research on key problems of the rangelands.
The official said that working group on range management elaborated the key policy guidelines for implementation and formulation of the national rangeland policy that has been prepared keeping in view various UN Conventions including UN Convention on Biodiversity, UN Convention on Combating Desertification and UN-FCC.
Currently, the rangelands are under the administrative control and management of the respective provincial forest department. Thus the policy directions have been mainly derived from the National and Provincial Forest Policies.
The main thrusts of the policy include rangeland resource assessment and monitoring, integrated rangeland resource planning, increase in forage availability on the non-rangelands, promotion of rangeland enterprises, regulation of sustainable water flow, reduction of sedimentation in downstream, rehabilitation of ecosystem for biodiversity conservation, generation of financial resources and coordination and linkage development.
The background data given in the draft stated that rangelands provide feed to livestock, however due to the increase in population pressure there is corresponding increase in the demand for food and energy, the need for forage and other resources will also increase. In addition as major source of forage for the livestock, ranges provide water, recreation, wildlife, and fish habitat.
The statistics provided by the environment ministry to this correspondent show that the total number of livestock in the country is in the tune of 154 million benefiting around 35 million people earning around 40 per cent of their income from rearing of livestock. More than 60 per cent livestock fulfil their requirements through rangelands that also carry significance in various parameters encompassing ecological, social and economical aspects.
The environment ministry and provincial forest departments would provide required funds for implementation of the policy and coordinate to develop monitoring framework with certain indicators and bench marks in order to follow up on the operationalisation of the policy. The federal and provincial committees will be responsible for its monitoring, but the role of the federal committee will also include coordination, capacity building, undertaking research and international organisations.
The Ministry of Environment as part of its endeavours to outline future plans for protection of fast-damaging natural environment has prepared a National Rangeland Policy after in-depth review of current environmental scenario in the country, a high-level official of the ministry told this scribe here on Friday.
The draft of the policy available with this correspondent showed that the national policy revolves around enhancement of productivity, promotion of rangeland enterprises, conservation of rangeland biodiversity, mitigation of negative impacts of global warming and climate change, improvement of skills and capacity building of the key stakeholders and conducting applied and action research on key problems of the rangelands.
The official said that working group on range management elaborated the key policy guidelines for implementation and formulation of the national rangeland policy that has been prepared keeping in view various UN Conventions including UN Convention on Biodiversity, UN Convention on Combating Desertification and UN-FCC.
Currently, the rangelands are under the administrative control and management of the respective provincial forest department. Thus the policy directions have been mainly derived from the National and Provincial Forest Policies.
The main thrusts of the policy include rangeland resource assessment and monitoring, integrated rangeland resource planning, increase in forage availability on the non-rangelands, promotion of rangeland enterprises, regulation of sustainable water flow, reduction of sedimentation in downstream, rehabilitation of ecosystem for biodiversity conservation, generation of financial resources and coordination and linkage development.
The background data given in the draft stated that rangelands provide feed to livestock, however due to the increase in population pressure there is corresponding increase in the demand for food and energy, the need for forage and other resources will also increase. In addition as major source of forage for the livestock, ranges provide water, recreation, wildlife, and fish habitat.
The statistics provided by the environment ministry to this correspondent show that the total number of livestock in the country is in the tune of 154 million benefiting around 35 million people earning around 40 per cent of their income from rearing of livestock. More than 60 per cent livestock fulfil their requirements through rangelands that also carry significance in various parameters encompassing ecological, social and economical aspects.
The environment ministry and provincial forest departments would provide required funds for implementation of the policy and coordinate to develop monitoring framework with certain indicators and bench marks in order to follow up on the operationalisation of the policy. The federal and provincial committees will be responsible for its monitoring, but the role of the federal committee will also include coordination, capacity building, undertaking research and international organisations.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Security fear dampens Spring Festival
Sarfraz Ali
LAHORE - The prevailing security situation in the country has compelled the government to cancel a number of programmes in connection with Spring celebrations. The programmes which were arranged this year included Canal Festival and various other cultural events which were held at Alhamra Cultural Complex and Alhamra Art Centre, Open theatre, Race Course Park Polo Ground and PHA outlets.
The public participation, however, remained minimal as people showed scant interest in these events; partly for fear of terrorism and partly in mourning of the loss of life and property which was witnessed in RA Bazaar, Model Town, Iqbal Town incidents. The authorities had been expecting huge gatherings but the public response was dismal. The people showed no interest in the Lahore Canal decoration ceremony.
Sources at PHA said that the Authority had planned to hold spring festivity 'Jashn-e-Baharan", without giving much attention to these premonitions but the government barred them from materialising the idea to avoid any untoward incident.
It may be noted that during present year, there has been no and there is least likelihood of the holding of the March 23 Parade, which has been country's tradition. The 23rd March event at Islamabad has also been cancelled, so are the events that stand cancelled in provincial metropolis. The Punjab Government has already closed down the Food Streets of Gowalmandi and Anarkali.
It is pertinent to be mention here that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had to cancel his visit to Horse and Tattoo Show last Sunday due to ongoing uncertain security situation.
Even the administration of the Horse and Tattoo Show had to cut short the event following the series of bomb blasts in Lahore. The ban on Basant, the once-popular kite-flying festival of the country is also in doldrums due to political tussle between two schools of thought in the country i.e. the fun loving liberals and the conservatives.
One can also take stock of the situation from the response which the Bollywood blockbuster 'My Name is Khan' received among Lahore audience. The film attracted thin number of spectators due to ongoing wave of terrorism.
Every year, the Lahore Festival runs from 1st March which includes many recreational programmes for children; a dog show, a cricket match between lawmakers and film actors, another cricket match for the visually impaired, flower-arranging contests, poetry readings, and face-painting and heena contests.
A folk-dance show, release of birds and balloons used to be among feature attractions of the festivity.
Pakistan Army Band and other groups used to arrange concert, folk dances, tent pegging, a cart-race, a mascot parade and derby races. Festivities went on throughout the night, capped by fireworks. It is yet to be seen as to how long would it take before the Pakistanis in general and Lahoriites in particulars would be celebrating the advent of the summer season with traditional zest.
This news article has also been published in daily ‘The Nation”. WWW.nation.com.pk
LAHORE - The prevailing security situation in the country has compelled the government to cancel a number of programmes in connection with Spring celebrations. The programmes which were arranged this year included Canal Festival and various other cultural events which were held at Alhamra Cultural Complex and Alhamra Art Centre, Open theatre, Race Course Park Polo Ground and PHA outlets.
The public participation, however, remained minimal as people showed scant interest in these events; partly for fear of terrorism and partly in mourning of the loss of life and property which was witnessed in RA Bazaar, Model Town, Iqbal Town incidents. The authorities had been expecting huge gatherings but the public response was dismal. The people showed no interest in the Lahore Canal decoration ceremony.
Sources at PHA said that the Authority had planned to hold spring festivity 'Jashn-e-Baharan", without giving much attention to these premonitions but the government barred them from materialising the idea to avoid any untoward incident.
It may be noted that during present year, there has been no and there is least likelihood of the holding of the March 23 Parade, which has been country's tradition. The 23rd March event at Islamabad has also been cancelled, so are the events that stand cancelled in provincial metropolis. The Punjab Government has already closed down the Food Streets of Gowalmandi and Anarkali.
It is pertinent to be mention here that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had to cancel his visit to Horse and Tattoo Show last Sunday due to ongoing uncertain security situation.
Even the administration of the Horse and Tattoo Show had to cut short the event following the series of bomb blasts in Lahore. The ban on Basant, the once-popular kite-flying festival of the country is also in doldrums due to political tussle between two schools of thought in the country i.e. the fun loving liberals and the conservatives.
One can also take stock of the situation from the response which the Bollywood blockbuster 'My Name is Khan' received among Lahore audience. The film attracted thin number of spectators due to ongoing wave of terrorism.
