Cssforum.Com.Pk Content Copyright © Jworldtimes.Com Jahangir World Times Published: January, 2013 Pakistan-Russia Cooperation A

Jahangir World Times Published: January, 2013

Pakistan-Russia Cooperation Amidst Antagonism? Or just a geo-political shift …

Despite being geographically contiguous, Pakistan and Russia have remained politically distant from each other during the last six decades. The framework of Cold War and the East-West confrontation defined relations between the two countries during that very period.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

This assessment of relations between Pakistan and Russia looks at the influence of South Asia and Central Asia's bilateral relations in a highly-charged and greatly-changed region on the pointed end of the futuristic post-2014 Afghanistan. Relationships between Pakistan and Russia will have important implications for the region's overall strategic picture in the years ahead. Two common elements emerge through a novel of bilateral relations between highly diverse nations seeking to escape the labyrinth. One common element is low politics in shape of economic interaction driven by global economic crisis powered by regionalism. The other is the high politics to deal with terrorism in the post-2014 (the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan) approach.

The regional bilateral relations sow the seeds of a multilateral approach based on the reciprocal benefits on equality basis. The question is whether cooperation bodes well for acceptance of the US politico-military leadership? Will such bilateral cooperation hurt the US interests in the region or the strategic diplomacy will be followed to balance the West with the East? In short, the central concerns of these analyses is how the Pakistan-Russia regional relationship affects, and are affected by, outside actors as well as themselves.

Both governments appear committed to deepening their economic relationship despite the perennial political difficulties. The close relationship with the United States complicates Pakistan's dealings with Russia. At times the need to satisfy Washington's perceived expectations of its alliance partner (non-NATO ally) requires Pakistan to pursue policies that risk offending Russia and that may therefore endanger Pakistan's working relationship with Moscow.

Historically speaking, Pakistan's foreign policy revolved around the orbit of India for most of its history. Pakistan's foreign policy was formed in New Delhi. It used to do just opposite to what India did. Same was the case with India. The moment Pakistan got closer to the US and its sponsored defence alliances (SEATO and CENTO), India developed good bilateral relations with the former Soviet Union. This made Pakistani policymakers see Russia as the friend of the enemy -- thus an enemy. Aligning itself with the Western alliance resulted in an anti-Soviet Union Pakistan and incidents like U-2 further fuelled to the fire in deteriorating relations between the two countries. Relationships between Pakistan and Russia will have important implications for the region's overall strategic picture in the years ahead. Conflicting forces characterise the Pak-Russia historiography relations. On one hand, the economic relationship is getting stronger. Each country sees the other as an important part of its own plans for economic growth. Pakistan finds numerous products -- gas, oil and steel for import on much cheaper prices than from the other countries. On the other hand, bilateral security relations, while stable at the moment, present the longer-term need for cooperation in the post-2014 Afghanistan. Furthermore, the two societies harbour the mutual ill-will stemming from historical experience. The last century has generated both Pakistan's pride that its involvement in Afghanistan during the 1970s and 80s partly caused disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia's anger at Pakistani Jihadis' involvement in Chechnya as well as Pakistan's anger at Russia's full support to India with regard to its defence shopping list.

With the end of the Cold War, Pakistan was able to adopt an independent policy towards Russia. However, the past bitter perception always maligned any effort to improve relations. Efforts to develop relations still remained in the process. Former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif was the pioneer in making a bold effort to cultivate relations with Russia. He visited Russia during his second term and got into several trade and industrial treaties. This visit of a Pakistani prime minister was incredible because it gave a new turn to Pakistan's relations with Russia. Later, the exchange of visits after every year or two became part of the routine foreign tours by both Pakistani and Russian top leaderships. Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations Mending the Broken Fibre …

Pakistan reiterated its support to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. The two sides emphasised the importance of an intra- Afghan inclusive dialogue and the consequent political settlement for a durable peace in Afghanistan.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Pakistan and Afghanistan are once again trying to follow a hand-in-hand policy in overcoming the common challenges. If saving their citizens from the menace of terrorism is a big challenge, then ensuring a real reconciliation in the aftermath of the 2014 withdrawal seems even a bigger challenge. The circumstantial pressures keep on jockeying the two countries viz-a-viz bilateral relations. They start talking to each other but then suddenly talk about certain unpleasant incidents.

The unfortunate assassination of the then Chairman of the High Peace Council of Afghanistan (HPC) late professor Burhanuddin Rabbani put on hold the joint efforts of the two countries for reconciliation inside Afghanistan. The Salala check-post incident forced Pakistan to minimise focus on its western borders. It took almost a year that the new HPC Chairman, Mr Salahuddin Rabbani, undertook a trip to Pakistan.

With the visit by Afghanistan's High Peace Council, the thread has been rejoined where it broke because of the assassination of the late Professor Rabbani. Pakistan agreed and has now released a number of the Afghan Taliban from its custody to facilitate the intra-Afghan talks. This is in line with the oft-quoted policy of supporting an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process of reconciliation. However, the main demand of release of Mullah Abdul Ghani Brother has not been met by Pakistan so far. Afghan President Hamid Karzai himself has been very keen in securing the release of Mullah Brother. Being a fellow Popalzai Pushtoon, Mullah Brother is supposed (by President Karzai) to strengthen latter's perspective within the Afghan ruling circles.

The High Peace Council is not an executive arm of the Afghan government to implement or execute whatever was agreed during its visit to Pakistan. Therefore, Afghan Foreign Minister Dr Zalmay Rasool visited Pakistan in the first half of December. During his stay in Islamabad, the two sides expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the recent visit to Pakistan by the HPC delegation led by its Chairman Salahuddin Rabbani. The Afghan side thanked Pakistan for releasing prisoners in response to the HPC request. Pakistan reiterated its support to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. The two sides emphasised the importance of an intra-Afghan inclusive dialogue and the consequent political settlement for a durable peace in Afghanistan.

Pakistan reaffirmed that it fully supports and stands by the Afghan nation because they determine their own future. In this context, both sides agreed to take action on the elements of the Joint Statement issued during HPC's visit. Both sides also agreed to a joint conference of Afghan and Pakistani ulema (religious scholars) to take place in Kabul by the end of January 2013, the release of more prisoners, facilitating contacts and urging the Taliban to renounce ties to al-Qaida. The two countries have also recognised the need of jointly pursuing the trade and transit agreements with the Central Asian states. In the aftermath of the visit by Afghanistan's foreign minister, a lot is still needed to be done. First, the Afghan side desires that Pakistan should release all Afghans detained by Pakistan. However, Pakistan has got to be cautious. Secondly, there are a number of Taliban on the list of international sanctions.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have committed to jointly work together to get them de-listed. Here, the two governments have to convince the international community as well as the other major actors like the United States (US) about the utility of de-listing. One of the failures of the Qatar process lies in the fact that the US did not accept the Taliban demand to free their men from the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. So, there is no guarantee by the US of agreeing to such a demand by Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The success of the reconciliation process becomes both urgent as well as imperative in the wake of re-election of US President Barack Obama. President Obama has to abide by his promise of withdrawing troops by 2014. Now, either the international community leaves back a vacuum created like in the post-1989 Afghanistan and once again let the Afghan soil become a breeding- ground for international terrorism, or the international community ensures a broad-based set-up having the backing of all Afghan groups to take over their own affairs.

The international community, in general and this region in particular, cannot afford another civil war of unpredictable consequences in Afghanistan. And there are strong fears among various segments of the Pakistani society.

The two sides have also been emphasising the very need to enhance cooperation in the fields of development, transit, trade, economic and investment linkages, the infrastructure and energy connectivity and people-to-people contacts. Pakistan and Afghanistan can become a hub of international trade and energy.

The land-route-based trade from Far East Asia through South and Central Asia up to the West European countries is no more a Utopia, provided there is peace and tranquillity in Afghanistan. The gas and electricity projects between Central and South Asia necessarily have to pass through Afghanistan. That is why reconciliation in Afghanistan is considered an imperative for peace and development in the region.

While expressing satisfaction at the current volume of the annual bilateral trade ($2.5 billion), the two countries have also agreed to take measures to further promote bilateral trade and achieve the target of $5 billion annual trade by 2015.

The third meeting of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA), held in Islamabad on 11-12 October 2012, made significant progress on issues of operational nature pertaining to the Transit Trade Agreement between the two countries. The two countries have also recognised the need of jointly pursuing the trade and transit agreements with the Central Asian states. It has also been agreed by the two sides that as a first step, a trilateral transit and trade agreement will be negotiated with Tajikistan, to be extended to other countries as appropriate and mutually determined.

It is also noteworthy that Pakistan and Afghanistan have realized that a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) will further deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries. Both sides have agreed to initiate negotiations for signing of an SPA.

Both sides were rejoicing the successful visits of the High Peace Council as well as the visit by the Afghan foreign minister to Pakistan. The Afghan Intelligence Chief, Asad Ullah Khalid, was wounded in an attempt on his life following which President Karzai did not mince words and pointed his finger at Pakistan.

A trilateral summit in Ankara attended by Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey saved the Pakistan- Afghanistan reconciliatory process by a joint commission to probe the life attempt on the Afghan intelligence chief. Exactly one year ago, Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani was assassinated before the trilateral summit in Turkey. One year later, the Afghan intelligence chief has faced an assassination attempt before this year’s trilateral summit in Turkey. Isn’t that a strange coincidence? Shaukat Piracha

Mr Sharif's visit was very lately reciprocated by the Russian leadership. In 2007, the relations between Pakistan and the Russian Federation were reactivated after the three-day official visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. He was the first Russian prime minister to visit Pakistan in the post-Soviet Union era in 38 years. The major focus of the visit was to improve bilateral relations with particular emphasis on ways and means to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. A number of Russian companies are interested in enhancing ties in energy, transport, infrastructure and communications while Pakistan eyes the Russian military hardware, mainly helicopters and transport vehicles. Pakistani engineer troops are crucial for both security and civil defence as they clear up the aftermaths of frequent floods and build new roads in the country.

There is a potential for substantial improvement in the bilateral relationship during the second decade of the 21st century. Moscow is exhibiting increased confidence that Pakistan can best achieve its goals through cooperation, responsibility and constructive leadership by working within the regional system rather than against it, and by persuading its government that Russia's national objectives are consistent with theirs. The manifestations of this orientation in Russian diplomacy include Russian leaders speaking like friends rather than cautious acquaintances, less official complaining for Pakistan's pro-US policies, greater support for multilateralism in the region, and an omni-directional peace initiative as demonstrated recently. On the other hand, the growing anti- Americanism in Pakistan is also contributing to renew Russian interest in Pakistan and vice versa. The last century has generated both Pakistan's pride that its involvement in Afghanistan during the 1970s and 80s partly caused disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia's anger at Pakistani Jihadis' involvement in Chechnya as well as Pakistan's anger at Russia's full support to India with regard to its defence shopping list. The low politics-economic relations have still to see a political reinforcement for a close collaboration between Russia and Pakistan. The annual trade turnover is a deplorable $700 million. No security relationship had a sign of birth what to think of improvement (except one maverick helicopter deal in 1969 during the then President Yahya's visited to Moscow). Pakistan has now expressed interest in the purchase of a MI-35 helicopters to fight terrorism.

Thus the ups and downs in the Pakistan-Russia cold relations are still in motion. In 2010, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin hesitated in developing the strategic and military relations with Pakistan. The sole reason was that it was already engaged with India for its defence relations. However, in 2011, Mr Putin publically endorsed Pakistan's ambition to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and also declared Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and the Muslim World for Russia. He also offered expansion in Pakistan Steel Mills, the provision of technical support for the Guddu and Muzaffargarh power plants and Russia was interested in developing the Thar Coal Project.

Warmer relationship is now approaching. After the Salala Post incident, Russia condemned the attacks and issued a friendly public statement. Russia also supported the closure of NATO supplies to Afghanistan through Pakistan.

The establishment of close contacts between the top leadership of Pakistan and Russia and the two sides' readiness to open a new chapter in their relationship is not only in the interests of the two countries, it will also serve the interests of peace, security and regional integration in two of the world's important regions of Central Asia and South Asia.

The societies of Pakistan and Russia have a persistent undercurrent of strong, largely negative feelings toward each other. Pakistanis generally feel respect for the Russian achievements in the past and in the recent times. They still consider a country that is comparatively a greater power than others (minus the US). They also have a few bitter experiences which are genuinely making them think for having a positive approach for Russians. That is one of the big reasons that they are moving towards their erstwhile enemy and potential friend-Russia with open arms. The important point is how Russians will reciprocate such a cordial move. Need of the hour is to encourage regionalism for the betterment of economies and a society of the neighbours. Outclassing each other in developing friendly relations will be much more beneficial than exchange of hostile gestures. Not cooperation amidst antagonism but cooperation with cooperation will bear fruit for both the nations.

(The author teaches at the Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar. [email protected]) Dr Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi

Whither Peace in the Middle East? Britain and US as major players have tangible nexus with Israel

An important dimension of the long-standing Palestine-Israeli conflict is the virtual dominance of the two major extra-regional players: Britain and the United States, and their existing nexus with Israel.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Periodic clashes between Palestinian and Israeli forces made headlines time and again. What came as an unprecedented and remarkable development on the Palestine-Israeli conflict is the United Nations (UN) General Assembly's vote, on 28 November 2012, that provided Palestinian Authority with the status of a “non-UN member state” or “Observer” from its previous 'entity” status. The voting followed the fresh round of airstrikes by Israeli forces on Gaza City in mid-November this year. Although it was a much-anticipated move and is considered a landmark development, for it recognized the existence of Palestine, it was strongly rejected by the US and Israel including nine other states.

For more than six decades now, hostility, violence, instability and territorial conflicts characterize politics in the Middle East owing to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Palestine-Israeli conflict forms part of this multifaceted-Arab-Israeli conflict. Armed clashes and violent incidents between Palestinians and Israeli forces have claimed thousands of innocent lives and millions of lives have been battered during the last decades. Besides, the attempts towards reconciliation between and among conflicting parties and peace overtures were also marred by the renewed waves of violence. Resultantly, the efforts towards peace failed to lead to an amicable resolution of the dispute. An important dimension of the long-standing Palestine-Israeli conflict is the virtual dominance of the two major extra-regional players: Britain and the United States, and their existing nexus with Israel. Above all, the roots of the conflict lie in issues of political power, territorial claims, and representation of identities, nationalism and control over natural resources.

With changing international political scene, politics in the Middle East has also undergone unprecedented changes. The Palestine-Israeli conflict, in particular, took influences from shifts and turns in international politics as well as from the regional political developments. Five important aspects signify the changing nature of the Palestine-Israeli conflict and the prospects of an amicable solution to this intractable conflict: the role of extra-regional actors; new dimensions of power struggle among regional players - mainly Israel and Iran - the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)-Hamas equation, leadership of the warring parties and the impact of socio-political uprisings, the Arab Spring and resultant political developments. Armed clashes and violent incidents between Palestinians and Israeli forces have claimed thousands of innocent lives and millions of lives have been battered during the last decades. After the declaration of the state of Israel, the first Arab-Israeli war was fought in 1948. The following decades witnessed sporadic violence and more intense wars, including the Suez Crisis 1956, the Six-Day War of 1967, Yom Kippur War of 1973, First Intifada (1987-1993) and Second Intifada (2000-2005). Although the Partition Plan for Palestine and Israel had been proposed by the UN in its Resolution 181, in 1947, the conflict over the territorial claims and the right to self- determination to Palestinian Arabs continued. Following the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising against the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel), the first breakthrough effort towards peace between Palestine and Israel was made following the end of the Cold War.

The international diplomatic pressure mainly by the US led to the first-ever one-on-one meeting between Israel and the PLO, the leading group in the Intifada I that resulted in the Oslo accords. The accords signed in September 1993 in Washington D.C. were a framework for future course of relations between Israel and the PLO. The accords called for the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Ironically, they failed to yield the anticipated results.

The Oslo accords' phase from 1993 to 2000 virtually changed the landscape of the battle. Despite the division of Palestinian territories, as set out in the negotiations, Israel exercised control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip more than ever before. The fragmentation of the Palestinian areas into separate enclaves cut off from each other by walls of barbed wires and Israeli highways, which are patrolled by Israeli troops, the occupation of the land became more, not less effective. The Palestinians were again on the losing end and the Israeli forces were undeterred by any agreement. Having defied the Oslo accords on many occasions, the continued atrocities by Israeli forces indicated the virtual collapse of the peace accords. Following the failure of the US-brokered trilateral Camp David peace summit between the leaders of Israel, Palestine and the US President, Palestinians began the Second Intifada with the same aims and strategy they had pursued in the First Intifada. In many ways, the experience of the Palestinian struggle is a testimony to the resilience of national liberation movements, as it is to the courage and creativity of ordinary Palestinian people. Moreover, 'Hamas that grew in the space of less than a decade into an opposition to the PLO had launched successful military attacks against Israeli forces. The more successful Hamas was in its military operations, the more severe was the Israeli response. Yet the underlying reality of the Palestinians' struggle is the huge inequality between the advanced military of Israel and the Palestinian stone throwers.

With the international community growing concerned over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East during the Second Intifada, the Quartet (UN, US, EU and Russia) proposed a rather comprehensive Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East in 2002. In order to defuse tension and facilitate an amicable solution to the Palestine-Israeli conflict, the peace plan by the Quartet called for two-state solution to the conflict and democratic reforms in the PNA. Israel strongly rejected the Quartet peace plan. An important dimension of the long-standing Palestine-Israeli conflict is the virtual dominance of the two major extra-regional players: Britain and the United States, and their existing nexus with Israel. Besides extra-regional states, some remarkable efforts were made by regional players as well. Although the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have been dormant in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, some other states in the region have been found sincerely willing to facilitate peace with Israel. Egypt has been proactive in defusing tension and dissolving differences between Israel and Arab states. An unprecedented effort had been made by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz when he put forward a peace plan in 2002, which was re-endorsed in 2007. The plan essentially advocated the guidelines of the UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, which also formed the basis of the Oslo accords. The proposal called for Israel's withdrawal from lands occupied in 1967 and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Some Arab analysts identified 'two major motives of proposing this plan: one, the proposal attempted to vitiate the long-standing claim that Arab states have neither worked for peace initiatives nor desired peace with Israel. Second, the plan renewed international scrutiny of Israel's motives. The plan meant to essentially question Israel that if it truly wanted peace, then why not to resort to the Oslo principles. Another important effort towards peace between Palestine and Israel was the Geneva accords (2003). 'Israeli opposition political leaders and Palestinian leaders announced an agreement in principle on conditions for a final settlement. Israel would give up sovereignty in Arab portions of Jerusalem, while the Palestinians would explicitly give up the right of Palestinian refugees to return to Israel. The agreement got widespread publicity, including support from the then US Secretary of State Colin Powell and a note of appreciation from the then PNA Chairman Yasser Arafat. The Israeli government, however, denounced the agreement and the people involved in it and tried to block advertisements for agreement in the media. Likewise, Palestinian extremists and their allies also denounced the agreement. Having defied the Oslo accords on many occasions, the continued atrocities by Israeli forces indicated the virtual collapse of the peace accords. The Palestinian struggle faced a setback when the Palestinian leader and the Chairman of the PNA, Yasser Arafat, died in 2004. The world then expected the US to take decisive initiatives to broker peace between Palestine and Israel. Instead, the continued US support to Israel was a testimony to the fact that the resolution of this decades-long conflict is considered a priority neither by Israel nor the US. Despite calls from the international community for peace in the Middle East, intensified clashes began when following the Battle of Gaza (between Hamas and Fatah fighters) Hamas took control of Gaza strip in 2007. Later on, the Egypt-Gaza border at the Rafah border crossing fell into the control of Egypt which helped Israel in blockade of the Gaza border. The blockade had severe economic consequences.

In May 2010, an aid convoy of six ships known as 'Freedom Flotilla' aiming at breaking through the Gaza blockade was attacked and seized by the Israeli naval forces. Nine passengers aboard became victim to the Israeli atrocities and lost their lives. Amid the mounting international pressure to ease the Gaza blockade, the Rafah border crossing was reopened partially.

Apart from the conventional elements of the Palestine-Israel conflict, a non-conventional development that has been equally influential in many ways is the Arab Spring. The Middle East has faced with a series of civil uprisings since 2010 which began from Tunisia and spread to a number of major states in the region including Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Jordan, and Morocco, forcing withdrawal of the governments and introducing socio-economic reforms. Since August 2012, Palestinians in the West Bank have staged a series of demonstrations protesting against the economic policies of the PNA and also called for the resignation of Palestinian prime minister. The Arab Spring has not only been a challenge for the governments that were faced with the uprisings but also for the entire world as the uprisings are inspiring the socially and economically underprivileged sections across the globe.

The US apparently has a dual task to deal with in the Middle East now. On the one hand, there are unresolved conflicts which Israel has with almost all the major states in the Middle East and, on the other hand, the superpower is finding it difficult to manage the course of its policies and actions in the wake of the Arab Spring. The US is largely hampered by the question of Iran that poses a direct challenge to the US policy measures in the Middle East, especially with reference to Israel. In view of the Iran-Israel equation growing intense, endorsing or calling for a two state solution for Palestine and Israel is a lesser policy option for the US.

The Arab Spring has strengthened the role of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the country has unequivocally played an influential role in the wake of recent Israeli attacks on Gaza City. Now with the far-reaching consequences of the Arab Spring in the region, for Palestine and Israel, in particular, any intense wave of such uprisings would be devastating and even a threat to their existence. Israel and its allies, particularly the US, are required to review their long-term policies in the region and would also be required to respect the UN rulings. The voting by 138 out of 193 states in favour of the de facto recognition of the Palestinian Authority and its status upgrade at the UN is a testimony that the world wants an end to the Israeli atrocities in the Middle East and an amicable solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict. For those states which voted in favour of Palestine, the move will lead to the resolution of the Palestine-Israeli conflict and would establish a lasting peace in the region. Peace, however, is yet to see the dawn in the Middle East.

*Nabiha Gul is a researcher and analyst on international affairs and a visiting faculty at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Karachi. Email: [email protected] Nabiha Gul

JUSTIFYING THE UNJUSTIFIABLE CALLED HEROLATRY Honouring Our Heroes

Will naming decades' old Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh immortalize the legendary figure?

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The renaming of Lahore's Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk sparked a spontaneous controversy over distortions of history that led to this ill-advised decision. There were many reasons against this decision.

As if already there were not enough governance worries at home, we recently saw the Lahore City Government going on a spree to give new names to streets and squares as part of its 'Dilkash Lahore' programme. The renaming of Lahore's Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk sparked a spontaneous controversy over distortions of history that led to this ill-advised decision. There were many reasons against this decision.

First, there are more important things for a city administration than giving new names to old streets and squares and complicating things for the people by giving names to places of their residence, business or other similar spots that they cannot mentally reconcile with or even pronounce and that too at a time when we, as a nation, are aflame with myriad crises and challenges of far greater magnitude. Secondly, any name once given to a place becomes its permanent identity and a public property. For example, Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will remain Gaddafi Stadium no matter how disgraced Col. Gaddafi later became to be known with his tragic death.

Even Lahore's The Mall has had an official name 'Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam' for nearly half a century but no one calls it by this name. Islamabad's Margalla Road may have an official name but for the residents of the Capital, it remains Margalla Road just as Rawalpindi's Murree Road is still called by the same name.

Lahore's Shadman Chowk was built as Shadman Chowk. For residents of the area, this name is seared in their memories and cannot be erased from their minds simply because a small group of “peace activists” from both sides of the border so desire.

Thirdly, the noted Indian peace 'activist' Kuldip Nayer, whom I greatly respect, in a recent article took the credit for this decision and claimed that “India and Pakistan were now beginning to honour their icons of yesteryears” and people in the two countries also felt that “remembering such persons will evoke common emotions, renew bonds of understanding and bridge the distance between them.” If that is really so, Kuldip Nayer would have done well if he had begun his mission with honouring Pakistan's Father of the Nation in India rather than picking up an individual about whom -- as he himself admits -- little is known in this country. For residents of the area, this name is seared in their memories and cannot be erased from their minds simply because a small group of “peace activists” from both sides of the border so desire. I am sure he is familiar with the history of the long-standing issue of Jinnah House in Mumbai. Built in 1936, the Jinnah House, originally called South Court, was the personal residence of Pakistan's founder Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. After partition, it was taken over by the Indian government and declared evacuee property in 1949. Later, it was leased to the British Consulate which moved out in 1981. Since1979, Pakistan has been seeking to buy the Jinnah House or at least lease on a long-term basis to be converted into Pakistan's Consulate in Mumbai as a lasting tribute to its founding father.

Nothing could honour our Quaid more symbolically in Mumbai than his house becoming a lasting symbol of peace between the two perennially-estranged neighbours. India, true to its tradition, having initially agreed to this arrangement then backed out. Our first Consul General Sajjad Ali spent several months in a hotel waiting for the possession of the Jinnah House but had to return to Pakistan without opening our Consulate in Mumbai. Incidentally, this historic building which was also the venue of the watershed talks between Jinnah, Gandhi and Nehru in September 1944 and August 1946, that shaped the future course of the Indian history, does not even carry a 'Jinnah House' plaque. We have never questioned Bhagat Singh's place in India's history and in fact as a mark of respect for his role in India's freedom struggle, Pakistan voluntarily ceded to India in 1961 the spot at Hussainiwala on the banks of the Sutlej River, where he was cremated after being hanged in Lahore. Thanks to Pakistan's gesture, a Bhagat Singh memorial now stands at this spot just one kilometre from the India-Pakistan border. Can we expect similar gesture in respect of the Jinnah House in Mumbai?

Kuldip Nayer also tells us how a group of the Indian peace activists recently crossed the border to join their Pakistani counterparts for a vigil at Lahore's Shadman Chowk commemorating the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukh Dev -- the three leftist revolutionaries who were hanged by the British on March 23, 1931. This vigil, according to Mr Nayer, marked “a poignant moment” moving many hearts in the two countries while the Indian and Pakistani voices mingled together shouting 'Bhagat Singh Zindabad', 'Inqilab Zindabad'.

'Bhagat Singh Zindabad' is understandable but 'Inqilab Zindabad' slogans at Shadman Chowk sound alarming. Coming from the “hearts” of a group of ideologically-motivated individuals from both sides of the border, these slogans raise serious questions on the motives of the so-called 'peace activists'. Bhagat Singh's “creedless” Inqilab was centred solely on a socialist republic in India. What kind of Inqilab our 'peace activists' now want and where? Wouldn't Bhagat Singh have revolted today against his fellow-Sikh prime minister's capitalism-led high-growth policies in India? Nothing could honour our Quaid more symbolically in Mumbai than his house becoming a lasting symbol of peace between the two perennially-estranged neighbours. Had Bhagat Singh been practising his revolutionary zeal today, wouldn't he have faced the same fate as he met on March 23, 1931? What would have been his stance on Kashmir's freedom struggle or even on Sikhs' separatist movements? Wasn't Maqbool Butt, a Kashmiri freedom fighter, fuelled by the same fire that once ignited Bhagat Singh's heart to openly revolt against the British Raj? Today, isn't there zero-tolerance for militancy or violence of any sorts? Aren't we inadvertently paving the way for glorification of terrorist killers who in their minds also have a 'cause' of their own no matter how misguided?

Those of us familiar with the history of the subcontinent and the circumstances that eventually led to India's division know the answers to these questions. They understand why having lived together for centuries, we stand poles apart in our attitudes to life and history with a different worldview altogether. Are we also obliged to have the same view of history as that from across the border? Wouldn't that be a trespass attempt into our history? Kuldip Nayer shouldn't be surprised if the people in Pakistan do not know much about Bhagat Singh and as an independent nation have their own sense of history.

And no one has the right to distort Pakistan's history, not even editorially, as a local English daily has recently sought to do by suggesting that “without people like Bhagat Singh, Jinnah would never have had the opportunity” to pressure the British.” This is an insult to the Quaid. We respect Bhagat Singh but it is absolutely nobody's business to cast down our Quaid's historic role and stature. Yes, our history did not begin and end with the formation of the Muslim League or even with the invasion by Muhammad Bin Qasim. But it also didn't begin or end with Bhagat Singh whose only connection to Lahore was his “vengeance” killing of ASP Saunders and Constable Chanan Singh at the local police headquarters for which after due trial he was hanged in this very city.

And here we do not talk of a bomb factory that Bhagat Singh and his militant comrades had established in Lahore for their bombing attacks in Delhi's Central Legislature and many other places in Punjab. Nobody, not even the Quaid, Gandhi or Nehru approved of his 'bomb philosophy'. But let us not rake up history.

We still respect Bhagat Singh. If we truly want to honour our iconic heroes, cosmetic renaming of streets or squares and symbolic vigils in their memory will not do. We can honour them only by holding on to what they really stood for.

Peace and communal harmony, not outdated ‘revolutionary’ philosophies, would have been their clarion call today. They would have wanted people-centred growth and a society free of corruption and exploitation by the feudal- political elites. They would have asked for addressing the root- causes of the India-Pakistan conflicts. Let us truly honour our national heroes by preserving the sovereign freedom, dignity and values that they bequeathed to us as independent nations.

The writer is a former foreign secretary Shamshad Ahmad The writer is a former foreign secretary.

Expatriate British Officers & Foreign Policy of Pakistan

They left an indelible mark on Pakistan's foreign policy from 1947 to 1957

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The sincerity, ability and honesty of the Founder of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is beyond doubt. He was devoted to the cause of Pakistan for which he sacrificed everything -- his property worth millions of rupees, his family life and lastly his health -- in pursuit of his sublime goal which was only the creation of Pakistan. His failing health, his chronic disease and his frail body could not deter him from working almost round the clock constantly.

The expatriate British officers played a significant role in orientation of Pakistan's foreign policy, and they held key posts in this country from 1947 to 1957. In Pakistan's Air Force, Perry-Keene, Atcherley, Cannon and McDonald served as Air Vice-Marshal before Asghar Khan took over as Air Vice-Marshal in July 1957.

In the Pakistan Army, Frank Messervy and Douglas Gracey were Commander-in-Chiefs (C-in-C) before Field Marshal Ayub Khan seized power in January 1951. In Pakistan's Navy, W. Jeffords was the Vice Admiral followed by Siddique Chaudhry in January 1953.

