January 2018 Dharna Politics PAKISTAN Special FEA Quota Monster INDIA Switzerland Today www.southasia.com.pk INSIDE The PoppyGrowers AFGHANISTAN Moderation Switching TURE Gears To create amoretolerantand new eraofeconomicand in theKingdom,ledby Prince MohammadBin Salman, aimtoentera Butcher ofBosnia INTERNATIONAL social changetohelp Winds ofmoderation Arabia. Thechanges progressive society. are sweepingSaudi

Reg. ss-973

Contents 14 Turmoil in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is moving towards moderation.

Islamabad Dharna Politics A new tool in the hands 22 of politicians.

Dhaka Rajhastan 27 The Quota Monster Black Past, The backward communities in Black Present 24 India see a ray of hope. Bangladesh furthers its political ambitions through court verdicts.

Jafna Power Devolvement Seeking democracy, not 28 mobocracy. 29 Kathmandu Picking up the Pieces A political re-think is underway.

4 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 REGULAR FEATURES Editor’s Mail 8 On Record 9 Briefs 10 COVER STORY Turmoil in Saudi Arabia 14 The Big Leap 15 Friend or Foe? 16 Moment of Trruth 18 REGION Islamabad Dharna Politics 22 Gawadar Quest to Win Friends 23 Rajasthan The Quota Monster 24 Mumbai Controversy Compounded 25 Dhaka Black Past, Black Present 27 38 Jafna International Power Devolvement 28 Madness at Midnight Kathmandu Tourism works in Picking up the Pieces 29 many ways. Thimphu Courting a Neighbour 31 Malé Lawyers on the Warpath 32 Kabul The Loya Jirga Solution 34 INTERVIEW Syed Mazhar Hussain, PTCL 35 70 INTERNATIONAL Turbat Madness at Midnight 38 Human Trafficking Water Starved 40 The lure of foreign lands Butcher of Bosnia 42 ruins many in Pakistan. Black and Blue 43 SPECIAL FEATURE Switzerland Today 45 PERSPECTIVE Why Pakistan Broke - 2 56 SPECIAL FEATURE Hulhumale Asset Management & Plastic Menace Capital Markets 59 Solutions are being developed FEATURES to use plastic flotsam for 74 Turbat beneficial uses. Human Trafficking 70 Rajhastan Guru of Bling 71 New Delhi Going Nowhere 72 Hulhumale Plastic Menace 74 Helmand The Poppy Growers 75 Dhaka A Suffering City 77 80 Thimphu Colombo Refugee Rescue 78 Wildlife Woes Colombo A country known for Wildlife Woes 80 its elephants and other BOOK REVIEWS wildlife may soon lose its Timely Lessons 81 attractions. Understanding Ground Realities 82

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 5

COMMENT

A Tough Warning JANUARY 2018 Vol.22 Issue 1 to America PRESIDENT & EDITOR IN CHIEF Syed Jawaid Iqbal espite President Trump’s threat to cut US funding to countries that did not back the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and a firm MANAGING EDITOR warning from the US’s UN representative Nikki Haley, that Washington Zeba Jawaid D would remember which countries “disrespected” America by voting against it, 128 EDITOR UN members rejected Trump and his policies --- obviously a very clear message Javed Ansari to the US president that the world is not going to accept any nonsense from him. Even Pope Francis rebuked Trump’s Jerusalem decision. “I cannot remain silent ASSISTANT EDITORS about my deep concern for the situation that has developed in recent days,” the Faizan Usmani – Khawaja Amer Syeda Areeba Rasheed Pope said. A clear majority of the global community — in fact, more than half of the UN’s member countries — voted overwhelmingly for a resolution, sponsored by Egypt and co-sponsored by Pakistan, calling the US decision to alter the status CONTRIBUTING EDITOR S. G. Jilanee of Jerusalem as “null and void” while stressing upon all states to refrain from the shifting of diplomatic missions to Jerusalem. CONTRIBUTORS The 128 countries that favoured the resolution calling for Tel Aviv to be retained Ulfat Amer – Sajjad Ahmad – Dr. Moonis Ahmar as the capital of Israel, included Muslim states as well as the wider community Mirza Aqeel Baig – Mujtaba Baig – Huzaima Bukhari of the global south, along with most EU member states. Amongst the nine who Shahid Javed Burki – Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan – J. Enver voted against, apart from the US and Israel, were tiny island nations and a couple S. M. Hali – Dr. Ikramul Haq – Muhammad Omar Iftikhar of Central American states. Many other countries abstained. This united stand S.G. Jilanee – Taha Kehar – Dr. Raza Khan – Taj M Khattak to restrict any act of bullying by America has established the fact that from now Zehra Khawaja – Dr. Syed Ali Madni – K. A. Naqshbandi onwards, the hegemony of any single country will not be accepted. It was quite S. Mubashir Noor – Vice Admiral (R) Iqbal.F. Quadir interesting though that just after the voting results came out, a CNN analyst was seen celebrating the US’s upper hand in the vote, based on the fact that 9 members GRAPHICS & LAYOUT had voted against the resolution and 35 had abstained. There was no mention in Kamran Ghulam Nabi the analysis that 128 UN members had trampled the resolution. Haroon Rasheed The voting result has proved that if a country tries to influence or threaten Riaz Masih another country by flouting international law and globally accepted norms, there GENERAL MANAGER is a forum strong enough to rebuke that country. Now every nation, irrespective of MARKETING & SALES its status and strength can make its voice heard. It is definitely encouraging to note Syed Ovais Akhtar that countries alike Egypt and Pakistan, who receive billions in US aid, voted as per BRAND MANAGER their conscience and did not succumb to threats. The vote was not only a powerful Muhammad Aamir moral victory for Palestine but a victory of human rights and dignity. Moreover, it CIRCULATION & COORDINATOR has been proved that the Palestine and Kashmir problems cannot be solved through Aqam-ud-Din Khan bullying or intimidation. The solution is in recognising the rights of the people of these territories. EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE The overwhelming support in favour of the resolution tabled by the less 20-C, Lane 12, off Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Phase II Extension, DHA, Karachi - 75500, Pakistan developed countries despite the ham-fisted intervention by Trump and Haley can, Phones: 92-21- 35313821-24 in a way, be termed as a referendum against Trump’s often unilateral and rude Fax: 92-21-35313832 foreign policy. It also shows that the developing countries have grown up enough Website: www.southasia.com.pk to sacrifice aids and grants for a bigger cause. The awakening is definitely historic Email: [email protected] in context of US comments. “... when we make generous contributions to the UN, we also have expectation that we will be respected,” said Nikki Haley. She went MIDDLE EAST on: “If our investment fails, we have an obligation to spend our investment in other REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE ways … The United States will remember this day.” Pirana Advertising JLT Commenting on the US style of dictation, the Turkish Foreign Minister said, PO Box 486207, 1704, Level 17, HDS Tower, “Before this meeting, a U.N. member state threatened all the other members and Jumeirah Lake Towers Cluster F, Dubai, UAE we were all asked to vote ‘no’ or face the consequences. This is bullying.” The Phone: +97-14- 4508309 historic event has proved that time has come for the US to redraft its foreign policy Fax: +97-14-3688487 and change strategies based on personal whims and not on ground realities. It Email: [email protected] is, in fact, time for America to think about the changing world scenario after the overwhelming rejection at the UN. Well done Egypt, well done Pakistan! This was further emphasized when US SouthAsia is published every month Vice President Mike Pence recently said in Kabul that President Donald Trump by Syed Jawaid Iqbal for and on behalf of had put Pakistan on notice for providing safe havens to the Taliban. Chairman of JAWZ Communications (Pvt.) Ltd. the Pakistan Senate, Mian Raza Rabbani, retorted in the same coin by saying that Pakistan accepted no such ‘notices.’ and printed by Union Graphics, Karachi.

Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily shared by the editors.

Published since 1977 as Thirdworld, the magazine was re-launched in 1997 as SouthAsia.