Every year, the Lahore Festival runs from 1st March which includes many recreational programmes for children; a dog show, a cricket match between lawmakers and film actors, another cricket match for the visually impaired, flower-arranging contests, poetry readings, and face-painting and heena contests.
A folk-dance show, release of birds and balloons used to be among feature attractions of the festivity.
Pakistan Army Band and other groups used to arrange concert, folk dances, tent pegging, a cart-race, a mascot parade and derby races. Festivities went on throughout the night, capped by fireworks. It is yet to be seen as to how long would it take before the Pakistanis in general and Lahoriites in particulars would be celebrating the advent of the summer season with traditional zest.
This news article has also been published in daily ‘The Nation”. WWW.nation.com.pk
Monday, February 22, 2010
Rising Sea level may flood Badin and Thatta districts
The experts have called for serious approach by the government and civil society towards changing climate and its effects especially that of rising sea level apprehending that sea intrusion might erase from the map two coastal districts of Badin and Thatta if urgent and concrete steps were not taken.
Speaking at a training workshop on "Changing climate and its effects on Sea-belt" here last evening, the experts said that entire coastal belt of Sindh including Karachi is under threat.
Larr Humanitarian Development Program had organised the workshop.
Dr Pervez A Pathan of Sindh Development Studies Centre, Sindh University, said that the Sea is fast eroding and intruding Sindh lands with the result that the provincial coastal belt, which used to be 200km, has now escalated to 350km.
Since the required water is not released to sea, the process of sea intrusion continues damaging the agriculture in millions of acres area. The temperature level has also shot up from 35 to 38 degrees centigrade due to increasing global warming while there has also been registered an increase in tree-cutting, which have affected the climate, he said.
Prof Shahab Mughal from same Centre in his address said he apprehends the rising sea level would erase entire Badin and half the Thatta district in next 40 to 50 years.
Fida Hussain Soomro of LHDP informed that hardly 2,66,000 acres of land out of 11,33,000 was currently under cultivation in Badin district owing to degradation of land and water shortage.
Speaking at a training workshop on "Changing climate and its effects on Sea-belt" here last evening, the experts said that entire coastal belt of Sindh including Karachi is under threat.
Larr Humanitarian Development Program had organised the workshop.
Dr Pervez A Pathan of Sindh Development Studies Centre, Sindh University, said that the Sea is fast eroding and intruding Sindh lands with the result that the provincial coastal belt, which used to be 200km, has now escalated to 350km.
Since the required water is not released to sea, the process of sea intrusion continues damaging the agriculture in millions of acres area. The temperature level has also shot up from 35 to 38 degrees centigrade due to increasing global warming while there has also been registered an increase in tree-cutting, which have affected the climate, he said.
Prof Shahab Mughal from same Centre in his address said he apprehends the rising sea level would erase entire Badin and half the Thatta district in next 40 to 50 years.
Fida Hussain Soomro of LHDP informed that hardly 2,66,000 acres of land out of 11,33,000 was currently under cultivation in Badin district owing to degradation of land and water shortage.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Water shortage hits wheat crops in lower Sindh
by Sarfraz Ali
Wheat and other cultivated crops are devastating particularly in tail-end districts Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Tharparkar in lower Sindh owing to acute shortage of irrigation water in Nara canal.
Chairman Farmer Organisation (FOC) Javed Ahmed Junejo, deplored that recently 25,000 cusec water was increased in Sindh River following rainfall in Punjab and other provinces but unfortunately irrigation authorities of Punjab has diverted the water flow towards Taunsa Bairaj to store the water.
As result, in Sukkur Bairaj water level has been decreased as from 18,000 cusec to 15,000 cusecs automatically irrigation authorities supplying the water discharge only 6,000 cusec in Nara Canal head against its requirements of 18,000 cusec water discharge, the FOC chairman explained.
He lamented that drought like situation has been created in the tail-end districts of Nara canal as due to stealing of water from Nara Canal through illegal 400 lift machines and tempered modules of canals and distributaries only water for drinking purpose is being supplied in minors, distributaries.
The chief urged the federal government to ensue releasing of more than water in Sindh River instead to store the water in Taunsa Bairaj to save the wheat and other crops of Sindh.
The chairman said that landlords and abadgars (small farmers) were suffering big losses as their investments in agriculture sector was in risk and depending now only on irrigation water that is not available in the canals.
He further said that 6,000 cusec water discharge is only for drinking purpose and at this time there is acute need of water for wheat and other crops in this region and added that wheat and other crops were already deprived of irrigation for last 50 days as the Nara canal was closed for annual desalting and repair purpose.
He demanded the President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to take immediately notice of acute shortage of water particularly in lower Sindh and ensure proper supply of water in River Indus and in Nara canal to save the cultivated wheat and other crops.
The score of farmers belonging to Girhor distributary fed by Thar canal have held protest demonstration outside the Thar division office to protest against acute shortage of water in their distributaries for last over two months.
Haji Noor Mohammad, Mohammad Khan Mari, Ayub Mari and others deplored that Girhor distributary have closed on December 22, 2009 under rotation programme and still no drop of water was yet released in it as result wheat and other crops were destroying while drinking water is not available in their surrounding areas and they were compelled to bring the drinking water from far flung areas.
They accused that XEN Thar division and SDO concerned are openly demanding the illegal gratification from landlords for supplying the water and also asking that they have to pay commission to ministers.
They demanded of the Sindh Chief Minister and Governor Sindh to take immediate notice and ensure supply of irrigation water in their Girhor distributary without any delay.
The agricultural experts emphasised that wheat sowing had also been hit by irrigation water shortage in Sindh. Farmers claim that they have cultivated only 55-60 per cent of the targeted area.
In flagrant violation of the Water Accord ’91, Punjab is stealing some 6,000 cusecs additional water from River Indus at the cost of Sindh, alleged Sindh Agriculture Chamber’s general secretary, Akhund Ghulam Mohammad.
“Chief Minister of Sindh and provincial irrigation minister should take serious notice and raise the issue with the Council of Common Interest (CCI),” he suggested.
This news article is also appeared in 'Daily The Nation'
Wheat and other cultivated crops are devastating particularly in tail-end districts Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Tharparkar in lower Sindh owing to acute shortage of irrigation water in Nara canal.
Chairman Farmer Organisation (FOC) Javed Ahmed Junejo, deplored that recently 25,000 cusec water was increased in Sindh River following rainfall in Punjab and other provinces but unfortunately irrigation authorities of Punjab has diverted the water flow towards Taunsa Bairaj to store the water.
As result, in Sukkur Bairaj water level has been decreased as from 18,000 cusec to 15,000 cusecs automatically irrigation authorities supplying the water discharge only 6,000 cusec in Nara Canal head against its requirements of 18,000 cusec water discharge, the FOC chairman explained.
He lamented that drought like situation has been created in the tail-end districts of Nara canal as due to stealing of water from Nara Canal through illegal 400 lift machines and tempered modules of canals and distributaries only water for drinking purpose is being supplied in minors, distributaries.
The chief urged the federal government to ensue releasing of more than water in Sindh River instead to store the water in Taunsa Bairaj to save the wheat and other crops of Sindh.
The chairman said that landlords and abadgars (small farmers) were suffering big losses as their investments in agriculture sector was in risk and depending now only on irrigation water that is not available in the canals.
He further said that 6,000 cusec water discharge is only for drinking purpose and at this time there is acute need of water for wheat and other crops in this region and added that wheat and other crops were already deprived of irrigation for last 50 days as the Nara canal was closed for annual desalting and repair purpose.
He demanded the President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to take immediately notice of acute shortage of water particularly in lower Sindh and ensure proper supply of water in River Indus and in Nara canal to save the cultivated wheat and other crops.
The score of farmers belonging to Girhor distributary fed by Thar canal have held protest demonstration outside the Thar division office to protest against acute shortage of water in their distributaries for last over two months.