Similarly, the British were appointed as provincial governors in Pakistan. Frederic Bourne was Governor of Bengal, from whom Firoze Khan Noon took charge in April 1950. George Cunningham and Ambrose Dundas remained governors of North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), and Sahibzada Khurshid took charge in July 1949.

In Punjab, Francis Mudie was the governor and Sardar Abdul Rab Nishtar took over in July 1949. Sindh (then Sind) was an exception where Sir Hidayat Ullah was appointed governor right from Independence.

In the Police Department and the Intelligence Department -- almost in other departments as well -- their heads were the British and next to them were all Britishers too.

That was not the nomenclature of Pakistan's stance. Countries like India, Burma, Nigeria and Malaysia had also appointed Britishers after their independence.

Thomas Elmhurst was the first Air Marshal of India, while Robert Lockhart and Roy Bucher were the early C-in-Cs of the Indian Army. John Talfot, Edward Parry, Mark Pizy and Stephen served as Admiral of the Indian Navy till April 1958.

However, what comes as a surprise is that the expatriate British officers of Pakistan considered the national interest of this country of secondary importance and they behaved in such a man ner as if their foremost interest lay elsewhere. The behaviour of their counterparts in India was altogether different i.e. in line with the national interest of India. Their impact on the political destiny of our country is of lasting nature.

The problems, which Pakistan inherited from them, are of chronic nature and the issues that the British officers had left unresolved are still the crux and focal point of our foreign policy. They are as much alive today as they were back in 1947. Indeed the Quaid-e-Azam was an upright and thorough gentleman. Unlike Nehru and Gandhi he never liked to mix up with women unnecessarily even though, at times, he eulogised their role and performance in politics, education and other important fields. The sincerity, ability and honesty of the Founder of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is beyond doubt. He was devoted to the cause of Pakistan for which he sacrificed everything -- his property worth millions of rupees, his family life and lastly his health -- in pursuit of his sublime goal which was only the creation of Pakistan. His failing health, his chronic disease and his frail body could not deter him from working almost round the clock constantly.

Nevertheless, he was not an ambitious man like Lord Mountbatten and Jawaharlal Nehru. While Mountbatten himself pleaded his case before the Quaid-e-Azam to become Joint Governor-General of Bharat (India) and Pakistan, Nehru's ambition to become President of the Indian National Congress was shattered when the Congress's Working Committee gave him only one vote and fourteen to Patel. So the latter was elected as President of the Congress but Nehru put pressure through Gandhi who convinced Patel to withdraw.

Indeed the Quaid-e-Azam was an upright and thorough gentleman. Unlike Nehru and Gandhi he never liked to mix up with women unnecessarily even though, at times, he eulogised their role and performance in politics, education and other important fields. On the other hand, Nehru allegedly had illicit relations with women like Sarojini Naidu's daughter, Padmaja Naidu, Sanjasin and Saraolda Mata. He is also believed to have an affair with Edwina Mountbatten, wife of the last viceroy of India, and he died of syphilis. As for Gandhi, it was said that he also had amorous affairs with young women including Sarla Devi, a married Bengali woman. Mountbatten's appointment was manoeuvred by the Indian National Congress because his predecessor's tenure was suddenly cut short and thus Mountbatten became the last viceroy of India, the post he continued to hold for less than five months, whereas the normal tenure for the viceroy was five years. That was the most important, crucial and critical period as the Partition was on the cards and the total assets were to be divided between Pakistan and Bharat equally and justly.

However, the last British viceroy virtually worked as an agent for Hinuds and the Indian National Congress. Like Hindus, he wanted to leave behind a legacy of a 'United India'. When asked as to what would be his ideal state, he remarked: “a unified India with a weak Centre.” So his thoughts were in harmony with the Hindus' so Pakistan stood nowhere in his scheme of things. Therefore he opposed the establishment of Pakistan tooth and nail but, then, he had to confront the Quaid-e- Azam who stood like a rock and no power on earth could ever change his mind. The British Chief of Staff of India wrote a joint letter to the Cabinet, stating that the Armed Forces of India were in “no position to undertake a serious campaign” and that the “British soldiers could not take part in any operation which would involve clashes with another Dominion. Therefore, the issue should be settled through negotiations.” However, headed by Mountbatten, the Hindus and the expatriate British officers became emotional while leaving behind them the legacy of a United India. That showed antipathy among the expatriate British officers serving in India that one of their greatest achievements in the Indian history was being shattered by the Quaid-e-Azam and his associate who had created an atmosphere of frustration as something inevitable. So the expatriate British officers, who co-opted to serve Pakistan, had the same background and perhaps their anguish was nonetheless different from their Indian counterparts. Moreover, they were incited to adopt a lukewarm attitude towards the national interest of Pakistan on account of their plight. Therefore, on numerous occasions, unconsciously or deliberately -- or perhaps consciously -- they acted against the national interest of Pakistan. Hence their role was bound to behave in a negative manner.

On the other hand, when the rulers of princely states of Gunagadh Manavadhr, Mongrel etc. acceded to Pakistan and signed the Instrument of Accession with the latter in order to become a legal territory and part of Pakistan, the Indian Army was sent against these states. The British Chief of Staff of India wrote a joint letter to the Cabinet, stating that the Armed Forces of India were in “no position to undertake a serious campaign” and that the “British soldiers could not take part in any operation which would involve clashes with another Dominion. Therefore, the issue should be settled through negotiations.”

Mountbatten strongly disapproved that step and put them under great pressure. He then called in the expatriate British chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force of India and sharply snubbed them. The paper was withdrawn and it was made sure that such incidents did not take place again. That was the immediate and first incident after Independence. But, thereafter, the behaviour of the expatriate British officers of Bharat changed subsequently. From then onwards, the Chief of Staff and the Commander-in-Chief of Bharat were considered as loyal, trustworthy, hardworking and efficient officers. Paradoxically, these qualities were missing in their counterparts in Pakistan. Dr M Zahid Khan Lodhi Pakistan's Briefcase Warriors

Mr Z. A. Bhutto broke the back of Pakistan's civilian bureaucracy, while General Zia-ul-Haq presided over the radicalisation and criminalisation of Pakistani society.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

One of the truly disheartening aspects of researching Pakistan's history is uncovering evidence that at critical moments the country's central bureaucracy provided its rulers of the day with rational and wise advice, only to be ignored.

In 1952, for example, G. Ahmed, Pakistan's secretary for interior, urged Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin to restrain the members of his party from treating the state as their personal estate, abandon manipulating religious fundamentalists for short-term political gain and focus on the policymaking. PM Nazimuddin ignored Mr Ahmed.

In March 1953, sectarian rioting broke out in the Punjab as rival factions of the ruling party aligned themselves with religious fundamentalists. The governor general and the military took the opportunity to push Mr Nazimuddin out, establishing bureaucracy and army's primacy over the elected government.

Similarly, in the early and mid-1980s, Syed Ijlal Haider Zaidi, secretary for Establishment (in charge of the administrative tasks of posting and transfers within the civilian bureaucracy) produced a series of prescient summaries for Gen. Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan's third military dictator. His writings dealt with the need to reform the civil service and rehabilitate the provincial administration. Mr Zaidi proposed a number of feasible solutions, such as creating specialized civil service elites to administer education, health, and infrastructure; restoring supervisory functions to the field level and strengthening the provincial governments. They could have been implemented given the relatively healthy finances of Pakistan at the time. Instead, Gen. Zia opted for do nothing.

In the year 2000, Zafar Iqbal Rathore, a retired police officer working as chairman of Pakistan's Focal Group on Police Reform, advised the country's fourth military regime, headed by Gen. Pervez Musharraf, to set up neutral bodies to supervise the transfer, promotion and disciplining of officers. That was meant to reduce arbitrariness within the state machinery, starting with the criminal justice system and eventually extending into other civilian sectors. His advice met with the same fate as earlier noteworthy attempts to advise the rulers.

Since then, the problems Mr Ahmed, Mr Zaidi and Mr Rathore identified have intensified. Now the state's ability to deal with any one of them, let alone the dysfunction that underlies all of them, is doubtful. Connecting all these men's prescriptions was the idea that the state needed to be less arbitrary and that its rulers needed to accept some institutional autonomy. Each tier of government (federal, provincial, local) needed adequate independence to respond to specific needs.

And that required an able, motivated, well-paid, law-abiding and efficient civil service. These civil servants would be the frontline in the fight against the primordial pressures -- kinship, clan, tribe, sect and so on -- that held the country back. They would work as agents of integration. This wise advice routinely fell on deaf ears because it ran counter to the perverse logic of Pakistan's indigenous culture of power.

Traditionally, the states in South Asia were organized along three main principles: first, the state was the personal estate of the ruler. Second, that managing the estate required the ruler to appoint loyal personal servants in the military, civil service and religious establishments. Third, that the ruler was divinely sanctioned and could not be lawfully challenged. The democratically elected government of the late prime minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (December 1971-July 1977) purged the bureaucracy, brought in thousands of political loyalists, nationalized many of the country's industries and services and changed the pay and service structure for bureaucracy with the aim of humiliating and demoralizing civil servants. In practice, that meant that the South Asian rulers exercised arbitrary power over and through servants who were highly insecure and could be removed at whim. Since that could happen at any time, the rulers' servants were driven to plunder as much wealth as possible while they could. Kautilya, prime minister to the founder of the Mauryan dynasty (c.320 BC) famously compared the emperor's servants to fish in the sea, deeming it impossible to determine how much water they were drinking.

In the Mughal Empire, a few hundred senior military and civilian officials typically intercepted more than half of the total state revenues, amassing vast fortunes. They consumed as much of it as they could as quickly as they could, since the emperor's ability to withdraw his favour and confiscate their fortunes always loomed large.

Under the British Raj, which formally succeeded the Mughals in 1858, the colonial rulers tried to remake South Asia in their own image. They had high regard for institutions, the rule of law, meritocracy and the civilian supremacy over the military. They tried to instil those values in their subjects, and thus seeded South Asia with the basic cultural requirements for constitutional democracy. One example was the steady growth of local governments organized on the principle of self-taxation. Another was the drive to recruit civil servants from both England and India through competitive examinations.

Following the independence in 1947, however, South Asia -- particularly Pakistan -- started reverting to earlier patterns. Indeed due to the proportionately greater trauma of its birth and the fact that it was always on the frontier of the Raj, the British veneer wore off rather quickly.

Two of Pakistan's modern rulers illustrate the trend particularly well. The democratically elected government of the late prime minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (December 1971-July 1977) purged the bureaucracy, brought in thousands of political loyalists, nationalized many of the country's industries and services and changed the pay and service structure for bureaucracy with the aim of humiliating and demoralizing civil servants. In effect, even as he gave the state more control over the country's assets, he destroyed the prestige, autonomy and efficiency of the civil service charged with managing those assets. Over time, the service lost its ability to resist unwise and even unlawful directives.

In six years' time, Mr Bhutto unabashedly converted the state into his personal estate and civil servants into his personal attendants. It was Mr Bhutto's desire to appoint a loyalist as the Chief of Army Staff that led him to select an obsequious religious fundamentalist, General Zia-ul Haq. As popular rebellion broke out against the Bhutto government, following the rigging of elections in March 1977, Gen. Zia ditched his patron, overthrew him in a coup and had him hanged for conspiracy to commit murder. Like Pakistan's leaders before him, Gen. Zia ignored the advice of his civil servants and the country remained a personal fiefdom with Zia now at its head. General Zia proceeded to implement a programme of Islamisation in Pakistan and, during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, had the West's support.

Taken together, Mr Bhutto broke the back of Pakistan's civilian bureaucracy while Gen. Zia presided over the radicalisation and criminalisation of Pakistani society. The former diminished the ability of the state to govern while the latter made Pakistan more difficult to govern. By the end of the Bhutto and Zia years, Islamabad was paraplegic and corrupt, only nominally presiding over a society while the military, the only functioning quasi-modern institution, pulled what remained of the real levers of power.

Today, the political will and acumen required to turn the tide seems to be missing among the civilian politicians and Pakistan's military elite. Although the Pakistani military enjoys far greater public confidence than any civilian actor, past interventions have failed to arrest the administrative breakdown. And Gen. Musharraf's local government reforms, which subordinated the civil service to local politicians who were in turn dependent on the military, actually made the problem worse. And the cynicism of the reforms was exposed by the regime's unwillingness to extend them to military cantonment areas or to the federal capital.

To be sure, improving the quality of the over two million people employed in Pakistan's civil service would be a nightmarishly difficult task even if the government were interested in doing it. Still, if Pakistan's leaders, both civilian and military, do not soon focus attention and resources on restoring Pakistan's civilian bureaucracy, the movement towards administrative failure will speed to the point at which permanent underdevelopment, crippling resource constraints, and social destabilisation may become inevitable. Indeed, Pakistan's deteriorating internal conditions merit a new approach, one that focuses on improving the quality of the state apparatus and the people who work in it as the core element of a reform strategy. Without getting mired in technical detail, the broad objectives of the reform strategy should be to reduce the level of arbitrariness in government and to raise the standard of administration. These two main objectives can be met through four basic steps.

The first is the provision of constitutional protection to services against political interference, and the creation of neutral bodies that would oversee civil personnel transfers, promotions and disciplinary actions. Further, the government should establish a council of state to check Islamabad's arbitrariness against citizens. By containing the power of the leadership over civil servants, and checking the power of the civil servants over citizens, a more effective and law- abiding state machinery can develop. Facilitating this is in the government's own self-interest, for no government can hope to deliver on its promises without an efficient state apparatus behind it.

The second step would be to raise public sector pay, at least at the officer level, to a point where an honest civil servant can maintain a reasonably high standard of living on his or her take-home salary. This would address problems of morale, reduce reliance on corruption and remuneration in kind and improve service for honest officers.

The third step would be to start aggressively recruiting Pakistan's best and brightest into state service. Specialized entrance exams, offering one year of training at leading international academic institutions, abolition of the common training programme Mr Bhutto had instituted, and the re- working of the policies that govern posting decisions so that proper career structures for all the services emerge, would all help.

The fourth step would be improving accountability. The police and the audits and accounts bureaus are key institutions when it comes to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting white-collar crime within the state machinery. To support them, Islamabad should create a specialized full-time central superior service, which would bring corrupt civil and military officials and politicians to book. If the constitutional protections mentioned above are in place, this service will likewise be shielded from partisanship and other institutions.

Unless these four reforms are put into effect, Pakistan’s civilian managerial capacity, which has already been hollowed out, will become irretrievably damaged. The formal type of government in Pakistan, whether electoral democracy or dictatorship, will cease to matter as a majority of its people live at the mercy of local mafias. It is time that we realize that the quality of governance that prevails within a state cannot be better than the quality of the servants of that state. Ilhan Niaz National Judicial Policy 2012: An Analytical Approach

Unfortunately, inordinate delay in civil, criminal, rent, administrative, accountability, revenue, corporate and regulatory matters in Pakistan is raised on the edifice against substantive justice.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The two interconnected conceptions of justice may be traced in legal literature: the substantial justice and the procedural justice. For instance, Clause 40 of Magna Carta or the Great Charter of the Liberties of England (1215) asserts: “To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice.” Hence, the legal maxim 'justice delayed is justice denied'. Likewise, the saying that justice rushed is justice crushed.

The clause implies the procedural justice. On the other hand, Islam, while assuming the temporal nature of procedural or adjective justice, ordains for the substantial justice and leaves space for different cultures and jurisdictions to legislate on procedural justice keeping in view their own set of circumstances. Perhaps this is the reason that modern leading jurisdictions clearly differentiate between the two concepts.

In International Shoe Co vs. Washington, 326 US 310 (1945), the Supreme Court of the United States while upholding the Fourteenth Amendment (about the due process) observed distinctly regarding fair-play (i.e. the due process) and the substantial justice.

Recently, in Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, Article 10-A has been inserted to underline the significance of the procedural justice. In this backdrop, the National Judicial Policy (NJP) 2012 Edition may be analysed. In this adumbration, it is being done in two parts. In part one, a brief resume of the NJP 2012 Edition has been presented; in part two, four chief analytical points are raised. First, the NJP was launched in 2009 and was enforced the same year on June 1. Before analyzing the latest 2012 Edition of the Policy, it seems appropriate to initially take a look at the body that has issued it. The body that issued the Policy is styled as the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), which is a statutory body constituted under the National Judicial Policy Making Ordinance 2002. Its statutory functions are: “The key features of the National Judicial Policy are strengthening the independence of the judiciary by its separation from the executive and ridding the courts of the menace of corruption, thereby presenting a clean and positive image of judiciary. (a) Improving the capacity and performance of the administration of justice; (b) Setting performance standards for judicial officers and persons associated with performance of judicial and quasi judicial functions; (c) Improvement in the terms and conditions of service of judicial officers and the court staff to ensure the skilled and efficient judiciary; and (d) Publication of the annual or periodic reports of the Supreme Court, Federal Shariat Court, High Courts and courts subordinate to high courts and the administrative courts and tribunals.

The NJPMC is headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and its Secretary, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan works as its Secretary. After the continuous consultation, the NJP 2009 was adopted. A similar amount of consultation took place in 2012 to revise the NJP, though with little fanfare as compared to the 2009 launch. The narrative gist of the NJP 2012 was given by the Chief Justice of Pakistan in the following words:

“The key features of the National Judicial Policy are strengthening the independence of the judiciary by its separation from the executive and ridding the courts of the menace of corruption, thereby presenting a clean and positive image of judiciary. In this policy, we have set high goals for ourselves. The goals are to initially reduce and ultimately eliminate the backlog at the level of superior as well as subordinate courts and, further, to fix the timeframe for disposal of civil and criminal cases.

The criminal cases will get priority on account of the sub-human conditions in which the under-trial prisoners are kept in jails. Writs for protection of fundamental rights i.e. right to life, liberty, equality, property and freedom of thought, conscience, association etc. will also be maintained on a fast track. Furthermore, the financial/rent matters and family/juveniles cases will also receive preference, which is vital to the economic development and the protection of family values.” Finally, Secretary for NJPMC Habib-ur-Rehman Shaikh predicted: “It is hoped that the Policy will have far-reaching effects on making the judicial organ of the state as a sheet-anchor at the time of serious challenges.” There are four chief observations, which merit discussion here. They are: First, the document of the NJP 2012 Edition primarily focuses on the procedural and adjective justice. In fact, any society needs a good mix of both the procedural and substantive justice to survive. Only procedural justice will not do the job. Unfortunately, inordinate delay in civil, criminal, rent, administrative, accountability, revenue, corporate and regulatory matters in Pakistan is raised on the edifice against substantive justice.

In the meantime, it hinges on favouring someone. Likewise, the type of substantive justice, in which adjudications are done on legal principles and in line with legal ideologies, is also no goal in itself. In the report of International Crisis Group on Reforming the Judiciary in Pakistan, 2008, the focus is entirely on substantive justice in issues like blasphemy, women's rights, minorities etc. The NJP 2012 Edition should have offered a mix of measures aiming at contributing both procedural and substantive justice.

Secondly, the focus of Short Term Measures (STM) in criminal cases is primarily on police. No doubt, the police's role is pivotal in the criminal justice system but does it mean singling out and squashing a component at the cost of sparing all other components. This type of treatment is distorting, whatever, system is left. The NJP 2012 Edition should have offered a mix of measures aiming at contributing both procedural and substantive justice. Nowadays, judicial officers pass frequent orders for the registration of first information reports (FIR) against police officers in issues for which they are not directly responsible. For example, if a process is not served by a constable, the chief of police of a district is 'directed' to register an FIR against the station house officer (SHO).

The practice is based on the principle of vicarious liability, which may not be conveniently applied to administrative matters. On the other hand, such a treatment is not meted out to Patwari, Kanoongo, Tehsildar or other revenue officers. If he fails to issue fard (mutation), no administrative, disciplinary or the criminal action is initiated against him. It is true that the orders of judicial officers referred to the above emanate from justice of peace enabling legal provisions. However, nothing stops judicial officers from holding them in contempt or for ordering their senior officers to initiate departmental actions against them. The point being made here is that synergy of criminal justice system cannot be attained without moving in one direction; the cross purpose and opposing propensities will only cripple the system further. The judiciary is the deciding agency, whereas all the processing agencies like police, prosecution and prisons look towards it for ultimate direction of the criminal justice system.

Thirdly, as mandated by the NJPMC Ordinance 2002, the performance standards for judiciary may be set by NJPMC. The NJP 2012 Edition does cater to it, but only on the quantitative side and not on a qualitative side. The problem with over-emphasis on the quantitative aspect of dispensation of justice is that it, sometimes, in the rush of achieving quantitative objectives, tramples on substantive justice. In judicial work, the qualitative aspect may be relatively easy to introduce as there is hierarchy of authority and many a judicial order is subject to review by another senior forum through some administrative vehicle like appeal, revision, review and writ. The point has been alluded to in the NJP by referring to judgement appraisal system, without elucidating it.

Fourthly, little attention is paid to frivolous, false, vexatious and malicious litigation and the legal processes. The police have been sending reports of false cases to judicial officers under Section 182 of Pakistan Penal Code, but almost no convictions materialise. Likewise, though there is mention of the Alternate Dispute Resolution, the Small and Minor Offences Courts and Section 89-A of Civil Procedure Code, the fact is that these are not put into action.

Resultantly, the criminal law is emerging as the law of relief in Pakistan. The tendency is to criminalise an otherwise non-criminal matter and by doing so inviting role of police in non-police matters. This is not only overburdening police, but is also translating into increased corruption and abuse of process.

At the end, it seems appropriate to acknowledge that the NJP 2012 Edition is a step forward and is at least an acknowledgement of the need to improve our system of justice. Kamran Adil

An Enviable Tycoon, a ‘Titan of Business’ Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig Advisor to PM on Textile, Chairman Baig Group of Companies, and CEO of Textile City of Pakistan

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The Baig Group has been working in Pakistan, Dubai and Morocco for the last 26 years.Dr Mirza Ikhtiar

Baig, Advisor to the Government of Pakistan on Textile is a distinguished industrialist. He holds the most prestigious civil award Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, conferred by the President of Pakistan, in recognition to his contribution to the national economy.

Dr Baig is the Chairman of Baig Group of Industries, a multinational conglomerate operating in diversified fields in Pakistan, the UAE and Morocco for the last 26 years. He has done his Masters in Marketing and earned his Doctorate from USA. He is a businessman par excellence, who brings in a rich background of international exposure to the realms of finance and banking.

Dr Baig is the author of several books which include Sheh Rug Part I and Part II and Muashi Haqqaiq Aur Pakistan and papers on the current national and international economic issues. He has regularly been writing columns on the subject of economics in Pakistan's prestigious newspapers for the last 12 years and his expert opinions are given due weight by policymakers.

As a diplomat, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Yemen and an elected Dean Consular Corps, Sindh, aside from his association with the World Federation of Consuls at Brussels (Belgium), he has recently been elected as Director on Board of World Federation of Consuls representing Pakistan.

Dr Baig is the central leader of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Deputy Coordinator, People's Business Forum. He is the recipient of various awards and gold medals from the President of Pakistan in recognition to his meritorious services in the field of banking and finance. He also has the credit of receiving the FPCCI Special Export Merit Trophy Award from President/Prime Minister of Pakistan for the last 13 consecutive years for high export performance of denim fabric from the Head of the State of Pakistan. Dr Baig has been recently appointed as Chairman Pakistan Textile City Ltd, Karachi. He is also on Board of FPCCI and Chairman, Banking Credit & Finance. He is the Chairman of PAK-UAE Joint Business Council, an affiliate body of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and UAE Chamber of Commerce & Industry under the patronage of Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and the UAE.

He has been awarded a prestigious 'Certificate of Achievement' by Economist, a magazine of international repute. Dr Baig was instrumental for the five-year first-ever National Textile Policy 2009-14 announced by government on 12 August 2009. He has been nominated at the Prime Minister's Business Persons Council (BPC), a think-tank to make recommendations on the national economic policies chaired by the President, PM and Finance Minister.

He is also the Honorary Secretary General of Make-A-Wish Foundation Pakistan, an International NGO granting the last wishes of the terminally-ill children. Recently, he has received FPCCI Special Merit Export Award 2011-12 from President Asif Ali Zardari on export of denim fabric at a ceremony held at the Governor's House, Sindh. The ceremony was attended by Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Senator Salim Mandviwala, Yaseen Anwar, Tariq Sayeed, the President and office bearers of FPCCI. He also accompanied the president in his recent visit to South Korea.

Excerpts of the interview:

Jahangir's World Times (JWT): Could you please tell us something about your brought-up, educational background and achievements?

Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig (DMIB): I feel really proud of my being a self-made man as the business we own today is the result of our long toil. I started my career as a banker with UBL before grabbing a chance to work with a new bank in Dubai i.e. the Middle East Bank. And, finally, my strenuous efforts bore fruit with the Blessings and Grace of Almighty Allah. After I joined, my (bank) branch earned the highest profit and touched the peak. Nevertheless, later, I realized that I would be wasting my energy and time for others. So I decided to start my own business.

My brother, Ishtiaq, who is a mechanical engineer by profession, was also in Dubai where he worked as head of the Planning & Estimation Department for Sharjah Shipyard Company. We both saved money, say about five or six lac Dirhams and then we started our business. I told my brother that we would not go for any stereotype business but an innovative one. I believe that a good idea is half success. In 1992, a revolutionary change took place in photography as Noriso, a Japanese company, introduced a quick system of processing pictures that could be developed in 45 minutes. So I told my brother that we should invest in that business. Afterwards, I took leave from my bank and flew to Japan for the purpose of business. As a result, we became pioneers of the latest technology in Dubai by the name of Photo Magic. We invested out of our own pocket and, of course, with some bank loan. It will be interesting for the readers to learn that within just six months' time we paid off the bank loan and cleared the account. Today, there are more than 25 outlets of Photo Magic in Dubai and also in Morocco, and our business is flourishing by the Grace of Almighty Allah. Well, when we (my brother Ishtiaq and me) received an invitation in connection with the 'Ghusl-e- Ka'ba' ceremony, it was unbelievable for me. Because there were dignitaries of very high stature from countries around the world and we stood in awe. At present, I represent the Baig Group as its Chairman. The Group has been operating not only in Pakistan, but also in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco for the last 26 years. We aim at diversifying the industrial and business activities ranging from the spinning, denim, digital imaging, electronic media, trading, import and export and financial services. My thesis was on 'Revival of sick industries can catapult economic growth in Pakistan,' that evidenced as to what extent the revival of sick industries, where investment had already been made, could yield encouraging results and, obviously, the economic gains. With a professional approach, good academic background and the confidently valuable exposure abroad,

I feel immense satisfaction in working for this industry.

I arrive at office at 9 in the morning, before the arrival of my staff, and try to stay back till late. I strongly believe that if you try to follow and put into practice what you have learnt from education and experience, you will get the best results. Here, I would like to mention that the secret of our brilliant success is the prayers of our beloved mother. And, incredibly, whenever I planned to start a new project I would call my mother to seek her prayers and best wishes. Indeed, we got as much as we wished by dint of the spiritual blessings and prayers of our mother.

JWT: As you say you cope with diversified business activities, how you actually manage to do all that?

DMIB: Well, I strongly believe in professional management and delegation of power because I do not want to retain power in my hands. So I prefer to add highly professional people and pay them commensurate with their knowledge, abilities and experience. They are assigned new tasks and given responsibilities for the end result. To my mind, that's the way to manage a business.

JWT: In Punjab, we do not have sufficient energy to run the industry in this province, while in Karachi we do not find conducive environment with regard to business. Don't you reckon that we are heading towards an industrial disaster?

DMIB: Well, in a way, we are confronting an abnormal situation at present. In fact, we are in the war-zone, and we must bear in mind this very factor because we are fighting a war on terror. That is why not just foreign, even local investors are reluctant to invest in a country like Pakistan. But we cannot just say goodbye to our mission. We must gird up our loins to eliminate terrorists including all those elements who pose a serious threat to the sovereignty of our country. But we should do the needful reasonably well and in an appropriate manner in view of the present circumstances. In fact this is high time that we make a 'charter of economy' by taking on board all the stakeholders, because we have already witnessed frequent and most unexpected changes in the government affairs which, as a result, adversely affected Pakistan's economy.

JWT: No doubt, you have won laurels and your skills have earned you a name to enjoy greatly in the business community not just in Pakistan, but also abroad. Would you like to relate us some interesting, or wonderful incident by way of your recognition?

DMIB: Well, when we (my brother Ishtiaq and me) received an invitation in connection with the 'Ghusl-e-Ka'ba' ceremony, it was unbelievable for me. Because there were dignitaries of very high stature from countries around the world and we stood in awe.

JWT: What message would you like to give to the youth of Pakistan? DMIB: Our youth is very talented but the problem with them is that they believe in short-cuts. They do not believe in hard work. Either they don’t like it or they simply can’t afford to be patient. I would advise young people that they ought not believe in short-cuts and rather get good education and then acquire some really useful skills coupled with excellent academic qualifications. All that would give them a lot of confidence and impetus if they go out for work with sincere and honest intentions. Whatever work you are doing you have got to be honest and sincere in the work or job you do. Then you are destined to reap the fruit you have been after. A good academic background and hard work definitely help you and put you on the right track with honest intentions and your parents’ prayer especially your mother’s – guaranteeing success and prosperity. Waqas Iqbal

D-8 Promise and Reality

‘Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq could form an economic bloc and become a role-model not only for the Muslim World but also for the global community.'

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The summit meeting of the heads of states and governments of the Developing-8 countries concluded with the signing of the Global Vision document 2012-2030, the 35-point Islamabad Declaration, and the D-8 Charter. Out of the eight countries, six were represented either by heads of states or governments. Absent from the meeting were: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.

While new President of Egypt was busy brokering the Gaza ceasefire -- a mission in which he ultimately succeeded -- Sheikh Hasina Wajid refused to come to Islamabad as she demanded of Pakistan to tender a formal public apology over the atrocities committed in 1971.

President Morsi, though still locked in confrontation with liberal opposition, judiciary and military of Egypt, is fast emerging as a powerful Muslim leader in the Middle East and beyond. He was also scheduled to address the joint session of Pakistan's parliament, honour reserved for special friends of the country.