Syed Jawaid Iqbal Editor in Chief EDITOR’S MAIL

it is better to strengthen The makers of the film should Rohingya of Myanmar, Viability of democracy than opting for also realise the sensitivity they can be referred to as Technocracy unconstitutional means to of the matter and avoid another oppressed minority govern the country. featuring historical figures in in the world that has been films. deprived of its homeland Farid Uddin Shahab, because of ethnic reasons. Karachi, Pakistan. Arjun S. Kumar, Sandwiched between the Chhattisgarh, India. Bhutanese and Nepalese nationalism, Lhotshampa Politics around is an ethnic minority with Padmavati A Historical Nepalese origin, but they are The film ‘Padmavati’ has Move become a bone of contention In October 2016, the and some Indian states then Nepalese parliament such as Madhya Pradesh, passed the National Health Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Insurance Act. A historical Karnataka, Gujarat and move by the former Bihar have already banned government, the Act entitles the film even before its a family of five to receive release. Despite the fact that Rs. 50,000 per year for the Central Board of Film health coverage after paying Certification has yet to issue a minimum premium of Rs a clearance certificate to the 2,500 per year. not allowed to live in Nepal film, most politicians in India Thanks to the National because the country does believe it is more of a religious Health Insurance Act, now not consider them as its own issue than a cultural matter acquiring health insurance citizens. They are supposed and therefore Padmavati has become mandatory for to be native to southern This is with reference should not go on screen each family in Nepal, while Bhutan, but Bhutan does not to your cover story on the even if the Central Board a separate budget is also recognise them as its legal viability of a government passes the film after some being allocated to provide citizens because of their led by technocrats in necessary cuts. Regardless comprehensive health Nepalese origins, despite place of politically elected of political differences, I coverage for the rest of the the fact that Lhotshampa representatives. Though population, particularly hve been living in Bhutan running of government those living in rural areas. for centuries. Standing matters by technocrats In its initial phase, the Act nowhere at the moment, seems to be a workable has been implemented in they are recognised by the option, but it does not suit 36 districts and will be soon international community as a democratically struggling executed in the remaining Bhutanese refugees, who country like Pakistan where districts. The credit of this were expelled from Bhutan external forces tend to move must be given to the as ‘illegal immigrants’ a manipulate the electoral former government led by couple of decades ago. process to fulfil their own Sher Bahadur Deuba who, Unfortunately, the forced agenda in a seemingly in a very brief stint as a expulsion of Lhotshampa democratic setup. In my prime minister, took the from their homeland has opinion, it is not a good much-needed step to give yet to be taken as a serious idea to install technocrats some relief to the people. matter of concern. in ministries because they don’t have any public Sunita Kumari, Sabitri Karma, support, the raison d’être of Pokhara, Nepal. Thimphu, Bhutan. a democratic state. I think it has been the inability of endorse the views expressed elected representatives to by most politicians - that in A Forgotten Ailing set any example of good a multicultural and multi- governance in the country, religious society like India, Minority Democracy in but one should also blame one cannot afford to create Lhotshampa constitutes Kuwait those unseen hands behind unnecessary controversies in about 35 per cent of the the scene that often intrude the name of artistic creativity total population of Bhutan. Kuwait is one of to derail the system. In short, or freedom of expression. However, similar to the those countries in the

8 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2017 ‘s

ON RECORDSLUG

“We need to “Pakistan is at tailor democracy the forefront of and the the international parliamentary community in system to its struggle for Pakistan’s the elimination requirements and in this, the of corruption at most important matter is the official and public levels.” army.” Mamnoon Hussain, Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan former President of Pakistan

“The people of Bangladesh got Ignominy vs. Glory “There are some the real taste of people who sleep development ‘Though both of my parents are not dead, but still I am well only after they when Awami leading a life of an orphan,’ says Arif Shafeeq, a Karachi- spread a feeling League assumed based Urdu poet. Although the poet’s observations of pessimism. We power in 1996.” here sound quite sarcastic, but such candid sarcasm need to recognise Sheikh Hasina Wajid, can frankly be applied to the current state of Pakistan such people.” Prime Minister of Bangladesh hockey that has been reduced to an abandoned child Narendra Modi, nobody is ready to look after. Field hockey, commonly Prime Minister of India known as hockey, is referred to as the national game of Pakistan. However, despite enjoying a coveted status “The Afghan Pakistan hockey currently stands at the lowest ebb and is government has nowhere in international rankings. Its low performance “In Sri Lanka, there taken necessary can be owed to a host of factors such as rampant power are enough intel- steps to reach to politics within the governing body, declining patronage lectuals with good a peace deal with by the Ministry of Sports and no international hockey at knowledge in the Pakistan.” home. The present ignominy of Pakistan hockey stands field to carry out Ashraf Ghani, in contrast to its past glory which it had enjoyed for a legal tasks without President of Afghanistan long time. consulting foreign judges.” Maithripala Sirisena, Waiz Mustasim, “In Bhutan, travel- President of Sri Lanka Karachi, Pakistan. ling to remote villages takes two days. I am the Prime Minister and “Every Maldivian travel by helicopter citizen must abide to save time. Isn’t by the law, re- there some value to spect one another the Prime Minister’s time?” and put forth Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, patriotism.” Prime Minister of Bhutan Abdulla Yameen, President of the Maldives “We have made clear to Pakistan that world where democracy has not been a primary focus. while we desire con- However, irrespective of its poor track record in terms of tinued partnership, “We should democracy, the Kuwaiti government has been showing a we must see decisive practice the teach- hostile attitude towards those who want it to be governed action against terror- ings of Buddha purely by democratic means. In the last 11 years, Kuwait’s ist groups operating to create a better national parliament has been dissolved seven times, while on their territory.” world.” most politicians, mainly from the opposition, have been Donald Trump, S Bidhya Devi sentenced to jail over a raid on parliament in 2011 when US President Bhandari, some members of the opposition party gathered around the President of Nepal parliament to seek resignation of the then prime minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Sabah. Since then, many “On Facebook, we citizens, lawyers, journalists as well as members of the civil have created tools society have been arrested for ‘undermining the stability of that are ripping the country,’ which is not true. This shows democracy has a “Pakistan doesn’t apart the social long way to go in the country. engage in fabric of how society conspiracies.” works.” Muzaffar Ali, Farooq Abdullah, Chamath Palihapitiya, Dubai, UAE. Indian politician former vice president of Facebook

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2017 9 BRIEFS

PAKISTAN INDIA Disabled, Not Disadvantaged he Telangana state government in India is setting up the world's first IT Park for persons with disabilities T (PwD). The park is being established over 10 acres of land in Hyderabad, the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana. The park will provide direct and indirect employment to over 2,000 PwDs and will have residential quarters, delivery centres for domestic and international clients as well as special training facilities for the disabled. Being constructed in partnership with the private sector, the park will be completed in phases by the end of 2019. Reducing Global Warming akistan is going to be the first country in South Asia that will stop using furnace oil to meet its energy needs Pfrom 2018. The country’s oil-dependent industry is being shifted to gas to reduce energy generation expenses and to deal with climate change effects for adaptation and mitigation in the future. This shows Pakistan is playing its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent. Despite its negligible contribution to global warming, Pakistan is one of the top ten most affected countries on the Global Climate Risk Index (CRI 2016). INDIA PAKISTAN Wi-fi Country he Indian government will set up more than 7.5 lakh public-internet hotspots in semi-urban and Trural areas of the country by the end of 2018. The plan is a part of the government’s vision to have at least three Wi-Fi hotspots per panchayat (village council), and will provide 1 GB of data per panchayat. The project aims to enable e-governance and expedite digital delivery of services in such important areas as education, health and rural development. High-speed internet infrastructure across the country will also facilitate various digital- development initiatives of the federal government.

Rowing Gold akistan secured three medals at the Asian Indoor Rowing Championships 2017, which was held in Johar PBaharu, Malaysia. Faring well at the international competition, Pakistan bagged one gold medal in the open mixed four category, one silver in the lightweight men’s pair category and one bronze in the lightweight mixed category. Comprising Naila Bano, Rabia Amjad, Maqbool Ali and Rashid Hussain, Pakistan’s mixed four clinched a gold medal after 14 years. Since the Pakistan Rowing Federation was set up, this was the best performance of the Pakistan rowing team at Asia level.

10 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2017 SLUG

BANGLADESH BHUTAN Smooth Remittances he Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, the central bank of the country, has Tlaunched RemitBhutan in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The initiative will facilitate expatriate Bhutanese to apply for a foreign currency account with an authorized bank in Bhutan. This will enhance Bhutan’s foreign exchange reserves, encourage

Fast Growth angladesh will achieve the projected GDP growth of 7.1 per cent in the middle of 2018. This will put the country amongst the fastest Bgrowing least developed countries (LDCs), according to the UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2018 (WESP) report. It says investment and will promote national savings. Bangladesh is making faster strides in terms of its economic growth, The RemitBhutan initiative was launched in because of firm commodity prices as well as favourable economic 2016 in Australia and the United States and conditions. The WESP report is a joint product of the UN Department is now being expanded to other countries. of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Conference on Trade and In 2016, Bhutan received over 2 million Development and the United Nations Regional Commissions. US dollars in remittances from some 850 Bhutanese living abroad.