Haji Noor Mohammad, Mohammad Khan Mari, Ayub Mari and others deplored that Girhor distributary have closed on December 22, 2009 under rotation programme and still no drop of water was yet released in it as result wheat and other crops were destroying while drinking water is not available in their surrounding areas and they were compelled to bring the drinking water from far flung areas.
They accused that XEN Thar division and SDO concerned are openly demanding the illegal gratification from landlords for supplying the water and also asking that they have to pay commission to ministers.
They demanded of the Sindh Chief Minister and Governor Sindh to take immediate notice and ensure supply of irrigation water in their Girhor distributary without any delay.
The agricultural experts emphasised that wheat sowing had also been hit by irrigation water shortage in Sindh. Farmers claim that they have cultivated only 55-60 per cent of the targeted area.
In flagrant violation of the Water Accord ’91, Punjab is stealing some 6,000 cusecs additional water from River Indus at the cost of Sindh, alleged Sindh Agriculture Chamber’s general secretary, Akhund Ghulam Mohammad.
“Chief Minister of Sindh and provincial irrigation minister should take serious notice and raise the issue with the Council of Common Interest (CCI),” he suggested.
This news article is also appeared in 'Daily The Nation'
Saturday, January 30, 2010
SPARC for early legislation on child rights
By Sarfraz Ali
The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) has urged Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to pursue the Child Protection Bill on urgent matter National Child Protection Policy and enactment of the Protection of Children (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2009 and the National Commission on the Rights of Children Bill 2009 to protect and promote the rights of children across Pakistan.
Through a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the SPARC said that the Policy and Bills have been placed before the Federal Cabinet for approval in October 2009 however; the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education to refer the drafts to the Council of Islamic Ideology and government is coalition partners.
This is causing unnecessary delay in the adoption and approval of this long awaited policy and legislation about children.
Pakistan is a party to the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and to the core ILO Conventions No. 100, 138, 182 and 111.
Pakistan is also a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention against Torture (CAT), Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and to the two optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on Child Pornography, Sale and Trafficking of Children.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by UN General Assembly in 1989 and the same was ratified by Pakistan in 1990. Pakistan also signed two of its Optional Protocols in 2008. It has been 19 years since Pakistan signed and ratified many of these international instruments and yet it has not brought its national laws in conformity with them. Even after the lapse of almost 19 years, the Government has failed to bring Pakistani laws in conformity with it.
In the letter SPARC demanded to take proactive action by taking personal interest in banning child domestic labour and expediting the process for the approval and enactment of the National Child Protection Policy and Bills to ensure protection of children from all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse in the society.
Moreover, SPARC is concerned over the growing incidence of violence against children in the country. Latest being the brutal murder of a domestic child servant Shazia Masih, in Lahore, by her employers.
This and an increasing number of such incidents appearing in the local newspapers and electronic media compel us to think even more seriously about the child protection issues.
SPARC expresses strong concern over the lack of accountability in this regard.
In letter SPARC also demanded to direct the Ministry of Labour and Industries to enforce a ban on child domestic labour by adding it to the schedule of banned occupations under the Employment of Children Act 1991 through a notification in official Gazette and immediately call a meeting of the National Committee on the Rights of the Child established in 2000 under section 5 of the said law to look into the emerging issues in child labour and effective implementation of the law.
(The writer is staff member of Daily 'The Nation')
The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) has urged Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to pursue the Child Protection Bill on urgent matter National Child Protection Policy and enactment of the Protection of Children (Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2009 and the National Commission on the Rights of Children Bill 2009 to protect and promote the rights of children across Pakistan.
Through a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the SPARC said that the Policy and Bills have been placed before the Federal Cabinet for approval in October 2009 however; the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education to refer the drafts to the Council of Islamic Ideology and government is coalition partners.
This is causing unnecessary delay in the adoption and approval of this long awaited policy and legislation about children.
Pakistan is a party to the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and to the core ILO Conventions No. 100, 138, 182 and 111.
Pakistan is also a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention against Torture (CAT), Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and to the two optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on Child Pornography, Sale and Trafficking of Children.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was adopted by UN General Assembly in 1989 and the same was ratified by Pakistan in 1990. Pakistan also signed two of its Optional Protocols in 2008. It has been 19 years since Pakistan signed and ratified many of these international instruments and yet it has not brought its national laws in conformity with them. Even after the lapse of almost 19 years, the Government has failed to bring Pakistani laws in conformity with it.
In the letter SPARC demanded to take proactive action by taking personal interest in banning child domestic labour and expediting the process for the approval and enactment of the National Child Protection Policy and Bills to ensure protection of children from all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse in the society.
Moreover, SPARC is concerned over the growing incidence of violence against children in the country. Latest being the brutal murder of a domestic child servant Shazia Masih, in Lahore, by her employers.
This and an increasing number of such incidents appearing in the local newspapers and electronic media compel us to think even more seriously about the child protection issues.
SPARC expresses strong concern over the lack of accountability in this regard.
In letter SPARC also demanded to direct the Ministry of Labour and Industries to enforce a ban on child domestic labour by adding it to the schedule of banned occupations under the Employment of Children Act 1991 through a notification in official Gazette and immediately call a meeting of the National Committee on the Rights of the Child established in 2000 under section 5 of the said law to look into the emerging issues in child labour and effective implementation of the law.
(The writer is staff member of Daily 'The Nation')
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Environmental degradation : Karachi sinking in its own waste
The environmental degradation and humiliation in ghetto areas and other parts of the metropolis was contemplated as the great concern for the artists who exhibited their self-made illustrations and short documentaries of devastating ecological conditions in 'Mai Kolachi' site at the exhibition of seminal art on ecology held on Saturday evening at Karachi Arts Council hosted by NuktaArt Magazine, visiting Arts UK and AICA Pakistan.
It was the first exhibition of its kind in Pakistan that extensively focused on the ecology of Karachi attended by several students, art lovers, environmental experts and other progressive figures of the society.
Nukta Art for its project 'One Mile Square' invited the four visual artists from Karachi including Arif Mahmood, Adeel-uz-Zafar, Faraz Abdul Mateen and Nameera Ahmed in an attempt to engage them with issues that pertain to human and environmental context within the coastal belt. Participant artists displayed their artistic work and documentaries pertaining to different ecological issues resulting its rapid devastation.
The devastated conditions of mangroves, discharging of solid water resulting contaminated water, loss of biodiversity, severe health hazards for the nearby residing people and the entire dilapidated condition of the Mai Kolachi site was radiantly depicted at the event in form of art pictures, while the destruction of natural habitats and other loss of biodiversity in various outskirts areas of the metropolis were screened on small projectors that bagged the attention of visitors.
Exhibition was aimed to create cognizance among the viewers to make them realize their ethical responsibility towards environment and become a focal figure in reshaping and betterment of ecological conditions in the city as well as the entire country.
Mai Kolachi is today a barren wasteland exposed to devastating ecological and urban degrdation, linking the localities of Sultanabad and Hijrat colonyon one side, and chinna creek on the other, to karachi's financial center and the port, its strategic location has made it victim to callous and devastating and reclamation projects.
Over a period of six weeks, the artists team studied the effects of the ecological disasters that can be created by the disappearance of the mangroves, such as exposing the city to tsunamis and raising the water table of the coastal residential areas due to sea and land pollution. A major source contamination is the untreated sewage, which empties into my kolachi through three main drains (nullahs).
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Shehri, Urban Resource Center and the Shirkat Gah assisted the artists in providing the necessary resource material to grapple with the immensity of Karachi's environmental crisis.
The body of art-work created in this short time reflects diverse artistic voices, both in terms of the material and conceptual content. Focusing on the intersections of ethics and aesthetics it pushes the artist to think outside the box, as it also hopes to challenge the viewer to rethink their collective responsibility of the city. (PPI)
(This news article is also published in Daily The Nation)
It was the first exhibition of its kind in Pakistan that extensively focused on the ecology of Karachi attended by several students, art lovers, environmental experts and other progressive figures of the society.