The very fact that despite serious security concerns coupled with the Aushra days, the coming of top leaders from the D-8 countries to Islamabad was a demonstration of support to the government and an improved Pakistan's image abroad. Pakistan got the chairmanship of the grouping from next two years from Nigeria. It is a coincidence that all member countries have popularly elected governments. It explains why the theme of 'Democratic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity' was chosen to reflect this dynamic.

The Islamabad Declaration emphasised the resolve of the 8-D member-countries to promote peace, tolerance and democratic stability. The Declaration identified the role of private sector concerning the economic growth and increasing the intra-D8 trade among the member countries. It further talked of boosting cooperation in the industrial and banking sectors with a pledge to focus on agriculture for attainment of food security. The member countries also pledged to strengthen their relations with other regional groupings such as the Group 20, OIC, SAARC, the Arab League, and ASEAN.

The member countries approved a roadmap for attainment of 20%-25% share of the Islamic bloc in Halal Food Potential of worth $2.1 trillion in the global market. It was made part of the D-8 charter for implementation. It needs to be mentioned here that China has a share of $2.1 billion annually in Halal Food, which is increasing by 10% per annum. The OIC share is less than 15%, which is negligible compared to huge potential of the market. The share of D-8 in global trade market is just 5% which the Charter has promised to take it to 25%.

The Global Vision Document 2012-2030 talked of putting in place multilateral arrangements on the pattern of the United Nations for resolution of disputes and promotion of peace. The Global Vision Document 2012-2030 talked of putting in place multilateral arrangements on the pattern of the United Nations for resolution of disputes and promotion of peace. Speaking on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari threw light on threats facing the D-8 countries. He said that the Taliban, al-Qaeda and their affiliates were a serious threat not only to the world peace but also to the D-8 countries as they sought to impose their narrow-minded and the bigoted agenda. He promised to “not allow the handful of religious radicals to hijack Islam”. The president mooted the suggestion of setting up commercial banks in the member-countries to boost trade. He said that massive trade and goodwill potential existed among the D-8 countries and their current level of cooperation was well below the promise.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinijad gave a glad tiding of construction of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline by year 2014. He said that work was already on the project. He also said that Iran would transmit 1,000 megawatt of power for border areas of Pakistan. He talked of the imperative of building a New World Order based on equality, social justice and fair-play. He said that Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq could form an economic bloc and become a role-model not only for the Muslim world but also for the global community.

For Pakistan, which is energy deficient at the moment, this news means a lot as the construction of gas pipeline would help her get rid of the worst power shortages which have crippled national economy by shutting down factories and businesses and laying off thousands of people. Pakistan faces the challenge of taming down the US, which is strongly opposed to the IP gas pipeline. The Pakistani leadership needs to call spade a spade and tell the US that the project was critical to meet the energy needs of Pakistan and there was no way it was backtracking on it under pressure and duress.

Going by the text of documents approved on the occasion of D-8 Summit meeting, it can be said that they make a good reading and also betray the realization among the member-countries that they need to enhance their bilateral and multilateral cooperation. However, as has often been said that “it is a wide disconnect between rhetoric and reality”, which should have been addressed by chartering a clear line of action on how to meet these targets by specifying timelines.

If the objectives enunciated in the documents are actually implemented, it can usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in the region. This is an era of knowledge-driven economies wherein regional groupings are fast emerging to accelerate economic cooperation. The real challenge for D- 8 countries lies in injecting dynamism in the organization and rendering it capable of playing its due role in the global affairs.

Pakistan is facing a great challenge as it takes over the chairmanship of the organization for two years. It is yet to be seen as to how it plays its due role in reinvigorating the D-8. The potential of the D-8 countries for economic development is immense; what they need is the vision and long- term commitment to walk the talk. Amanat Ali Chaudhry

Women's Harassment in a Male-Chauvinist Society ‘Woman, thy name is frailty’

Women in a society like ours are especially likely to be blamed for whatever happens to them if they dress up 'provocatively' or 'mix-up easily' with their male counterparts at their workplaces. Why our society turns indifferent towards this crime is a matter of concern for most sociologists and philanthropists.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

In Pakistan, women constitute half of the population but their role in national development does not match their number. This is because they suffer a lot of problems when they step out of their homes. Harassment of women at workplaces is one such problem which becomes a hurdle in their due role in society's economic and social development. Although the government has taken some measures to provide a safer environment for women to work but our social attitude towards them in our male chauvinist society is the biggest obstacle in their active part in the social development.

You would not be blamed if you fall victim to some terror incident in market or a mosque because such incidents would be considered as a crime of violence. Yet women in our society are frequently blamed – in fact more often than not – when they are harassed or even raped despite the fact that sexual harassment also falls in the 'crime of violence' category. So harassment is a really serious problem and may even prove traumatic to the victims.

Sexual harassment, in fact, involves deliberate or repeated unwanted comments, gestures, or physical contact of sexual nature. It occurs frequently on college campuses, in the business world, markets, in public transport, offices and at some other places. In most cases it is the harsh social climate that makes them prone to such episodes of sexual harassment or coercion.

It is often very difficult to report and prove incidents of harassment. People accused of harassment often claim that the charges levelled against them were simply exaggerated, saying that 'the lady overreacted to normal male-female interaction' or 'I was just being friendly and she took me wrong'. However, most harassers know very well what they do.

Ironically, harassment victims are often blamed for being provocative. The harassers usually argue that why veiled women do not report such incidents. Many people in our society believe in stereotype myths about harassment – myths that hold the victims responsible and have the effect of supporting such acts. Such people, unfortunately, include those from whom the victim might seek support.

“This has become a money-making concern. A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or the citizenship and be a millionaire, then get raped.” Incredibly, and sadly, one would remember these words which came out of the mouth of none other than a former president of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, who is known as a 'moderate and enlightened' leader.

General Musharraf's comments represent the belief held by many in baseless notions about assaults on women. Elders in our society, for instance, commonly believe that women are partly responsible for harassment or rape if they are 'friendly' with their colleagues. Such ideas are reflected in decisions made by a Panchayat or by 'elders' which sometimes get space in our 'vibrant' media. Paradoxically, some others come out with similar myths such as 'men are driven crazy by the arousal of their libido by women's boldness or provocative attitude, or 'deep inside, women like getting seduced'. That is all very ridiculous, anyway. Sexual harassment, in fact, involves deliberate or repeated unwanted comments, gestures, or physical contact of sexual nature. It occurs frequently on college campuses, in the business world, markets, in public transport, offices and at some other places. Nevertheless, such myths foster social climate that encourages harassment in a way. These notions deny the impact of the assault and shift blame onto the victim. Men including the fundamentalist clergy, who support traditional and rigidly-defined gender roles, are most likely to blame only the sexual coercion victims. They quote such incidents in favour of their notion of confining women within chadar and chardewari.

Many people believe that Islam prohibits women from working outside of their homes. Thus working with strangers is often considered a bold step, which is entirely alien even to the most fundamentalist tribal version. So, such women are considered by their male colleagues as 'bold' and 'secular'. It would be interesting to know as to how many people believe in notions such as:

A woman who is 'too friendly' with her male colleagues or dresses up provocatively is asking for 'trouble, or, more severely, deserves to be taught a lesson.' In majority of harassment cases, the victim is promiscuous or has a bad reputation.

'If a woman is friendly with some of her colleagues, others too have a right to have a try on her.' Because of this tendency to blame the victim and the social attitude towards victims, most women prefer not to report such incidents to police or any other authority. This silence on their part, in turn, encourages an aggressive attitude of men.

Many social scientists and behavioural psychologists try to explain this aggressive attitude of males towards their female counterparts as a natural phenomenon or instinct. But they do agree that men may choose not to be aggressive and that such incidents of coercion are unacceptable in the modern civilized world. Sexual coercion, therefore, is considered a crime of violence and hence is offendable.

The Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, which is aimed at providing safe working environment for women as part of a social policy to bring them at par with their male counterparts in society. Yet it is sorry to note that many considered it as part of the ‘western agenda’.

A change in people’s attitude is what is required to prevent harassment at workplaces. They must understand the aftermath of sexual coercion which may range from physical harm, psychosis, anxiety, and depression. Viewed in a social perspective, prevention of harassment or coercion involves challenging the widely-held cultural attitudes and ideals that contribute to such coercion. The traditions of male dominance and rewards for male aggressiveness take a daily toll on women at workplaces, offices, markets and other places. Dr Waheed Asghar (CSP)

Age Relaxation in CSS Exam: The Most Neglected Area

Modifications and changes in our present system are essential to bring CSS selection system in line with modern-day requirements and practices.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Today's issue is age relaxation for CSS hopefuls. I would like to make some suggestions after reviewing the age-limit decision, with reference to our neighbouring countries. Let's see how they relax age-limit for competent people to sit exams.

During Musharraf's regime, the best strategy was to control the government institutions and public offices effectively. Therefore, the concept of devolution of power at grassroot level was revived and introduced with some changes in the departmental role of civil servants. The Police Ordinance and the DMG restructuring methods were made; only to suite the vested interest of the then regime. Reducing the age-limit was also one of the tools which were applied to block the entry of competent persons through this tedious process of examination. The other ulterior motive was to allow contractual hiring of favourites on key positions on the pretext of availability of less experienced and relatively young age for the required positions. As a result the retired servicemen regained the 'lost paradise' and clung to the position they had retired. It is really commendable that the Supreme Court eventually took notice and declared null and void all contractual hiring, consequently paving way for within-the-department promotions.

On May 17, the Senate Standing Committee arranged a debate on age relaxation for the FPSC offered job (other than competitive exam, proceeding is available on the internet). The initiative was taken by Senator Haji Ghulam Ali. The proposal of age relaxation was unanimously accepted. It is beyond logic that why government is reluctant to take competent people on the board by just removing a restriction imposed by a dictator, even though candidates would secure their seats after competition. Why the government does not allow them to take the exam and prove their competency? The age restriction was imposed about a decade ago since then the education system has undergone a number of changes e.g. now universities are offering Four-Years Graduation Programme. To complete this education, one has to study for four years. Therefore, 28 years of age makes no sense. Secondly, after completion of education a number of candidates join private sector to their living and to support their families. How is it possible for an average middle-class to continue the studies without supporting his or her family?

In 2008, FPSC gave 10 years of age relaxation to the hopefuls to sit the exam and prove their worth. As a result a number of candidates appeared and only handful of 'best of the best' could make it. What's a problem with CSS exam? However, there is a rumour that the government would relax age by 5 years and education qualification would be 16 years but that’s not finalised as yet.

On 24, June 2010, the Establishment Division had issued an Office Memorandum (No: 9/2/91-R-5), as 'Most Immediate' was mentioned on it, with regard to the Clarification on general age relaxation of upper limit prescribed in the recruitment rule. In this memorandum, the general age relaxation is given for five years to all posts except through CSS. No one could understand the reason or logic behind this decision. Why the government seems reluctant to let aspirants compete and take best-of- the-best on board? The point#2 of this office memorandum is read as: Tightening the age limit was also one of the tools which were applied to block the entry of competent persons through this tedious process of examination. The other ulterior motive was to allow contractual hiring of favourites on the key positions on the pretext of availability of less experienced and relatively young age for the required positions. “2- In light of the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee, the Ministries/Divisions/Departments are advised that henceforth, the concession of 5 years general relaxation in upper age-limit shall be clubbed with the maximum age limit of the post on their advertisements. In case the usual upper age-limit of posts in various Basic Pay Scales is as in column (2) below, the maximum age-limit shall be as in column (4) below:”

It is quite ridiculous that the BPS 17 officer of ex-cadre is given 5 years age relaxation and age-limit is already set 30 years but for the CSS exam, age is restricted to 28.

On July 1, 2010 Chairman FPSC presented the annual report to the President Asif Ali Zardari and explained the dearth of competent candidates especially from Sindh (rural/urban). In order to retain and attract the smartest people in the civil services the president had ordered to give incentives to the bureaucrats and young civil servants in terms of constructing high-rise buildings and increased pay packages. It is indeed a good move forward but the basic question remains unanswered that how would government attract 'competent' people for civil services? In 2008, the annual report was presented to the president highlighting some problems in which the prime one was 'declining education standard', the real road-block for skimming out best-of-the-best. In 2006, approx 82% and 68% the failed in Essay and English Précis Writing respectively. This percentage rose to 92% in English Précis Writing, quite pathetic. On the basis of such drastic and declining education standards, the recruitment system was gravely demanding improvement. Owing to this need, consultants were hired through word bank as stated in annual report 2008 which is as follows: c) Improvement in CSS Recruitment System. Consultants hired through World Bank have completed their study on CSS recruitment system and after thorough analysis; FPSC's recommendations for improvements have been forwarded to the Government. Modifications and changes in our present system are essential in order to bring CSS recruitment system in line with modern-day requirements and practices.

Consultants' fee was paid off from taxpayers' money, yet we are unable to implement the changes suggested by them. We are so much radical and conservatives that we seem to be in love with our old archaic practices.

India and Bangladesh have very flexible and relaxing age criteria for the prospective candidates of Civil services having graduation as academic qualification. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have the same system of government as inherited from the British Raj. But how the others evolved their system to compete the modern challenges of globalization and how naïve are we to complicate the system to suite a regime’s vested interest. In India and Bangladesh the eligible age is from 21 to 30 to facilitate the maximum participation, becauseit is the democratic right of every ‘capable and competent’ person to serve his or her country. Rai Ansar

Revamp of Pakistan's National Institutions in Crisis

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The political horizon in Pakistan has never been clear and desirable during the last five years. There have always been dark and light shades shaking the roots of the naive democracy. However, the recent development seen in form of institutions showing their muscles and trying to undermine each other has been bizarre and can never be termed as a healthy sign for the strategic, political, social or economic growth and stability of Pakistan.

However, this shows only one thing that all institutions in Pakistan still need to learn how to operate in their own ambit without poking one's nose into others' matters. Parliament, judiciary, executive, media and military have all defined their roles to play and all are there for one reason -- to strengthen Pakistan. There is hardly any room for a clash among the national institutions where the national interests are to be pursued.

The institutional strength is not gained in a day. However, the institutional decay begins when a sense of responsibility among institutions fades away. The institutional development is an evolutionary process that consists of a lot many troubled troughs. Strong institutions are one of the most fundamental things that are found common among the powerful and stable nations.

The United Kingdom (UK), the epitome of modern democracy, was once the home of absolute monarchy. It only became possible with the realization that all institutions have a specific role to play. Turning the world's largest absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy was only possible when acceptance for other institutions was established and modern democracy took birth.

Our neighbour -- the largest democracy and the second largest population cluster of the world -- India never experienced any attempt by any institution to malign the independent operations of any other institution. This acceptance and maturity of institutions is a true guarantee of developed institutions and this is the first step towards a peaceful journey to prosperity.

The clash of institutions in Pakistan recently is most likely to occur sooner or later because whatever the military has been doing over the last six decades has never been part of its entrusted role. The toothless judiciary has been exhibiting biased and unconstitutional role. Similarly least can be said about parliament that is the supreme institution but has hardly found time to understand its role.

Tracing roots of the current imbroglio: Let us deliberate upon how things shaped up in Pakistan that has led to the institutional crisis. The change in Pakistan in terms of power-sharing was triggered by enlightenment of media during the Musharraf regime. Paradoxically that was the critical reason behind his collapse too. The success of 'Long March' and the reinstatement of Chief Justice of Supreme Court Iftikhar Muhammad Chauhdry could never have been possible without open media. From there onwards an episode named as 'Judicial Activism' started in which judiciary played a highly unconventional role and judicial activism this time around was much different from what it used to be in the days of the 'Doctrine of Necessity.' That was the beginning of institutional rivalry. This time the famous truce signed in the Musharraf regime with political leaders of Pakistan that is the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) was questioned by judiciary.

For the first time in history of Pakistan, the judiciary did not line with those sitting in the power corridors and their credibility was challenged. This gave a lot of encouragement to judiciary as if it is growing finally as an independent institution.

The unwanted ties of judiciary with police and the civil administration have been there since the Local Government Ordinance 2001 and the Police Order 2002 have been put in place. However, they remained under cover till Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chauhdry started taking suo moto action on the misappropriations of the executive. The judiciary summoning heads of law-enforcing agencies and the chiefs of civil administration became a routine and bad blood among institutions heightened. The Haj scandal case, the Steel Mill case, the missing persons' case, the NLC case, the Ephedrine case, the Memogate scandal and several others projected judiciary as the saviour of people against the ills of the government. Most importantly the judiciary declaring the Balochistan Provincial Assembly ineffective has been a new point of law. While dealing with the case of missing persons and talking about the situation of Balochistan, the Supreme Court's Chief Justice declared that the provincial government had failed to establish its writ in the province and the federal government had been acting like a spectator. Hence, he declared the provincial government as “unconstitutional and dysfunctional”. That has brought the clash between the two institutions at a new height. Our neighbour -- the largest democracy and the second largest population cluster of the world -- India never experienced any attempt by any institution to malign the independent operations of any other institution. However, the most recent and serious of all the clashes has been a problem between the military with the government and later with judiciary too. The post-Osama bin Laden scene has been very shaky in terms of the army-government relationship. The Memogate scandal unveiled the ingrained mistrust of the government on army. The Royal Palm Golf Club case of railway land involving military officers is an incident of tightening of the judicial clutches on army men. Judiciary's verdict on the Asghar Khan case calling in question the unwanted role of intelligence agencies and army in the political arena has been unprecedented too. Thus, in Pakistan institutions are at daggers drawn with each other.

Analysis: Pakistan has seen over six decades of independence. However, the Constitution of Pakistan is only thirty-nine-year old. The nation continuously fail to realise that the Constitution is the supreme law of any sovereign nation under which all institutions operate and whose sanctity is most sacred. This country is still being governed as a state where whims and wishes of the lords have more sanctity than any piece of legislation. The rule of law is an unfulfilled dream and a distant reality. Where Pakistan today stands is because of the paralysed, biased and feeble institutions throughout its history. Today, Pakistan is facing very serious domestic challenges that demand institutional harmony and internal strength. For instance, water, energy and food crises in Pakistan have created inexpressible unrest among people. The rising uneducated youth population and a high rate of unemployment are two most dangerous issues confronting Pakistan. The increasing urbanisation, the environmental and climate problems and the neglected agricultural sector have also added to the people's worries and woes. These crises collectively are the rising inflation, dwindling health conditions, industrial decay, the law and order situation and serious economic challenges in the international market. However, these problems are not due to lack of resources; rather, because of the mismanagement of the executive authorities. To the government, it is more important to fight its case against the overwhelming effect of judiciary rather than addressing the price hike or non-availability of CNG and petrol. This country is still being governed as a state where whims and wishes of the lords have more sanctity than any piece of legislation. The situation of law and order is worsening with each passing day. Not only Pakistan's sovereignty is often questioned but national integration is at high risk due to problems in Balochistan. High claims of law-enforcing agencies have proved a wall of sand in Karachi and Balochistan, the Abbottabad operation, the Salala checkpost attack, the Mehran base attack, attack on the Kamra Air Base, an attack on Bannu Jail and everyday suicide and drones attacks are among the few alarming incidents that demonstrate how fragile is Pakistan's defence. These incidents point out another very important issue. That is, perhaps, the military establishment has different goals than that of the government and they are not known to the political leadership. This is the height of mistrust among the national institutions.

The regional political dynamics are changing. It is very important for Pakistan to understand that Iran, India, China and Russia are the main players in the region and they are eyeing the American exit from the region. That vacuum has to be filled somehow. If Pakistan does not put itself in a favourable position, it will be losing its ground not only in regional but also in the international political scene. And it is possible only if Pakistan ensures peace at the national institutions.

Suggestive note: Realizing all domestic, regional and international factors it is easy to analyse that Pakistan is certainly not in a position where any coup is a choice; neither judicial activism is a viable option nor unbridled media is favourable. And the most important thing is that no rubber-stamp parliament can act as a saviour of the people of Pakistan.

What Pakistan needs is stable, active and efficient institutions with smooth functioning in all spheres. The rule of law and sanctity of the Constitution is very important. The defence-related institutions should have the right to be part of the policymaking whether they operate overtly or covertly. Intelligence agencies operate throughout the world and the acts of a few resound around the globe, and their existence can never be denied. So there is no point in criticising the role of intelligence agencies and military leadership in policymaking for national defence. However, no political manoeuvring should be allowed by any non-political, non-elected institution or actor. What judiciary did in Asghar Khan’s case is, in a way, a right thing. But the judiciary must not adopt a dictatorial role and allow the executive to strength its influence by implementation of the government’s policies as well as court orders; a judge cannot be an administrator. For contact at: [email protected] Sikander Zishan

Trade not Aid – A Viable Option

The EU is Pakistan's largest exchange associate and has been dynamic in reinvigorating the equitable course of action and fortifying the social and financial fabric of this country through its growth and help approaches.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Pakistan is facing a downturn in economy and it seems unlikely -- at least in near future -- that it would be able to come out of such a formidable recession in the foreseeable future, mainly on account of its long-standing huge debts. There is a need to realize that looking for aid is not a tangible and permanent solution for Pakistan. On the other side, the grave situation is weakening the country's economic structure. Pakistan's dependence -- rather overdependence -- on aid is rooted in the very structure of its economy.

It has been shaped by an institutional framework that restricts the process of savings, investments and the new trade ventures to the elite. Therefore, aid dependence can be overcome only by restructuring the economy through policy shifts that enable to generate greater opportunities and open up new vistas of trade. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) waiver is however encouraging for Pakistan. Pakistan has an easy access to one of the largest markets in the world. Trade with European Union (EU) on ever-relaxing terms could prove as the greatest boon to Pakistan's economy. The EU is Pakistan's largest exchange associate and has been dynamic in reinvigorating the equitable course of action and fortifying the social and financial fabric of this country through its growth and help approaches.

The EU's engagement with Pakistan is predominantly dependent upon support as a component of the EU's security system. It is a benefactor-beneficiary connection. There is, undoubtedly, the delicate majority government rule in Pakistan that needs the backing and help of international actors. Either they are major powers or financial institutes, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Bank etc. The newfangled administration should take prompt steps to reinforce the lawful framework, improve a unique budgetary model, plan state foundations and cope with the threat of terrorism and radicalism.

The presence of Osama bin Laden on the Pakistan soil, the current struggle of Pakistan's armed forces in areas such as FATAA and Balochistan are current examples as to how much Pakistan has been plagued with the war on terror and it is very hard to wash the strains of terrorism from the soil of Pakistan. The EU has come forward in recent years with the aid and assistance programmes to pull Pakistan out of the clutches of strong wave which has affected its stability and threatened peace at large over a decade. The EU's multi-track approach could be very effective in this perspective.

Bringing economic stability and development to Pakistan is vital to tackling the root-causes of poverty and conflict. Pakistan's economic independence and stability are hostage to its trade relations with the economies of countries like neighbouring India and China and its access to the world's big markets. The EU is one of Pakistan's top trading partners. The EU accounts for 20 per cent of Pakistan's external trade with its exports to the EU amounting to €3.4 billion, mainly textiles and leather products and the EU's exports to Pakistan amounting to €3.8 billion, mainly mechanical and electrical equipment and chemical and pharmaceutical products.

The assistance Pakistan is receiving from the EU has proved constructive both in economic and political terms. The measures include resumption and upgrade of the political dialogue, signature of a Third Generation Co-operation Agreement as well as the additional development assistance. To enhance Pakistan's capability on the WTO issues, the EU launched an assistance programme in year 2004 to reform procedures and processes for trade facilitation in accordance with the EU policies and values. The efforts and dialogues of the EU with those which object to this move are remarkable and commendable. The WTO waiver -- certainly a bold step -- will alter the dynamics of Pakistan's economy by giving it a greater access to the EU's market.

Pakistan and the EU also moved forward to implement a new Five-Year Engagement Plan which attempts to strengthen vis-à-vis diversify their traditional donor-and-recipient relationship and to enhance their cooperation and partnership in other areas of mutual concerns. The dialogue provided an opportunity to review the EU's development cooperation including the broad parameters of the second EU Multi-annual Indicative Program (MIP) for 2007-2013, which included projects for rural development and natural resource management, education and human resource management, governance and human rights and trade development. Pakistan's exports are dominated by textiles and clothing, up to the value of the € 2.6 billion, about 80 per cent at a preferential rate. Currently, efforts are under way to broaden the base of the export profile and reduce reliance on the textiles and clothing sectors. The EU also reiterated its commitment for the area-based community development, particularly in the Malakand Division. Appreciating the measures taken by Pakistan in implementing its international human rights commitment, the High Representative Ashton said that both sides would further work closely in this regard. The EU is also benefitting Pakistan from its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), according to which Pakistan would receive duty-free treatment from year 2014. The concessionary access which Pakistan achieved back in 2002 lasted for three years.

Pakistan has been trying for a similar arrangement. The scheme would replace the current GSP scheme from January 2014 under which some of the existing criteria for the GSP Plus beneficiaries have also been changed. Most significantly, as per the new criteria, a country will be eligible for GSP Plus only if its GSP covered exports to the EU account for less than two per cent of the EU's total GSP imports, instead of the one per cent applied currently. This increase in the criteria from one to two per cent will make Pakistan eligible to apply for GSP Plus by fulfilling the commitment to implement 27 international conventions relating to good governance, human rights and sustainable development etc.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both entities, the EU and Pakistan realized the need for much closer economic and business ties between the two. The EU has recognized Pakistan's efforts for its liberalizing trade policies with India.

The EU's 27 member states are engaged in development programmes with total value of 750 million Euros. Over the last four years the EU's humanitarian agency, ECHO, provided over 370 million Euros in humanitarian aid to Pakistan making it the number one international humanitarian actor in Pakistan. The EU is still working to increase its investment to empower local communities in Pakistan which are threatened or victimised by militancy and extremism.

The EU's support and assistance to Pakistan at crucial times is of great importance as it can be a major source of direct investment in future, which would be a great opportunity for Pakistan to boost its economy.

Pakistan's exports are dominated by textiles and clothing, up to the value of the € 2.6 billion, about 80 per cent at a preferential rate. Currently, efforts are under way to broaden the base of the export profile and reduce reliance on the textiles and clothing sectors.

The EU has supported Pakistan's efforts to integrate into the global economy by granting Pakistan's exports to the EU-reduced tariffs under the EU's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This allows almost 20 per cent of Pakistan's exports to enter the EU at zero tariffs while a further 70 per cent are allowed to enter at a preferential tariff. The EU imports textiles and clothing with a value of 3.5 billion Euros annually, but the EU's anti-dumping investigations have strained the trade relations. India stands with EU on the grounds of strategic and business partnership while, on the other hand, the relations of Pakistan with the EU are always referred to as the 'donor' and the 'recipient' Pakistan is unhappy over its exclusion from the EU's GSP-Plus Scheme since the EU restored the system after India won a WTO dispute panel against Pakistan's inclusion in 2005.

India is a strategic partner of the EU and its relations with the EU are far better than that of Pakistan. India stands with EU on the grounds of strategic and business partnership while, on the other hand, the relations of Pakistan with the EU are always referred to as the 'donor' and the 'recipient'. However, with improvement in relations with India and with the grant of the MFN status, Pakistan has been able to improve its relations, to a large extent, with India in the recent past. One of the important aspects is that India has withdrawn its opposition on the controversial trade-aid package proposed by the EU at WTO's General Council. Around 75 tariff lines or products from Pakistan would get concessional access to the European markets for three years, of which 67 would have zero tariff. On the remaining eight, the tariff rate quotas (TRQ) limited imports at reduced duty would apply. The package is expected to be for two to three years with about $300 million of yearly benefits to Pakistan's exports to the EU. The WTO's proposal was initially opposed by India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Peru and Vietnam primarily because their exports to the EU would be impacted with that move. These countries are now agreed as the result of efforts made by EU and Pakistan. However, the major obstacle was India.

The policymakers must realize the importance of trade instead of looking for aid. Pakistan is in dire need of plans in order to boost its economy for addressing the debt burden. We better prefer a rule: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Pakistan has been provided fish yet, therefore, today it is facing problems to sustain its economy and reduce its debts. There is a need to look forward to greater opportunities to better the economy and to focus on trade. Pakistan needs to have a look on the world economies, particularly that of India and China which stand today as the economic giants. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's reforms to liberalise India's economy and Mr Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms in China have enabled them to compete the world’s economies in the international market. Mr Deng’s economic reforms stood on the entrepreneur business principles in 1978 which included de-collectivisation of agriculture along with opening up China for foreign investment and the encouraging local entrepreneurs.

Similarly, the reforms introduced by Mr Singh have given his country a big boost in the local market with enormous capacity to compete big markets worldwide which will finally help a lot in alleviating poverty in the country. In his regime, the growth rate of the Indian economy was 8 to 9 per cent as a result of which India has become the second fastest-growing economy of the world, next to China. In both the cases, aid was considered as the major constraint in development and the policies stressed trade, thus opening up new vistas of development and prosperity. Munazza Khan

CORRUPTION: It’s Price for Pakistan

The causes of corruption are contextual rooted in a country's political development, legal development, social history, bureaucratic traditions, economic conditions and policies.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Corruption means moral perversion, depravity, dishonesty -- especially bribery -- and putrefaction or decay. Corruption is defined as “the abuse of public office for private gains. It involves the seeking or extracting of promise or receipt of a gift or any other advantage by a public servant in consideration of the performance or omission of an act, in violation of the duties required of the office.”It is regarded as the transfer of interests between the public and private sectors in which the pubic interests are directed towards private interests.

Corruption can be a termed a two-way traffic as it involves members of both the public and private sectors, or a 'giver' and a 'taker' who are engaged in illegal, illegitimate and unethical acts. The misappropriation and embezzlement by a public servant in spending public money is also called corruption where there may be no involvement of a private person.

Corruption takes a variety of forms i.e. bribery, nepotism, patronage, theft of state assets, evasion of taxes, diversion of revenue and electoral fraud. Corruption impedes economic growth, discourages foreign investment and inhibits access to vital public services. It also undermines the effectiveness of international aid.

To quote from a sane person, a growing outcry over corrupt governments forced several leaders from office last year, but as the dust has cleared it has become apparent that the levels of bribery, abuse of power and secret dealings are still very high in many countries.