SRI Lanka THE MALDIVES Solar Ambitions ri Lanka has reached over 100MW of installed solar capacity and is about to reach its target of 1GW. The achievement has been driven Sby the country’s 'Soorya Bala Sangramaya' (Battle for Solar Energy) programme that was initiated by the Sri Lankan government in September 2016. Providing solar panels at subsidized rates, the initiative aims to deploy micro solar power plants in over one million houses in rural and urban areas of the country. The programme is a joint initiative taken by the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board. Housing in Hulhumalé he Maldivian government has recently inaugurated a mega housing project to Tconstruct over 10 thousand residential units in Hulhumalé for civil servants and government employees. The project, known as Hiyaa Housing, involves the construction of 36 residential towers with one, two and three- bedroom apartments to house nearly 80,000 people. Along with employees of state-owned enterprises, private sector employees will also be provided housing through the programme. The project will be completed in 2019. In the Maldives, some 24,500 people are employed in the civil service, of which more than 9,500 work in Malé, the country’s capital.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2017 11

SOUTHASIA JANUARY 2018 COVER STORY

PG 14 PG 15 Turmoil in Saudi The Big Leap Arabia Mohammad bin Salman puts It seems the curtain has come down conservative Saudi Arabia into a on traditional Saudi Arabia and new mould. a new country with new ideals is By Khawaja Amer taking shape. By Shahid Javed Burki

PG 16 PG 18 Friend or Foe? MOMENT OF TRUTH The political dynamics in the Middle Saudi Arabia has been shaken to the East may lead to a Saudi Arabia-Israel roots and is undergoing revolutionary rapprochement. However, the new changes in pursuit of the Vision status of Jerusalem is likely to impact 2030 of Crown Prince Mohammad this possibility in an adverse manner. bin Salman. The country’s ultra- conservative society must fall in line By Taj M Khattak with these changes and transform into a modern Arab state. By Dr. Moonis Ahmar

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 13 COVER STORY

At this time, Saudi Arabia is going through a process of succession to Ithe Kingdom's throne that is different from all those that came earlier. Six times before the current unfolding of events, the throne passed from one son of King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud to another. Ibn Saud who established the kingdom through conquest died on November 9, 1953 leaving behind scores of sons from dozens of wives. Twice the sons of the same wife, Hussa bint Ahmed Ali Saudari, ascended the throne. This time power is being transferred not from one son to the other but between two generations, from father King Salman Ibn Saud to son Mohammad bin Salman. King Salman has bypassed his older sons and opted for his youngest, 32 year old son Mohammad bin Salman, or MBS as he is generally referred to. He may become the Saudi monarch even before the death of his ailing father. Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Born on August 31, 1985 he is set to become the youngest person to sit on the Saudi throne. It is clear from the way MBS has acted while occupying the position of the Crown Prince that during his Turmoil in rule Saudi Arabia will go through a number of profound changes. Not only will there be a change in the way the Kingdom's people live and work, but Saudi Arabia there will also be enormous changes in the way the Kingdom will deal It seems the curtain has come down on traditional Saudi with the world outside its borders. It is the latter that should be of interest Arabia and a new country with new ideals is taking shape. to the policymakers in Islamabad. But social change in the Kingdom will also By Shahid Javed Burki matter since the Islamists in Pakistan look to Saudi Arabia for guidance. The most significant social transformation Middle East Broadcasting Center and Mohammad bin Sultan is clearly intent brought about by Prince Mohammad Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, owner of on controlling the message as he concerns the place of women in the Rotana Group. Between the two, they conducts a dramatic restructuring of Saudi society. After June 30, 2018, they owned a network of Middle Eastern TV the Saudi state and economy." will be allowed to drive automobiles. channels, radio stations, music labels MBS did not confine himself to That particular restriction had seriously and digital entertainment assets from domestic affairs. He made the Kingdom affected women's social situation in Morocco to Oman. The Saudi attorney carry out a devastating campaign the Kingdom and had also limited general said on November 9 that 208 against the rebels in neighbouring the economic opportunities they can people had been detained as a part of Yemen who had overthrown a regime avail for their betterment. Women will the anti-corruption probe into at least that was close to Riyadh. The two- also be allowed to attend music and $100 billion in "systematic corruption year conflict has taken a heavy toll sporting events and go to the movies. and embezzlement" going back over on the Arab world's poorest country. Given the hold of conservative decades. According to the United Nations, about clerics on the making of public policy While the anti-corruption drive was 7 million Yemenis were on the brink of in the Kingdom, these were brave received positively by the citizens who famine while a massive outbreak of and significant moves. But of greater had become very critical of the ways cholera had affected 900,000 people. importance was the action taken against of the members of the royal family, the The Saudi government accused Iran several members of the extended royal move against media owners worried for aiding the rebels, an accusation family as well as a number of business many observers. Kristin Diwan, senior denied by Tehran but it further worsened people. These actions were taken under resident scholar at the Arab Gulf relations between the two countries. the anti-corruption drive launched States Institute said: "The prospect of The building conflict with Iran seriously by the crown prince. Those who bringing the giants of Saudi Arabia and impacted inter-country relations in the were taken into custody and lodged Arab media under unified government Muslim world. It contributed to the in a posh hotel in Riyadh included control is worrying. It raises concerns move by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain Waleed al-Ibrahim, founder of Al- that the diversity of opinion and and the United Arab Emirates to break Arabiya television and owner of the coverage will be further curtailed. relations with the tiny but extremely

14 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 The Saudi government accused Iran for aiding the The Big Leap rebels, an accusation Mohammad bin Salman puts conservative Saudi denied by Tehran but Arabia into a new mould. it further worsened By Khawaja Amer relations between the or a person like me who landed at Jeddah International Airport in two countries. 1975 to join the editorial department of the first English language Fdaily of Saudi Arabia ‘Arab News’, the change taking place soon after Mohammad bin Salman started calling shots is simply amazing - in fact rich nation of Qatar. The Qataris had unbelievable. Riyadh was then a very restricted city. No foreign carrier could maintained working relations with Iran land at Riyadh Airport and those who wanted to visit Riyadh had to board for good reasons. They shared the same the national carrier Saudia. All the foreign embassies were located in Jeddah. gas field which was the major source of The embassies were allowed to operate from Riyadh in 1984. Despite all Qatar's wealth and had sustained Iran's these restrictions and a distinct way of life, Saudi Arabia was undoubtedly economy even at the height of the West's the most influential, powerful and wealthy Muslim country. King Faisal sanctions on the country. Also, the two who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975 is credited with rescuing the countries were situated on either side of country's finances and implementing a policy of modernization and reform. the Strait of Hormuz through which much His main foreign policy themes were pan-Islamism, anti-Communism of the world's oil passes. and pro-Palestinian nationalism. He successfully stabilized the kingdom's MBS's vehement opposition of Iran bureaucracy and his reign had significant popularity among the Saudis. extends to several other countries where Though the appointment of Muhammad bin Salman as Saudi Arabia’s Tehran has considerable influence. That crown prince is certainly an unexpected departure from old set principles includes Lebanon. It appears that the of hereditary monarchy in Saudi Arabia, the selection of a young 32 years Saudi prince forced Prime Minister Saad old prince with effective leadership traits and dynamic qualities that can Hariri to resign as a way of diluting the make a real change, can definitely be termed as a far-sighted decision by influence of Hezbollah in his country's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz - a visionary who can foresee the future and politics. Whether that would produce understand changing trend in global politics with a fairly good idea of the the results desired by the crown prince feelings and needs of the coming generation. There is no denying the fact remains to be seen. that interaction between culture, gender and human rights and the critical These are other changes aimed at importance of culturally sensitive approaches for effective development modernizing a highly conservative society. policies and programmes, requires a young and enterprising person at the Such efforts have been made before in helm of affairs. The latest changes in Saudi Arabia’s hitherto conservative Muslim societies. Kamal Atarturk, the society have been welcomed by both young and old. Even the women of the founder of modern Turkey, succeeded to kingdom are happy and excited. some extent. But Raza Shah Phelavi, the Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the 32-year-old is a wunderkind, emperor of Iran, failed dramatically. The who is determined to change the kingdom’s socio-economic landscape. His latter's efforts at modernization led to the much applauded Vision 2030 is a grand plan and has been designed to Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979. Nearer establish the leadership of the Saudi economy and society in the 21st century. home to Saudi Arabia, in the United Arab The plan envisages an economy with less dependence on oil and a broader Emirates, top-down modernization is, at industrial base, increasing the country’s non-oil revenue to $160-billion by best, work in progress. 2020. On the other hand, Prince Muhammad’s $500-billion plan to create The UAE experience was studied a business and industrial zone extending across its borders into Jordan and by Calvert W. Jones of the University of Egypt as a part of his efforts to reduce dependence on oil, is being termed Maryland and reported by him in his book, Bedouins into Bourgeois. According to him: "To down social engineering can take authoritarian modernizers only so far. To build truly development-friendly mind- sets prepared to compete under conditions of globalization, Saudi rulers are likely to find that they must renegotiate the social contract in more transparent and inclusive ways, going well beyond what government planning alone can accomplish."