Nukta Art for its project 'One Mile Square' invited the four visual artists from Karachi including Arif Mahmood, Adeel-uz-Zafar, Faraz Abdul Mateen and Nameera Ahmed in an attempt to engage them with issues that pertain to human and environmental context within the coastal belt. Participant artists displayed their artistic work and documentaries pertaining to different ecological issues resulting its rapid devastation.
The devastated conditions of mangroves, discharging of solid water resulting contaminated water, loss of biodiversity, severe health hazards for the nearby residing people and the entire dilapidated condition of the Mai Kolachi site was radiantly depicted at the event in form of art pictures, while the destruction of natural habitats and other loss of biodiversity in various outskirts areas of the metropolis were screened on small projectors that bagged the attention of visitors.
Exhibition was aimed to create cognizance among the viewers to make them realize their ethical responsibility towards environment and become a focal figure in reshaping and betterment of ecological conditions in the city as well as the entire country.
Mai Kolachi is today a barren wasteland exposed to devastating ecological and urban degrdation, linking the localities of Sultanabad and Hijrat colonyon one side, and chinna creek on the other, to karachi's financial center and the port, its strategic location has made it victim to callous and devastating and reclamation projects.
Over a period of six weeks, the artists team studied the effects of the ecological disasters that can be created by the disappearance of the mangroves, such as exposing the city to tsunamis and raising the water table of the coastal residential areas due to sea and land pollution. A major source contamination is the untreated sewage, which empties into my kolachi through three main drains (nullahs).
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Shehri, Urban Resource Center and the Shirkat Gah assisted the artists in providing the necessary resource material to grapple with the immensity of Karachi's environmental crisis.
The body of art-work created in this short time reflects diverse artistic voices, both in terms of the material and conceptual content. Focusing on the intersections of ethics and aesthetics it pushes the artist to think outside the box, as it also hopes to challenge the viewer to rethink their collective responsibility of the city. (PPI)
(This news article is also published in Daily The Nation)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pak govt may allow fuel oil blending
By Sarfraz Ali
The government is likely to allow fuel oil blending in the country soon. Chairman of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Tauqir Sadiq while speaking at the second meeting of FPCCI Standing Committee on Petroleum Products at Federation House asked all the stakeholders to give their proposals on the subjects seeking government permission in this regard.
He said that the government would support every proposal, which is in the favour of the country and beneficial for the consumers. He invited proposals from all the stakeholders and said that the government would grant permission for fuel oil blending in the country within days.
The chairman OGRA said that being the regulator of oil and gas sector, he would welcome every proposal and suggestion from the industry. He said OGRA is committed to provide level playing field to all the market participants. He said that there is shortage of gas in the country, as the existing reserves of gas are continuously decreasing while gas exploration activities remained low due to law and order situation mainly in Balochistan. On the other hand, he added, the dependence on gas for power generation has massively increased. The high demand against less supply led to a surge in gas prices in the country, he noted.
Speaking on the occasion, former president FPCCI, S.M. Munir said that the gas and power tariffs are being increased on the directives of IMF. "The baggers have no choice except to follow the directives of donors," he added.
He said industry in Pakistan is facing difficulties to run their business. He pointed out that only textile industry is facing losses of one billion rupees per month due to power shortage and tariff increase. He said that the country's export target is unlikely to be achieved, so the government should take measure to solve the issues being faced by the industry.
Vice President, FPCCI, Zakria Usman, said that the country's exports are continuously declining. The recent hike in gas and power tariff has further deepened the concerns of the industry, as cost of doing business would further increase. Mian Zahid Hussain Chairman All Pakistan Lubricant Manufacturers Association said the local lubricant industry is producing around 200,000 tons of lubricant oil against the total demand of 400,000 tons in the country.
He pointed out that illegally imported and fake lubricant oil is being sold in the country. He suggested that the government should remove excise duty on lubricant oil so that the industry could be able to compete in the market. Chairman OGRA asked to point out the locations of illegal manufacturers of lubricant, assuring that the regulator will take action against the miscreants.
Various issues including oil and gas pricing and energy crisis were discussed in the meeting. The meeting was told that the energy demand has almost doubled in the last ten years. However, any single power generation plant was not set up in this period. The gas supply to industry has increased by 13 percent.
The energy cost has increased by 100 percent. On the other hand, a circular debt of Rs 82 billion remained another issue in this regard. The participants of the meeting were of the view that the energy crisis will continue in days to come. They said that the government should take necessary measures and efficient management to address the issue.
The chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Petroleum Products, Malik Khuda Baksh, Abbas Bilgrami MD Progass, Abdul Hadi Khan, Chairman LPG Distributors Association, Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman Petroleum Dealers Association, Kaleem Siddiqui, President Byco Petroleum (Bosicor Pakistan), Mumtaz Hassan Khan Chairman Hascol Pakistan and Ejaz Ali Khan from Overseas Oil Trading Limited attended the meeting.
Sarfraz Ali is staff member of Daily 'The Nation'. (This news item also published in Daily 'The Nation')
The government is likely to allow fuel oil blending in the country soon. Chairman of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Tauqir Sadiq while speaking at the second meeting of FPCCI Standing Committee on Petroleum Products at Federation House asked all the stakeholders to give their proposals on the subjects seeking government permission in this regard.
He said that the government would support every proposal, which is in the favour of the country and beneficial for the consumers. He invited proposals from all the stakeholders and said that the government would grant permission for fuel oil blending in the country within days.
The chairman OGRA said that being the regulator of oil and gas sector, he would welcome every proposal and suggestion from the industry. He said OGRA is committed to provide level playing field to all the market participants. He said that there is shortage of gas in the country, as the existing reserves of gas are continuously decreasing while gas exploration activities remained low due to law and order situation mainly in Balochistan. On the other hand, he added, the dependence on gas for power generation has massively increased. The high demand against less supply led to a surge in gas prices in the country, he noted.
Speaking on the occasion, former president FPCCI, S.M. Munir said that the gas and power tariffs are being increased on the directives of IMF. "The baggers have no choice except to follow the directives of donors," he added.
He said industry in Pakistan is facing difficulties to run their business. He pointed out that only textile industry is facing losses of one billion rupees per month due to power shortage and tariff increase. He said that the country's export target is unlikely to be achieved, so the government should take measure to solve the issues being faced by the industry.
Vice President, FPCCI, Zakria Usman, said that the country's exports are continuously declining. The recent hike in gas and power tariff has further deepened the concerns of the industry, as cost of doing business would further increase. Mian Zahid Hussain Chairman All Pakistan Lubricant Manufacturers Association said the local lubricant industry is producing around 200,000 tons of lubricant oil against the total demand of 400,000 tons in the country.
He pointed out that illegally imported and fake lubricant oil is being sold in the country. He suggested that the government should remove excise duty on lubricant oil so that the industry could be able to compete in the market. Chairman OGRA asked to point out the locations of illegal manufacturers of lubricant, assuring that the regulator will take action against the miscreants.
Various issues including oil and gas pricing and energy crisis were discussed in the meeting. The meeting was told that the energy demand has almost doubled in the last ten years. However, any single power generation plant was not set up in this period. The gas supply to industry has increased by 13 percent.
The energy cost has increased by 100 percent. On the other hand, a circular debt of Rs 82 billion remained another issue in this regard. The participants of the meeting were of the view that the energy crisis will continue in days to come. They said that the government should take necessary measures and efficient management to address the issue.
The chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Petroleum Products, Malik Khuda Baksh, Abbas Bilgrami MD Progass, Abdul Hadi Khan, Chairman LPG Distributors Association, Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman Petroleum Dealers Association, Kaleem Siddiqui, President Byco Petroleum (Bosicor Pakistan), Mumtaz Hassan Khan Chairman Hascol Pakistan and Ejaz Ali Khan from Overseas Oil Trading Limited attended the meeting.