A study by the World Bank in 2001 showed that corruption around the world is believed to be endemic and pervasive and a significant contributor to the low economic growth, to stifle investment, to inhibit the provision of public services and to increase inequality. The effects and impacts of not controlling this menace are quiet damaging in developing countries of the world because it hurts the poorer segments of society disproportionately. The World Bank's estimates of 2004 clearly show that more than US$ 1 trillion was paid in bribes annually and the countries which devised and implemented some kind of pragmatic strategies to tackle corruption were able to improve governance and the rule of law besides increasing per capita incomes by a staggering 400 per cent.

The Law Commission of the Government of India has concluded that “the opportunity for corruption is a function of a public official's control, the discretion that official has, and the accountability that this official faces for his or her decisions.”

There is a growing consensus amongst the policymakers around the world that corruption has a very serious negative impact on development. The values and morals of any society are believed to have a direct bearing upon the level of corruption prevailing within that society. The causes of corruption are contextual rooted in a country's political development, legal development, social history, bureaucratic traditions, economic conditions and policies. The Chairman of the Transparency International Pakistan has identified corruption as the major cause of poverty, illiteracy, terrorism, shortage of electricity and lack of governance in Pakistan. In Pakistani society, the two major types of the prevalent corruption are: petty corruption and grand corruption. The common man of the country encounters 'petty corruption' in his everyday dealings in almost all the public sector offices. The Transparency International Pakistan in its recent report has raised Pakistan's rank in the corruption index from 42 to 33 in an overall ranking of 176 countries of the world. It has further pointed out that the corruption levels reached their peak during 2012. The Chairman of the Transparency International Pakistan has identified corruption as the major cause of poverty, illiteracy, terrorism, shortage of electricity and lack of governance in Pakistan.

Pakistan's credibility in the eyes of the international community has reached the lowest ebb. A high corruption rate has been the main cause of distortion in resource allocation and the poor government performance in Pakistan. The National Corruption Perception Survey 2010 clearly depicts that the overall corruption in 2010 increased from Rs 195 billion in 2009 to Rs 223 billion in 2010 and 70% Pakistanis stated that the present government is more corrupt than the previous government. Corruption in Pakistan has afflicted every organ of the state. The National Accountability Bureau's chief Admiral Fasih Bokhari has estimated the corruption in Pakistan to be around Rs 10-12 billion a day. The NAB chief has made it clear that his corruption index did not cover indirect losses including the agricultural sector, revenue department, land grabbing and encroachments, loans defaults, the over-staffing, ghost schools, ghost employments, wealth tax losses, customs duties and duty drawbacks.

Some of the main reasons of corruption in Pakistan are unregulated land awards, the inefficient public sector, private sector cooperatives, drug money, foreign aid, the informal structure of the Pakistani economy and the overall institutional erosion. The roots of corruption in Pakistan can be traced back to the British Raj. The Englishmen had a policy of rewarding lands and titles to their cronies leading to favouritism, nepotism and corruption.

Lessons from the developed countries indicate that corruption can be controlled and brought within tolerable limits with the help of a tight monitoring process. In Pakistan, an effort in this direction was launched in the 1960s by constituting the provincial Anti-Corruption Establishments. At the federal level, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was formed to tackle corruption in the public sector. Unfortunately, over the years the anti-corruption arm of police has turned out to be highly incompetent and most corrupt.

After the dismissal of government of Ms Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated prime minister of Pakistan, in 1996, the then president Mr Farooq Leghari made a first serious attempt to establish a strong agency to fight corruption at the national level with the help of the caretaker government of that time. The Ehtesab Bureau was headed by a retired judge.

Former Prime Minister Mr Nawaz Sharif, after forming his second government, with a large majority in parliament, intensified efforts towards ehtesab (accountability). This effort under Mr Saif-ur-Rehman was largely one-sided and lacked the true moral authority required for a noble cause.

It is high time that policymakers in Pakistan understand that the poor governance breeds corruption in several ways. Consequently, the efficiencies on which an economy depends are reduced along with an increase in the cost of investment and lowering of potential return. The state needs to establish its credibility by punishing highly visible corrupt officials. Athar Mansoor

Pakistan-India Water Conflict and Climate Change The rift may be threatening South Asia’s peace This article discusses the institutional mechanism established by the treaty

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

True to the remark, the next-century war will be fought over water, not over oil. The Indus Basin Treaty, 1960 envisaged the resolution of the long-standing water dispute between Pakistan and India, which emerged right after the independence in 1947.

Water is Nature's most blessed and a great gift. But it is crucial to acknowledge that our existing water woes are being compounded due to wastage, inefficient use and contamination.

While it is the main and cheapest source of producing electricity, water remains a bone of contention between Pakistan and India since independence. And the conflict may be threatening South Asia's peace.

The Indus Basin Treaty was signed between the two countries back in 1960 under the World Bank for the resolution of this long-standing dispute. But, unfortunately, the treaty could not prove fruitful. To quote World Bank Vice President Ismail Seragedin: “The next-century war will be fought over water, not over oil.”

Furthermore, the need to build dams to store extra water emerged as the strongest phenomenon to avert massive floods. India and Pakistan are part of the Himalayan range which is receding due to the climate change.

Indus Basin Treaty, 1960: Under the treaty, India got an absolute control over three eastern rivers: the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi. However, Pakistan got control over the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum rivers. Furthermore, Pakistan allowed India to use water for run-of-river projects provided the inflow at the Marala Head should not fall below 55,000 cusecs.

The Indus Basin Irrigation System that irrigated some 37 million acres of land was conceived originally as a unified system and considered one of the most extensive and highly developed irrigation systems in the world. It was divided between India and Pakistan without regard to the irrigation boundaries. This resulted in the creation of the international water dispute in April 1948 when India cut off the flow of water in canals that crossed the Pakistan-India boundary.

No doubt, the Indus is Pakistan's primary freshwater source on which 90 per cent agriculture depends. Pakistani agriculture and water experts believe that the nation is heading towards a massive water shortage in the next couple of years due to insufficient water management practices and storage capacity, which will be exacerbated by the twin Indian hydroelectric projects because they will further diminish the Indus' flow.

The Indian breach: The Indian breach of the Indus Basin Treaty means the country is bent upon pursuing its most- cherished ambition as it plans to enhance the hydel capacity by 50,000 MW by 2050. India is building big dams like Kishanganga, Uri I (240 MW), Uri II (240 MW) and Nathpa Dam (1650 MW) on the River Jhelum, Sawalkot (1200 MW) and Pakdul (1000 MW) on the River Chenab.

Climate change and adverse effect: Pakistan is the least contributor of carbon in atmosphere but is severely affected by climate change. Pakistan contributes just 0.01 per cent of the total emitted carbon on the earth, which is causing global warming. In 2010, the people of Pakistan faced a horrible flood which did a colossal loss to human life and properties and resulted in total devastation.

One fifth of the country became inundated as around 20 million people were badly affected and some 2,000 were reported killed. This huge surge in water was due to receding cliffs and glaciers. So the climate change is responsible for the massive devastation. If large dams are built in Pakistan, the risk of such a formidable calamity may be minimised if not totally averted. Pakistan has a capacity to produce 50,000MW of electricity, but if India keeps on breaching the contract and does not satisfy Pakistan, this capacity will be cut to 11,000MW. Implications of climate change: India is one of the major contributors of carbon emission in the earth's atmosphere. In the face of a large surge of water in rivers, it might have affected it more as compared to Pakistan. Yet there is a great probability of such a happening. The receding glaciers force India to build big dams for water storage.

The Medakheda Dam: India has completed the Medakheda Dam on the River Indus. It is also noticed that according to the provision of the Indus Water Treaty, the level of water at Marala should not be below 55,000 cusecs. However, after the building of these dams the flow of water remained at 20,000 cusecs. Furthermore, India did not inform Pakistan about the building of dams, which is a clear breach of the treaty. When Pakistan came to know about these dams, India had already accomplished 70 per cent of work.

Ramification of the row: After diverting a large amount of water India is trying to make the Pakistan land barren. It is leaving huge implications on the country's farming. The per capita utility of water is squeezing day by day. Thus, if India is not dealt with sternly it might result in an unimaginable loss to the agricultural produce in Pakistan.

Dams on fault lines: It is said there are dams which India is building on the fault lines. For instance, the Swalkot Dam with a capacity of 1200 MW and as high as 646ft is just 160 kilometres from Pakistan. If this project continues, it would have great impact on Pakistan and thus would result in an unthinkable catastrophe. Pakistan's potential: Pakistan has a capacity to produce 50,000MW of electricity, but if India keeps on breaching the contract and does not satisfy Pakistan, this capacity will be cut to 11,000MW. Therefore, it is high time that we do something about it.

Recommendations: The United Nations (UN) should set up an international commission on the transnational rivers. It is need of the hour to build, devise and make international law to regulate the transnational boundary rivers. It is binding on India to stick to the treaty because accords are sacred and should, therefore, be honoured. Pakistan must try to convince India to abide by the provisions of the treaty.

Neutral experts: Under the UN, this matter can be referred to international organizations. It would evolve further provisions to discuss the matter in detail, but while keeping in mind the provisions of the Indus Basin Treaty. The Indus Basin Treaty must be the final word for all jurists. However, the UN can be engaged to find out some way-out.

Pakistan needs to build big dams in order to come out of the present severe energy crisis. Our agricultural lands will become barren in the absence of sufficient amount of water which is a must to meet our requirements and, of course, for survival. Therefore, India must honour the treaties as “pacts are sacred.” Haseeb Gohar

Improving Technical and Vocational Education and Training The course curricula should be revised periodically through flexible approaches based on the learning outcome. More and more popular and market-oriented courses need to be introduced.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The key to economic growth and industrialization is a skilled and well-trained workforce. We are at the crossroads of the history with a number of opportunities knocking at our door. Now it is up to us whether we avail of the opportunities or just let them go wasted. This is a critical time of our history when the country is passing through the demographic transition. This is the time to develop the youth by training them in various skills through investment with the purpose of education and training. By developing this resource we can capitalize the demographic dividends. This requires political commitment to make decisions to allocate adequate funds to human resource development and equip our youth with modern skills especially through education and training.

In this age of liberalization and globalization, Pakistan still lags behind with regard to the training of a satisfactory number of people in different specialised fields. Every year millions of students graduate but they do not have specific skills valued in the market. If this trend continues, it would further aggravate the unemployment problem and thus affect the economic growth in the long run.

Perhaps the biggest advantages of technical and vocational education training (TVET) to economy are to help fight unemployment and alleviate poverty. In fact, it has also been referred to as a solution to terrorism, crimes and other social problems. The time is ripe for such investment and setting the goals for our future course of action. We need to make policies which are not only relevant but implementable. We have the best policies but our implementation side is weak. So along with the policy options we need to look into the issues of implementation also.

Challenges of the Skill Development The current state of TVET is not very encouraging. We need at least a million skilled workers every year to cater to our industry and other sectors. The strength of skilled workers in the country however remains just around 300,000. It is heartening to note that hardly 16.3 per cent of the youth cohort completes secondary education, with the result that more than three-quarters leave educational institutions without foundational or life skills. The majority of Pakistan's emerging labour force is either without education and skills or has very little of both. Thus the sustainable delivery of quality TVET is critical to the attainment of Pakistan's economic development goals. The Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had also stressed the need for scientific and technical education to build the economic future of Pakistan.

The other challenge of the system is that it does not give due importance to vocational and technical education. This has resulted in the mismatch between the skilled manpower required and the skilled manpower available. Majority of workers in the tattered economy have never been to vocational training institutions, not to speak of their for mal schooling. Moreover, vocational training courses lack market responsiveness. The participation/contribution of the industry in the development of curricula is also limited. Due to this reason there are insufficient linkages with industries and coverage of trades in the service sector which has higher employment potential.

The training infrastructure of the country is also weak. There is a shortage of trained teachers and trainers to handle courses and train at the geographic level. Moreover, lack of adequate buildings, modern equipment and raw material makes it hard to organize courses. The other noticeable challenge, as one of the reasons, is unattractiveness of vocational education because of the low economic/financial returns received by vocational and technical graduates. There are limited scholarship schemes and the drop-out rate of graduates is high because of non-availability of sufficient scholarships. The Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had also stressed the need for scientific and technical education to build the economic future of Pakistan. In Pakistan, people are obsessed with grabbing a graduation degree and generally look down upon vocational education. This has resulted in a situation where, on one hand, there are scores of unemployed graduates while on the other, there is a huge shortage of skilled workers such as plumbers, electricians etc. The formal training system because of its educational entry requirements and long duration of courses is designed to exclude the under-privileged informal sector workers. Above all, lack of equivalence for employment purposes, vertical mobility, lack of convergence between various agencies and recognition are compounding the problem.

Strategies and policy options In order to address the above-mentioned challenges, the goals of vocational training programmes in Pakistan need to be promoted in a big way. The following strategies may be adopted:

Vocational education should be provided out of the mainstream education and there is a need to expand and upgrade the existing TVET system. The emphasis on TVET may have been stronger on tertiary programmes, yet there is a need to create clear and strong linkages with the general vocational education and training system. Technical education needs to be expanded so as to prompt the research trend in educational institutions;

The educational pattern at the school level should be redesigned to facilitate skill development. Integration of vocational education is needed at this level. It should be subsidised and scholarships/stipends should be awarded to deserving students;

Substantial expansion and improvement in quality of vocational education and training is required at all levels for raising employability and productivity. Proper teaching materials must be developed keeping in view the requirements of different trades;

The course curricula should be revised periodically through flexible approaches based on the learning outcome. More and more popular and market-oriented courses need to be introduced;

Vocational education should be more computer-based and computerized programmes should be part of the general curriculum. The pattern of training should meet the new and changing business requirements. There is a need for creation of extensive skill development opportunities and infrastructure;

The vocational education system should be made more flexible and inclusive for sustainable growth;

The government should introduce suitable reforms and strengthen vocational education and training. It should make a clear policy to facilitate capacity expansion through private sector's participation. It should also make investments in vocational training institutes and subsidise education for deserving students;

The government should actively work on promotion of industry and academia interaction to narrow the existing gap between demand and supply of skilled workers. Moreover, awareness among the general public about these programmes should be created extensively. There is a lack of awareness about the type of courses, trades, institutions and opportunities available in case of TVET. The awareness campaign should be such that it provides all possible information in various fields through various means; The government should actively work on promotion of industry and academia interaction to narrow the existing gap between demand and supply of skilled workers. Re-branding of vocational education and training institutes and centres as skill development colleges and with adequate publicity is also needed. Universities should also develop skill development centres with autonomy;

Vocational education is not easily accessible to deserving students, particularly in rural areas. It is, therefore, essential to plan vocational education at the post-secondary level through distance learning mode to help the unemployed youth, rural people, drop-outs and unskilled industrial workers to improve their knowledge, skills and job potential.

National Training Programme (NPP) Enhancing employability of the educated unemployed, a national-level training programme - with a stipend and active collaboration of the industry representatives - needs to be launched. It should be in phases and different training programmes should be launched in different cities depending on their skill requirements. The long-term educated (ten years of education and over) unemployed groups having more than one year of unemployment spell should be targeted for such schemes. The qualifying conditions for this programme could be: I- Talented students who scored high grades in their education careers; II- Unemployed for more than a year, and; III- The household earnings are below certain threshold level (those households who qualify for public assistance/Zakat or other charity may be considered).

This programme can be gradually expanded to cover other groups qualifying the laid-down criteria. The National Vocational and Technical Education Commission (NEVTEC) in collaboration with the National Training Bureau (NTB) and Skill Development Council (SDC) need to be entrusted to conduct training programmes. The infrastructure of existing institutions can be fully utilised. For financing, the best practice is to go for public-private partnership scheme because that is doable and sustainable.

If these policies and schemes are implemented in letter and spirit, it can sail the country through current rough waters towards bright future with high employment and sustainable economic growth. Dr Zafar Mueen Nasir

The Politics of Military Operations

Every time the military high command has talked about the need to go after the militants in North Waziristan, apprehensions have increased in the political circles that, perhaps, this operation is being used as a means to create an unstable domestic situation in order to postpone the upcoming elections.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Such speculation has been particularly rife within the PML-N, whose fears of a silent coup have been reinforced by hardliners constantly harping on the theme that the army would do anything to keep Nawaz Sharif out of power. Another senior leader told me two months ago that he smelled “deep conspiracy in the talk of North Waziristan operation” because, he said, “this has been deliberately timed with elections. They know that law and order situation can cause the election schedule to be disturbed. Even emergency might have to be imposed. Who knows what might happen then. Why do they (the army) want to do it now?”

No assessment of Pakistan's present policy towards North Waziristan can be complete without factoring in the complexities of the army's hot and cold relationship with the civilian leadership. These complexities have had a strong bearing upon the strange no-peace-no-war situation prevailing in this vital part of our western border.

Some domestic considerations that have held back a full-throttle military operation in North Waziristan are easy to describe. These relate to costs, both material as well as that which will inevitably come in the form of a blowback in the country's urban centres as a reaction to military strikes in the Agency. It is amazing but true that most of the dozens of small and big military operations in Pakistan have never had budgets sanctioned for them at the federal level. There have been in-house assessments of the financial implications by the army, but no separate allocations approved by parliament and presented by the ministry of finance as a separate spending head. The government has always assumed that the army has the necessary flexibility of resources built into its existing defence allocation to roll the tanks or fly the jets against an elusive enemy. That is why, little or no documentation is available to show how much has been actually taken out of national resources to win these long drawn out battles in some of the toughest terrains of the world.

While the military carries its own budgetary exercise and bills the government for reimbursement, there is no special allocation named or claimed by the federal government in its annual budgets of the last five years. This means that while everyone has been shouting from the rooftop about “mortal danger” to Pakistan in the shape of terrorism and the “inescapable need to fight terrorists”, there has been no real financial work done to fund the fight. Some of these money matters were resolved because of the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) reimbursements, which typically came late, but still did not hold up operational planning because these were eventually paid, even if partially. In case of North Waziristan, funding has been a real issue. The CSF has become unreliable and the federal government does not seem to be in the mood to foot the bill of almost Rs. 40 billion, which could increase if the operation lingers on. Looking after the displaced population and compensating for material damages, lost lives, injured persons, rehabilitation and reconstruction would add more to the bill. Is the government willing to foot the bill? Beyond stale rhetoric of commitment to countering terrorism, no one gives a serious answer. In fact, this question is not even asked anywhere in the power corridors. The government has always assumed that the army has the necessary flexibility of resources built into its existing defence allocation to roll the tanks or fly the jets against an elusive enemy. That is why, little or no documentation is available to show how much has been actually taken out of national resources to win these long drawn out battles in some of the toughest terrains of the world. The second cost consideration is the TTP's targeting of business and commercial hubs, assassinating political and religious leadership, besides blowing up vital infrastructure in a bloody spree of coordinated attacks and suicide hits. Can the country afford that? Is the political leadership willing to absorb massive retaliation from the TTP in mainland Pakistan? In private, most of the representatives of the parties that I have spoken with are unwilling to experience another bout of extremist terrorism in their midst. They want North Waziristan cleansed but not at the cost of ruining their homes and disturbing their peaceful lives. This across the board sentiment translates into big strategic impediment: a half-hearted political leadership cannot craft a national consensus on arguably the hardest and the longest of all Fata battles, and the army is unwilling to start the operation without a clear-cut direction and secure lines of public and political support.

In another country, these issues would have been categorised as usual matters of coordination between the civilian and the military wings of the state. After negotiations and adjustments, rough edges of the divergence could have been filed and a united front put in place. But Pakistan's landscape is bumpy. Here, transparent and focused decision-making is permanently distorted by deep distrust between the civilians and the military. It was in June this year that all plans were supposed to be operationalised to move into North Waziristan but it was always doubtful whether unity of thought and action — of the sort that was witnessed in Swat, for example — could ever be achieved. These doubts proved correct.

Lately, every time the military high command has talked about the need to go after the militants in North Waziristan, apprehensions have increased in the political circles that, perhaps, this operation is being used as a means to create an unstable domestic situation in order to postpone the upcoming elections. Such speculation has been particularly rife within the PML-N, whose fears of a silent coup have been reinforced by hardliners constantly harping on the theme that the army would do anything to keep Nawaz Sharif out of power. Another senior leader told me two months ago that he smelled “deep conspiracy in the talk of North Waziristan operation” because, he said, “this has been deliberately timed with elections. They know that law and order situation can cause the election schedule to be disturbed. Even emergency might have to be imposed. Who knows what might happen then. Why do they (the army) want to do it now?” The conclusions that most PPP leaders have drawn are not different from those of the PML-N camp — apart from rounding up the TTP, the North Waziristan operation can potentially fold up the political system too. Such fears have been subdued in the PPP camp but eyebrows were raised, for instance, when on August 14, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani in his Abbottabad speech used unusually harsh language in describing the state of national affairs and in the same breath also spoke of the resolve to fight extremism. The conclusions that most PPP leaders have drawn are not different from those of the PML-N camp — apart from rounding up the TTP, the North Waziristan operation can potentially fold up the political system too. Now, whatever chances have been there for the civilians to back a North Waziristan Operation have all dissolved in the heat of suspicion and distrust of the generals' intentions. The PML-N does not want to back the operation this year, and neither does the PPP for that matter — an army which would be the final battle against the TTP. It is interesting to note that it is not just the civilians who have been speaking from both sides of their mouths on North Waziristan. The army, despite having prepared and positioned itself for the operation, has had its head in a cloud of doubts. And this is primarily because of the complex and contradictory nature of its engagement with Washington. Syed Talat Hussain The Suffering Soul in the Scientific Age

“Our scientific power has overturned our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.” — Martin Luther King, Jr

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

There can be no two opinions about the veracity of the statement that the Modern Age is the age of science. Science undoubtedly has revolutionised the world. Everyday there are new inventions, may that be in medicine, electronics, space sciences, nuclear technology and so on. Everything that modern man is using in this contemporary age has been given to him by the scientific advancement. He cannot live without science even for a single day. Science has given eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf and limbs to the crippled. It has made man fly in the sky like birds, swim in the water like fish. It has achieved wonders and thus has brought about irreversible changes in the world. Science, however, is perceived both as a blessing as well as a curse. Apart from bringing uncountable blessings in the lives of human beings, it also has turned out to be course and has resulted into human sufferings which have now assumed horrible proportions and are beyond human control.

It is said that modern civilization is a scientific civilization. It is true as far as the material aspects of civilization are concerned, man lives in great comfort today. He enjoys cinema, radio and television. He can talk with his friends thousands of miles away from by telephone. Science has increased human comfort and lessened human drudgery. He has no longer to travel on foot. He can travel comfortably without any fatigue in cars, air-conditioned trains, buses, etc. he has no longer to bear the hardships of weather. In summer, he can cool his house by electric cooler and in winter, get heat by electric heaters. Day and night make no difference to him, for night can turn into day by electric lights.

He does not work hard like his forefathers. He does not follow barbarous practice of having slaves. Science has given him slaves of a new kind, which do all work for him. Machines are the slaves of modern scientific civilization. These slaves do all the work for him while he himself lives like a lord. They cook his food for him and even serves it to him. They manufacture everything that he uses from morning till night. They plough fields for him, sow seeds and reap crops for him. Human pain and suffering have been lessened by science. Modern civilized man has not to suffer like his forefathers. Many diseases have been eliminated or have become curable, and surgeries can be performed without inflicting pain to the patients. Many wonderful drugs have been discovered and man's life on this earth has become longer and happier. Man lives in comfort like the lord and master of nature. He has conquered even outer space, mastered weather and all other living creatures.

But there is another side also to this picture. Science affects only the material aspects and makes man materialistic. Radio, television, cinema and costly furniture and dresses are all symbols of this artificial civilization. But civilization has material as well as spiritual elements. Science helps only the growth of the material aspects and has no influence on the spiritual element. Science has made man morally bankrupt. It has degraded him. He is no longer inspired by noble ideas. He thinks only of the body and not the soul. Science has created distance between man and religion. He has lost faith in God. He is no longer truth-loving and self-sacrificing. In order to satisfy his wants and desires, he uses dishonest means. By hook or by crook, he wants to possess the luxuries provided to him by science. No moral considerations influence his actions or his thoughts.

Art and literature are also essential aspects of civilization, but science does nothing to promote them. Rather it has an adverse effect on the growth of art. There is inherent opposition between art and science. Science is utility, observation and experiment, reason and good sense, while art is the worship of beauty. It is an inspiration. Science has killed the artistic sense of man and has made him a worshipper of worldly wealth. He now dissects and kills objects of nature instead of enjoying their beauty. To quote from poet William Wordsworth, man now murders to dissect, and perhaps he would botanize even on his mother's grave. His emotions and passions have all dried up and he has become a monster guided by reason alone.

No doubt science has given man the powers used to be attributed to the mythological gods alone, but it has not increased his wisdom or his morality. It has given him weapons. It has given him machines, but machines are now becoming his masters. Man today does not know when to save and when to kill. He has got the atomic energy but he does not know how to use it for his own good and wellbeing. In this way, science has brought human civilization to the verge of disaster.

Much has been said and talked about the importance of science and technology. However, as the saying goes, every rose has its thorns. Science also has added to the human sufferings owing to the adverse impacts it has on the environment. Environmental issues are the biggest concerns the planet earth is facing, let that be in the form of global warming, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes etc. Moreover, no doubt, medical science is no less than a blessing to mankind. Medicines produced all over the world are perceived to be a foolproof cure to a person's illness. However, there is some negativity associated with medical science too. Today, excessive consumption of drugs can lead to death. Moreover, incorrect dosage may lead to fatal maladies. Where medical science has advanced to an unbelievable extent, it carries with itself perils of all kinds, and just a slight ignorance may prove to be a matter of life and death.

Technology has provided ease of all kinds to man. However, it has made us too busy to even see our loved ones in person. Technology might have made our daily life easier, but it has rendered health issues as well. Tremendous reliance and dependence on electronic gadgets, appliances, and most importantly, computer technology has made human life so lethargic that people are experiencing old age much before they actually grow old. With almost zero physical activity, science might have proved its mettle as an amazingly efficient service to its users, but has got the world adversely hooked to it!

There are no qualms in accepting the fact that science is the biggest revolution ever happened to planet Earth. However, a normal human being has no idea to what extent has this field advanced today.

Technology can actually harm society if one chooses to. Competition between companies or even cities can sometimes make our lives even worse. When a city builds more roads to attract tourists, the result is more traffic load. Even things we take for granted such as the automobile have negative effect on us. Because the automobiles cause pollution and that can surely harm us slowly. Technology is making one so busy that he can't even find time to spend with our closed ones. It would be surprising to know that people are in contact through chat and online messaging though they are in same city, because they think it's faster and effective but they forget that meeting personally can never replace online chatting.

Before the advent of television and internet, people had ways of having fun together every day. Many of these traditional methods of fun have almost disappeared in the modern world. People used to talk with each other, they would play games, but now they play games on computer giving no reaction that people are drifting away from one other. Dr Quratul Ain Malik (CSP)

‘Malaysia Regards Pakistan as its Brotherly Country’

Dr Hasrul Sani bin Mujtabar High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Jahangir's World Times: Pakistan and Malaysia are enjoying good brotherly relations. When were the relations formally established?

HE Dr Hasrul Sani bin Mujtabar: Malaysia established its relations with Pakistan soon after our independence in 1957. The High Commission of Malaysia in Pakistan was established in the same year. In the early years of its inception, the High Commission of Malaysia was placed in Karachi, which was the capital of Pakistan then. However, in 1968, the High Commission was moved to Islamabad.

Following this, two Honorary Consulates were established in Karachi in 1977 and later in Lahore in 1993. Recognising the importance of Pakistan and Malaysia relations since 1957, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Karachi was instituted in 2004 that is headed by a Consul General.

At present, High Commission of Malaysia has strength of 12 Home-Based Staff (HBS) and 25 Locally Recruited Staff (LRS). The agencies representing the High Commission are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Defence and Immigration Department of Malaysia.

JWT: Pakistan and Malaysia do not share common borders. Malaysia is in the ASEAN organisation, whereas Pakistan falls in the SAARC region. So, what do you think are the common bonds between Malaysia and Pakistan?

HSM: We are primarily bound together by many factors. Our religion, Islam, is the most important bond. Secondly, we are also bound by the traditions and historical experience with Pakistan. Pakistan is also a member of ASEAN Regional Forum whereas Malaysia is a full-fledged member of ASEAN. Pakistan and Malaysia are very active members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In short, Malaysia and Pakistan have many things in common. Even on the platform of the OIC, Malaysia and Pakistan share many common objectives. The two countries are in the usual business of high-level contacts on regular basis. Many of your presidents and prime ministers have visited Malaysia. Similarly, Malaysian prime ministers have also been visiting Pakistan since our independence. JWT:-But in the recently held D-8 Summit in Pakistan, your prime minister stayed away from coming to Pakistan. President of Indonesia along with President of Nigeria and Prime Minister of Turkey came to Pakistan. But your prime minister was not here?

HSM: Our Prime Minister would have loved to attend the summit in Islamabad. In fact, it was his great desire to be here. However, he got pressing engagements in the region. In fact, there were elections in Cambodia those days. Similarly, there were some electoral issues even inside Malaysia. So the prime minister of Malaysia could not come over. But despite the hectic engagements in Malaysia and the region, our Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Yassin came to Pakistan along with our Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman to attend the D-8 Summit in Islamabad. I assure you that Malaysia always gives lot of importance to Pakistan and Malaysia regards Pakistan as its brotherly country.

JWT: Now that we are talking of D-8 Summit, what were the achievements? Do you really feel that the organization has been able to achieve its objectives?

HSM: The Summit was supposed to talk about enhancing trade and investment among the member countries. We, the Malaysians, give lot of importance to trade among the Muslim countries. On the sideline of D-8 Summit, trade exhibition was organized. In the said exhibition, eight Malaysian companies participated. There was no Charter of the Organization. In Islamabad, D-8 Charter was signed. The Global Vision of the D-8 was signed. But still, there is no doubt. That the organisation is underutilised regarding its potential. Therefore, much more is needed to be done.

JWT: You said the D-8 is yielding far below its potential. What do you recommend to make the organization deliver at par its potential?

HSM: The crux of the matter is that we should have mutually massive trade. At the moment, we trade with others more than we trade with each other. We have to fully implement the Preferential Trade Agreement between us. We need not allow the complicated issues hamper our trade links.