Shahid Javed Burki is a professional economist who has served as a Vice President of the World Bank and as caretaker Finance Minister of Pakistan.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 15 COVER STORY

as remarkable. The 26,500 square km but foreign observers note these thousands of business leaders to the zone, known as NEOM, will focus changes with caution. According to Saudi capital. The Wall Street Journal on industries including energy and them, at present Riyadh is at war with carried a lengthy piece headlined water, biotechnology, food, advanced Yemen, while its other neighbours — “Saudi Prince pushes greater tolerance, manufacturing and entertainment and Iraq to the northeast and Syria in the unveils development project” in which will generate energy itself with the help far north — are also unstable. Saudi it outlined Mohammad bin Salman’s of wind power and solar energy. The Arabia’s rows with Qatar and Iran also aim to, as the newspaper put it, “push government, Public Investment Fund show no sign of being resolved soon. the country into the 21st century.” NBC and local and international investors In such a precarious regional scenario, News said the event offers glimpses of are expected to invest billions into the the crown prince must handle internal a “changing Saudi Arabia.” It noted that zone in the coming years. The crown reform carefully. the Future Investment Initiative attracted prince says NEOM would be floated Bloomberg Businessweek writes that a mixed crowd of some 3,000 business on the international financial markets the 32-year-old prince, who’s known people. “Dubbed ‘Davos in the Desert’ alongside Aramco. casually as MBS, has to be careful: If — a reference to the annual World On the home front, Prince he moves too quickly, he could stir up Economic Forum in Switzerland — the Muhammad’s anti-corruption crusade dangerous opposition from those Saudis conference is the first of its kind,” the has caused seismic shifts in the Saudi who fear his policies will lead to their newspaper said. “This is not just buzz, establishment. The crown prince has marginalization. He will have to balance not just symbolic,” it quoted Elliot rounded up highly influential figures his impatient demands for change with Hentov, the head of research at State in the kingdom, including princes, the population’s willingness to adapt. Street, one of America's oldest financial ministers and business magnates. These It’s also not clear if the private sector in institution. people include Al Waleed bin Talal, the Saudi Arabia has the ability to become Though the defenders of the change billionaire prince known for his global an engine of economic growth after are saying that this recolutionary investments as well as Saleh Kamel, decades of government largesse. This upheaval was long overdue but it would a non-royal who headed one of the is a huge challenge for the country and be a bit early to predict the success of kingdom’s top business houses. On the has great implications for the world. what Prince Mohammad has in mind as other hand, women have been permitted Apprehensions apart, the changes the conservative society of Saudi Arabia to attend celebrations of Saudi Arabia’s in Saudi Arabia have received a will take some time to get into the new Independence Day in a sports stadium. positive response globally. Thousands mould. They will also be getting driving licences of articles have been published in soon. These reforms in a country like English and other languages about The writer is a member of the Saudi Arabia are undoubtedly amazing the upheaval which has attracted staff. Friend or Foe?

The political dynamics in the Middle East may lead to a Saudi Arabia-Israel rapprochement. However, the new status of Jerusalem is likely to impact this possibility in an adverse manner.

By Taj M Khattak

hose familiar with Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Israel became politics are aware that the region discernable in 2013, when during a Tis characterized by multiple UN General Assembly session, Israel’s destabilizing dynamics like the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decades old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, declared that the ‘The dangers of a the historical Sunni-Shia divide, the nuclear-armed Iran and emergence of Saudi-Iranian opposition - all rooted other threats in our region have led in cultural, religious and political many of our Arab neighbours to finally divisions. To this, of late, has been recognize that Israel is not their enemy. added the Saudi -Israeli rapprochement And this affords us the opportunity to against Iran. An American investigative overcome the historic animosities journalist, Robert Parry, best known for and build new relationships, new his role in the Iran-Contra affair, has friendships, and new hopes.’ Saudi gone to the extent of suggesting that Arabia heard the message and the Saudi Arabia paid as much as US $16 Jeddah-based Middle East Centre for billion to Israel for this alliance. Strategic and Legal Studies responded Israeli Prime Minister, Early signs of a thaw in relations positively by stating that Saudi Arabia Benjamin Netanyahu

16 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 would open an embassy in Tel Aviv if Middle Eastern politics. Saudi Arabia by Palestine and Israel in a negotiated Israel accepted a Saudi initiative to end fears that if Iran becomes a nuclear settlement. Trump’s announcement is the Middle East conflict. state, its influence in Iraq, Syria and being termed by the Palestinians as an Officially, Saudi Arabia and Israel Lebanon will increase significantly. end of their hopes. They demand East have no diplomatic relations since the It visualizes this evolving situation as Jerusalem as the capital of their future Jewish state has come into existence - loaded towards a direct clash with Iran state. It also dampens the Palestinians’ for the simple reason that the political which, in its reckoning, can only be hope for diplomatic efforts. These cost for Riyadh to recognize Israel will staved off with a nuclear deterrence already seem to have brought no gains be enormous and perhaps unbearable. and that is where Israel figures in the to them and will now lead to more But unofficially, since the rise of ISIS in equation. violence. Saudi Arabia was hoping the Middle East and signing in 2015 of In the past, former Iranian President that somehow it could re-kindle peace the Iranian nuclear deal with a group Mahmood Ahmadinejad’s threat to negotiations between Israel and the of world powers known as P5+1, Saudi wipe Israel off the world map and his Palestinians but now it believes its Arabia and Israel have been drawn denial that the holocaust ever occurred hopes will dashed. It will be difficult closer and have begun to see the Iranian have only further heightened Israeli’s for Riyadh to remain isolated from its threat as their common enemy. The anxieties. Saudi Arabia, on its part, sees domestic public opinion if Jerusalem’s recent firing of missiles from Yemen into any unshackling of Iran’s trade regimes new status leads to turmoil in the Arab Saudi Arabia has further fueled these with the west as detrimental to its and Muslim world. fears. In essence, the strong driver for financial interests since higher volumes It is not certain how successful Israel-Saudi Arabia rapprochement is of oil flow from Iran will almost certainly will an Israel-Saudi Arabia alliance the unstable equilibrium in the Middle depress global prices thus hitting be in containing Iran. The concept - East. President Donald Trump has since Saudi Arabia’s hydrocarbon-based ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ gone cold on the nuclear agreement economy rather hard. In the current - first espoused by Chanakya in the but that hasn’t alleviated Israeli-Saudi global geo-political environment, the second century AD in the context of fears as Iran has stepped up pursuit of more vertical Iranian military power conquerors, natural enemies and lesser longer-range and more reliable missile grows, the lesser will be the divergence enemies or allies, is clearly manifested technology. In a strange twist of global between Israel and Saudi Arabia in in this relationship. politics, the US has economic interests their regional political and security in Iran and Trump probably sees Iran orientation. Iran’s increasing influence The writer is a retired Vice as the only potent countervailing force in Iraq, its strategic ties with Syria, its Admiral of the Pakistan Navy. to resurgence and spread of ISIS in the pursuit of nuclear capability or cutting region. edge missile technology, success of Whichever way one looks at it, its allies like Hezbollah and Hamas - there is a fundamental shift in Middle all encourage Iran in its ambitions for East politics from the 60s and 70s when pre-eminence in the region, while the there was the old bi-polarism of ‘Israel diplomatic efforts of regional Sunni versus Arab States.’ The present-day Muslim states to limit Iran’s gains fall trend may lead to the forming of new well short. alliances comprising Gulf monarchies During the eight years presidency and Israel. This could take on the of Barak Obama, relations between the growing power of Iran which has been US and Israel were not at their best as a very old rival of Saudi Arabia. The Israel felt Obama was too soft on Iran. rivalry has been deeply rooted in the In that sense, Israel felt abandoned by historic Shia-Sunni conflict and also US - a feeling also shared by Saudi ingrained in the different cultures of Arabia for the same reason. If the the two countries. Israel has been recent hardline stance by incumbent a dominant military power in the President Donald Trump against Iran region for decades and also the only has eased Israeli anxiety to any country in the Middle East to possess degree, it is not going to admit it a huge nuclear arsenal. Iran has a publically. A possible Israeli-Saudi hybrid democracy-theocracy system friendship could therefore be a of governance with all powers vested diplomatic maneuver which would in the hands of the supreme leader. It threaten the old regional balance has made no secret of its support for and replace it with a new order, Shia Islam just as Saudi Arabia has left the dynamics of which have yet no stone unturned in promoting the to fully pan out. There is also the puritanical version of Islam. issue of ascendant Islamic nationalist As a signatory of the NPT, Iran movements in moderate Arab states to considers pursuance of peaceful contend with. acquisition of nuclear power under the The recent move by watchful eye of the IAEA. That doesn’t President Trump to name satisfy Israel and Saudi Arabia which Jerusalem as the capital of see a revolutionary and reformist Iran Israel has all the potential to as anathema. The shifting of power in throw Middle East politics into the hands of the younger generation of a new turmoil. It had always Saudis like Crown Prince Mohammad been thought that the status of bin Salman and Foreign Minister Adel Jerusalem was a pivotal issue Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince of bin Ahmed Al-Jubair has heated up which would be decided upon Saudi Arabia.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 17 COVER STORY