Sarfraz Ali is staff member of Daily 'The Nation'. (This news item also published in Daily 'The Nation')
Taliban threat for Kashmir
By Zafar Iqbal
Recent surge of violence in both parts of contentious state of Jammu and Kashmir has fuelled the concerns about the expansion of Taliban network in the Himalayan region. Despite significant increase of terrorist operations in India and Pakistan during the last few years, Jammu and Kashmir remained relatively a peaceful zone. The momentum of two decade long insurgency in Indian Administrated Kashmir is greatly reduced with a considerable transition from turmoil to normalcy.
However, in neighboring Pakistan terrorism and bloodshed is rife where Islamic Taliban and Pakistan forces are engaged in a violent war in NWFP and lawless Waziristan regions since 2004 when Pakistan army started operations border Waziristan region against local groups involved in attacking NATO forces in Afghanistan. Now this war has extended to almost all major Pakistani cities through suicide attacks committed by young Taliban. In this six years war between Pakistani troops and Taliban, Pakistani administrated Kashmir region remained far from any major terrorist activity till June 26, 2009 when Taliban took the responsibly of first suicide attack on a military vehicle. Till now over 20 people, majority of them security personnel, have been killed and more than 125 have wounded in five terrorist attacks in Pakistani Kashmir within six months. Officials have also foiled more terrorist attempts of Taliban.
The militancy in Kashmir has a long history of linkages with Afghanistan and Pakistani northern areas now under the influence of Taliban. The defeat of Soviet Union by Afghan warriors contributed to encourage young Kashmiris to take gun against India. Since the inception of uprising in the Valley, almost all Kashmiri militant groups were trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal regions. This Afghan- Kashmir relationship also changed the configurations of Kashmiri resistance movement which turned a national liberation movement into a part of global Jihad when young Kashmiri recruits were trained ideologically and militarily by devout Pashtun and Arab instructors in Afghanistan and NWFP areas.
However, the emergence of Taliban in Afghanistan in 1994 changed the character of Kabul -Kashmir nexus when Taliban banned the largest Kashmiri rebellious group Hizb –ul- Mujahedeen (HM) to use Afghan territory, which has to shift its training camps to Pakistani tribal ares, nonetheless, Taliban continued to support their like minded Kashmiri groups, e.g. Harkut- ul- Mujahedeen (HuM) and Harut ul Ansar (HuA). A handful number of Kashmiris remained on Afghan soil till 20 August 1998 when US missile killed Islamic militants, including some Kashmiris. General Mushraff government’s crackdown on six Pakistani radical groups in 2002-03 also ceased all Kashmiri connections with Afghan soil.
In spite of historical cooperation between Kashmiri insurgents and militants in Pakistani tribal belt and NWFP region, now both have conflicting agendas in terms of their objectives and operations. Kashmiri militants claim their struggle as a holy war to liberate their homeland from Indian occupation but Taliban consider their resistance as a Jihad against the US who attacked Afghanistan, toppled Taliban regime and then started a war through Drones attacks in Pakistani border areas to defeat Taliban. Likewise, Taliban equate Pakistan military forces as ‘Traitors’ who collaborated with the NATO forces in a war against Taliban. Conversely, for Pakistani Taliban ongoing struggle in Kashmir is not a Jihad as they describe it as a national movement being fought only for land, not for Islamic Sharia.
Similarly, Kashmiri militants’ circles have some reservations about Taliban’s resistance. Popular Kashmiri leader Ali Geelani, who is an ardent supporter and advocate of armed struggle in Kashmir, has categorically condemned the Taliban activities in Pakistan and asked them ‘to stop bloodshed against civilians’.
All Pakistani Taliban groups are followers of radical Deobandi sect, who firmly reject visiting the shrines and other related rituals. The Taliban attacks on shrines, beheading of none-Deobandi Ulemas and occupations on holly places and Mosques of other sects, reflect Taliban’s religious ideology. Contrary to Taliban, most of Kashmiri militants practice less radical brands of Sunni Islam like Sufism and following saints. Interestingly, the Head of Kashmir’s militants, Syed Salahuddin is known as “Peer Sahab” among all Jihadi outfits because of his religious inclination for Sufism, which according to Taliban is un- Islamic.
Notwithstanding large participation of militants from Pakistan’s Pashtun region in insurgency in Kashmir, their mutual bonds have also been eroded in last few years. Harkatul Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI), known also as ‘313 Brigade’ is only Kashmiri group which stills sustains its connections with Taliban and could work as a base for future Taliban operations in Kashmir. Headed by Iliyas Kashmiri, who was arrested for alleged attack on General Mushraff and now has been accused for recent killing of the SIA staff in Kabul and a plot against Danish newspaper, the HuJI has also shifted its base from southern Kotli district of Pakistani Kashmir to Razmuk, Waziristan in Pakistan. Similar group has been reported for his involvement in all major attacks in Pakistani part of Kashmir under the cover of Lasher- e- Zil, which is a sub unit of Tehreek e Taliban, Pakistan (TTP).
Moreover, the bombers of all major suicide attacks in Pakistan part of Kashmir have been identified as members of Taliban movement or residents of Pakistani NWFP and tribal region, nevertheless, the association of local sympathizers in these attacks could not be dismissed because the perpetrators of some major suicide attacks on Pakistani forces, including the attack on former Pakistan General Mushraff, have been described as the citizens of Pakistani Kashmir.
With the availability of already trained local force and large number of sympathizers of Jihad, Pakistani Kashmir is a soft and easy zone for terrorist operations for Taliban; however, it seems hard that Taliban can trigger the surge of suicide bombings in Indian part of Kashmir.
(The Write is a freelance columnist. He can be reaced at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com )
Recent surge of violence in both parts of contentious state of Jammu and Kashmir has fuelled the concerns about the expansion of Taliban network in the Himalayan region. Despite significant increase of terrorist operations in India and Pakistan during the last few years, Jammu and Kashmir remained relatively a peaceful zone. The momentum of two decade long insurgency in Indian Administrated Kashmir is greatly reduced with a considerable transition from turmoil to normalcy.
However, in neighboring Pakistan terrorism and bloodshed is rife where Islamic Taliban and Pakistan forces are engaged in a violent war in NWFP and lawless Waziristan regions since 2004 when Pakistan army started operations border Waziristan region against local groups involved in attacking NATO forces in Afghanistan. Now this war has extended to almost all major Pakistani cities through suicide attacks committed by young Taliban. In this six years war between Pakistani troops and Taliban, Pakistani administrated Kashmir region remained far from any major terrorist activity till June 26, 2009 when Taliban took the responsibly of first suicide attack on a military vehicle. Till now over 20 people, majority of them security personnel, have been killed and more than 125 have wounded in five terrorist attacks in Pakistani Kashmir within six months. Officials have also foiled more terrorist attempts of Taliban.
The militancy in Kashmir has a long history of linkages with Afghanistan and Pakistani northern areas now under the influence of Taliban. The defeat of Soviet Union by Afghan warriors contributed to encourage young Kashmiris to take gun against India. Since the inception of uprising in the Valley, almost all Kashmiri militant groups were trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal regions. This Afghan- Kashmir relationship also changed the configurations of Kashmiri resistance movement which turned a national liberation movement into a part of global Jihad when young Kashmiri recruits were trained ideologically and militarily by devout Pashtun and Arab instructors in Afghanistan and NWFP areas.