JWT: How can Pakistan and Malaysia further promote bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of people-to-people contacts in the cultural fields etc?

HSM: Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed very cordial relations. There can be many options to further promote bilateral relations. Education is one field where there is a lot of scope for enhancing relations. At the moment, there are more than 3200 Pakistani students studying in different educational institutions in Malaysia. Tourism can be another field whereby we can promote our relations. Last year, around 27 million tourists visited Malaysia, among them, around 23,000 were Pakistanis. Tourism should be given serious consideration for a binding force between the two countries.

There can also be cooperation in film industry. We can have joint ventures in the film industry, drama production can be shared. There are beautiful locations in Pakistan and we can jointly produce films here. I am already working on such a project.

We are also setting up a Malaysian food restaurant in Islamabad. It will be a place to have pure Malaysian food available. The Malaysian delicatessen will be available here. Once we have positive response in Islamabad, we shall open Malaysian food restaurant in other cities of Pakistan.

On 25 October 2012, I, accompanied by Mr. Aiyub bin Omar, Head of Chancery of Malaysia, met Mr. Manzar Khurshid Sheikh, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rawalpindi at his office. The purpose of the meeting was to promote greater economic ties and bilateral relations between Malaysia and Pakistan. The President of RCCI was accompanied by the other members of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. You will soon find Northern Chapter of Pak-Malaysia Business Council. JWT Desk

Saba Asghar Ali CSS 3rd, 2011 (PAS)

I think every hopeful should first of all choose the optional subjects wisely, instead of just running after "scoring"subjects as the trend changes every year.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Jahangir's World Times: Kindly tell us about your educational background and achievements in detail?

Saba Asghar Ali: I am an architect by profession. I graduated from U.E.T Lahore in 2008 and was the president of UET quiz society.

JWT: Is this your first attempt? If it's not, will you please share the experience of previous attempts?

SAA: This is my first attempt. When anybody asks me if I would give a second attempt in case the first one had failed, I always told that it is the first and last attempt because I did not have enough time to waste for a second attempt. In fact, different things work for different people I just knew I had to get it right in the first go since I would have chosen to do something else then.

JWT: What is so special in PAS and how it is better than other groups?

SAA: I do not think PAS is any better than any other group. It depends on what you want. I chose PAS because I wanted to be in close contact with the people and serve them so that I can understand and solve their problems. Another factor that influenced my choice is the fact that in PAS promotions are rapid and on merit.

JWT: Now being a 3rd position holder in CSS-exam 2011, what type of strategy did you devise for the preparation of exam? Please highlight some steps as key to success for the aspirants?

SAA: Work hard; because it does not mean taking more books beyond your capacity to read; it means selecting one or maximum two good books for each subject is enough. Go through and then revise them as well. I think every hopeful should first of all choose the optional subjects wisely, instead of just running after "scoring" subjects as the trend changes every year. In fact, they should opt subjects in which they have a genuine interest. I took psychology but then I took IR as well and neither of the choices was made because of scoring trends since everybody knows that IR is not scoring at all and I even did not know that psychology was a scoring subject then. Secondly please do go through from past papers since I found them the most useful guide in my preparation for the CSS. JWT: Did you join any academy or prepared on your own?

SAA: No I didn't. I studied on my own for the written exam and took notes only for English from Sir Bokhari. But for the interview preparation, I joined the Officers academy.

JWT: Discuss books and notes? What should be prepared and how?

SAA: I didn't prepare notes even not in my whole academic life. I always read directly from books and write the important points at the empty side-space of book. As far as JWT is concerned I found it quite useful during the preparation especially the combined edition of JWT i.e. All in One. I mostly consulted it for current affairs. Name: Saba Asghar Ali Position: 3rd, CSS-2011 Group: PAS Marks: Written -759 Viva Voce- 222 Essay-51 English Composition-62 General Knowledge- 175 Public Administration-72 Journalism-72 Psychology-155 Zodiac sign: Aquarius Favourite Personality: Dilma Rouseff and Zaha Hadid for different reasons. Favourite Book: A history of God by Karen Armstrong Favourite Quote: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

JWT: Majority of candidates cannot pass English Essay and English Composition paper. So, what precautions or steps would you suggest for these two crucial papers?

SAA: Read newspapers as much as you can, instead of using flowery language, make sure you use simple words but excellent sentence structures. Because using flowery language and poor sentence structures is probably the worst mistake especially in these two papers.

JWT: Seeking guidance prior to exam was an essential prerequisite of CSS so, what sort of guidance is required for the fresh CSS hopefuls and how do you rate Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS-exam is concerned?

SAA: I think hopefuls should take guidance as far as selection of appropriate books is concerned. I asked to Dr Ali Adnan Zaidi, a CSP for help regarding books. As far as JWT is concerned I found it quite useful during the preparation especially the combined edition of JWT i.e. All in One. I mostly consulted it for current affairs.

JWT: You have earned a professional degree of Architecture then why did you opt for the Civil service?

SAA: Well, if had I been a doctor then probably I would have not joined civil service. As an architect, all I had to do was, sit behind a desk and work for those who are rich and powerful. So, as clichéd as it may sound I wanted to do something for the common man, help him in ways that I could not do as an architect. I will not claim to be ultra patriotic but one thing that I am absolutely sure that is my desire and determination to help the miserable and and downtrodden see the light at the end of the tunnel so they can have faith again that “all is not lost!”

Any Message If you are determined enough, humble enough and have nothing but the best intentions at heart God rewards you in ways you never thought were possible in your wildest dreams. Have faith! If you fail in CSS; know that better things in life await you and if you pass, know that you have tougher exams ahead. In any case your failure or success make no difference, it is what you make of your failure or success that makes a difference! Waqas Iqbal

Tips & Tricks for Compulsory Papers

The written part of Competitive examination is considered the toughest one in all competitive exams in the country. With the start of the New Year, the aspirants would be gearing up for revisions and giving final shapes to their notes.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

In this piece of writing, I shall try to discuss some tips for the aspirants to attempt compulsory papers. It has been observed that most people get fewer marks in compulsory papers. However, with an effective approach, a candidate can get reasonably high marks in these papers.

Compulsory subjects carry key significance in Competitive Examination. In many a cases, a brilliant candidate flunks in one compulsory paper despite getting very high score in all other papers. Contrarily, a higher score in these papers brings a candidate in top candidates. Therefore, the candidates are advised to focus more on compulsory papers.

General Tips Preparation stage Thorough preparation – targeted, not selective, study Consult good books for each subject Prepare your own notes that must contain up-to-date and relevant information from authentic sources. Practice your answers by solving past papers preferably in mock settings simulating examination in order to test yourself before the commencement of the real test. Improve your presentation skills. In order to be successful in a competitive exam, a candidate has to put some extra effort to make his/her paper better than others. So, where studying good books enables a candidate to be better prepared, giving the answers with an excellent presentation is equally important for scoring higher marks.

During the Examination Once in examination, you must keep plan for your paper Read all questions carefully and select those questions which you have prepared the best. It is always handy to select one extra question Explore your mind and gather all relevant points related to each topic Prepare outlines for each answer based on Coherence, Relevancy, and Logical flow You must have Supportive arguments for each point. Make sure that you provide authentic and up-to-date information on the topic Filter & refine your arguments and organize your answer in required order In your argumentation, always follow a balanced approach. Especially in Current Affairs and Islamiyat papers, present positive ideas rather than pessimistic & belligerent ideology Finally, review your outline before embarking upon an attempt Attempt that question first for which you have best answer with most relevant and up-to-date information

English Essay Essay paper is considered as the toughest nut to crack. It is believed that this very first paper decides whether one is going to pass the exam or not. Most of the candidates fail in this paper. It is because majority of the candidates produce crammed knowledge obtained from available stereotype sources. They have invalid and expired pieces of information/knowledge without any sense to update it. They don't express any knowledge of basic English grammar, punctuation and sentence formation. But a few good candidates were able to score excellent marks because they showed commendable originality of approach, precision of comprehension and clarity of expression. Their attempt was well-structured & articulate with an innovative style. Practice is the key in this segment. Try to solve all 40 past papers questions of précis and comprehension passages. Time management is very important in this paper as the précis passage mostly consumes around one hour. A glance at past papers of English Essay would reveal that the essay topics on which a candidate is asked to write are generally only one aspect of the issues that the candidate may have prepared. If the candidate does not make a distinction between the issue and the specific aspect(s) of that issue being asked in the paper, he is likely to annoy the examiner. Here it proves my point when I criticise the commercial aspects of so-called 'precious notes' and essay as the candidates cram these answers and write them as such in the paper. The very outline of these essays would be enough to depict whether a candidate has attempted it in a correct way.

Another important aspect is the length of essay. In my view it is quality and not the quantity that matters. Examiner usually sets a limit of 2500-3500 words limit to trap the candidates. But it would not bother him much if you put up a good effort which falls short of the words limit.

Tips for Essay 1. Carefully read all essay tips and select those issues which you have prepared the best. 2. Now select that essay which you can best at tempt considering thoughtfully the aspect which is asked. 3. Thoroughly explore your mind and bring out all relevant points of that issue on paper. 4. Now pick those points which are most suitable for your outline. 5. Make a logical outline depending solely upon the statement or topic of essay set by the examiner. 6. Reconsider each point for its relevancy and order in the outline. 7. Review your points and see if the used words can be replaced with more catchy or striking words. Remember, outline is like a cover of your essay which clearly depicts what is wrapped inside. So give it due consideration and time before starting your essay. 8. On rough pages, write an introduction for the essay. Articulate it with best words possible. 9. Now reconsider your outline and introduction and assess whether it fulfils the demands of the given essay. Only if you are satisfied with that rough draft proceed with the essay, otherwise reject it and attempt your second best essay on similar pattern. This is important because you would not get a second chance before one year if you fail in this paper.

This exercise would certainly take time but do not be panic even if it takes 40-45 minutes because you have done all the hard work. All you have to do is to write that outline and introduction neatly on your answer sheet and then proceed with the essay following the outline that you have already prepared.

English Précis and Composition You may prepare for this paper in two parts: Part – I: 65 marks (Précis, comprehension, expansion) Part – II: 35 marks (Change of narration, correction of sentences, idioms, pair of words, antonyms/synonyms)

(The examiner may, however, ask other segments like change of voice as well)

Part – II is mathematical as your correct answer would accrue full marks. Mostly, questions in this part are repeated which makes it easier to prepare. Here it becomes key to success if you manage to score 30 in this segment your chances of clearing this paper become high. For this purpose practise this segment from the past papers and please do not cram sentences written in common guide books available in market.

Part – It is significant as it's a test of your command over language. You have to demonstrate your skills of comprehending a piece of writing and communicating in writing in a precise and effective manner. Practice is the key in this segment. Try to solve all 40 past papers questions of précis and comprehension passages. Time management is very important in this paper as the précis passage mostly consumes around one hour. Practice can help you save time in other parts.

Everyday Science Everyday Science paper is a unique of all the papers in the sense that it awards marks to the candidates in a wide range of 5-95. You would find DMCs of allocated candidates who obtained 30- 40 marks in this paper. An extra effort in this paper may prove a key factor in determining your final standing in merit list. Attempting this paper is skill of which selection of questions is very important. In objective portion, there is no choice so you have to attempt all. From subjective portion, prefer those questions which carry one mark because chances of getting full 10 marks in that question are more. Similarly, second preference should be two marks questions and lengthy questions should be avoided.

In science paper, diagrams carry nearly half marks of each question. So, practise drawing them as much as possible and try to draw neat diagrams with proper labelling in paper. Another misconception about this paper is about attempting it in Urdu or English. This is no issue as the main purpose is checking your knowledge. English or Urdu does not carry any marks of their own, but your argumentation and presentation does. Do consult past 10 years papers of EDS as the books on Everyday Science for the CSS exams are too voluminous. One mark questions are usually of scientific units and abbreviations and reasoning. These questions are fairly simple and very often repeated. If you go through past papers, you will find many such examples.

Current Affairs Scoring high marks in this paper demands that the candidate must be well prepared having up-to- date knowledge of all current topics. The candidates are judged on the basis of their level of understanding, depth of knowledge and analysis of issues.

To ensure better preparation, candidates may divide this paper into following segments:

1. Foreign Policy: Foreign Policy and Pakistan's relations with China, India, Iran, Afghanistan, US, Russia and Muslim countries. 2. International organisations: UN, OIC, NAM, SAARC, ECO, SCO, EU, ASEAN, D-8, G-20, Commonwealth 3. International issues (Climate Change, Global War on Terror, Syrian Crisis, Palestinian Crisis, Nuclear Proliferation, etc.) 4. Important States of the World (US, China, Russia, UK, Japan, India, etc.) – their role and influence on the global level 5. Domestic issues

In this paper, candidates should try to write to-the-point answers in a precise manner. Drawing a map is a required for most of the questions in this paper. Maps printed at the back of diaries can be used for practice.

Domestic issues important for CE-2013 include problems of Pakistan economy, foreign aid and debt.

Energy Crisis Corruption & Bad governance Problems and suggestions for industry, agriculture, exports and tourism Role of media, courts, and bureaucracy Democracy in Pakistan Natural and human resource potential of Pakistan Problems of education and health sector Status and rights of women, children, and minorities

Pakistan Affairs This paper generally gives low marks but some candidates do score 65 plus marks every year. So it is a challenge for every candidate to score higher in this paper.

This paper demands a creative approach in every attempted question. Your scripts must contain critical and thought-provoking analysis of the issues asked. Moreover, suitable quotations from good sources may be given to support your argument. For this purpose, select two or three good books and read them thoroughly. The candidates may even pick analytical arguments from these books and use them in the paper. This paper comprises two segments: pre-partition, and post-partition. A reason for low scores in this paper is the tendency of the candidates to prefer pre-partition questions for the obvious reason of availability of books and handy notes in market for these questions. They must understand that thousands of them rely on same material which is mostly outdated. The examiner expects creativity and originality from the candidates. A better strategy is to target questions related to current scenario and contemporary issues as there is a better margin to exhibit your analytical skills.

Islamiyat There are many false notions and myths about this paper that the candidates must give moderate views in paper, otherwise get ready to be failed. These notions are false and absurd. There is no room for confusion in Islam so give your clear cut view but do not forget to prove it with effective argumentation and examples. Moreover, try to understand contemporary problems from Islamic point of view.

Another misconception about this paper is about attempting it in Urdu or English. This is no issue as the main purpose is checking your knowledge. English or Urdu does not carry any marks of their own, but your argumentation and presentation does. So choose the language in which you can best attempt the paper.

Islamiyat paper may also be divided into segments: Islamic concept and practices Contemporary problems faced by Muslims

The candidates should focus on both segments. Some topics for guideline may be: Islamic concept of Universe and Humanity Problems of life and Islamic solution Beliefs on Risalat and Akhirat – Blasphemy question Social and moral codes in Islam vs Western Ethics Islamic political system in comparison with modern democracy Women rights in Islam and legislations against veil in the West Political and economic instability in Muslim World Sectarian violence and terrorism in Pakistan Sources of Shariah; Ijtehad

In the end, I would like to remind the candidates that this is just an exam for a job. Success or failure in it would not mean an end of life. Just keep faith in your abilities and try to give it your best. May Allah bless you all. [email protected] Dr Waheed Asghar (CSP)

Students Should go to Teachers Instead of Academies

In a nutshell, preparing for the exam by memorising is not the key to success but taking tests matter which help them a lot in bagging top positions.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

With final exam just around the corner, students are confused what to do in this situation because many of them fail to mismanagement and wastage of their precious time in futile practices.

When January starts, students must take their knowledge of all their subjects relatively. I usually see, during the last many years, that students keep memorizing the notes and do not pay attention to the written portion whether it is a subject of English, Islamiat, Pakistan affairs or optional subjects. One should be very careful especially in the months of January and February.

As the month of January begins, students must take the test of English Essay and English Comprehension by those teachers who can guide them concerning their problems in this context? I have observed that a majority of the students go to that English teacher who just checks the papers and does not discuss issues as they have a large number of students to attend to as a result, the majority of students fail. I request those students that they should contact only those English teachers who can guide and discuss with them about their problems. This is the major problem of students who make wrong choices.

In order to overcome this problem, students should go to those teachers who can guide them in detail. Secondly, students should practise a number of short essays, précis and long essays for confidence in expression.

Thirdly, they must take compulsory and optional subjects test. As I have seen, there are students who pass English but are not able to get seats due to less marks in the optional and compulsory subjects. My advice is that the hopefuls must take optional and compulsory subjects to those teachers who have time to guide them instead of going to CSS academies where there is no discussion about the test as these academies just want the enrolment of students to cash their names in future. Therefore, the students should go to teachers instead of academies.

Fourthly, preparation of the long essay and current affairs is necessary. For this purpose, students must take current affairs classes as this subject helps in long essay, Pakistan affairs, Islamiat and other subjects.

Fifthly, it is high time that students take their test before February 23 on the pattern they final in the exam, I mean to say that one should practise on similar pattern as CSS. Candidates should take February 12 as final date and take the test similarly on the CSS pattern. In this way, they go through the process which is beneficial for their written expression and vocabulary.

In a nutshell, preparing for the exam by memorising is not the key to success but taking tests matter which help them a lot in bagging top positions. Zahid Ashraf

MOON MADE OF EARTH? New Spins Put on Old Questions

Scientists ran new simulations in which the early Earth was rotating on its axis in just a few hours prior to the impact—compared to the present 24 hours. In such a scenario, the team could get debris material thrown into a Moon-forming disc around the Earth that had the right chemical make-up. In other words, it was substantial Earth material from its mantle that was ejected in the collision.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Scientists have put a new turn on the theory of how the Moon was created. It has long been thought that the lunar body resulted from an impact between the early Earth and another planet-sized object 4.5 billion years ago. But this theory predicts Earth and its satellite should have a quite different chemical make-up—and the data shows in fact they are very similar. Now, new modelling reveals that if the Earth had a much faster spin before the impact, the theory fits the chemistry. It is one idea to fix the composition conundrum explored in two papers published this week by the journal Science. The giant impact hypothesis was first posited in the 1970s. It holds that the Moon formed from the debris kicked into orbit by the collision of a smaller proto-planet with the infant Earth. But the early models indicated that much of this debris would have originated from the impactor, whose composition would most probably have differed substantially from that of Earth. This is not reflected in the analysis of Earth and Moon rocks – for example, their oxygen isotope, or atom type, compositions are identical. Matija Cuk, from the Seti Institute, and colleagues ran new simulations in which the early Earth was rotating on its axis in just a few hours prior to the impact— compared to the present 24 hours. In such a scenario, the team could get debris material thrown into a Moon-forming disc around the Earth that had the right chemical make-up. In other words, it was substantial Earth material from its mantle that was ejected in the collision. After the impact, the gravitational interaction between the Sun and the Moon could then have slowed the fast rotation of the Earth to the speed we now experience. Robin Canup from the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and colleagues took a different approach. Their simulations involved larger impactors hitting an Earth of comparable size and at comparatively lower speeds. Again, the team was able to produce a Moon with the same chemical composition as the Earth. JWT Desk

‘The Harder you Work, the Luckier you are’

Muhammad Usman Khalid (PAS) 22nd CSS-2011

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Jahangir's World Times(JWT): Our readers would like to know about your educational background and achievements in detail? M Usman Khalid (MUK): I got my early education from Faisalabad. I passed the intermediate examination from Government College Lahore with the distinction of standing 5th in Lahore Board. I did BS (Hons) in Computer Science from University of the Punjab. I did MBA from IBA, Karachi. I got A+ grade in all my academic examinations at school, college and university. I have also been an active participant in extra-curricular activities and sports. Before joining civil service, I was serving as an Assistant Director at State Bank of Pakistan.

Q2: What is so special in PAS and how it is better than other groups?

MUK: Selection of a particular group/service depends upon individual's interest and aptitude. In PAS, one gets diversified opportunities of public service; there are career building and learning opportunities along with horizontal and vertical mobility. PAS has very fast Promotions. Here one can serve the masses at grass root level and create difference by playing his role in public policy making.

Q3: Did you get any guidance from some academy or you did that on your own?

MUK: I visited some of the academies for getting necessary information related to the selection of optional subjects and notes etc. Soon I realised that I could save my time and money by preparing on my own in a better and effective way. So I made my own plan for each subject and had prepared accordingly. I also consulted CSS Forum for guidance which proved very helpful. Aspirants may get initial guidance related to CSS from academy if they don't have any other source of guidance. But once they are on track, it's better to prepare on their own.

Q4: Discuss books and notes? What should be prepared and how?

MUK: I consulted both. I think one should read good books and make one's own notes. Also there are already good notes available on different subjects. I used both these sources for making my own notes/points. Aspirants should make short points which might help them revising a subject during the exam days. Make a strategy for each paper by looking at the past papers.

Q5: What strategy one should adopt to make the difference?

MUK: Writing crammed sentences may not create much difference. Aspirants more or less consult same sources/books/notes for preparation and if they just write the crammed wording, examiner might not get impressed as many other candidates would be writing the same. Aspirants should remember the main points/ideas of the question and try to write this in their own words. Presentation also does matter. Aspirants should facilitate the examiner by writing neatly with appropriate space between the words and lines. Do include important statistics/facts and figures, quotations etc. wherever applicable.

Q6: Majority of candidates flunk in English Essay and English Composition papers. So, what precautions or steps would you suggest for these two crucial papers?

MUK: I think the most important thing is the selection of right topic on which one has sufficient command and has enough material available to write on. One should be to the point and substantiate his opinion with supporting arguments, examples, facts and figures etc. For Composition paper, aspirants should practise précis writing. Sundry Reflections is a good book for 'expansion of the idea' question. In both Essay and Composition paper, one should write grammatically correct sentences and try to use good expression. It is also advised to get essay and précis checked from some good teacher of English. Q7: Kindly tell us about your scores in written as well as in interview in detail?

MUK: I obtained 718 marks in written and 203 marks in interview. (I scored 738 in CSS 2010 but failed in Essay) Essay: 45, Précis and composition: 57 (78 in 2010), Current Affairs: 69, Everyday Science: 59, Islamiyat: 51, Pakistan Affairs: 53, Arabic: 142 (153 in 2010), Sociology: 59 (76 in 2010), Journalism: 64, Punjabi: 79, International Relations: 40 (64 in 2010)

Q8: Seeking guidance prior to exam is an essential prerequisite of CSS so, what sort of guidance is required for the fresh aspirants and how do you see the Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS-exam is concerned?

MUK: Passing CSS exam needs proper guidance and direction. Hard work should be accompanied with smart work. Guidance is required at different stages; i.e. selection of optional subjects, techniques of attempting the paper and interview etc. Here I would like to thank the management of JWT Magazine for bringing out this wonderful magazine. It has been providing quality information and guidance to the aspirants of competitive exams for last few years. It consists of quality articles considering the demands of CSS exam. It is one of the reasons behind my good score in CA.

Q9. Do you believe in the luck-factor in CSS? As we always notice number of average students gets allocations while talented and scholarly students are unable to pass this exam?

MUK: No doubt, in addition to hard work, commitment, dedication and patience, luck also plays its part in CSS. Many candidates score excellent marks in written but fail in any of the compulsory paper. Some very talented and competent candidates remain unlucky to qualify the exam due to some reason(s). On the other hand, some average candidates qualify the exam by meeting only the aggregate marks criteria and subsequently get allocation. Having said all this, it is also to be kept in mind that luck is of no avail if there is no hard work and determination. As it is said “The harder you work, the more luck you might have.”

Any Message Never lose hope. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. CSS is an exam of nerves; it really exhausts you and demands a lot of patience due to its lengthy process.

It is also full of uncertainties and surprises. If you are not successful in the first attempt, keep trying with the same zeal and zest and INSHALLAH you will find yourself successful one day. Having said all this, remember! AAAAH is the best planner. Despite all hard work, smart work and other things, if result is not in your favour, surely HE has better plans for your future. In the end, I would like to attribute my success to the grace of Almighty ALLAH, prayers of my mother, support of my brothers, relatives, friends and last but not the least encouragement, motivation and guidance of my uncle Muhammad Nawaz Khalid Arbi from whom I also got inspiration for joining civil service of Pakistan. Waqas Iqbal Acing the Interview!

Mr. Ali Shehzad is an officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (former DMG) and he topped the interview in his CSS examination.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

‘The CSS hopefuls' interview with members of Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), together with the psychological assessment that precedes, is a “game-changer” in the selection process for Central Superior Services (CSS). Before we embark upon a detailed rundown on the structure, the spirit and suggestions regarding the psychological test and interview, it would be appropriate to fully understand the significance of this part of the selection process.'

The interview part may arguably be called a discretionary assessment. This means that the evaluation is to a great extent subjective and not entirely objective. The psychological part of the interview is more objective in nature while the actual interview is more inclined towards the subjective assessment of the candidates by the interviewers. Subjectivity, however, does not, in any way, imply unfairness. The interviewers, members of the FPSC, are highly experienced and veteran government servants who have spent their lives working as part of the nation's civil or military bureaucracy, thus providing them the requisite acumen and judgment to ascertain a candidate's credentials and suitability.

The interview/psychological assessment are highly substantial and decisive also because of the fact that for most of the candidates, the difference in marks in the written part of the examination is just nominal. Many candidates share equal scores in the written exam and even otherwise, the margin is very close with dozens of candidates falling within a range of five to ten marks difference. In this case the interview becomes the decisive factor for two reasons: one, obviously, because if the scores of the written part are equal, the interview would conclusively determine the fate and final placement of the candidate; two, because the margin of difference in score is very high for the interview i.e. the difference in the score of a successful interview and an unimpressive one might range from 30 to 50 marks or even more. This huge difference can thus either give you a substantial gain over other candidates who otherwise are ahead of you in the written exam, or it can throw you several positions down by nullifying your lead over other candidates which you had gained in the written part of the examination The interview thus is a double-edged sword which can dramatically alter your chances of securing top positions in the CSS exam, so every candidate must make his/her utmost attempt to use this opportunity for the best.

Before starting off with the discussion, it would be pertinent to mention that a very comprehensive and useful article written by Dr Waheed Asghar (PAS) and Mr Humayun Ahsan (PAS) has already been published in JWT's November 2012 edition. But while that article focused more on the elemental aspects and structure of the interview process, this article would emphasise, and elaborate, the softer side i.e. the theoretical and intellectual underpinnings as well as “tips and tricks” with regard to the interview and psychological assessment.

The Psychological Assessment The psychological assessment spans over two days with a multitude of different psychological and general tests, exercises and group activities. The tests conducted on the first day primarily include: Objective-type personality-based questions; One-liner personality-based questions; The scene-based questions or situational analysis in which a particular scene is explained and questions are asked as to how one would behave in a particular situation; Picture story writing; IQ tests (mathematical and visual); Vocabulary-based IQ/EQ tests; Autobiography: for which the candidates are given eight minutes to write. Questions about favourite books, personalities, hobbies, sports, achievements in life and reasons for opting the group of first preference etc. Some of the questions/tests are repeated while some are introduced every year. While the questions may remain the same or change with time, the basic and fundamental approach for a favourable psychological assessment remains the same. In this regard the following points should be adhered to

Positivity: An optimistic and positive approach towards life is perhaps the most essential requisite for a good psychological profile. Pessimistic, sceptic and cynical tendencies are absolutely unwanted and must be done away with.

Coherence and authenticity: One must not bluff or pretend to be what one is not. The tests are designed with ample redundancy and the same questions are asked in different ways at different places. Incoherence is eventually detected and reflects badly the credibility and authenticity of the candidate's personality.

Energy: The hopefuls are expected to be young and energetic with the vigour to do something meaningful in life. Dull, depressed and laid-back personalities are not given much credit.

Balance: A balanced personality is an ideal personality. While having a passion for a particular idea or field is nothing negative; it should not have come by ignoring other aspects of your personality e.g. if you excel at sports, it should not be at the cost of your studies. If you are academically superior, it should not have come at the cost of your social life or co-curricular activities.

Preparation and practice: While some of the features of our psychological profile may be hardwired, others can be modified or refined by conscious effort and practice. The hopefuls must exert themselves and inculcate in their personality the required traits, in addition to other generally known attributes of a positive character.

The second day of psychological assessments comprises two group discussions: one in English and the other in Urdu, followed by a session of Command Tasks and then a brief interview with the panel of psychologists which assesses the candidates throughout the group activities. The structure and details of these activities have already been discussed. Here are a few tips as to how a candidate should carry himself in these activities:

Group discussion Open the discussion only if you have sufficient command over the assigned topic; Participate only when you have something meaningful to contribute. Don't just speak for the sake of speaking; Do not hijack the discussion by trying to speak all by yourself and not letting anyone else speak. No matter how much knowledge you possess, in group discussions you are being judged primarily for your “group behaviour” and not for your knowledge; Don't get into a one-on-one argument with another candidate. If someone tries to indulge you in an argument, avoid it in a polite and dignified way; Be polite and civilized in your manners. Male candidates should make it a point to behave courteously towards female candidates. But the courtesy should not come at the cost of a healthy discussion and must not cross the line where it starts to seem inappropriate; The group, as a whole, should focus on 'solutions and reconciliation' and the discussion should preferably be closed on a positive and conclusive note, to which all participants seem to have agreed. Bear in mind that you are not just competing with your fellow-candidates in your own group but as a group also competing with all the other groups.

The Command Task The 'Command Task' is the activity where a situation and a particular designation i.e. a position of command are assigned to each participant one by one. Every participant then chairs a meeting on the given issue and the rest of the group-members have to attend. Following guidelines may be followed during this exercise:

As chairperson of the meeting: 1. Open the meeting by welcoming the participants; 2. Introduce yourself; 3. Introduce and clearly explain the situation/issue assigned to you; 4. Invite comments/suggestions/feedback from participants one by one; 5. Move in an orderly fashion starting from one side and going on to the other end. Do not open the house for random or out-of-turn com ments; 6. In case a suggestion seems absurd or non-practical, discuss it with the participant and try to understand his point of view or convince him about yours, but never ridicule any suggestion; 7. Do not waste too much time on one participant. If someone overstretches his time, ask him politely that you are short of time and other participants need to speak as well; 8. After everyone one has spoken - and if time allows - ask if anyone wants to contribute further; 9. Filter, refine and organise the points given in a viable, practical and executable solution; 10. Announce the decision in a well-structured and articulate way; 11. Thank all participants for their suggestions and participation; 12. Close the meeting.