Moment of Truth Saudi Arabia has been shaken to the roots and is undergoing revolutionary changes in pursuit of the Vision 2030 of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The country’s ultra- conservative society must fall in line with these changes and transform into a modern Arab state.

By Dr. Moonis Ahmar

ince November 4 2017, when the and restructuring the country at the treatment as any other Saudi citizen. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad economic and political level would The homeland will not exist unless Sbin Salman unleashed an anti- require not only substantial political corruption is uprooted and the corrupt corruption drive and ordered the will and determination of the present are held accountable.” arrest of several dozen influential leadership but also a qualitative Yet the drive against corruption in personalities, including those from change in the mindset of the royal Saudi Arabia is marred with multiple the royal family, debate to reform family which is not in favour of social loopholes like those “big fish” who and change Saudi Arabia got a new change and wants to resist the process are arrested on charges of corruption impetus. His vision 2030 program of reform. A colossal number of but are accommodated in the five star is imbued with plans for large scale princes belonging to the royal family Ritz Carlton Hotel in Riyadh and there privatization of the state oil company have over the years grabbed enormous is no surety that they will be punished Aramco and diversification of the Saudi privileges and perks. Will across the according to the law. Furthermore, economy by reducing dependence board accountability help eradicate Crown Prince Salman’s anti-corruption on oil. His Vision 2030 also contains corruption from Saudi Arabia? drive may have a motive to target his ideas to gradually democratize Saudi In an article titled “Royal purge rivals or potential rivals belonging to Arabia and the emancipation of its shocks Saudi Arabia’s elite” published the royal family like billionaire Prince women. on November 10, 2017 in The Waleed bin Talal. It is a matter of Will vision 2030 transform the Guardian Weekly, Martin Chula time when Crown Prince Salman will country into a moderate Islamic writes, “Corruption has been rampant succeed his father and will further State? How far will the drive against in recent generations in Saudi Arabia consolidate his hold over power. The corruption eradicate the misuse of and Prince Mohammad had vowed fact that he is only 32 years old with authority and public funds? To what to make business dealings more a plan and vision to transform Saudi extent has the new Saudi law allowing transparent. The spectacle of royal Arabia as a modern country by 2030 women to drive vehicles from June family members being arrested would will surely be tested once he gets the 2018 help the Saudi society which add weight to claims of a crackdown throne. tends to be ultra-conservative and on graft.” Narrating the pros and Prince Salman’s efforts to depict a socially backward? cons of the newly-formed corruption soft image of Saudi Arabia by providing Transforming Saudi Arabia into a commission, the attorney general Saud some freedom to women, opening modern, moderate and democratic al Mojo said the “newly mandated of cinema houses and lifting some Islamic state is an uphill task and corruption commission had started political curbs may help transform Crown Prince Salman’s vision 2030 multiple investigations. The suspects the repressive image of the country. provides a limited timeline as reforming are being granted the same rights and But social change in Saudi Arabia for enlightenment and democracy is an uphill task because ground realities militate against qualitative change in that kingdom. Three major realities shape things in Saudi Arabia as far as the expected qualitative change in the kingdom is concerned. First, the grip of Crown Prince Salman on power structures of the country needs to be strong. The house of Saud is famous for palace intrigues, a fact which led to the assassination of King Shah Faisal in 1974 by a member of te royal Former Economy and Planning Minister, Adel bin Mohammed Faqih (left), family. In order to break the age-old ex National Guard Minister, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (centre) and influence of the royal family and the Naval Forces Commander, Admiral Abdullah bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Sultan. (right) highly conservative clergy subscribing

18 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 reforms which can emancipate its population, particularly women, from centuries of suppression and developing normal and friendly relations with Iran and Qatar. Without, having peace with neighbours and disengaging from the civil war in Yemen, vision 2030 of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman would remain elusive. If the process of reforms fails, there is every likelihood of instability in Saudi Arabia because of two main reasons. First, the influence of ultra- A new Saudi law will allow women to drive from June 2018. conservative groups who are also anti- American and anti-democracy and will not allow Saudi Arabia to change to the Wahhabi/Salafi ideology, the The conflict with Iran is certainly and transform as a modern, moderate, crown prince will have to change not in favor of Saudi Arabia but the enlightened and democratic country. the social structure of his country by royal family wants to further perpetuate Second, those who have been arrested promoting an educated middle class its hostility with Teheran because of on charges of corruption will not leave and allowing a gradual democratic its so-called threat perception and any opportunity to destabilize the process to take root. insecurity vis-à-vis Iranian influence regime because the roots of corruption Emancipation of women and in the Gulf States, Syria and Lebanon. and nepotism in Saudi Arabia are quite liberating them from the clutches of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the entrenched. suppression in a male-dominated Yemen’s civil war is another example of Violence and civil war in Saudi society will be a big challenge Riyadh’s failure to focus against Israeli Arabia will destabilize the Arabian for his vision 2030 because Saudi aggression and occupation of Arab peninsula and further strengthen the Arabia cannot reach the state of territories. Trump’s announcement position of Israel. After all, the net modernization and moderation unless it dismantles the symbols of orthodoxy and retrogression. Second, the reality of Saudi dependence on the United States cannot be overlooked because as long as the kingdom is subservient to American interests, its sovereignty would remain questionable. Its dependence on the United States and the West for security and technological reasons means Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty is questionable. The visit of Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia, which was his first foreign visit after becoming President, also reflected deep-rooted American influence on that Kingdom. The signing of a multi- billion dollar arms deal shows how deeply strategic security relations are between Saudi Arabia and the United States at the expense of its sovereignty This cartoon was first published in Daily Dawn. and the Palestinian cause. Third, the reality of hostile Saudi- Iranian relations is a sad reflection to shift te U.S embassy from Tel Aviv beneficiary of instability in the Arab of the deep schism between the two to Jerusalem, the disputed capital of world since the outbreak of the civil Islamic counties. It is unfortunate that Israel, is a major challenge for Saudi war in Lebanon in 1975 is Israel. instead of focusing on Israel which is Arabia because if the Saudi regime fails This is reflected in its aggressive, a usurper of Palestinian-Arab rights to take a firm stand on the issue of U.S militaristic and expansionist policies and has occupied Arab territories of shifting its embassy from Tel Aviv to in the Arab occupied areas, including the Golan Heights and West Bank Jerusalem, it would mean that Riyadh its controversial capital Jerusalem. including the Holy city of Jerusalem, is more interested in perpetuating its Hence the Saudi moment of truth has Saudi Arabia is more interested in conflict with Iran rather than playing arrived in view of its domestic and fomenting anti-Iranian alliance? Israel a leadership role in the Arab-Muslim external predicament. has been so encouraged by the US world against Israel. attitude that it favours Jerusalem being In its essence, qualitative change The writer is Meritorious declared the capital of the Zionist- in Saudi policy would require a two- Professor of International occupied state. pronged strategy: meaningful domestic Relations, University of Karachi.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 19

SOUTHASIA JANUARY 2018 REGION

PG 22 PG 23 PG 24 ISLAMABAD: GAWADAR: RAJASTHAN: Dharna Politics Quest to Win Friends The Quota Monster By S.G. Jilanee By Mirza Aqeel Baig By S.G. Jilanee