However, the emergence of Taliban in Afghanistan in 1994 changed the character of Kabul -Kashmir nexus when Taliban banned the largest Kashmiri rebellious group Hizb –ul- Mujahedeen (HM) to use Afghan territory, which has to shift its training camps to Pakistani tribal ares, nonetheless, Taliban continued to support their like minded Kashmiri groups, e.g. Harkut- ul- Mujahedeen (HuM) and Harut ul Ansar (HuA). A handful number of Kashmiris remained on Afghan soil till 20 August 1998 when US missile killed Islamic militants, including some Kashmiris. General Mushraff government’s crackdown on six Pakistani radical groups in 2002-03 also ceased all Kashmiri connections with Afghan soil.
In spite of historical cooperation between Kashmiri insurgents and militants in Pakistani tribal belt and NWFP region, now both have conflicting agendas in terms of their objectives and operations. Kashmiri militants claim their struggle as a holy war to liberate their homeland from Indian occupation but Taliban consider their resistance as a Jihad against the US who attacked Afghanistan, toppled Taliban regime and then started a war through Drones attacks in Pakistani border areas to defeat Taliban. Likewise, Taliban equate Pakistan military forces as ‘Traitors’ who collaborated with the NATO forces in a war against Taliban. Conversely, for Pakistani Taliban ongoing struggle in Kashmir is not a Jihad as they describe it as a national movement being fought only for land, not for Islamic Sharia.
Similarly, Kashmiri militants’ circles have some reservations about Taliban’s resistance. Popular Kashmiri leader Ali Geelani, who is an ardent supporter and advocate of armed struggle in Kashmir, has categorically condemned the Taliban activities in Pakistan and asked them ‘to stop bloodshed against civilians’.
All Pakistani Taliban groups are followers of radical Deobandi sect, who firmly reject visiting the shrines and other related rituals. The Taliban attacks on shrines, beheading of none-Deobandi Ulemas and occupations on holly places and Mosques of other sects, reflect Taliban’s religious ideology. Contrary to Taliban, most of Kashmiri militants practice less radical brands of Sunni Islam like Sufism and following saints. Interestingly, the Head of Kashmir’s militants, Syed Salahuddin is known as “Peer Sahab” among all Jihadi outfits because of his religious inclination for Sufism, which according to Taliban is un- Islamic.
Notwithstanding large participation of militants from Pakistan’s Pashtun region in insurgency in Kashmir, their mutual bonds have also been eroded in last few years. Harkatul Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI), known also as ‘313 Brigade’ is only Kashmiri group which stills sustains its connections with Taliban and could work as a base for future Taliban operations in Kashmir. Headed by Iliyas Kashmiri, who was arrested for alleged attack on General Mushraff and now has been accused for recent killing of the SIA staff in Kabul and a plot against Danish newspaper, the HuJI has also shifted its base from southern Kotli district of Pakistani Kashmir to Razmuk, Waziristan in Pakistan. Similar group has been reported for his involvement in all major attacks in Pakistani part of Kashmir under the cover of Lasher- e- Zil, which is a sub unit of Tehreek e Taliban, Pakistan (TTP).
Moreover, the bombers of all major suicide attacks in Pakistan part of Kashmir have been identified as members of Taliban movement or residents of Pakistani NWFP and tribal region, nevertheless, the association of local sympathizers in these attacks could not be dismissed because the perpetrators of some major suicide attacks on Pakistani forces, including the attack on former Pakistan General Mushraff, have been described as the citizens of Pakistani Kashmir.
With the availability of already trained local force and large number of sympathizers of Jihad, Pakistani Kashmir is a soft and easy zone for terrorist operations for Taliban; however, it seems hard that Taliban can trigger the surge of suicide bombings in Indian part of Kashmir.
(The Write is a freelance columnist. He can be reaced at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com )
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Climate change hits natural paradise of Kashmir
By Zafar Iqbal
The tangible impacts of climate change are now witnessed even in those areas of South Asian region, which are considered as habitat of ecosystem due to the abundance of natural resources. Like other areas of world, the weather pattern in Kashmir has changed so much so that people are experiencing in chilly and dry winter without rains and snowfall.
People paid special prayers for rain after a spell of dry and harsh weather conditions prevailing in the region since many months. People in Pakistan part of Kashmir on Wednesday offered Namaz e Istaska in small and big towns and remote areas. Prime Minster of Pakistani Azad Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Haider has appealed people to offer particular prayers for the end of harshly dry weather. Hundreds of residents, including the Prime Minister and his cabinet members of government of Pakistani controlled Kashmir, offered Namaz e Istakska in an open ground in the capital city, Muzaffarabad.
In Islam Namaz e Istaska (Pray for rain) is a special kind of prayer, which is performed in the time of drought, in order to seek relief from God, so that God may send rain. Similar rituals were paid in other cities where parched citizens pray for rain and snowfall.
In various towns and cities in Pakistan and its administrated Kashmir arid weather has affected badly local population because of water scarcity in the region as most of the water sources have dried up and people are struggling to access for drinking water. Women have to walk for miles to bring water as all springs, streams, wells and other natural water sources have dried up where as water level in rivers, and mini rivers and lakes are also shrinking.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir most of the population rely for natural water sources, including rivers, springs and wells. According to World Bank More than 60 percent of the population still has no direct access to water supply. A 1998 census shows that only 34.58 percent of the rural population has access to piped water supply (house connection) while more than 65 percent fetch water from communal sources.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Azad Kashmir Government under a project worth Rs. 493 million are jointly working to restore rural water supply system and improve the sanitation in the region.
The majority of water supply and sanitation systems in AJK (both rural and urban) were badly damaged by October 8, 2005 earthquakes. According to the Governments of AJK, a total of 1641 water supply schemes and sanitation system, were damaged and need to be rehabilitated or reconstructed.
The dry weather has also affected areas, which are famous for torrentional rains and snowfall in winter, howevever, and this year wave of dry weather is not finished even after beginning of one month of winter. The intensity of the dryness has even been witnessed on high mountainous areas, which used to be covered with many feet high snow in the beginning of autumn in the past.
Most of the cities and towns and remote hilly areas are experiencing dry spell of weather. Rawalakot is tourist resort and have a beautiful lake in Banjosa, which during the recent years have attracted a large number of visitors form Pakistani cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi etc. Especially a large influx of visitors has been observed in the Rwalakot in summer and winter seasons after the military operation in Swat and other areas in Northern Pakistan which used to be tourist resorts in the past. The peaks of Lass Danna, Toli Peer, and Ganga Choti in Bagh District which are located at more than 7000-8000 feet over the altitude are still waiting for snowfall.
(The writer is freelance journalist and can be accessed at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com )
The tangible impacts of climate change are now witnessed even in those areas of South Asian region, which are considered as habitat of ecosystem due to the abundance of natural resources. Like other areas of world, the weather pattern in Kashmir has changed so much so that people are experiencing in chilly and dry winter without rains and snowfall.
People paid special prayers for rain after a spell of dry and harsh weather conditions prevailing in the region since many months. People in Pakistan part of Kashmir on Wednesday offered Namaz e Istaska in small and big towns and remote areas. Prime Minster of Pakistani Azad Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Haider has appealed people to offer particular prayers for the end of harshly dry weather. Hundreds of residents, including the Prime Minister and his cabinet members of government of Pakistani controlled Kashmir, offered Namaz e Istakska in an open ground in the capital city, Muzaffarabad.
In Islam Namaz e Istaska (Pray for rain) is a special kind of prayer, which is performed in the time of drought, in order to seek relief from God, so that God may send rain. Similar rituals were paid in other cities where parched citizens pray for rain and snowfall.
In various towns and cities in Pakistan and its administrated Kashmir arid weather has affected badly local population because of water scarcity in the region as most of the water sources have dried up and people are struggling to access for drinking water. Women have to walk for miles to bring water as all springs, streams, wells and other natural water sources have dried up where as water level in rivers, and mini rivers and lakes are also shrinking.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir most of the population rely for natural water sources, including rivers, springs and wells. According to World Bank More than 60 percent of the population still has no direct access to water supply. A 1998 census shows that only 34.58 percent of the rural population has access to piped water supply (house connection) while more than 65 percent fetch water from communal sources.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Azad Kashmir Government under a project worth Rs. 493 million are jointly working to restore rural water supply system and improve the sanitation in the region.