Important: The allocated time for Command Task is eight minutes. Keep at least two minutes for concluding the meeting and announcing your decision because no matter how good a meeting is, without a good final decision it is pointless. The preferable time distribution (approximately) would be to give two minutes to introduction and explanation of the problem, four minutes for the feedback from the participants and two minutes for announcement of the decision and closing of the meeting.

As a participant: i. Remember that you are not judged only when you are chairing the Command Task but also during every Command Task as a participant; ii. Give relevant and meaningful input only; iii. Do not try to impose your point of view on the chairperson or the house.

Important: Keep more than one point in your mind to contribute because as your turn to speak approaches, some other participant might speak the same singular point which you had thought of and you might not be left with sufficient time to think of another creditable point.

Peer Assessment At the end of the group activities, the hopefuls are asked to rate their fellow-participants. These ratings are confidential and not shared among the participants. The hopefuls are advised to be forthright and honest in their assessment of peers as this judgment is in turn used to judge the candidate himself. Favouring or downgrading someone because of personal reasons would only reflect poorly on your own self.

Interview with Chief Psychologist and Panel The interview with the panel of psychologists is usually conducted solely by the Chief Psychologist but at times other psychologists may ask a couple of questions as well. Following points are to be considered while appearing before the Chief Psychologist: 1. Be the same person that you have been during the two days of your assessment; 2. Don't bluff. Don't be snobbish, pretentious or fake; 3. Be confident but not proud; 4. Be respectful but not servile; 5. Be logical and convincing but not argumentative; 6. Focus on positivity, balance, rationale and finally reconciliation. Don't be pessimistic, illogical or belligerent.

Important tip: On each day of psychological assessment, after you are done for the day's activities, note down the topics discussed, answers given, and any other significant points you made during the activities. These notes would help you revise and refresh your logical stand and position when you go for the actual interview, three or four weeks after this psychological assessment.

I N T E R V I E W

The interview with Chairman FPSC and the panel of members is the crux of the interview and the psychological assessment process. While preparing for the interview, the hopefuls must realise that it carries 300 marks, which is equivalent to three papers of the written examination. Moreover, the interview is for only 30 to 40 minutes in contrast to the twelve long papers of the written exam, stretching over several days with a rigorous and gruelling routine, making it as much a test of endurance as it is a test of knowledge and academic skills. Thus, it is an excellent opportunity to gain maximum advantage in minimum time and with much less effort. The only condition however is an intelligent plan of action and a little exercise. Lastly and most importantly, as previously discussed, the margin of difference in scores is huge, thus making interview the 'make-or-break factor' and the most significant part of the whole selection process of this highly competitive examination. Things to do before interview Prepare yourself for a comprehensive, logical and realistic discussion regarding your preferred occupational group; Prepare yourself for discussion on any topic from your Optional Subjects; Revise your noted points from the psychological assessment; Prepare and practise a short introductory speech about your family, academic qualification, work experience (if any) and personal ambitions and aspirations. The speech should not be too long but preparing and practising it before hand would enable you to introduce yourself in an eloquent manner, thus creating a positive first impression on the interviewers.

Things to ensure during interview a) Enter the room with permission; b) Take your seat with permission; c) Settle down and compose yourself; d) When asked for introduction, deliver your introductory speech as already prepared and practised. It should not be longer than two to three minutes; e) When the chairman or any other member asks a question, let him complete his question. Do not start answering while he still has not finished asking the question; f) If unclear about a question, you may request the interviewer to further explain the question for your comprehension; g) For opinion-based discussion-oriented questions, do not just start speaking out the answer as soon as the member completes his question. Take a brief moment to make a mental sketch of your answer and then start speaking. This would help you in giving an orderly and articulate reply. But remember that the pause should not be awkwardly long; h)In case of cross-questioning by an interviewer, give cogent, logical and rational arguments in a respectful manner. Do not convert the discussion into a squabble; i) Do not get rash or rude no matter how confrontational a discussion becomes; Always remain respectful and polite. j) Never say “let's agree to disagree” or that “everyone is entitled to one's own opinion” to the interviewer. It's not your prerogative to say that. You must keep defending your point of view rationally and respectfully and either convince him or let him decide when to stop pursuing; k) Do not try to impress the panel with your information or knowledge. Giving your opinion in a well-structured and confident way is recommended but trying to prove that you know more than the interviewer is absolutely uncalled for and will invariably prove counterproductive; l) If you know absolutely nothing about something that you have been asked about, just excuse and do not give irrelevant statements; m) Think ahead during the discussion and be prepared for what course the discussion might take next. Do not steer the conversation to a topic over which you do not have full command. Important: Say what you believe in and believe in what you say. If you say what you truly believe in, you will sail successfully through the cross-questioning session. Remember, one cannot defend for long a point of view which one does not actually believe in.

When the members are done with questions and allow you to leave, thank them and exit the interview room with grace.

INTER-View Bear in mind that the interview is a two-way process. You must not passively respond to the interviewer. Instead, you should be actively reading his facial expressions and body language to gauge if he is feeling impressed, satisfied or displeased with your reply and use your observation to ‘evolve’ during the discourse and come up to his expectations.

This is a skill which may only be tried after sufficient practice and mock interviews. This refers to the case when a candidate is fully in charge of the discussion, to the extent that he purposely brings up or refers to a point to draw the interviewer to a particular topic which is the strong side of the candidate. This is, however, a risky domain and cannot be tried by anyone who does not have sufficient expertise.

The final word The interview in the CSS exam is a multi-pronged assessment of your intellect, knowledge, intelligence, articulation, communication skills, presence of mind, dressing, presentation, body language, etiquette and emotional stability. Some candidates might excel in some of these areas and lacking in some others, but the highest interview scores are secured by candidates who have balanced approach towards life and who have successfully polished all these facets of their personality.

A personality, it is believed, is the sum-total of all what we have seen, learnt and experienced in your life and that it cannot be changed overnight. But there is also no denying the fact that knowledge, finesse, refinement and panache are acquired and not ingrained. With the right guidance and sufficient training any candidate can achieve these benchmarks and benefit from the interview to the maximum of his/her advantage. In the end, I wish all the candidates the very best with their endeavours, hoping that this attempt of mine serves its purpose and proves to be of good use to them.

Email: [email protected] Ali Shehzad, PAS Expected Questions for CSS - 2013

Essays

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

1. Gender discrimination in our society 2. The cost of energy crisis in Pakistan 3. Literacy is the only panacea for the ills of Pakistan 4.Media: A double-edged weapon 5. Pakistan: An administrative malaise 6. Islam in the civilizational perspective 7. Climate change: A fact or fiction? 8. Unbridled liberty is no liberty: Limits of freedom of expression 9. Judicial activism vs. judicial restraint in Pakistan 10. Beggars can’t be choosers 11. Modernisation vs. Westernisation 12. Economic independence ensures sovereignty

Current Affairs 1. Democratisation in Middle East. 2. SAARC and regional development. 3. Balochistan imbroglio. 4. Crisis of governance in Pakistan. 5. Global warming or warning? 6. The gigantic challenges faced by Pakistan. 7. The failure of UNO. 8. The expansionist foreign policy of the sole superpower, USA. 9. Disaster management in Pakistan: A consequence of mismanagement. 10. The Muslim Ummah: A myth. 11. Pakistan-USA relationship: A tale of distrust. 12. Energy crisis is a major cause of economic meltdown in Pakistan. 13. National education policy of Pakistan, 2009. 14. Pakistan-India relations: From hostility to thaw — exploring a new South Asian destiny. 15. American exit from Afghanistan, 2014 and the repercussions for Pakistan. 16. China-Pakistan relations: From strategic to economic cooperation. 17. The cost of war on terror for Pakistan. 18. Memo-gate (civil-military balance in Pakistan). 19. Democracy: The case for Pakistan. 20. Judicial activism vs. judicial restraint in Pakistan. 21. Obama's four more years—confrontation or conciliation?: US priorities for the 21st century 22. Geo-strategic importance of Pakistan: Demographic dividend or disaster? 23. Attack on Malala: Growing extremism in Pakistan.

Islamiat 1. Define Wahi in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith. How Wahi solves our problems? Also write its types. 2. What are the individual and collective benefits of the belief in Tauheed and Day of Judgement? 3. Write notes on Namaz, Roza and Zakat. 4. Define primary and secondary sources of law. 5. Discuss in detail the social, political and economic systems of Islam. 6. What are the problems of Muslim Ummah and suggestions to resolve them. 7. What rights has Islam given to women? Compare these rights with the European rights. 8. Islam is a religion of peace. Discuss.

Public Administration 1. Public administration and its approaches. 2. Public corporations. 3. Bureaucracy in Pakistan as an agent of change and the application of Weberian Model. 4. Accountability in Pakistan: Internal and external mechanisms — a critical analysis. 5. Private vs. public administration: A comparative analysis. 6. Developing administrative leadership in Pakistan. 7. The planning structure/procedure in Pakistan. 8. Principles of administrative organisation: How far true in Pakistani perspective. 9. Personnel administration in Pakistan: Different systems of recruitment. 10. The status of governance in Pakistan. 11.Local self-government: Its past, present and future in Pakistan. 12. Financial administration: (a) Budgetary procedure in Pakistan (b) Accounting and auditing of public sector organistation in Pakistan.

Muslim Law & Jurisprudence 1. The sources of Islamic Law esp. Ijtehad. 2. Marriage: essentials, kinds and modes. 3. Talaq: kinds and procedure. 4. Dower and dowry. 5. Will (bequest): limitations on the testamentary powers of a Muslim and revocation of will. 6. Gift (Hiba): its essentials and kinds, deathbed gifts and acknowledgments. 7. Waqaf: its essentials, kinds, powers and duties of mutawalli. 8. Pre-emption (Shufa): its grounds and kinds. 9. Islamic law of inheritance: Its rules esp. rule of representation and impediments to inheritance. 10. Guardianship of the minor (ward) under the Guardians and Wards Act: duties and powers of a guardian and fiduciary relationship. 11. Critical analysis of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961. 12. Distinction between Hudood Laws and Tazir. 13. Short Notes: a) Custody of a child (Hizanat) b) Maintenance of wives c) Polygamy d) Option of puberty e) Iddat (waiting) period

International Law 1. Introduction, definition and nature of International Law 2. Is International Law a true law or a positive morality? Explain with references of cases. 3. Sources of International Law and its subjects. 4. The nature and different kinds of state’s responsibility under international law. 5. Acquisition of territorial sovereignty and extradition and how it is done? High seas and asylum. 6. Peaceful and offensive mode of settling disputes in International law. 7. Defence treaties, diplomatic immunity and duties under International law . 8. State secession and recognition of new states de facto and de jure state. 9. General Assembly, Security Council, ICJ, Veto, problems and solution of UNO and its role in resolving the international issues.

US History 1. In what way did the philosophy and purpose of Jacksonian democracy differ from those of the Jeffersonian democrats? 2. The ‘New Deal’ was to save capitalism but ironically it was denounced by the Capitalist Class. Why? 3. Some American historians insist that the American Revolution was a social upheaval as well as a political revolt. Discuss the social and economic results of the revolutionary years. 4. The American Constitution is a system of ‘Checks and Balances’. Discuss. 5. “The American War of Independence was a revolt against mercantilism.” Discuss. 6. Critically examine the significance of the issue of slavery in American history which led to the Civil War of 1860. 7. Discuss 'War against Terror' as an instrument of US foreign policy with special reference to the Obama administration. 8. Describe in detail the colonial period in the history of the United States of America. 9. Discuss the era of Harry S. Truman in particular reference to the Cold War. 10. Discuss briefly Civil Rights Movement in USA in special reference to Afro-American and women’s rights movements. 11. Miscellaneous Short notes: Dollar Diplomacy, Watergate Scandal, Missouri Compromise 1820, Marshal Plan, Wilson's Fourteen Points, the Great Depression 1929, the Cold War era, the compromise of 1850, Yalta Conference.

Journalism Q1: What is the history of services of Muslim journalists in the subcontinent? Q2: What is the role of social media in Pakistan? Give reasons for the popularity of social networking sites in Pakistani youth and also discuss its impacts on young minds? Q3: The 21st century is known as the century of advertising... Do you agree? What latest trends are being followed in advertising industry? Q4: ‘Freedom comes with responsibility’. Analyse the statement in view of the role that Pakistani media has been playing for the last couple of years after acquiring freedom. Q5: Pakistan, these days, is going through a critical phase of clash of institutions. Do you think that media being the fourth pillar of the state can amicably chip in to make the various organs of state work independently, yet integrated? Q6: Modernization can be achieved even without following the West. Keeping this statement in mind elucidate the impacts of private TV channels on the society of Pakistan. Q7: A movement has been launched by the parents and teachers in Pakistan against the trend of free packages offered by the cellular companies. Do you think this step of parents is in the right direction and the authorities must adhere to that? Please analyse, keeping in view the moral degradation being observed in youth after this trend. Q8: What lessons can today’s journalists learn from the efforts, services and reforms brought about by Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar, Abdul Kalam Azad and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan?

Islamic History & Culture

Paper-I 1. Comment on the moral, social and political conditions of the world at the advent of Islam. 2.Migration to Madina, Battle of Badr, Treaty of Hudabiyah, the Farewell Pilgrimage. 3. Teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) 4. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA): Battles and administration. 5. Hazrat Ali (RA). 6. Causes of the downfall of Umayyads and their administration. 7. Scientific, literary and philosophical contribution of the Abbasids. 8. Muhammad, the Conqueror. 9. Sulemain, the magnificent. 10. Causes of downfall of the Ottoman Empire. 11. Problems of the Muslim Ummah and their solutions.

Paper-II 1.The conquest of Spain and spread of Islam. 2.Renaissance Movement. 3.The Muslims' contribution to social and natural sciences with focus on philosophy and medicine. 4.Architecture, painting, music, pottery and calligraphy. 5.Abdur Rehman Ad Dakhil, Abdur Rehman al Nasir, Abdur Rehman II. 6.The conquest and spread of Islam in North Africa. 7.Short notes: 1. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) 2. Ibn Rushd (Averroes) 3. Ziryab 4. Ibn Khuldun 5. Muwatta

Geography

Paper-I 1. Landforms made by rivers, glaciers and wind with reference to erosion, transportation and deposition. 2. Define rocks: their types and structure. 3. Earthquake with reference to Plate Tectonic Theory. 4. Give causes of the ocean movement of Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean. 5. Write a note on the cycle of erosion and deposition. 6. Give in detail the characteristics, plantation and human life in Hot Wet Equatorial, Monsoon Region and Western Sahara. 7. Short notes: 1. Rainfall 2. Cyclone 3. Clouds 4. Air mass 5. Waves 6. Mountains

Paper-II 1. Relationship of possiblism and determinism. 2. Population, structure, growth, world distribution, population of South Asia and its problems. 3. Agriculture and its types. 4. Primary, secondary and tertiary activities. 5. Wheat and rice: their growth, types, physical and economic factors and trade. 6. Oil, coal, steel and iron industries with special emphasis on the places where they are available. 7. Forestry and fisheries 8. Relationship of the developed and least developing countries. 9. Migration and urbanization: their types, problems and solutions. Also see push and pull factors. 10. Short notes: 1. OPEC 2. SAARC 3. EU 4. OGCD 5. UNO JWT Desk

WORLD IN FOCUS

News From National & International Press Nov - Dec 2012

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013 National Affairs 12-11-2012 Dawn President signs drug authority bill: President Asif Ali Zardari signed a bill for setting up the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to prevent sale of fake, substandard and non-registered medicines and regulate manufacturing, storage, distribution, import, sale and advertising of therapeutic drugs.

12-11-2012 Dawn Pakistan elected to UN rights council: Pakistan won a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, by securing 171 votes. Pakistan has been elected to this important UN body for the third time.

13-11-2012 Dawn Pakistan agrees to set free Taliban leaders: In an unprecedented gesture of support for Afghanistan's struggling reconciliation process, Pakistan agreed to release several Taliban leaders detained in the country's jails.

The development, which hasn't been made public by either side, came on the second day of Afghan High Peace Council Chief Mr Salahuddin Rabbani's three-day visit to Islamabad to re-start the peace process which has been in the limbo for over a year now.

13-11-2012 Dawn NA adopts bill on free school education: The National Assembly adopted a bill which after the president's assent will guarantee all children of five to sixteen years of age free quality education.

14-11-2012 Dawn Contempt charge against PM withdrawn: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has reasons to be happy because the Supreme Court has let him off the hook and withdrawn a contempt charge against him in the NRO implementation case after the letter he was asked to write to Swiss authorities finally reached Switzerland. 15-11-2012 Dawn Rumpus in Sindh PA as local govt bill becomes law: The Sindh Assembly witnessed unprecedented disturbances when Speaker Nisar Ahmad Khuhro announced that the governor had given assent to the Sindh People's Local Government Bill, 2012. The house turned into a veritable fish market with a 'shouting match'.

15-11-2012 Daily Times Pakistani artist Deutsche Bank's Artist of the Year 2013: Lahore-based Imran Qureshi has been named Deutsche Bank's Artist of the Year 2013. The award honours promising artists who address social issues in an individual way and who have created an outstanding oeuvre, which concentrates on the two focal points of the Deutsche Bank Collection — works on paper and photography.

16-11-2012 Dawn Judges of AJK Shariat Court take oath: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan administered the oath to advocates Mohammad Mushtaq Chaudhry and Sardar Mohammad Shahzad Khan as judges of the AJK Shariat Court.

16-11-2012 The News Judiciary adopts its anthem “Justice for All”: The full court meeting headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry adopted Supreme Court's 50th anniversary song “Justice for All” authored by Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani.

17-11-2012 Dawn EC gets judicial officers for election duty: The Election Commission has finally succeeded in its attempts to get the assistance of judicial officers during the upcoming elections, with the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) agreeing to a one-time lifting of the bar on judiciary's involvement in election process.

19-11-2012 Dawn NA validates Gilani's post-conviction actions: In nursing the wounds of a battle lost, the National Assembly overcame objections from the main opposition party to pass a government bill validating all official actions of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani taken over a period of 55 days after the Supreme Court convicted him in April for contempt of court.

20-11-2012 Dawn MQM resolution adopted despite stiff opposition: In an apparent contest of one-upmanship, the National Assembly passed a resolution, in the face of strong opposition and differences within the ruling coalition, calling for a nationwide 'deweaponisation', which critics said was hardly doable in the present-day Pakistan.

20-11-2012 Dawn President validates ratification of visa accord with India: President Asif Ali Zardari confirmed ratification of a visa agreement signed in September during a visit by the Indian external affairs minister to Pakistan.

22-11-2012 Dawn D-8 declaration lays stress on energy security: Expressing commitment to creating a framework of cooperation for long-term energy security, the Developing Eight (D-8) countries agreed to broaden collaboration in research, development and production of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

In a historic 'Islamabad Declaration', adopted at the conclusion of the D-8 Summit, leaders of the Muslim states stressed the importance of effectively harnessing sources of energy for economic growth and development and called for special emphasis on investment in the sector through public- private partnership.

23-11-2012 Dawn Science policy launched: After a delay of three decades, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched its first national policy. “The new policy envisages a paradigm shift; in which innovation is recognised as an integral part of the S & T system.”In 1975, preparation of the first national S & T policy was initiated. However, it took another decade for the final approval to develop the policy in 1984.

26-11-2012 Dawn 'Malala ahead of Obama among world thinkers': Malala Yousufzai is number six on US magazine Foreign Policy's list of 100 top global thinkers in 2012. She is ahead of US President Barack Obama who is number seven.

28-11-2012 Dawn N-capable ballistic missile launched: The military successfully tested nuclear-capable Hatf-V (Ghauri) ballistic missile at the conclusion of the rarely heard-about field training exercise of the Army Strategic Force Command.

29-11-2012 Dawn Build Kalabagh Dam, LHC orders govt: The Lahore High Court came up with a surprise and ordered the federal government to implement decisions of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and build the much-politicised Kalabagh Dam.

30-11-2012 The News Complete shutdown in Sindh against SPLG Act: A complete shutter-down strike was observed across Sindh on the call of the Sindh Bachayo Committee (SBC) to register protest against the Sindh People's Local Government Act.

30-11-2012 The News Worldwide travel ban on Pakistanis recommended: The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has recommended the imposition of international travel restrictions on every child or adult travelling out of polio-endemic Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria so that they do not carry the risk of polio with them to imperil the hard-earned status of countries that are now free of the crippling virus.

30-11-2012 The News NTS test compulsory to become a lawyer: With a view to bring about drastic changes in the legal profession, the Pakistan Bar Council has made the NTS test a mandatory for securing practising licences for new entrants to the profession. 01-12-2012 Dawn Student from Balochistan wins Rhodes Scholarship: Rafiullah Kaka, a student from Qilla Abdullah, a backward area of Balochistan, has been selected for Rhodes Scholarship 2012. Former chairman senate Wasim Sajjad and former US president Bill Clinton were also winners of the scholarship.

03-12-2012 Dawn President signs act for extending LG system to Pata: President Asif Ali Zardari signed an act, “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) LG Act, 2012” allowing introduction of the local government system in Provincially-Administered Tribal Areas (Pata), which comprises five districts Chitral, Malakand, Swat, Dir and Kohistan.

03-12-2012 The News President okays Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill: President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of the Prime Minister, accorded his assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill.

04-12-2012 Dawn Six accords signed with S. Korea: Pakistan and South Korea inked six agreements dealing with modernisation of Pakistan Railways, construction of an LNG terminal and cooperation in the banking.

04-12-2012 Dawn Lal Masjid probe ordered: After more than five years, the Supreme Court appointed a one-man commission to probe the Lal Masjid military operation carried out by the government of Gen Pervez Musharraf.

04-12-2012 Dawn Pakistan ranks second among terror-hit countries: Pakistan has been placed at second position out of 158 countries in the 'Global Index on Terrorism 2012'. Iraq rose to the top ranking. Afghanistan was ranked third while India was placed at fourth position.

04-12-2012 Daily Times SC bars land transactions in Karachi: The Supreme Court's Karachi Registry barred the Sindh government from mutation, allotment, transfer and conversion of any state land, and transaction or entry in the 'record of rights' until the entire revenue record is reconstructed.

05-12-2012 Dawn Arsalan had ties with Riaz relative: A preliminary report presented by the Dr Shoaib Suddle Commission to the Supreme Court confirmed relations between Arsalan Iftikhar, son of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, and Ahmed Khalil, son-in-law of real estate magnate Malik Riaz.

05-12-2012 Dawn Accord for Malakand tunnel project signed with South Korea: Pakistan and South Korea signed an agreement for the Malakand tunnel construction project and two memorandums of understanding in the water sector and for enhanced investment.

06-12-2012 Dawn EU approves autonomous trade pact for Pakistan: European Parliament and the European Council approved special autonomous trade preferences (ATP) for Pakistan on Oct 25, which would enable export of certain goods from Pakistan to enter the EU duty-free subject to specific ceilings (Tariff Rate Quotas).

06-12-2012 Dawn EC allows president to take part in by-poll campaigns: The Election Commission of Pakistan issued a notification allowing President Asif Ali Zardari and governors of four provinces to take part in election campaigns.

06-12-2012 Dawn US to provide $200m for Diamer-Bhasha project: The United States agreed to provide $200 million for preliminary work on the Diamer-Bhasha dam project.

06-12-2012 Dawn Kayani 28th among most powerful: magazine: America's Forbes magazine ranked Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani 28th on its list of the world's 71 most powerful people in 2012.

06-12-2012 Daily Times CII identifies over 100 articles from bilateral treaties as 'un-Islamic': The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) seems all set to open a Pandora's box as it is going to discuss and give recommendations on around 105 articles from hundreds of bilateral and multi-lateral treaties and conventions the country signed during the period from 1947-2009, after it identified them as 'un- Islamic.

06-12-2012 Dawn Iran to cooperate against human trafficking: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to cooperate against human trafficking and to exchange name of agents involved. It was decided in a meeting between National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iranian Islamic Parliament Chairman Alaeddin Boroujerdi and Interior Minister Rehman Malik.

06-12-2012 Tribune Pakistan IT companies win four silver awards: Pakistan IT companies have bagged four silver awards at the Asia Pacific ICT Awards 2012 in Brunei Darussalam, held on December 5.

07-12-2012 Dawn SC closes proceedings Commission on Arsalan-Riaz case dissolved: The Arsalan Iftikhar, Malik Riaz saga finally ended, at least in the Supreme Court, after it closed its proceedings and ordered the wrapping up of the commission that was appointed to investigate an alleged financial deal between the two. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Jawwad S. Khwaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain ordered making the report public with an observation that the issue was between the two individuals who could settle it at any forum.

07-12-2012 Daily Times President issues ordinance to amend Wafaqi Mohtasib Act 1983: President Asif Zardari issued an ordinance to further amend the Establishment of the Office of Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order 1983. Through the Ordinance, amendment has been made in Article 24 of the Act.

08-12-2012 Dawn Salmam Farooqi appointed acting ombudsman: Salman Farooqui, secretary general to President Asif Ali Zardari, was appointed acting federal ombudsman.

09-12-2012 The News Malala's father named special UN adviser on education: The UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown announced appointment of Malala Yousafzai's father Ziauddin Yusufzai, as Special UN Adviser on global Education.

10-12-2012 Dawn Malala fund for girls' education launched: President Asif Ali Zardari announced a 10-million- dollar donation for a global war chest to educate all girls by 2015 set up in the name of Malala Yousufzai. The “Malala Fund for Girls' Right to Education” aims at raising billions of dollars to ensure that all girls go to school by 2015 in line with the United Nations Millennium goals.

10-12-2012 Dawn Night navigation at PQA: Port Qasim has started night navigation facility for larger ships and is going to give berth to Maersk Kolkata having 304 LOA (length over all), the first largest vessel the port ever given berths. PQA is the first port of the country which will be offering this facility through out the year. The port is already offering 13-metre draft since last year.

10-12-2012 The News NA declares Malala 'Daughter of Pakistan': The National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution asking the government to declare Malala Yousufzai as 'Daughter of Pakistan'.

International

12-11-2012 Global Times EU suspends Afghan aid over reform failure: The European Union announced that it is suspending 20 million euros in aid for Afghanistan, warning that case will be increasingly conditional on the government sticking to agreed reforms.

12-11-2012 Daily Caller 20 states join signature drive for secession from US: Some Americans upset with Presidential election results don't quite agree, and now residents from 20 states have filed petitions with the White House to secede from the country. Louisiana became the first of the 50 states that managed to collect enough signatures to have their petition for secession added to the White House’s website last week, and so far they’ve had no problem finding company.

12-11-2012 USA Today Cray named world's fastest supercomputer: The Titan, a Cray XK7 system installed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, has been named the fastest supercomputer in the world.

12-11-2012 The Washington Post US, Germany get UNHR Council seats in disputed election: The United States and Germany won a closely contested race among western nations for UN Human Rights Council seats, while the likes of Venezuela and Pakistan secured places without a competitive vote.

13-11-2012 The Guardian Terror suspect Abu Qatada released from UK jail: British authorities reluctantly released terror suspect AbuQatada on bail after judges ruled that the radical cleric dubbed Osama bin Laden's right- hand man in Europe should not be extradited to Jordan. 13-11-2012 The Telegraph 'Omnishambles' declared Britain's word of the year: “Omnishambles” was named Britain's word of the year after being coined by BBC TV's satirical political series “The Thick of It” to describe a badly mismanaged situation. The word has become a synonym for British government blunders.

14-11-2012 China Daily New guard prepares to take control of China: China's ruling Communist Party voted in a new Central Committee at the end of the week-long meeting, paving the way for the unveiling of a top leadership line-up.

14-11-2012 Global Post Hamas commander killed in Israeli strike on Gaza: Israel killed a top Hamas military commander Ahmad Jaabari in a targeted strike in Gaza, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened “the gates of hell.”

14-11-2012 Daily Bhaskar India snooping on clients: India is snooping on users of Google search engine, a pattern that shows an increase of requests made for information about clients in recent months, Press Trust of India said.

14-11-2012 Science Daily Lonely planet: Orphan world spotted in deep space: A planet that had strayed from its star system and was wandering alone in deep space. Object CFBDSIR2149 is believed to be a cold, young world that for unknown reasons has pulled free of the gravitational pull of its mother star, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) said.

14-11-2012 Global Post New treason law takes effect in Russia: Russia introduced a new law broadening the definition of treason, alarming opponents who say Vladimir Putin will use it to silence his critics and that almost anyone in contact with foreigners will be at risk. The legislation allows Russians representing international organisations to be charged with treason, as well as those working for foreign states and bodies, and expands the range of actions that can be considered treasonous.

15-11-2012 The Himalayan Times Yangon announces amnesty for prisoners: Myanmar pardoned hundreds of prisoners under a mass amnesty criticised by pro-democracy activists as a cynical ploy to curry favour ahead of a landmark visit by US President Barack Obama.

15-11-2012 Shanghai Daily Xi anointed as new leader: Xi Jinping succeeded Hu Jintao as China's leader, assuming the top posts in the Communist Party and the powerful military in a once-a-decade political transition. Mr Xi was formally appointed as general secretary after a meeting of senior Communists that capped a week-long congress. He was also appointed chairman of the military commission.

15-11-2012 The Guardian Geneva jewel sales smash records: From a flawless diamond that fetched nearly $21.5 million to another gem that went under the hammer for $10.9 million, Geneva's November jewellery auctions smashed several records this year.

15-11-2012 The Telegraph Britain votes for first ever police commissioner: British voters headed to the polls to vote for the country's first elected police and crime commissioners, who will set budgets and priorities and have the power to sack their chief constables.

16-11-2012 The Japan Times Japan PM dissolves parliament: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda dissolved the lower house of parliament, paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve the nation's myriad problems.

16-11-2012 Shanghai Daily Hu gives up all powers, makes history: Chinese President Hu Jintao will go down in the history of communist China as the first leader to relinquish all levers of political power simultaneously. At the 18th congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Hu broke with tradition when he decided to give up not only the posts of CCP general secretary and state president, but also the most important one as chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC chief is China's de facto No. 1, whether or not he holds any other position.