PG 25 PG 27 PG 28 MUMBAI: DHAKA: JAFFNA: Controversy Compounded Black Past, Black Present Power Devolvement By J. Enver By Taha Kehar By Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan

Hills on The Edge Strategic Rethink Quest for an Identity

PG 29 PG 31 PG 32 KATHMANDU: THIMPHU: MALE’: Picking up the Pieces Courting a Neighbour Lawyers on the Warpath By Mujtaba Baig By Khawaja Amer By Zehra Khawaja

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 21 REGION

Pakistan had surrendered after a fight. ISLAMABAD But, in the recent case, an elected government surrendered before a group of extremist hoodlums. And the worst part of the deal was that the Pakistan army sided with them to earn their goodwill and kudos. Dharna Politics However, it would seem that the use of dharna as a potent political weapon Is dharna the new political tool of protest that Pakistan has been accepted and is here to stay. In fact there are a few points in its favour. has invented or is it business as usual? For example, in the case of marching on the streets, the agitators always resort to By S.G. Jilanee violence, but in the case of dharna the element of violence is absent. A sit-in is always peaceful. It has to be by virtue of t has been said many a times that wink and nod from the army. Second, it the fact that its participants stay put at Pakistan is a freak. It does strange must interfere with and disturb the daily one location. Ithings. Breeding terrorists and life of the people. The first dharna was Dharna is also more effective howling when they strike back, is one. staged by Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri because it generally blocks some Its prime minister is disqualified by the in Islamabad. It came to naught and thoroughfare that invites suo moto court for questionable conduct. And ended without being able to achieve notice from the higher courts and forces America kicks and buffets it to ‘do more’ its principal objective of forcing Prime the authorities to listen to the protestors’ to advance US interests in Afghanistan. Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign. The grievances. Street agitation, by contrast, CIA Director Mike Pompeo has warned failure was obviously due to the fact that creates no difficulties for the public. that if Pakistan does not eliminate the it did not receive the army’s blessing, Agitation through sit-in is also alleged safe havens inside its territory, like in the case of the TLYR dharna. peculiar to Pakistan. It is not heard of in the United States will do “everything Another reason was that Imran neighbouring countries. In Bangladesh we can” to destroy them. Khan’s dharna was comparatively a tame once, when a religious party staged a At the same time, US Defence affair, because it did not disturb normal sit-in in Dhaka, it was dispersed with Secretary Jim Mattis has visited Islamabad life. By contrast, TLYR staged their sit- the use of brutal force. to persuade Pakistan to support the in at Faizabad chowk in Islamabad In India, the Congress agitated new US strategy in Afghanistan, which that blocked the traffic to and from the for many years for independence. It seeks Pakistan’s support to defeat the capital, forcing the higher courts to take resorted to hartals, rallies, picketing and Taliban in the battlefield as Washington suo moto notice of the situation and marches. But it never staged a dharna, believes that only a defeat will force intervening. blocking traffic for indefinite periods of them to reconcile with the Afghan The TLYR sit-in was a resounding time. government. But 16 years have gone by success, becaus, in spite of repeated Pakistan has witnessed three big during which, at one time, the US had orders from the higher court, the dharnas so far, with diverse results as deployed about 100,000 troops, yet government dithered in using force discussed. How the situation unfolds they could not defeat the Taliban in the to disperse the sit-in participants. as the popularity of dharna jn politics battlefield, simply because, there was The army, on the other hand, instead gains momentum, would be interesting never any hand to hand fighting. of complying with the government’s to watch. But one thing is certain. The Meanwhile, Pakistan has earned the request to evict the protesters, weighed administration should find ways, other reputation of being a country where in on the side of the TLYR and took up than using tear gas or baton charges to dharna (sit-in) can bring a government the role of mediator, putting its seal on disperse sit-ins. For instance, it may use down to its knees. It has perfected the an agreement between the government water cannons at the sitters or simply ploy to an art form as a political weapon. and the TLYR that imposes humiliating flood the ground where they stage their The latest 20-day sit-in by the Tehrik conditions on the latter. dharna. How the dharna organizers Labbaik Ya Rasool (TLYR) in Islamabad According to some analysts, grapple with such a situation remains to is a case in point that has established November 27, 2017 was another be seen. its potential. black day in Pakistan’s history, a shade There were two lessons to be learned deeper black than the earlier one, on The writer is a senior political analyst from this dharna: First, it must receive a 16 December, 1971. On that occasion and former editor of SouthAsia.

22 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 GAWADAR harbour industry, engineering machinery, trade processing and auto parts assembly in Karachi and its ports. The central zone has been identified for textiles, cement and household appliances. Four separate locations selected for future Quest to Win cement clusters are Daudkhel, Khushab, Eisakhel and Mianwali. The northwestern zone is marked for mineral extraction, with potential in chrome ore, gold and Friends diamonds. One big mineral product that the plan discusses is marble. The plan The massive CPEC project is not very well-understood in intends to set up 12 marble and granite Pakistan as the touted game-changer. It may drive the processing sites in locations ranging country into an era of further darkness unless of course from Gilgit and Kohistan in the north, to Khuzdar in the south. The CPEC plan planners start making plans now to eke out the promised has much more to offer from fiber optics advantages. to tourism and recreation with a long list to follow. By Mirza Aqeel Baig CPEC has been the center of a lot of controversy and hot debate even among Pakistanis. The most intense ince its inception, the China Pakistan finance, security situation and regional opposition to CPEC has come from Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been linkages. local manufacturers, who believe that in Sa hot topic in Pakistan, and to a great The scope of CPEC is unprecedented case CPEC is allowed to be implemented extent outside Pakistan too. The President in the history of Pakistan as it promises without protecting the interests of the of China, Xi Jinping, has termed CPEC to envisage a profound and broad-based indigenous industry, it will not only end as central to an "all-weather strategic development of most sectors of Pakistan’s up dismantling the entire industrial base cooperative partnership." Similarly the economy along with penetration of of Pakistan, but will also speed up the Pakistani civil and military leadership Chinese enterprises. Contrary to the pace of the process of deindustrialization has referred to it as the solution to many image of CPEC as a massive industrial, in Pakistan. Such objections have to be of Pakistan's economic miseries and a power and transport project, the main addressed by the policymakers. It would “Game Changer” not only for the country thrust of the long term plan seems to lie be true to say that Pakistan does not but for the entire region. CPEC is a key in agriculture. The plan has the largest seem to be preparing adequately for the component in China’s marvellous “One number of projects and programs in challenge of CPEC. The private sector has Belt-One Road” (OBOR) economic agriculture, though details are imprecise. yet to be taken on board. Similarly, efforts integration and development plan, The plan outlines a commitment for the to develop skilled labour specifically consisting of some 65 countries, which entire supply chain system of agriculture. for CPEC and policy reforms to remove will definitely have a long-term and deep It covers the whole range from provision structural rigidities are still missing. Many impact on the economic, political and of seeds and other inputs, including Pakistanis are not satisfied with CPEC and strategic position of the region. Naturally engineering goods, fertilizers, credit, some of them see it as a continuation of it has been the target of criticism, pesticides and insecticides. A vast area neo-colonialism in Pakistan and believe especially by countries that see it as an will be handed over to Chinese firms that CPEC is a project designed to create alliance against their interests. who will also run their own farms. a very disproportionate advantage There has been a lack of needed flow Chinese enterprises will also work on for China. An apprehension is that of information on the part of both Pakistani processing facilities for grain, fruits and after completion, this plan is going to and Chinese governments regarding the vegetables along with providing logistics diminish Pakistani sovereignty over its actual size and long term plan of CPEC. services. The target seems to introduce own land. Past record proves that this This has produced confusion in Pakistan technological advancements including fear is not entirely baseless. It can only and in other countries. Earlier, Sindh, drip agriculture in the agrarian sector and be hoped that Pakistani authorities might Balochistan and KPK raised worries about to move out of production of low-value have learnt a lesson from their bitter past the changed initial route and provincial commodities. According to a newspaper experiences with the US, and thus, CPEC breakup of CPEC projects. Fortunately, report, the plan identifies ten key areas will be a quest to win friends instead of controversy among provinces that started for engagement along with seventeen falling as a prey to new masters. It is to emerge by the end of 2014 was largely specific projects spreading in all corners evident that CPEC does not fit into future resolved by the government later. Still of Pakistan. According to a long term plans of the USA, India and some other some factions of manufacturers, traders, plan, Chinese enterprises are to play the countries in the region. All the more politicians and other circles in this lead role in each field. “China-invested reason that policy-makers and leadership country are skeptical about the potential enterprises will establish factories to have to demonstrate both wisdom and of CPEC. It was only in May 2017 that produce fertilizers, pesticides, vaccines courage to reap the full benefits of this a part of the long-term plan of CPEC was and feedstuffs.” mega project. unveiled. It was presented as one with a Taking on industry, the CPEC long-lasting impact on Pakistan’s road and plan divides the whole country into The writer is Assistant Professor of rail infrastructure, surveillance, industry, three zones. The southern zone would Economics at the Institute of Business agriculture, tourism, transportation, comprise petrochemical, iron and steel, Management (IoBM) in Karachi.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 23 REGION