The majority of water supply and sanitation systems in AJK (both rural and urban) were badly damaged by October 8, 2005 earthquakes. According to the Governments of AJK, a total of 1641 water supply schemes and sanitation system, were damaged and need to be rehabilitated or reconstructed.
The dry weather has also affected areas, which are famous for torrentional rains and snowfall in winter, howevever, and this year wave of dry weather is not finished even after beginning of one month of winter. The intensity of the dryness has even been witnessed on high mountainous areas, which used to be covered with many feet high snow in the beginning of autumn in the past.
Most of the cities and towns and remote hilly areas are experiencing dry spell of weather. Rawalakot is tourist resort and have a beautiful lake in Banjosa, which during the recent years have attracted a large number of visitors form Pakistani cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi etc. Especially a large influx of visitors has been observed in the Rwalakot in summer and winter seasons after the military operation in Swat and other areas in Northern Pakistan which used to be tourist resorts in the past. The peaks of Lass Danna, Toli Peer, and Ganga Choti in Bagh District which are located at more than 7000-8000 feet over the altitude are still waiting for snowfall.
(The writer is freelance journalist and can be accessed at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com )
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Pak govt decides to take action against polluting industries
By Sarfraz Ali
Sindh Minister for Environment and Alternate Energy Shaikh Mohammad Afzal has said that the campaign to convince industries to properly dispose off their affluent will restart in next ten days to protect environment.
"This is not tolerable and we will start action against those industries which are polluting environment, he said while responding to questions of media at a reception.
National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) Chairman CNG Station Owners Association Malik Khuda Baksh, Director General SEPA Naeem Mughal, president NFEH Naeem Qureshi, Afia Salam of IUCN, Gulzar Firoz chairman standing committee on Environment FPCCI also addressed on the occasion.
"This campaign has not been withdrawn due to pressure. A time period was given to 100 industrial units in SITE and Korangi industrial areas by the former minister to improve situation through internal arrangements for waste disposal special wastewater, he added.
He said that industrial units mostly textile and chemicals do not have treatment plants and they discharge their effluent into main drain thus polluting Lyari and Malir rivers.
The minister said that industrial units do not allow our inspectors to enter their factories and use various pressure tactics to get away from routine inspections.
"I have issued instructions to Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to take action against polluting industrial units and do not afraid of pressure. I will take the pressure you do you work without fear", he maintained.
Referring to heavy smoke emitting public transport, he said that efforts are on to have a law for arresting the polluters as a deterrent. He said smoke emitting vehicles will be issued red stickers and will be asked to repair the cause. After repair they will be issued green stickers for playing on road, he noted.
He pointed out that a new law was in offing to increase the thickness of polythene bags and use of degradable material in plastic bags.
Shaikh Azfal said that his department has sought a separate budget to launch the publicity campaign to create awareness about environment among the people. We are also considering to include environment as subject in the syllabus of class three, he added.
Chairman FPCCI sub committee on Environment Gulzar Firoz said that the Federation would not protect the polluters. He said that textile mills were the biggest polluters.
Chairman CNG Station Owners Association Malik Khuda Baksh said that vehicular pollution has been reduced by 20 percent in the country after the conversion of 2.5 million vehicles from fossil fuel to compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG sector should be protected for the sake of environment.
Director General SEPA Naeem Mughal, Professor Ejaz Farooqui, Afia Salam of IUCN and representatives of Engro Chemicals Pakistan Refinery and Pakistan Steel others also spoke on the occasion.
Sindh Minister for Environment and Alternate Energy Shaikh Mohammad Afzal has said that the campaign to convince industries to properly dispose off their affluent will restart in next ten days to protect environment.
"This is not tolerable and we will start action against those industries which are polluting environment, he said while responding to questions of media at a reception.
National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) Chairman CNG Station Owners Association Malik Khuda Baksh, Director General SEPA Naeem Mughal, president NFEH Naeem Qureshi, Afia Salam of IUCN, Gulzar Firoz chairman standing committee on Environment FPCCI also addressed on the occasion.
"This campaign has not been withdrawn due to pressure. A time period was given to 100 industrial units in SITE and Korangi industrial areas by the former minister to improve situation through internal arrangements for waste disposal special wastewater, he added.
He said that industrial units mostly textile and chemicals do not have treatment plants and they discharge their effluent into main drain thus polluting Lyari and Malir rivers.
The minister said that industrial units do not allow our inspectors to enter their factories and use various pressure tactics to get away from routine inspections.
"I have issued instructions to Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to take action against polluting industrial units and do not afraid of pressure. I will take the pressure you do you work without fear", he maintained.
Referring to heavy smoke emitting public transport, he said that efforts are on to have a law for arresting the polluters as a deterrent. He said smoke emitting vehicles will be issued red stickers and will be asked to repair the cause. After repair they will be issued green stickers for playing on road, he noted.
He pointed out that a new law was in offing to increase the thickness of polythene bags and use of degradable material in plastic bags.
Shaikh Azfal said that his department has sought a separate budget to launch the publicity campaign to create awareness about environment among the people. We are also considering to include environment as subject in the syllabus of class three, he added.
Chairman FPCCI sub committee on Environment Gulzar Firoz said that the Federation would not protect the polluters. He said that textile mills were the biggest polluters.
Chairman CNG Station Owners Association Malik Khuda Baksh said that vehicular pollution has been reduced by 20 percent in the country after the conversion of 2.5 million vehicles from fossil fuel to compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG sector should be protected for the sake of environment.
Director General SEPA Naeem Mughal, Professor Ejaz Farooqui, Afia Salam of IUCN and representatives of Engro Chemicals Pakistan Refinery and Pakistan Steel others also spoke on the occasion.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Indo-China Diplomatic War Over Kashmir
By Zafar Iqbal
Recent statement of Indian, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna about the development activities of China in Pakistan administered Kashmir has triggered growing antagonism between China and India. Indian Minister Krishna described Chinese activities in Pakistani side of Kashmir as "illegal" and said that ‘India has conveyed its concern over this as well as supply of Chinese weapons to Pakistan’. Reiterating India’s longstanding stance, he elucidated that “neither Pakistan nor China have a ‘locus standi’ in Kashmir”.
China and India have a long history of border disputes, however, the tension escalated over conflicts of Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh during the last few months. China alleges that India occupies 90,000 square kilometres of its territory. It also considers Sikkim as disputed state. On the other hand, India asserts its right to 33,000 square kilometres area of Aksai Chin near Kashmir,which was given to China by Pakistan through a 1963 agreement.
Because of their global and regional ambitions both emerging Asian giants have been trying to resolve their divergences and started a relatively peaceful phase of bilateral relationship since last two decades, however, tensions between Beijing and New Delhi flared last year when China objected on visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh, claiming it as a ‘disputed area.’ In the same month, India expressed its discontent over the Beijing’s engagement in some major development projects in both parts of Kashmir. Yet, China stopped the construction of a road near a border village in Indian part of Kashmir, which was being built by locals under Indian government project for rural development.
Similarly, the issuance for special visas for Kashmiri citizens by China was rejected by India angrily and vigorously. Interestingly, China also issued similar visas for citizens of Arunachal Pradesh. These special visas for Kashmiri citizens have been viewed by New Delhi as an attempt by China to question status of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, which claims over Kashmir as “as its integral part”, while her rival and another participant of the dispute –Pakistan, questions India’s description and advocates for plebiscite in Kashmir.
Considering the recent altercation on the border issues in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh regions between two neighbours, observers perceive Chinese move as a deliberate ‘tit for tat’ action to counteract Delhi’s friendly behaviour with Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama who on Tuesday, starting five day visit to religious city of Gaya in Indian Eastern Bihar state once again infuriated China by considering India “like his home” and described himself as “son of India”.