16-11-2012 The Telegraph Gaza fires rockets at Jerusalem, Tel Aviv: Gaza militants fired rockets at both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, aiming for the Jewish state's political and commercial hearts, and prompting Israel to call up thousands more reservists in readiness for a potential ground war.

16-11-2012 Daily News & Analysis Meat bad for morals, says Indian textbook: The pros and cons of meat-eating may be the subject of debate for nutritionists, but one Indian school textbook is clear: a fleshy diet will make you lie, steal and even commit sex crimes. The unusual moral guidance appeared in a school book for 11- year-olds, purporting to offer education on issues from health and hygiene to sex education and exercise.

16-11-2012 Science Daily Australia creates world's largest marine reserves: Australia created the world's largest network of marine reserves, protecting a huge swathe of ocean environment despite claims it will devastate the fishing industry.

16-11-2012 News Daily US House okays Russia trade bill with human rights slap: The US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to “name and shame” Russian human rights violators as part of a broader bill to drop cold war-era trade restrictions, brushing off warnings from Moscow that the move would damage relations.

18-11-2012 The Manila Times Asean leaders sign controversial pact: Southeast Asian leaders endorsed a controversial human rights pact at an annual summit in which they also sought to step up pressure on China over a bruising territorial dispute.

19-11-2012 Bangkok Post Obama pushes for change on historic Myanmar visit: President Barack Obama urged Myanmar to hasten its “remarkable” reforms on a historic visit during which he was feted by huge crowds and met Aung San Suu Kyi at the home where she was long locked up. The trip, the first to Myanmar by a serving US president, came as the regime freed dozens more political prisoners.

19-11-2012 The Guardian Press freedom prize goes to four journalists: Journalists from Brazil, China, Kyrgyzstan and Liberia are to be honoured at the 2012 International Press Freedom Awards in New York for taking huge risks to expose human rights violations in their countries.

20-11-2012 Daily Sun Suu Kyi becomes UN AIDS ambassador: Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has been appointed an ambassador of the UN's programme on HIV and AIDS and has been tasked with fighting discrimination against people living with the disease.

20-11-2012 Globe and Mail France ends combat mission in Afghanistan: France ended its combat mission in Afghanistan, withdrawing troops from a strategic province northeast of Kabul as part of a quickened departure from the war-torn country.

20-11-2012 Miami Herald Marine general sworn-in at US Southern Command: Marine Corps General John Kelly assumed command of the US Southern Command, which is responsible Caribbean.

20-11-2012 The Statesman Congolese rebels seize Goma, take airport: A rebel group created just seven months ago seized the strategic provincial capital of Goma, home to more than1 million people in eastern Congo, and its international airport, officials and witnesses said, raising the spectre of a regional war.

21-11-2012 The Times of India Ajmal Kasab hanged secretly: Mumbai terror mascot Ajmal Kasab was hanged in a clandestine operation in Pune's Yerawada Central Jail.

21-11-2012 The Telegraph Gaza ceasefire comes into effect: A ceasefire came into effect in and around Gaza after a week of Israeli bombardment that killed at least 155 Palestinians.

22-11-2012 Saudi Gazette Morsi assumes sweeping powers: Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi assumed sweeping powers, prompting prominent opposition figure Mohamed El Baradei to accuse him of usurping authority and becoming a “new pharaoh”.

23-11-2012 Los Angeles Times Brazil's first black Supreme Court president: Brazil judge Joaquim Barbosa took the oath of office as Brazil's first ever black head of the Supreme Court. He became the only black ever to serve on the court when he joined it in 2003.

24-11-2012 The Guardian 'Gangnam Style' becomes YouTube's most watched video: South Korean pop sensation Psy's “Gangnam Style” becomes YouTube's most-watched video of all time, registering more than 803 million views to overtake “Baby” by Canadian heartthrob Justin Bieber.

26-11-2012 The Guardian Itchy-footed Briton visits every nation without flying: A Briton celebrated claiming to be the first person to have visited every sovereign nation on the globe without flying, after he crossed into the world's youngest country, South Sudan.

27-11-2012 The Telegraph Arafat's remains exhumed: The remains of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat were exhumed, eight years after his death, with experts set to test for evidence he was poisoned by polonium.

27-11-2012 Science Daily Indian inventor wins cash to develop mobile phone for the blind: A 29-year-old Indian inventor, Sumit Dagar, won $50,000 to help him make a new low-cost mobile phone for the blind that uses a Braille display.

27-11-2012 Science Daily Dwarf planet beyond Pluto found to lack atmosphere: Not much is known about Makemake, a dwarf planet that circles the Sun beyond Pluto. But scientists got a closer glimpse of it last year, when it passed briefly in front of a star (an event called an occultation), and they report their findings in the journal Nature. Previously, researchers believed that because the surface temperature of Makemake is heterogeneous, it might have an atmosphere.

28-11-2012 Science Daily Scientists make wheat genetic code breakthrough: Scientists from Britain, Germany and the United States have unlocked key components of the genetic code for wheat, helping to create varieties that are more productive and better able to cope with disease, drought and other crop stresses.

29-11-2012 The Washington Times UN court acquits Kosovo's ex-PM: A UN war crimes tribunal acquitted Kosovo's former prime minister for the second time of murdering and torturing Serbs and their supporters in Kosovo's war for independence, setting the stage for his return to political life in the deeply divided nation.

30-11-2012 Jerusalem Post UN elevates status of Palestine: In a historic vote, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to admit Palestine as a non-member observer state, a long-sought victory for the Palestinians and an embarrassing diplomatic defeat for the United States.

30-11-2012 Science Daily Ice deposits found on Mercury: Scientists announced new evidence that Mercury, the planet orbiting nearest the Sun, hosts massive caches of ice and revealed new information on how water reached our solar system's inner planets.

30-11-2012 The Guardian Newly discovered fish named after Obama: A newly discovered species of colourful, freshwater fish has been named after US President Barack Obama due to his 'global vision of environmental protection and conservation'. Five new species of freshwater fish called darters have been discovered in river drainages in eastern North America and named after four former US presidents and a vice-president.

30-11-2012 Khaleej Times Protests in Egypt after approval of draft constitution: Thousands of Egyptians protested against President Mohamed Morsi after an Islamist-led assembly hurriedly approved a new constitution in a bid to end a crisis over the leaders newly expanded powers.

02-12-2012 Tehran Times Iran unveils unusually coloured blue submarine: Iran unveiled the main framework of a new domestically manufactured warship, named the Sina 7 that is painted in an unusually bright turquoise blue hue, during a ceremony held in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on the shores of the Persian Gulf.

02-12-2012 Kuwait Times Kuwait elects new parliament on record low turnout: Kuwaitis elected a new parliament that is expected to be more cooperative with the government than its predecessor after an opposition boycott of the poll and protests that divided the Gulf Arab state.

02-12-2012 The Telegraph World's largest floating Christmas tree lights up in Brazil: The holiday season kicked off in Rio de Janeiro with the lighting of the world's largest floating Christmas tree, the gigantic 85-metre high metal structure, in the heart of the city.

03-12-2012 Tribune India Indian FM optimistic about Pakistan ties: Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said that public opinion in India favours improved ties with Pakistan, but advocated caution to avoid any mistakes and prevent disappointments.

03-12-2012 The Guardian Sender of first text message 'amazed' 20 years on: The British software engineer who sent the world's first text message 20 years ago said that he is amazed at how the technology has developed. The engineer, Neil Papworth, was chosen by chance to send the message — which read “Merry Christmas” — to a director at British telecommunications giant Vodafone on December 3, 1992.

03-12-2012 The Independent Switzerland, US strike pact against tax evasion: Switzerland has signed a deal against tax evasion with the United States, effectively raising pressure on Swiss banks to hand over information about US nationals with assets.

03-12-2012 Nashua Telegraph US Senate fails to ratify UN treaty on disabilities: The US Senate failed to ratify the UN convention protecting the rights of the disabled, a symbolic treaty that creates no change in US law but encountered Republican resistance.

03-12-2012 The Namibian Army enters Goma after rebels' pullout: Democratic Republic of Congo troops entered the eastern mining hub of Goma, two days after rebel M23 fighters withdrew in line with a regionally brokered deal. The rebels' lightning capture of Goma on November 20 — eight months after they launched an uprising against Kinshasa — had sparked fears of a wider war and major humanitarian crisis, and their withdrawal was widely welcomed.

03-12-2012 The Namibian Namibian PM sacked in cabinet reshuffle: Namibia's President Hifikepunye Pohamba ditched his prime minister for a man tipped by some to be the country's next ruler. Pohamba told journalists he has shifted Nahas Angula, who has been prime minster for nearly eight years, to the defence ministry, replacing him with Hage Geingob, who returns to the post after a 10-year absence.

05-12-2012 Dawn Serbia, Kosovo strike fresh deals to ease tension in Balkans: Serbia and Kosovo struck key political deals in talks to ease Western Balkans' tension, agreeing to jointly manage crossings on their flash-point border and send liaison officers to each other's capitals.

05-12-2012 The Huffington Post Obama leads Forbes ranking of world's most powerful: The US president leads it, of course, and then there's the Pope, and Angela Merkel, and Facebook's founder, and other global rainmakers on Forbes' ranking of the mightiest earthlings. But the magazine's 2012 list of the planet's most powerful people also features folks who might raise an eyebrow or two: a Mexican drug baron, and the pudgy-faced young leader of North Korea, a hermit state assailed for pursuing a nuclear programme at the expense of feeding its very poor people. Last year's No. 2 on the list, Chinese President Hu Jintao, is among the heavyweights off the list altogether this time. In Hu's case it is because he's on his way out of office.

06-12-2012 The New York Times EU takes Argentina to WTO: The EU took Argentina to the World Trade Organisation over what it said were import restrictions damaging to European business after Buenos Aires did the same over its bio-diesel exports.

07-12-2012 Tamil Guardian C'wealth summit in Lanka next year: Despite a threat of boycott by Canada because of differences, the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Colombo from November 15 to 17 next year, it has been officially announced. CHOGM is held every two years.

07-12-2012 Global Times Hamas chief in Gaza on first-ever visit: The exiled Hamas chief broke into tears as he arrived in the Gaza Strip for his first-ever visit, a landmark trip reflecting his group's growing international acceptance and its defiance of Israel. Khaled Meshaal, who left the West Bank as a child and now leads the Islamic militant movement from Qatar, crossed the Egyptian border, kissed the ground, and was greeted by a crowd of Hamas officials and representatives of Hamas' rival Fatah party.

07-12-2012 The Guardian Prank call UK nurse found dead: Jacintha Saldanha, a nurse who took a prank call at the London hospital that was treating Prince William's pregnant wife Kate for morning sickness, has been found dead.

08-12-2012 The Sunday Times Lanka panel finds CJ 'guilty on 3 counts: In the ex parte report submitted to Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) which impeached the Sri Lankan Chief Justice, Shirani Bandaranayake, has found her guilty of three of the 14 charges made against her in the motion submitted by 117 ruling coalition MPs a month ago.

08-12-2012 Prensa Latina Venezuela becomes Mercosur member: Venezuela became a full member of Mercosur at a summit of the South American regional trading bloc while Bolivia took a first step toward joining. 08-12-2012 Calgary Herald Canada approves foreign energy takeovers: Canada approved China's biggest ever foreign takeover, a $15.1 billion bid by state-controlled CNOOC Ltd for energy company Nexen Inc., but drew a line in the sand against future buys by state-owned enterprises.

09-12-2012 Arab Times Morsi scraps decree of extra powers: Egyptian president scrapped a decree that gave him extra powers and ignited violent protests, but irate opponents said he had deepened the conflict by pressing on with a vote on a constitution shaped by Islamists.

10-12-2012 The New York Times Hotline links three presidents: A hotline has been established to facilitate communication among the presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey, a Turkish official said.

Sports

11-11-2012 The Japan Times Ishikawa makes golfing history: Ryo Ishikawa ended a two-year title drought with victory at the Taiheiyo Masters to become the youngest golfer to win 10 times on the Japanese Tour.

11-11-2012 The Inquirer Klitschko sees off Wach to retain world title: World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his IBF, WBA and WBO titles with a unanimous points victory over Polish challenger Mariusz Wach.

11-11-2012 The Inquirer Kenya's Bett wins Athens classic marathon: Kenya's Raymond Bett won the 30th Athens classic marathon in a new fastest time of of two hours, 11 minutes and 35 seconds.

12-11-2012 Dawn Javeria youngest to clinch ranking event: Fifteen-year-old Javeria Mirza became the youngest scrabble player in Pakistan to win a ranking tournament.

13-11-2012 The Telegraph Gayle sets unique Test record: Flamboyant West Indies opener Chris Gayle became the first player to hit a six from the first ball of a Test match when he launched his big-hit against Bangladesh.

13-11-2012 Daily Mail Masterful Djokovic sinks Federer to win ATP Tour Finals: Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to end Roger Federer's reign as ATP Tour Finals champion as the world number one swept to a 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 victory in the final.

13-11-2012 The Guardian Spanish duo win doubles title at ATP Tour Finals: Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez became the first Spanish pair to win the doubles title at the ATP Tour Finals for 37 years with a narrow victory over Indian duo Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna.

15-11-2012 Dawn Nofil attains top spot in ATF ranking: Prodigy Nofil Kaleem scaled new heights by becoming first Pakistani ever to attain No 1 slot in the latest Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) under-14 rankings released recently.

15-11-2012 Sydney Morning Herald Serbia seal soccer title as Int'l Sports Festival ends: The Punjab International Sports Festival 2012 concluded amidst simple but impressive ceremony and Serbia winning the football title beating Yemen 3-2 in a thrilling final under lights at the Punjab Stadium.

21-11-2012 The Star Tailender Abul rewrites record books with debut Test century: Bangladesh's Abul Hasan became only the second man in 135 years of Test cricket to hit a debut hundred while batting at No 10, on the first day of the second and final Test against the West Indies. Australian Reggie Duff scored 104 against England at Melbourne in 1902 while batting at No 10.

23-11-2012 The Japan Times Hanyu breaks world record at home GP: Hometown boy Yuzuru Hanyu broke his own short- programme world record to lead the figure skating Grand Prix in Japan at an arena that doubled as a mortuary after the 2011 quake-tsunami disaster.

26-11-2012 Chicago Tribune Vettel makes history in Brazil: Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel became Formula One's youngest triple world champion at the age of 25 after a wet and chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix rollercoaster won by McLaren's Jenson Button behind the safety car.

26-11-2012 Danbury News Times FIFA names Brazil's World Cup mascot 'Fuleco': FIFA has named the mascot for the 2014 Brazil World Cup 'Fuleco' a word, which organisers say transmits a message of environmental awareness. Almost half of the more than 1.7 million people who voted in an online poll chose Fuleco ahead of 'Zuzeco' and 'Amijubi'.

27-11-2012 Dawn First ever hockey, football ground for women inaugurated: Women hockey and football players of the city welcomed the addition of a new ground, the First All Pakistan Women Hockey and Football Stadium, reserved specially for their sporting activities.

29-11-2012 The Guardian FIH introduces new system for World Cup qualification: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has introduced a new qualification system to decide the final line-up of the participating teams in the 2014 World Cup scheduled to be held in June in Hague, the Netherlands. Netherlands will qualify automatically as hosts for the World Cup in which, like the previous format, 12 teams will be taking part. Five champions of each continent, namely winners of Africa Cup of Nations 2013, fourth Pan American Cup, ninth Asian Cup, 14th EuroHockey Nations Championship and eighth Men's Oceania Cup will also qualify for the world event.

30-11-2012 The News Farhan clinches National Squash title: Asian champion Farhan Mehboob of Wapda clinched the trophy after defeating former British Open champion Mansoor Zaman of PIA in the final of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor National Gold Cup Squash tournament.

02-12-2012 Dawn Asif wins world snooker title: Riding on the crest of a wave, Pakistan's Mohammad Asif did the nation proud when he emulated the feat of veteran cueist Mohammad Yousuf by claiming the world snooker title in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. Pakistan's ace cueist fought bravely to overcome Gary Wilson of England 10-8 in the best of 19 frames marathon.

02-12-2012 Dawn Wapda employee wins race: Nisar Ahmed from Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), won the international cycle race from Rawalpindi to Murree, arranged by the Punjab government.

02-12-2012 The Star Anamul-inspired BD record biggest one-day win: Anamul Haque became the third youngest Bangladeshi to hit a hundred before the home team spun out the West Indies for their biggest One- day International victory by 160 runs.

02-12-2012 Dawn Nadir Magsi storms to victory in Thar Desert Rally: Sindh Food Minister Mir Nadir Magsi roared to victory in the Thar Desert Rally with a scintillating drive through the scenic landscape in the race involving 27 vehicles in four different categories.

02-12-2012 The Bangkok Post Cricket Kenya elects first chairwoman: Cricket Kenya unanimously elected Zehra Janmohammed as its new chairwoman, the first ever woman to head a national cricket board.

02-12-2012 Summit Daily Marsaglia wins men's WC super-G: Italy's Matteo Marsaglia notched has first alpine World Cup victory, winning the Beaver Creek super-G ahead of Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal.

03-12-2012 The Guardian McDowell clinches World Challenge: Graeme McDowell continued his love affair with California by winning for the first time in two years when he held off playing partner Keegan Bradley to clinch the World Challenge by three shots.

04-12-2012 Dawn Karachi crowned Sindh Games champions: Hasil sets record: Karachi emerged as champions of the 16th Sindh Games with a whopping 106 gold medals on a day Hyderabad's high-jumper Mohammad Hasil set a new Games record.

04-12-2012 Dawn Leasy new IBSF president: Ireland's Jim Leasy, who also heads European Snooker Federation, became the new president of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) for the next term of two-year.

02-12-2012 Daily Times Japan's Kameda defends WBA bantamweight title: Titleholder Koki Kameda of Japan beat interim champion Hugo Ruiz of Mexico by a split decision in a unification bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title.

06-12-2012 Tribune Four Athens Games athletes stripped of medals: Four 2004 Athens Olympic medallists, including Ukraine's shot put champion Yuriy Bilonog, have been stripped of their medals after retested samples stored for eight years proved positive, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said.

06-12-2012 Tribune Unstoppable Cook makes history as England seize control: England captain Alastair Cook created history by cracking a record-breaking 23rd Test century and his third consecutive of the series as England took complete control of the third Test against India at the Eden Gardens.

08-12-2012 Dawn Cricketer drinks phenyl, by mistake: The captain of Pakistan's blind cricket team, Zeeshan Abbasi, needed hospital treatment after drinking acid that he mistook for mineral water at his hotel in India.

08-12-2012 The News BD win ODI series 3-2: Bangladesh's batsmen held it together, but only just. After failing to chase 211 last night, they overcame three difficult phases in their pursuit of a target of similar proportion, to win a series they had led 2-0 but almost let slip out of their grasp.

08-12-2012 The News Asada wins ISU Grand Prix finals: Mao Asada of Japan won the women's ISU Grand Prix finals title at Russia's southern resort city of Sochi. The 22-year-old Olympic Games silver medallist took the medal ahead of US champion Ashley Wagner with another Japanese skater Akiko Suzuki lifting bronze.

08-12-2012 The News Vonn seals World Cup super-G: Lindsey Vonn of the United States won the women's World Cup super-G at saint Moritz ahead of Tina Maze of Slovenia and fellow American Julia Mancuso.

09-12-2012 Dawn Hafeez inspires Lions to second National T20 title: Lahore Lions, inspired by a brilliant all-round performance from their adopted skipper Mohammad Hafeez, overwhelmed Faisalabad Wolves by a convincing margin of 33 runs to clinch their second Faysal Bank National Twenty20 Cup title at the Gaddafi Stadium.

09-12-2012 Dawn Australia clinch record fifth Champions Trophy title: Australia clinched a record fifth straight Champions Trophy field hockey title with a 2-1 extra-time win over the Netherlands in the final in Melbourne. Pakistan won the bronze medal, fighting back from a goal down to beat India 3-2, Belgium took the fifth place with a 5-4 victory over Germany while New Zealand took seventh place in the eight-team tournament prevailing 3-2 against England.

09-12-2012 The News Abbasi emerges as Player of the Tournament: Shakil Abbasi of Pakistan was declared as the Player of the Tournament of the 34th Champions Trophy that concluded here with Australia retaining the title for fifth consecutive times.

09-12-2012 The News Senior becomes oldest winner in windy finale: Tour elder Peter Senior overcame galeforce winds to become the oldest Australian Open golf champion with a one-stroke victory at The Lakes.

10-12-2012 Dawn Aussie McKenna wins WYSC: Michael McKenna of Australia was crowned the World Youth Scrabble Champion here at Birmingham after a day of fluctuating fortunes. Cheong Yi Wei of Malaysia was the runner up. Pakistan's Javeria Mirza won the trophy for the highest single move score for her word SHUNTERS while Pakistan team finished third overall. 10-12-2012 The News Record 4th rugby title for Kiwis: New Zealand triumphed over France with a thrilling 47-12 win to clinch the third leg of the IRB Sevens World Series for the fourth consecutive time in South Africa.

10-12-2012 The News Messi smashes Mueller's goal record: Lionel Messi surpassed Gerd Mueller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year with a first-half double that helped his side to an important 2-1 win at Real Betis. Muhammad Usman Butt

Queries of CSS Hopefuls

Q1: How should one write the introductory and concluding paragraphs? And please explain the difference between a 'general statement' and 'thesis statement'.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

In the introductory paragraph you explain the topic and make your 'thesis statement' around which your essay revolves. The introductory paragraph also reflects your outline — the course your argumentation would follow. Some people prefer starting the essay with a quote, which is a good strategy, but it must be relevant to the topic. The concluding paragraph is the most important part of your essay. In it, you give a logical end to the arguments given in your essay. Your essay contains a number of points, arguments and examples that you have given in support of your thesis. In the concluding paragraph you sum up your arguments and give a final punch by reiterating the strongest points.

The 'general statement, in the essay is the opening statement which starts your argument on the topic. Thesis statement is a roadmap for your essay. After a brief introduction of your topic, usually in a few sentences, you state your point of view on the topic directly, precisely and specifically, and often in just one sentence.

This sentence is the 'thesis statement' and it serves as a summary of the arguments make at the outset. The rest of your essay gathers and organizes evidence that will prove the logic of your explanation.

Q2: Can we start the essay with a relevant quotation?

You may start it with a suitable quotation but it must be relevant to your topic. A wise use of quotations adds more value to your essay. Generally, literary quotes are preferable over statements. It is always handy to have four to five relevant quotes or verses for each topic you prepare for your essay. You can get famous quotes on important topics by browsing the Internet.

Q3: It is generally believed that 'Everyday Science' enriches your 'General Knowledge' because 'Current Affairs' and 'Pakistan Affairs' are less scoring subjects. But, then, how should those unable to reconcile with 'Everyday Science' proceed for good marks in the 'Current Affairs' and 'Pakistan Affairs' papers?

I would advise them to focus on all the three papers and evolve strategies for each one of them separately. If you find 'Everyday Science' difficult to prepare, you should focus on those selected topics which are important from the examination point of view. Consulting the past papers is crucial because most of the questions are repeated. For the 'Pakistan Affairs' paper, try to attempt questions from the post-1947 Section as there is more margin of scoring in them. Prepare topics with relevant facts and up-to-date information. Try to adopt a critical approach in attempting questions. In the 'Current Affairs' paper, the candidates should try to write to-the-point answers precisely. In an in- depth analysis of issues, it is not too hard to get good marks. Drawing a map is a requirement of most of the questions in this paper. Therefore, start focusing on each paper and try to get a good aggregate in the 'General Knowledge' paper.

Q4: I had opted for Muslim Law and studied it thoroughly. Not only that I also took the tests and got good marks but the result of CSS Exam 2012 (written) disappointed me, and now I'm in a fix whether to sit the CSS 2013 Exam or not?

It happens every year with 'Detailed Marks Certificates' of failed candidates showing the 'trend' of Optional Subjects. It puts them in a fix as to change their Optional Subjects or then stick to their earlier choices. They must realise that getting good scores in a subject demands a planned and thorough preparation. The Muslim Law is a technical subject and you have to provide references from different sources of Shariah (Islamic law) as well as historical references. If you can meet the demand of this paper, you should go for it ignoring the results of the failed lot.

Q5: What is the best way to attempt a short essay or expansion of an idea?

The expansion or short-essay is a very tricky question in the précis paper. Most of the candidates, lingering in the mood of the English Essay paper, tend to write four to five pages for a short essay, thinking it would meet the requirement. Here it becomes tricky as you are required to remain within the domain of that argument. Thus the more you write, the greater are the chances of deviating from the given topic. You must focus on understanding the real meaning of a given sentence and then restricting your arguments to that. The idea here is not to test your command over the English language but to test your ability to comprehend an argument and explain it correctly.

You may start your answer with a general explanation of the real sense or meaning of the topic explaining it in simple words and highlighting its central idea. Then you may give one example from the general phenomena or the Law of Nature. The third point may comprise any specific example. Many topics have more than one perspective and you may mention the opposite point of view as exceptions to the general rule. Lastly, you should conclude the argument by summing up. Try to be precise and maintain the flow of passages.

Q6: Many candidates failed in Sindhi, Arabic etc. in the last two years. Does that mean that now the days are over when language papers were known as the high-scoring subjects?

The candidates must appreciate the fact that only opting for a certain subject does not guarantee any score on its own. Getting good scores in any subject demands a planned study and thorough preparation of that subject. Passing percentage in the CSS Exam is less than 5 % and this quite evident from the results in all subjects. The regional language subjects have always been scoring but for those who prepare well for the examination.

Q7: I feel uncomfortable to attempt the 'Comprehension' question because I am unable to find out the meanings of the underlined words and phrases. So, please tell me how can I tackle this problem and how to improve my inference level?

First of all, you need to improve your vocabulary. Try to read good books and newspapers because it will not only bring quality to your answers but will also help you a lot in increasing your vocabulary. You may also consult the GRE words, for it effectively improves your vocabulary and helps you in other parts of the English 'Précis' paper. Secondly, you need to realise that the meanings asked in the 'Comprehension' question are to be answered in the context of that passage. You are required to explain the use of words or phrases in the particular reference of the passage or paragraph. Thus writing the dictionary meanings of that particular word or a phrase asked is not sufficient. You need to define it through the context of that very passage.

Q8: What is the best way to make an attractive outline for English Essay?

An attractive outline is an interesting approach. Your outline will be attractive only if it is relevant, precise and balanced. Furthermore, it must contain those points which you can support with effective arguments as well as authentic and up-to-date information. Therefore, your focus must be on accuracy and relevancy of your outline. Once you have this draft prepared, you may refine it with suitable alternate phrases so as to make it really impressive. JWT Desk

This Month in History January January 1, 1801 - Ireland was added to Great Britain by an Act of Union thus creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013 January 1, 1863 - The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the states rebelling against the Union.

January 1, 1877 - Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India.

January 1, 1959 - Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba after leading a revolution that drove out Dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro then established a Communist dictatorship.

January 1, 1975 - During the Watergate scandal, former top aides to President Nixon including former Attorney General John Mitchell, Domestic Affairs Advisor John Ehrlichman and Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, were found guilty of obstruction of justice.

January 1, 1979 - China and the U.S. established diplomatic relations, 30 years after the foundation of the People's Republic.

January 2, 1905 - The Russians surrendered to the Japanese after the Battle of Port Arthur during the Russian-Japanese War. A peace conference was later held in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with President Theodore Roosevelt serving as a mediator.

January 3, 1961 - President Dwight D. Eisenhower broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba two years after Communist dictator Fidel Castro had seized power and just weeks before John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the next president.

January 3, 1990 - Manuel Noriega, the deposed leader of Panama, surrendered to American authorities on charges of drug trafficking after spending 10 days hiding in the Vatican embassy following the U.S. invasion of Panama.

January 4, 1809 - Louis Braille was born in France. Blinded as a boy, he later invented a reading system for the blind using punch marks in paper.

January 4, 1974 - President Richard Nixon rejected subpoenas from the Senate Watergate Committee seeking audio tapes and related documents.

January 5, 1919 - German Communists in Berlin led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht attempted to take over the government by seizing a number of buildings. However, ten days later, they were both assassinated by German soldiers.

January 5, 1968 - Alexander Dubcek became first secretary of Czechoslovakia's Communist Party. He introduced liberal reforms known as "Communism with a human face" which resulted in Soviet Russian troops invading Prague to crack down.

January 5, 1976 - In Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot announced a new constitution which legalized the Communist government and renamed the country as Kampuchea.

January 6, 1412 - Joan of Arc was born in France. After a series of mystic visitations by saints, she inspired French troops to break the British siege at Orleans and win several important victories during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between France and Britain. She was eventually captured and sold to the British who tried her for heresy and burned her at the stake. In 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

January 6, 1941 - President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his State of the Union address to Congress asking for support for the lend-lease program aiding Allies fighting the Axis powers.

January 7, 1714 - A patent was issued for the first typewriter designed by British inventor Henry Mill "for the impressing or transcribing of letters singly or progressively one after another, as in writing."

January 7, 1989 - Emperor Hirohito of Japan died after a long illness. He had ruled for 62 years and was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Akihito.

January 8, 1935 - Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

January 8, 1959 - Charles de Gaulle took office as the first president of France's Fifth Republic. De Gaulle had led the Free French government in exile during Nazi occupation. January 9, 1960 - With the first blast of dynamite, construction work began on the Aswan High Dam across the Nile River in southern Egypt. One third of the project's billion-dollar cost was underwritten by Soviet Russia

January 10, 1878 - An Amendment granting women the right to vote was introduced in Congress by Senator A.A. Sargent of California. The amendment didn't pass until 1920, forty-two years later.

January 10, 1912 - The flying boat airplane, invented by Glenn Curtiss, made its first flight at Hammondsport, New York.

January 11, 1964 - The U.S. Surgeon General declared cigarettes may be hazardous to health, the first such official government report.

January 12, 1879 - In Southern Africa, the Zulu War began between the British and the natives of Zululand, ultimately resulting in the destruction of the Zulu Empire.

January 12, 1990 - Romania outlawed the Communist Party following the overthrow of Dictator Nicolae Ceauescu who had ruled for 24 years.

January 13, 1893 - The British Independent Labor Party was founded with James Keir Hardie as its leader.