RAJASTHAN In Andhra Pradesh, BCs (A, B, C, D categories) have 25 per cent reservations. There is a 4 per cent reservation for BC (E) which is for backward Muslim communities. SCs have 15 per cent, and STs have 6 The Quota per cent quota, totaling 50 per cent reservations. With the inclusion of Kapus in the list, the quota goes up to 55 per cent. Kapus are widely Monster believed to have supported the TDP in the 2014 elections which helped it to win with a slender margin of 2.06 The primary objective of the present-day Indian reservation per cent vote. After coming to power system is to enhance the social and educational status of as Naidu dithered over the quota underprivileged communities and thus improve their lives. promise, Kapu leader Mudragadda Padmanabham called for a protest on January 31 last year near Tuni in here is no question that in an has been positive with Siddharth East Godavari district, which turned unevenly developed society, the Patel, the senior-most Patel leader in violent and protestors torched the Tbackward and less developed Congress' Gujarat state unit, saying Ratnanchal Express and ransacked classes need the state’s protection the party's legal team was working on Tuni railway station. Since then Kapu for their rights. Reservation of their a strategy by which it can give Patidars leaders have been putting pressure on number and fixing a quota of seats for reservations. the TDP government to fulfill its poll them in educational institutions and Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh promise. government service acts as a stimulant (AP) government has decided to give The Kapu community, with for them to strive hard in order to five percent quota in education and 27 per cent population in AP, has compete openly with the developed employment to the Kapu community. been demanding reservations for community on merit. This was one of the ruling Telugu decades. Before the 2014 elections, In India, which is a vast country Desam Party’s poll promises in 2014 Chandrababu Naidu promised to with numerous communities, the and takes the total quota in AP to give a quota to the community if difference sometimes is more 55 per cent which is more than the elected to power. However, it was pronounced. Accordingly, they are 50 per cent limit set by the Supreme only in February 2016 that Naidu classified as Backward Classes (BC) Court. The Cabinet discussed the set up the Manjunatha Commission and Other Backward Classes (OBC) report submitted by the Manjunath to recommend quota for Kapus. The and quotas are reserved for them. Commission and decided to extend reservations will come into effect Currently, the Patidar community reservations to the Kapu, Telaga, Balija only if the Centre agrees and passes in Gujarat is agitating for reservations. and Ontari communities. a resolution in the Parliament because Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener, Hardik Patel issued an ultimatum to the Congress, threatening to disrupt the party's campaign rallies in Gujarat unless it clarified its stand on reservation to Patidars, urgently. He was referring to several incidents in the last few months when PAAS activists had created a ruckus at the BJP's public meetings, including those where party president Amit Shah was in attendance. During an event when Shah and Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani were to meet with leaders of the Patidar community in Surat, Hardik's supporters barged into the venue and raised slogans, before breaking the furniture. Last month, PAAS supporters once again disrupted Shah's 'Gujarat Gaurav Yatra.' The PAAS reiterated that their main demand was that the Patidars be provided reservation under OBC category or by including them in the Constitution's 9th Schedule. "Once the Congress clarifies its stand on this, we will certainly declare our support to the party in the state assembly elections," Hardik said. The response from the Congress

24 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 with the Kapu reservations, the total MUMBAI reservations in Andhra Pradesh exceed the 50 per cent limit set by the Supreme Court. The Rajasthan government has also passed a bill, providing 5% quota for Gujjars and four other communities in Controversy jobs and educational institutions. The bill makes provision for the quota by enhancing reservations in the OBC sub- group from the existing 21% to 26%, Compounded taking total reservations in the state to 54%, in clear violation of the 50% ceiling A controversy has been kicked up in India against a that the Supreme Court had imposed. But, film that recounts history but seriously offends Hindu the fact that the ruling state thought it fit to pursue this course of action despite fundamentalists. This is perhaps a defining moment in similar moves in the past being struck Indian cinema and could affect future productions. down, shows that reservations still have political potential. By J. Enver However, there is no question that reservations in India have been counterproductive with influential communities progressively getting themselves a share of the quota pie. But the quota system has failed to empower entire communities. If reservations had truly worked, things would have proceeded in the opposite direction. Nonetheless, reservations is the easiest way to cultivate vote banks. But it also sets off a never-ending chain of quota demands. Reversing the principle of reservations for the backward communities, over half of the medical seats under the all-India quota will now be reserved for candidates from upper castes — the open category students. Therefore, even the high-performing candidates from the BC, SC and ST communities will be accommodated only in the 49.5 per cent reserved for them — leaving fewer seats for the truly backward. Earlier, the admission for reserved seats took place only after the open quota seats got filled. While the earlier reservations policy ensured a minimum number of seats for students from backward communities, this policy shift appears to effectively put a cap on the number of seats for which reserved category students can compete. Given this scenario, the need of the hour is to enlarge the jobs and education pie rather than slicing it up differently to appease whoever happens to be protesting at the moment. Peddling quotas is a way for political parties to absolve themselves ever before in the history of Indian cinema has a film created so for failing on the economic front. It should much controversy and created so much animosity against the be borne in mind that quota numbs the Nmakers as Padmavati, a film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali spirit of enterprise in its beneficiaries and and featuring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. tends to make them indolent. It is time The Padmavati controversy took an ugly turn when a fringe Rajasthan to put an end to this charade and have a group called the Karni Sena threatened actor Deepika Padukone of level playing field for all to compete on physical harm. merit. "Rajputs never raise a hand on women but if need be, we will do to Deepika what Lakshman did to Shurpanakha," said a leader of the – S.G. Jilanee group, referring to the act of cutting the nose off. Following the threat,

25 SOUTHASIA • DECEMBER 2017 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 25 REGION

Deepika Padukone got special security cover from the Mumbai police. The film was embroiled in one controversy Over one lakh Hindu activists converged after another and the former royals of Jaipur even called for a complete ban at a massive gathering in Gandhinagar to on the film because they thought it showed Rani Padmini in a bad light. protest against the film and thousands Said a Karni Sena extremist, "Our ancestors wrote history with blood, took part in a protest march. we will not let anyone blacken it." Objecting to the Ghoomar song in the film, Heena Singh Judeo, daughter-in-law of Dilip Singh Judeo of Chhattisgarh's former royal family, said, "History has witnessed that none of the Rajput maharanis has ever danced in front of anyone, and they cannot play with history." Rajasthan Higher and Technical Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari joined the chorus and said she strongly opposed the film, alleging it had been made purely for money and entertainment. "Deceit in any case with the history of immortal valour of such women cannot be accepted," she said. Over one lakh Hindu activists Left to Right: Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahid Kapoor. converged at a massive gathering in Gandhinagar to protest against the film and thousands took part in a thrust after the first poster of Padmavati While the release of the film protest march. was released on social media. As the has been stalled until sometime Divya Kumari, whose grandfather filmmakers released the promotional in 2018, it was said that the film- was the last ruler of Jaipur, said, "The material of Padmavati on social makers had themselves kicked up the women of Rajasthan are very upset media, the fringe outfits accelerated controversy to draw publicity for the with this film made on a queen who is their protests. After weeks of protests, film. It was also being said that the the epitome of sacrifice. Rather than allegations and counter-allegations, while no one knew about the Karni highlighting Padmini's sacrifice, the the film's release was deferred. Sena until the controversy started, film-maker has sought to highlight Many people spoke in favour of their violent protests against the film the romantic angle in this film." It Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela director Sanjay Bhansali and actress was also claimed by some people that Bhansali, who had also been issued Deepika Padukone had brought the director Bhansali had distorted the death threats. Shahid Kapoor, a Hindu fundamentalist group into the historical facts in the film. There were leading member of the Padmavati cast limelight. great objections on an alleged dream said: "Watch the film and then decide. Deepika Padukone summed up sequence in the film showing Rani Give the film a chance and don't the matter when she wrote in an open Padmavati romancing with Allaudin form preconceived notions. We have letter to the Karni Sena: “…going by Khilji. It was said this was a heinous tried to keep everyone's feelings and the current climate of two-minute portrayal of the queen. interests in mind. We have tried to stardom, you, the Rajput Karni Sena The troubles regarding Padmavati make the film as best as we could. We has decided to take my dignity and this started in early 2017 when director will respect whatever people think of movie seriously. I would like to thank Bhansali was attacked by the Karni the film but you should see it first." you for bestowing me this honour. Sena, which alleged that the film had Actor Aamir Khan was of the view But if in the 14th century, I did not historical inaccuracies. In Jaipur, the that that everybody had a right to require anyone to protect my honour, sets were vandalized and Bhansali protest. “But I think in a democracy why would I need you to protect it in was slapped for allegedly portraying a and in a country where we believe in the 21st century. Please understand I romantic sequence between Padmavati the rule of law, I don't think anyone was a queen. My husband, King Ratan and Alaudin Khilji who invaded the should be threatening people with Singh fought not just for me but also fort of Chittor to capture Padmini, violence. That is most unfortunate. As for the honour of his kingdom. He did who in turn performed jauhar (mass an Indian, it makes me sad. It is not exactly what a King must. You think self-immolation). The filmmaker and just restricted to a film personality, Alaudin would have stopped after he his team made it absolutely clear that it could be anyone. The rule of law captured me? He was interested in there was no such sequence in the film should be upheld and no one should our kingdom. More so Ratan Singh where Deepika and Ranveer appeared be above the law and no one should was my husband. He had a right to be in the same frame. take violence in their hands." Added upset after his wife was insulted. I am A few months later, the film sets Salman Khan, "I don't think it is fair still to understand what are you upset (this time near Film City in Mumbai) to hurt anyone's sentiments. It is also about?” were vandalized again. The force not fair to comment on a film without against Padmavati came with full seeing it." The writer is a free-lance contributor.