It is worth mentioning that India’s apprehensions about the Chinese’s development advancements in Pakistani Kashmir came recently, nevertheless, since many years China is engaged there in some massive economic activities. It has been working on upraising of Mangla Dam in southern Mirpur district of Pakistani Kashmir which aims to raise the level of Mangla reservoir up to 60 feet. As part of resettlement for dam affectees, Chinese firm China International Water and Electric Corporation (CIW&EC) is also working on the construction of a bridge over Jhelum River in same area.
India has also raised its umbrage with China about $US12.6 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Power Project in Pakistani Kashmir, which aims the diversion of the water of Neelum (Kishan Ganga) river through a tunnel into Jhelum River. CGGC-CMEC Consortium China is working on the project.
Currently, Chinese firms are working on more than 15 mega projects in Pakistani administrated Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in power sector, which seems sound raison d'être for Indian worry over Chinese influence in the region.
Pakistan and China are so ‘determined’ in their joint ventures that Islamabad has neglected the routine official procedures in one of its mega projects to gratify their Chinese allies by issuing initial construction work on Kohala Power to a Chinese firm-The China International Water & Electric Corporation (CWE). Located on the border of Pakistan’s Punjab and NWFP areas and Muzaffarabad District of Pakistani Azad Jammu and Kashmir, $2.155 billion, the project has the capacity to produce 1,050 MW of electricity.
Furthermore, 12.6-billion-dollar Diamir-Bhasha dam is also being built by China’s Three Gorges Project Corporation on the Indus River in Pakistan controlled Gilgit-Baltistan area. Chinese firms are working on six other mega power projects in Pakistani Controlled northern areas of Kashmir. These significant projects consist of: 7.8 Billion US $ Dasu hydropower project, 70 million US $ Phandar hydropower project, 40.01 million US$ Bashu hydropower project, 44.608 million US$ Harpo hydropower project and 6 billion US$ Yulbo hydropower project.
China is also investing an enormous amount of 300 million US $ for the rehabilitation of various areas of Pakistani Kashmir where China International Water and Electric Corporation and China BEIXIN Construction and Engineering are working in housing, communication and rehabilitation sectors.
Historically, since the partition of British India, Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan, who have fought four wars, in which China mostly remained on Pakistani side, nevertheless, recent Sino-India confrontation over Kashmir demonstrates that this lingering Kashmir conflict could also trigger the animosity between two emerging superpowers, which also poses alarming repercussions for the stability and peace of the region.
It is pretty interesting that amid this hostile milieu, both competitors supported each other during recent Copenhagen conference because of their economic and environmental needs and compulsions. It demonstrates that in spite of all confrontations and hostilities between Beijing and Delhi, the window of hope and good will is still exists. The people of the region hope that leadership of both neighbours would prefer to expand this opportunity to resolve long standing issues through peaceful modes, which is the only way for sustainable peace and prosperity of the region.
(The Write is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com
Recent statement of Indian, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna about the development activities of China in Pakistan administered Kashmir has triggered growing antagonism between China and India. Indian Minister Krishna described Chinese activities in Pakistani side of Kashmir as "illegal" and said that ‘India has conveyed its concern over this as well as supply of Chinese weapons to Pakistan’. Reiterating India’s longstanding stance, he elucidated that “neither Pakistan nor China have a ‘locus standi’ in Kashmir”.
China and India have a long history of border disputes, however, the tension escalated over conflicts of Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh during the last few months. China alleges that India occupies 90,000 square kilometres of its territory. It also considers Sikkim as disputed state. On the other hand, India asserts its right to 33,000 square kilometres area of Aksai Chin near Kashmir,which was given to China by Pakistan through a 1963 agreement.
Because of their global and regional ambitions both emerging Asian giants have been trying to resolve their divergences and started a relatively peaceful phase of bilateral relationship since last two decades, however, tensions between Beijing and New Delhi flared last year when China objected on visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh, claiming it as a ‘disputed area.’ In the same month, India expressed its discontent over the Beijing’s engagement in some major development projects in both parts of Kashmir. Yet, China stopped the construction of a road near a border village in Indian part of Kashmir, which was being built by locals under Indian government project for rural development.
Similarly, the issuance for special visas for Kashmiri citizens by China was rejected by India angrily and vigorously. Interestingly, China also issued similar visas for citizens of Arunachal Pradesh. These special visas for Kashmiri citizens have been viewed by New Delhi as an attempt by China to question status of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, which claims over Kashmir as “as its integral part”, while her rival and another participant of the dispute –Pakistan, questions India’s description and advocates for plebiscite in Kashmir.
Considering the recent altercation on the border issues in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh regions between two neighbours, observers perceive Chinese move as a deliberate ‘tit for tat’ action to counteract Delhi’s friendly behaviour with Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama who on Tuesday, starting five day visit to religious city of Gaya in Indian Eastern Bihar state once again infuriated China by considering India “like his home” and described himself as “son of India”.
It is worth mentioning that India’s apprehensions about the Chinese’s development advancements in Pakistani Kashmir came recently, nevertheless, since many years China is engaged there in some massive economic activities. It has been working on upraising of Mangla Dam in southern Mirpur district of Pakistani Kashmir which aims to raise the level of Mangla reservoir up to 60 feet. As part of resettlement for dam affectees, Chinese firm China International Water and Electric Corporation (CIW&EC) is also working on the construction of a bridge over Jhelum River in same area.
India has also raised its umbrage with China about $US12.6 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Power Project in Pakistani Kashmir, which aims the diversion of the water of Neelum (Kishan Ganga) river through a tunnel into Jhelum River. CGGC-CMEC Consortium China is working on the project.
Currently, Chinese firms are working on more than 15 mega projects in Pakistani administrated Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in power sector, which seems sound raison d'être for Indian worry over Chinese influence in the region.
Pakistan and China are so ‘determined’ in their joint ventures that Islamabad has neglected the routine official procedures in one of its mega projects to gratify their Chinese allies by issuing initial construction work on Kohala Power to a Chinese firm-The China International Water & Electric Corporation (CWE). Located on the border of Pakistan’s Punjab and NWFP areas and Muzaffarabad District of Pakistani Azad Jammu and Kashmir, $2.155 billion, the project has the capacity to produce 1,050 MW of electricity.
Furthermore, 12.6-billion-dollar Diamir-Bhasha dam is also being built by China’s Three Gorges Project Corporation on the Indus River in Pakistan controlled Gilgit-Baltistan area. Chinese firms are working on six other mega power projects in Pakistani Controlled northern areas of Kashmir. These significant projects consist of: 7.8 Billion US $ Dasu hydropower project, 70 million US $ Phandar hydropower project, 40.01 million US$ Bashu hydropower project, 44.608 million US$ Harpo hydropower project and 6 billion US$ Yulbo hydropower project.
China is also investing an enormous amount of 300 million US $ for the rehabilitation of various areas of Pakistani Kashmir where China International Water and Electric Corporation and China BEIXIN Construction and Engineering are working in housing, communication and rehabilitation sectors.
Historically, since the partition of British India, Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan, who have fought four wars, in which China mostly remained on Pakistani side, nevertheless, recent Sino-India confrontation over Kashmir demonstrates that this lingering Kashmir conflict could also trigger the animosity between two emerging superpowers, which also poses alarming repercussions for the stability and peace of the region.
It is pretty interesting that amid this hostile milieu, both competitors supported each other during recent Copenhagen conference because of their economic and environmental needs and compulsions. It demonstrates that in spite of all confrontations and hostilities between Beijing and Delhi, the window of hope and good will is still exists. The people of the region hope that leadership of both neighbours would prefer to expand this opportunity to resolve long standing issues through peaceful modes, which is the only way for sustainable peace and prosperity of the region.
(The Write is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at: zafarjournalist@gmail.com
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