January 14-23, 1943 - President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill met at Casablanca in Morocco to work on strategy during World War II. At the conclusion of the conference, Roosevelt and Churchill held a joint news conference at which Roosevelt surprisingly announced that peace would come "by the total elimination of German and Japanese war power. That means the unconditional surrender of Germany, Italy and Japan."

January 15, 1929 - Martin Luther King was born in Atlanta, Georgia. As an African American civil rights leader he spoke eloquently and stressed nonviolent methods to achieve equality. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. In 1983, the third Monday in January was designated a legal holiday in the U.S. to celebrate his birthday.

January 15, 1973 - Golda Meir became the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit the Pope.

January 16, 1547 - Ivan the Terrible had himself officially crowned as the first Russian Czar (Caesar) although he had already ruled Russia since 1533. His reign lasted until 1584. During his reign he instituted a campaign of terror against the Russian nobility and had over 3,000 persons put to death. He also killed his own son during a fit of rage.

January 16, 1979 - The Shah of Iran departed his country amid mass demonstrations and the revolt of Islamic fundamentalists led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

January 16, 1991 - The war against Iraq began as Allied aircraft conducted a major raid against Iraqi air defense.

January 16, 1992 - The twelve-year civil war in El Salvador ended with the signing of a peace treaty in Mexico City. The conflict had claimed over 75,000 lives.

January 17, 1945 - During World War II, Warsaw, Poland, was liberated by Soviet Russian troops.

January 17, 1942 - Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, as Cassius Clay. January 17, 1966 - A Hydrogen bomb accident occurred over Palomares, Spain, as an American B- 52 jet collided with its refueling plane. Eight crewmen were killed and the bomber then released its H-bomb into the Atlantic.

January 18, 1966 - Robert Clifton Weaver was sworn in as the first African American cabinet member in U.S. history, becoming President Lyndon B. Johnson's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

January 19, 1966 - Indira Gandhi was elected prime minister of India in succession to Lal Shastri who had died eight days earlier.

January 19, 1809 - Edgar Allen Poe poet and writer of mystery and suspense tales, was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

January 19, 1983 - Former Gestapo official Klaus Barbie, known as the "Butcher of Lyon," was arrested in Bolivia, South America. He was responsible for deporting Jewish children from Lyon to Auschwitz where they were gassed.

January 20, 1942 - During the Holocaust, Reinhard Heydrich, Himmler's second in command of the SS, convened the Wannsee Conference in Berlin with 15 top Nazi bureaucrats to coordinate the Final Solution (Endlösung) in which the Nazis would attempt to exterminate the entire Jewish population of Europe, an estimated 11 million persons.

January 20, 1945 - Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated to an unprecedented fourth term as president of the United States. He had served since 1933.

January 20, 1996 - Yasir Arafat became the first democratically-elected leader of the Palestinian people with 88.1 percent of the vote.

January 21, 1793 - In the aftermath of the French Revolution, King Louis XVI of France was guillotined on the charge of conspiring with foreign countries for the invasion of France.

January 21, 1924 - Soviet Russian leader Vladimir Lenin died of a brain hemorrhage. He led the Bolsheviks to victory over the Czar in the October Revolution of 1917 and had then established the world's first Communist government.

January 22, 1561 - British essayist, philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon was born in London.

January 22, 1901 - Queen Victoria of England died after reigning for 64 years, the longest reign in British history, during which England had become the most powerful empire in the world. January 22, 1973 - Abortion became legal in the U.S. as the Supreme Court announced its decision in the case of Roe vs. Wade striking down local state laws restricting abortions in the first six months of pregnancy. In more recent rulings (1989 and 1992) the Court upheld the power of individual states to impose some restrictions.

January 23, 1943 - In North Africa, British forces under General Bernard Montgomery captured Tripoli in Libya.

January 24, 1965 - Winston Churchill (1874-1965) died. He had been Britain's wartime prime minister whose courageous leadership and defiant rhetoric had fortified the British during their long struggle against Hitler's Germany.

January 25, 1959 - An American Airlines Boeing 707 made the first scheduled transcontinental U.S. flight, travelling from California to New York.

January 25, 1971 - In Uganda, a military coup led by Idi Amin deposed President Milton Obote. Amin then ruled as president-dictator until 1979.

January 26, 1788 - The British established a settlement at Sydney Harbor in Australia as 11 ships with 778 convicts arrived, setting up a penal colony to relieve overcrowded prisons in England.

January 26, 1998 - President Bill Clinton made an emphatic denial of charges that he had a sexual affair with Monica Lewinsky and had advised her to lie about it.

January 27, 1756 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria.

January 27, 1967 - Three American astronauts were killed as a fire erupted inside Apollo 1 during a launch simulation test at Cape Kennedy, Florida.

January 27, 1973 - U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War ended as North Vietnamese and American representatives signed an agreement in Paris. The U.S. agreed to remove all remaining troops within 60 days thus ending the longest war in American history.

January 28, 1935 - Iceland became the first country to legalize abortion.

January 28, 1986 - The U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 74 seconds into its flight, killing seven persons, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was to be the first ordinary citizen in space.

January 29, 1860 - Russian playwright Anton Chekhov was born in Taganrog, Russia. His works included Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard.

January 29, 1919 - The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (Prohibition Amendment) was ratified. For nearly 14 years, until December 5, 1933, the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were illegal in the United States.

January 30, 1649 - King Charles I of England was beheaded for treason by order of Parliament under the direction of Oliver Cromwell, leader of the Puritan Revolution.

January 30, 1933 - Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. Hitler went on to become the sole leader of Nazi Germany. January 30, 1948 - Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi, India, by a religious fanatic. Gandhi had ended British rule in India through nonviolent resistance.

January 31, 1943 - German troops surrendered at Stalingrad, marking the first big defeat of Hitler's armies in World War II.

January 31, 1945 - Eddie Slovik, a 24-year-old U.S. Army private, was executed by a firing squad after being sentenced to death for desertion, the first such occurrence in the U.S. Army since the Civil War. Numan Ahmed

D-8 Leaders Call for Efforts to Boost Trade

The heads of state and government of D-8 countries reaffirmed their commitment to peace, democracy, progress, dialogue, solidarity, tolerance and moderation as the core values and foundation for achieving economic prosperity and well-being of their peoples and called for fostering closer economic cooperation.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

According to the 'Islamabad Declaration' issued following the 8th summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries, the leaders of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey reiterated the importance of consultation, coordination and joint efforts in economic and trade relations among the members and committed themselves to the realisation of a just and equitable international economic system based on the principle of sustainable and inclusive development that takes into account the profound impact of climate change.

“The adoption of the Global Vision, collectively takes us on a new path of cooperation after we have concluded our mutually beneficial cooperation from Istanbul to Islamabad.”

They were confident that the principles and objectives enunciated in the D-8 Charter would improve interaction and pledged to work in solidarity to confront common challenges faced by the D-8 community.

Recognising the facilitating role of the government as catalyst of economic and trade cooperation, the member states underlined the importance of achieving intra D-8 investment and trade targets through greater cooperation in these areas.

They directed the commission and council of the organisation to explore, in consultation with national investment and trade promotion agencies, D-8 chambers of commerce and industry, business forums, strategies and plans for increasing D-8 trade and investment levels at the next summit. In this connection, they commended the untiring efforts by Nigeria during its chairmanship to promote private sector participation and cooperation among member countries.

The declaration noted with satisfaction the progress in the area of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and recognised the potential for its expansion within the D-8 community and requested member states to make concerted efforts to promote cooperation in this field, including through the promotion of micro-financing.

They welcomed the proposal of Egypt to create a portal on the D-8 website for the SMEs and another for the promotion of tourism.

It said that the strength of D-8 lay in solidarity and cooperation in the widest possible areas, including proactive liaison with and engagement in the activities of other regional organisations and institutions, in particular OIC, ECO, Asean, Saarc, Ecowas, Comesa and the Arab League.

The member states noted with great satisfaction the success of the organisation in development of the legal instruments and their ratification and operationalisation which provided the framework for its activities througha Visa Agreement, Customs Agreement, Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as well as MoU on Civil Aviation and served to facilitate, regulate and promote concrete cooperation.

The declaration called upon the member states to assist the private sector in promoting effective liaison with the chambers of commerce at the national level towards utilising existing and emerging investment opportunities within the D-8 community. In this regard, it recommended effective use of the D-8 website's Business Forum Page by the businessmen and companies.

The declaration welcomed the signing of memorandums of understanding with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Economic Cooperation Organisation and called upon the secretary general to exert every effort, in consultation with the member states, towards full implementation of their provisions. The member states commended Pakistan for choosing “Democratic partnership for peace and prosperity” as the theme of the Eighth D-8 Summit as well as for organising the D-8 Business Forum, meeting of D-8 central banks' governors, first meeting of the heads of trade promotion organisations, a trade exhibition and interactive seminar on “Exploring trade opportunities among the D-8 countries” on the margins of the summit.

They wished President Asif Ali Zardari every success during Pakistan's chairmanship of the organisation and declared their support to him in this regard.

Organisation of the Month D-8

1. D-8 or the Developing-8 was established on June 15, 1997 through the ______. A. Jakarta Declaration B. Dhaka Declaration C. Istanbul Declaration D. Cairo Declaration

2. Two of the D-8 member states are from Africa. One is Egypt and the other is ______. A. Nigeria B. Ghana C. S. Africa D. Zimbabwe

3. The Secretariat of D-8 is located in ______. A. Kuala Lumpur B. Islamabad C. Istanbul D. Tehran

4. Dr Widi Agoes Pratikto, the current Secretary General of the D-8 Organization is from _____. A. Indonesia B. Malaysia C. Nigeria D. Egypt

5. ______is considered the main personality behind the establishment of D-8. A. Benazir Bhutto B. Hosni Mubarak C. Mahateer Muhammad D. Dr Necmettin Erbakan

6. Dr Necmettin Erbakan was the Prime Minister of ______when D-8 was established. A. Turkey B. Malaysia C. Indonesia D. Nigeria 7. Seminar on “Cooperation in Development” which led to the establishment of D-8 was held in Istanbul in ______A. October 1994 B. November 1995 C. October 1996 D. December 2007

8. In the recent summit, held in Islamabad, leaders of Bangladesh and ______did not participate. A. Iran B. Egypt C. Indonesia D. Night

9. The D-8 Summit was held in Islamabad on ______A. November 18, 2012 B. November 20, 2012 C. November 22, 2012 D. November 28, 2012

10. The first Summit of D-8 was held in Turkey on ______, 1997. A. 15th May B. 15th June C. 28th July D. 14th August

ANSWERS: 1.C 2.A 3.C 4.A 5.D 6.A 7.C 8.B 9.C 10.B JWT Desk

Scoring Good Marks in Islamiat Compulsory Paper

The paper of Islamiat compulsory may be termed as a mix of Islamic studies and current affairs. Therefore, the candidates are required to have good command over the topics of Islamiat prescribed in syllabus as well as current affairs. For this purpose it is imperative to remain in touch with newspapers and magazines, especially with religious issues which are in limelight.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

The 100 marks paper of Islamiat compulsory is of tremendous importance in improving the aggregate of the total marks in CSS examination. A systematic study and technical approach is required for scoring good marks in this paper. During the last few years, the pattern of Islamiat paper has changed and study of contemporary religions and current affairs has assumed important role in the this paper. At present, the paper of Islamiat compulsory may be termed as a mix of Islamic studies and current affairs. Therefore, the candidates are required to have good command over the topics of Islamiat prescribed in syllabus as well as current affairs. For this purpose it is imperative to remain in touch with newspapers and magazines, especially with religious issues which are in limelight. For example, the issue of women rights in the backdrop of the bill passed recently by Parliament about punishment for offences of throwing acid on women and for depriving women from their share in inheritance or the Blasphemy Law in the context of murder of Salmaan Taseer.

For having adequate knowledge about contemporary religions it is instructive to develop understanding of their important tenets, philosphies and rituals. The candidates must be able to distinguish between tenets and philosophies of Islam and those of other religions. The lectures of eminent Muslim scholars like Dr. Zakir Naik and Dr. Israr Ahmed are very useful for study of comparative religions.

The paper of Islamiat Compulsory is the only paper of CSS where the candidates are given the option of attempting it in Urdu or English. In my opinion English is a better choice. The candidates who opt for solving it in Urdu take it for granted which results in dismal show in the paper. Reading English books on the various aspects of Islam requires more concentration and interest which in turn develops better understanding of the subject.

Reading translation and explanation of the Holy Quran is inevitable for better understanding of Islamiat. It not only helps the candidates to solve Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) but subjective questions also. Those candidates who are having reasonable knowledge of the Holy Quran can solve the Islamiat paper in a manner better than that of those candidates who are not well versed in the Holy Quran. The candidates must be highly careful while writing verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Mentioning the number of the verse and name of Surah gives a good impression about the level of preparation. The views about Islamic issues must be supported by relevant verses of the Holy Quran and authentic sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Inverted comas for verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) have to be used only when one is sure about its wording. Time management is also necessary for all papers of CSS, especially for the paper of Islamiat as the candidates are required to give answers of five questions in addition to MCQs in this paper. Whereas in other papers the candidates are required to attempt five questions in all. Proper and reasonable time should be allocated for each question.

Indulging unnecessarily in sectarian or controversial issues and writing irrelevant and out of context material has to be avoided. The answer of each question should be precise but perfect and to the point. One should not express self-made unrealistic theories and statements. Liberal and secular approach about fundamental dogmas and rituals of Islam is highly unwarranted and Islamic laws should be expressed in clear and unequivocal terms without any compromise or consideration.

Recommended Books:- 1. Towards understanding the Quran by Zafar Ishaq Ansari or Translation of the Holy Quran by Molana Ashraf Ali Thanvi or by Molana Muhammad Jonaghari. 2. Introduction to Islam by Md. Hameedullah or Towards Islamiat or Islamiat for CSS/PCS by Farkhanda Noor Muhammad. 3. Emergence of Islam by Md. Hameedullah

Expected questions of Islamiat Compulsory for CSS-2013. 1. Differentiating between Deen and Mudhab. Elaborate the role of Islam in giving lasting solution to basic human problems. 2. Explaining the role of the Holy Quran as the fundamental and most important source of Islam. How can we claim that it is in the same shape in which it was revealed and is free from tampering? 3. “Islam is not complete without the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).” Elaborate. 4. How can we claim that the teachings of Islam are free from stagnation and are for eternity? 5. Delineate the role of Zakat with special reference to the solution of economic problems of Pakistan. 6. Examine the modern concept of Equal Rights in the light of the teaching of Islam. 7. The application of Islamic Shariah is equal to men and women; however some injunctions are only related to women. Explain. 8. Can we declare Pakistan an Islamic State in the light of essential features that are inevitable for an Islamic State? 9. Non-adherence to the guidelines prescribed by Islam for the rulers of Islamic state has led to the present arab uprising. analyse. 10. Differentiate between Islamic and western concepts of human Rights. 11. Whether clash of civilisation is imminent or there is a way to avoid it according to the teachings of Islam? Atta ur Rehman Khilji

Practical Suggestions to Solve Composition Paper You can score high marks in this paper provided that you attempt the paper with a strategy. There is the need to seriously revisit the method of attempting question paper.

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Composition paper has two parts. First part consists of first three Questions i.e. Precis, Comprehension and Expansion and Second, Grammar and vocabulary including idioms and pair of words. The actual knack of this paper is your expertise in First Part that is to say how you attempt the first part and in which sequence the questions are written. The real test of candidates is judged the way Précis, Comprehension and Expansion questions are answered.

The most advisable would be to answer the questions of Second Part i.e. Grammar and Vocabulary Questions first because these questions are scoring. You should concentrate in getting score/marks in the first place. Most importantly, these questions do not take much time either you know the answer or you do not know. There is no point in wasting time.

The real strategy would be attempting the Precis Reading Comprehension and Expansion afterwards because these Questions are time-consuming and challenging.

My write-up would further explicate the way to attempt Expansion, Précis Writing and Reading comprehension questions.

How to attempt Expansion After attempting Essay in Paper one, there seems no logic to answer expansion question. Actually, Expansion question is very tricky because the candidates consider that writing four to five pages would suffice the Expansion and this very method fails owing to not understanding the gist of quotation. Actually, writing more in Expansion is wrought with dangers because you have to write actual sense of the given sentence and if you do not understand the real meaning of given sentence then mere writing pages would not bring marks.

Kinds of Expansion There are two kinds of Expansion.

General Expansion The topic is of general nature where you can write any angle that you want to. For instance, there is topic “Love”, this topic is not restricted and it depends upon you what angle or angles you wish to explore. There is no restriction that to dwell upon any single angle. Writing on General topic is advisable.

Particular Expansion Mostly sentences are from this kind of expansion where one angle is given and you do not find room to expand that idea. You have to understand the controlling idea of that sentence or quotation. You are limited and you do not have ample room to expand your ideas. Writing three to four paragraphs would suffice this question. The real challenge is to give the examiner feel that you understand the quotation. Most people consider mere writing four to five pages would impress the examiner and this is wrong perception. This question does not test your art of English but it tests your understanding of the given sentence or quotation and your power of expression to write correctly and pertinently.

How to attempt particular Expansion? Following are the two levels of understanding particular Expansion.

First Level: Denotative Denotative means dictionary meaning of sentence or quotation. What the question denotes or says is to be understood and that too at the dictionary level. Read the quotation word by word and get dictionary meaning and that is the way to get meaning of quotation. After understanding, the quotation is to be expanded. Mostly quotation are to be understood at denotative level.

Second Level: Connotative Connotative means suggestive. This is the second layer of meaning or understanding. No doubt connotative level comes when denotative level is understood. This level of understanding of the words banks upon mostly on common sense. The dictionary meaning of for instance red may mean red colour but what red connotes is to be understood where the word red is used. Another meaning is derived when first meaning i.e. dictionary meaning is finished.

Denotative or Connotative level requires that whole sentence word by word be understood, the controlling word of quotation is focused which becomes the main idea of expansion. Second meaning comes from totality of words of quotation. Third, the emphasis of grammar is also seen before arriving at any understanding of expansion.

Précis writing The most important Question of composition i.e of course Precis writing. Précis tests the skills of composition of candidates. Candidates attempt this Question in different ways. Following method of Precis writing if followed would yield good marks.

Method of Precis Writing a) Count the words As soon as you attempt Precis Question, it becomes most important to count the words of original passage. Generally, students avoid counting the words and this proves fatal. Precis or Summary is the one third of total words used in passage or directed otherwise by examiner. When the examiner does not specifically direct, the general perception goes to one third. Counting the words of passage provide sound base on which edifice of Precis is erected. b) Casual Reading This reading is reading only one time that too not serous reading. Reading the passage casually is to get inkling or hint regarding the passage. This one time reading basically releases the pressure and the candidate gets fair idea of the passage. c) Skimming Skimming means reading three to four times to find out title or heading of the passage. Title or heading of the passage is usually present in the Topic sentence of the passage. And the Topic sentence contains the controlling idea and this controlling idea controls the whole body of the passage. Technically speaking, Title or heading is to be found before writing Precis. d) Intensive Reading Intensive reading is detailed reading. Read two to three times the original passage. It is basically reading word by word. It is also reading between lines e) Sifting Sifting is also reading technique means selection of ideas. This is the most important technique of all the techniques of Precis writing. Precis depends upon sifting process. It is basically underlining process. While reading the passage the most important ideas are sifted out from the unimportant ideas. And the most relevant points or ideas are selected from irrelevant points by underlining the original passage. Sifting is mathematical process that sifts only important/relevant points from unimportant/irrelevant points. f) First Draft or Rough Draft Sifting material is to be written on rough page as it is. Copy the underlined portions on rough page in the original sequence of passage. Write the sifted material in your own words. You are required to follow the sequence of ideas of original passage and use one-word connectors. After writing the first draft, count the words and check the variation or difference. g) Final Draft After writing First Draft, write final draft and bring the required changes in final draft. Make sure that target should not exceed in any way and the final draft should not convey the sense of borrowing of words from original passage.

How to attempt Reading Comprehension Question? This Question is considered to be the easiest question of all because we have to write the answers by seeing the original passage. Following techniques be followed to answer this question.

1) Casual Reading Read one time to get inkling or hint of main idea in the original passage. 2) Skimming Find out title or heading by reading three to four times.

3) Intensive Reading Read two to three times with concentration and read between lines.

4) Sifting Sift the most important points from the unimportant points. Underline the most relevant points.

5) Read a Question & understand it There is a general trend that candidates read Questions first and then read the passage, this approach is not advisable because in this approach you can not write answers of general nature and also where your opinion is asked.

After reading the passage more than six times, then read a question and understand the question fully.

6) Locate an Answer of a Question After reading and understanding a Question, locate the portion of passage where answer of a Question lies. This locating of answer in original passage be made of every Question one by one with concentration. This step has paramount import of this Question. Your correct answers bank upon your skill or ability to locate correct answers

7) Read located answer Before writing an answer, read three to four times that located answer.

8) Write Located answer in your own words After reading three to four times the located portion of an answer, write the answer in your own words. Try to write answer in a detailed wa. Noor Ahmad Somoon (CSP)

Future of UN: An Analysis

Notwithstanding the United Nations has not done well enough, the UN remains perhaps is the only available structure and a global mechanism to save humanity from disaster and anarchy

GAZA Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Introduction: The founding of United Nations (UN) represents mankind's latest and partially successful attempt to ascertain some mechanism for world peace. Having taken birth from the rubble of Second World War, this organization formally came into existence on October 24, 1945. In simple words the UN is an association of states which have pledged themselves by signing the Charter to, 1. Save humanity from the scourge of War and maintain international peace and security. 2. The development of friendly relations among nations and resolving their social, economic and cultural differences amicably. 3. To improve the living standards of people irrespective of their caste, creed, colour and nationality. 4. Creating favourable conditions and respect for obligations arising from International Law. 5. Act as custodian of Fundamental Human Rights.

Signs of the brighter future of UN: Despite imperfections, UN is the only organization that can save humanity from socio economic disparity and can ensure peace and prosperity on this planet. The partial success of this organization in past and numerous developments in present demonstrate that the future of UN is going to be brighter.

First of all, unlike its predecessor the League of Nations, United Nations in its sixty seven years of existence has been successful in averting a large scale War. Even in cold war years when tension between the two super powers was at its peak, no direct armed conflict took place. Instead it goes to the credit of UN that it has always encouraged peace. This in itself is a big achievement which promises a brighter future of UN.

Secondly, the hegemony of powerful nations has been challenged by the emergence of host of developing countries. This development is destined to enhance the prospects of UN’s effectiveness. Individually as well as collectively, these nations are vying for reforms in UNO to have their effective say in the decision making process of this organization. The prominent among these are G4 nations of India, Brazil, Germany and Japan and ‘Uniting for Consensus’ group member of Coffee Club, Italy Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey and Egypt etc. This would result in increasing representation of the people and democratization of UN which eventually would augment the effectiveness and prestige of this world body.

Thirdly, UN has earned immense reverence for itself on account of its highly commendable efforts for humanitarian assistance and development. The efforts of its various organs and agencies for eliminating poverty, improving socio economic justice, protecting fundamental human rights specially those of marginalized classes and protecting environment have cultivated among people a significant esteem and a sense of ownership towards this organization. UN's response and tremendous contribution in the wake of War, famine and natural calamity spanning the world from killing fields of Cambodia to the burning building of Dili and from devastating Tsunami of 2005 to deadly Earthquake of October 2005 in Pakistan are clear manifestations of the effectiveness of this organization. Fourthly, the clout of UN is hoped to widen owing to the expansion of International Law. In fact it is International Law which provides basic principles and customs which govern international relations and diplomatic ties among nations of the world. It also sets grounds for resolving mutual conflicts amicably. To foster international Law, UN has initiated hundreds of International conventions and treaties ranging from agreements governing bilateral and multilateral trade, environment protection to diplomatic relations. International Court of Justice and Security Council also seek guidance from this Law. Therefore, expansion of International Law is a happy omen for the brighter future of UN.

Last but not least, there prevails a broader awareness among populace concerning the importance of this organization. People today are more conscious about their rights and duties as well as for the want and significance of peace. Thanks to the constructive role played by media and civil society, it has been inculcated in the minds of citizen of this global village that UN only can prevent major conflicts in the world and can preserve their fundamental rights. This understanding has positively affected the decision-making process of UN where aspirations of the masses are considered. Consequently, this wakefulness has proved to be instrumental in making UN a more potent world body.

Imperfection of the UN: However, at the same time it remains a fact that UN has not been able to fulfil its objectives as its founding fathers had desired. It hasn't measured up to the demands of its esteemed charter. At certain moments it has let down the oppressed and downtrodden nations just when they needed its support and assistance. Following have been the impediments which hampered the successful working of this international body.

The unchallenged hegemony of some powerful nations over the decision-making and implementation mechanism of UN has been the principal obstacle in the way of this organization’s coming up to the expectations of the masses. The UN has been dominated by the big powers without any restraint or restriction ever since its inception. The unjust and criminal use of the power of Veto has let linger on some long standing international conflicts which pose a dire threat to the security of the whole world. The issues of Palestine and Kashmir are perfect examples of the prejudicial treatment of big powers. In particular; the recent American Unilateral attack on Iraq having completely sidelined the international organization, has seriously undermined the credibility of this institution.

The polarization of the globe along ideological lines has also played havoc with the effectiveness of UNO. Immediately after the inception of this World body, the harmony of action disappeared among Allied Powers and a cold war started between the communist bloc and the non communist bloc. Besides this, inter faith harmony and inter civilization feelings of tolerance and peaceful co- existence have been injured badly. As a result of this polarization, the progress on certain long standing issues hasn't been made. History would have been different, had the UN taken a firm stand when Israelis were driving the Arabs out of their homeland. This contentious issue hasn't been given serious attention only because of the acrimony between Islamic world and the Western Bloc. Similarly the West has always refrained from speaking vociferously in favour of the right of self determination of Kashmiris. The vested interests and Inter and intra faith disharmony have also a lot to do with current Syrian Question. UN isn't a sovereign body and doesn't have power and mechanism to force its members who are sovereign entities. Besides this there are some structural flaws. The absence of a significant mechanism to implement the decision and finding of its principle organs and agencies is a large barrier in the way of better performance of UN. This fact is manifested in failure of UN in implementing the resolutions of Security Council's on Kashmir. Similarly, the verdict of ICJ on the construction of West Bank Fences by Israel also hasn't been put into effect. This fact has significantly decreased the potency of this organization.

The abject poverty in the world is no less than a challenge to the future of UN. This organization hasn't been successful in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor countries. In fact, the economic disparity between Developed countries and less developed ones is on persistent rise. It is quite unfortunate that 86 % of the world GDP is shared by the 20 % world population. The rising terrorism, militarism, and crime have their direct link with economic frustration in poor countries. As the plights of the common men haven’t been considered on priority bases, they have got disillusioned and have lost their hope in UN.

The measures destined to strengthen the UN: However, there is still a general consensus that despite its limitations and failures the UN is vital to the stability of the world. Therefore, it is high time that international Community focused its attention on the resurrection of this prestigious organization. Following are the steps which are needed to be taken on priority basis.

To make the UN a more effective organ of maintaining international peace and security, it is needed to initiate comprehensive process of reforms. UN should reflect the power realities of today’s world and not those of 1945. The world has come across a significant change after the disintegration of Soviet Union and the incident of 9/11. Therefore, from various corners special stress is being laid on reforms in Security Council. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon rightly said, “The UN Security Council reforms, being debated since two decades are too long overdue and the necessary expansion must be made considering how much the world has changed.” The present composition of Security Council is entirely unfair. Where Europe holds two permanent seats, Asia accounting the majority of the world population has only one seat while Africa and South America have no permanent representation at all. Therefore, some responsible developing countries, obeying International Law and having a significant record of human rights protection should be conferred upon the status of permanent membership so that the Security Council may be made a democratized institution representing the whole world.

Besides this, the principle organs and socialized agencies of UN have to be made more potent. In this regard it is pertinent to make International Court of Justice more powerful and its verdicts be implemented in letter and spirit. Moreover, by conferring more powers upon General Assembly the imbalance of power between SC and GA has to be balanced. In particular, the scope of humanitarian assistance, developmental activities and peace-keeping missions need to be broadened. To deal with the difficulty of budget insufficiency, the developed countries need be made bound to contribute sufficient funds to be spent on these areas. These acts are destined to make this world body a potent organization.

Feeling of amity has to be cultivated among people of various nations and civilizations and inter faith harmony needs to be fostered. Peace cannot be established unless various conflicting nations and ideologies come to some sort of agreement on co-existence. In this regard prevalent mistrust between Islamic world and the western bloc needs to be removed. For this, UN needs to take proactive actions on all those issues which have added to the mistrust among various ideologies, religions and regions. In this way the contentious issues posing threat to the world security can be resolved and the reverence of UN can be enhanced. Further, the prospects of UN’s becoming a strong global organization can be brightened if the world as a whole endeavours for it. For this, all the members of world community are desired to strive for attaining their due share in the decision-making process of UN. Unless they shun the practice of being indifferent towards the policy making process of the UNO, the stronger nations would continue using this organization as a tool to further their ignoble designs.

In order to strengthen this organization, this world body has to be inculcated in the masses. The more the reverence and prestige for this organization is cultivated in the people, the more this world body would have the confidence of them and the more esteem it would enjoy. For this, there should be a proper mention of need, importance and effectiveness of this institution in the textbooks of all nations. Media and civil society are also required to play a proactive role in this regard. In this way masses would be better aware of the effectiveness of this organization and would play their vigorous role in making it a potent world body.

Conclusion: To conclude the words of U Thant, the ex. Secretary General of UN seem to be most pertinent. "The United Nations born of the Charter has done well, but it has not done well enough. In a sense it is a great parliament of mankind to which guild, injustice and aspirations of mankind are being brought, it has helped to prevent local conflicts from turning into worldwide conflagrations. It has assisted 1000 million people to gain independence, it has condemned and fought colonialism, discrimination and racism in all its forms, and it has looked far into future, warning nations and men of worldwide dangers ahead. But the United Nations has not done well enough”. However, the UN remains perhaps the only available structure and a global mechanism to save humanity from disaster and anarchy.

Tassawar Bosal [email protected] Tassawar Bosal

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