26 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 and are often used as instruments of DHAKA political victimization. In the recent case, Syedul Sumon, the prosecution’s lawyer, told the media that the men were found guilty on three counts. This included the brutal Black Past, Black murder of 13 elected representatives and a Hindu man and robbing homes in northern Gaibandha district. Abu- Saleh Aziz, the former lawmaker who Present was then a commander of a vigilante group that assisted the Pakistani forces, absconded shortly after proceedings Bangladesh has been pursuing over the past few years a commenced in the tribunal in 2016. peculiar form of justice in which verdicts are controlled by In such cases, it is best to adopt outside forces and the overall purpose is to maintain the status a situation-specific approach. This can guarantee a cogent verdict that quo regarding the party in power. is delivered after the facts have been examined and the due process of the By Taha Kehar law is adhered to. However, if previous cases are considered, it is not difficult to spot a trend: the majority of the accused persons belong to the Jamaat- he memory of the atrocities and Saleh Aziz, a former lawmaker who e-Islami, a political party that had war crimes committed during is affiliated with the Jamaat-e-Islami, vehemently opposed independence Tthe 1971 war continues to exert was among these men. They have of Pakistan’s eastern wing. In addition, an influence on Bangladesh’s state been accused of committing mass this particular decision was delivered narrative. The gut-wrenching tales killings, arson and looting during the a week before the anniversary of the of torture, abuse, displacement and armed struggle with Pakistan. fall of Dacca. The verdict appears loss that are associated with this dark While this judgment sets out to to be a veiled attempt to revive the chapter in the country’s history aren’t penalize a gross injustice that has issues surrounding the war crimes and just confined to history textbooks. On gone without punishment for four bringing it into the global limelight. the contrary, the painful memories decades, it is difficult to accept the The tribunal was established by of the genocide caused by this brief verdict at face value. This is arguably Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in war, which led to the creation of not the first time that such death 2010 to prosecute those who have Bangladesh, frequently resurface in sentences have been meted out. Over been accused of committing war the political narrative. the years, similar punishments have crimes in 1971. However, it has faced On November 22, 2017, a special been awarded to others who have considerable criticism for jumping court – the International Crimes been accused of committing war to quick, easy and convenient Tribunal – in Bangladesh sentenced six crimes. Skeptics believe that the trials conclusions when it comes to men to death for a cluster of war crimes conducted by the tribunal serve the administering justice. In the past, the committed during the 1971 war. Abu- narrow interests of the ruling party same controversial tribunal has been

27 SOUTHASIA • NOVEMBER 2017 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 27 REGION

accused of making fallacious claims JAFFNA to malign the ruling party’s political opponents. For instance, Abdul Alim, a politician from the Bangladesh National Party, was found guilty of nine charges some years ago. The tribunal’s decision reflects a Power gross violation of justice and even the former mayor of Dhaka condemned it for being improperly conducted. Around 35 witnesses provided oral Devolvement evidence for the prosecution while only three were permitted to testify in Alim’s favour. Similarly, in the case of The people of Sri Lanka realize that a new constitution Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, the would mean more empowerment and more freedom. defendant was accused of committing crimes at a time when he wasn’t even By Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan in the country. At times, the tribunal has resorted to using ambiguous terms and constructions to ensure that the ‘culprits’ remain in prison. This is a concrete attempt to push them towards a slow and painful political death. A large number of international lawyers have repeatedly insisted that the tribunal’s performance has been riddled with irregularities and biases that are difficult to do away with. A few years ago, a conversation between a judge of the tribunal and an activist who favoured war was leaked and generated ripples across the political milieu. This shows how international standards of fair trial and due process have been repeatedly flouted by the tribunal. More often than not, speculations have run rife over the manner in which these judgments have been penned by hen Ranil Wickremesinghe came to power in Sri Lanka in 2015 a ministry of the government. Although he announced that his government will prepare and bring in a these concerns have been investigated, Wnew constitution. He promised the nation that the text of the the concerned ministry has been mostly document would be ready by January 2018 and, as it is normally done, it immune from any form of enquiry. The would be put up for a debate in the Sri Lankan parliament. If approved by a narrow purview of the tribunal has also two-thirds majority, it would be put through a referendum to get the people’s raised a network of doubts. Analysts verdict also stamped on it. This sounded simple, but like in most third world believe that in addition to being a countries, developing political consensus is the most difficult thing that a mechanism to victimize opposition leader faces and the same is true for Sri Lanka’s political leadership today. members, the special court has Originally the proposal to amend the Sri Lankan constitution that undermined the war crimes committed surfaced in 2015 focused on ending the executive presidency. It also against non-Bengali communities – proposed devolution of power to ensure that power devolved from the especially the Bihari community. As centre to the regions. This was the major framework around which the new a result, the verdicts delivered by the constitution was to be built to ensure that many other political reforms body do not bear the scrutiny of reason will also be initiated that would help any government to extend better and as they have fallen below acceptable equitable social services as well as quality life to the people of Sri Lanka. standards of justice dispensation. Primarily the amendment in the constitution is necessitated because of the The tribunal appears to have used requirement of resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict between the majority the fear, insecurity and nostalgia Sinhalese who are Buddhists and the Tamil minority who are Hindus. associated with the 1971 liberation Democracy also means in the not so democratically mature countries war to disguise the fact that it is fuelled as ‘tyranny of majority’ and this is amply proved in case of Sri Lanka, in by a desire to maintain the status quo. light of the statement emanating from the Bodu Bala Sena – the Buddhist Its judgments serve as little more than hardline organization. Condemning any attempt to bring in a change in the attempts to stifle the opposition by constitution, the organization has warned the Sri Lankan government by solely relying on the time-honoured saying that, “if the central executive powers are eliminated or downgraded strategy of recalling a gruesome past. in the new constitution and the country divided into states with greater This approach has, so far, worked to the independent authority then the nine current provinces will rally 4000 ruling party’s advantage. Buddhist monks in Colombo and defeat the changes to the constitution. If the constitution is amended ignoring us then a river of blood will flow in The writer is a journalist and author. the country.”

28 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 This doesn’t augur well for the democratic reforms that the Sri Lankan government wants to introduce. However, one would like to appreciate the political acumen of Sri Lanka’s president Maithripala Sirisena who has announced the holding of three government conferences which include: for the political parties that are not represented in the parliament; for religious leaders; for scholars interested in the national issues. This attempt of developing national consensus by the President of Sri Lanka by interacting with the broad and diverse segments of society speaks of the leadership concern not to give an impression that the constitution is being imposed on the people of Sri Lanka. In any case, it is the job of the government to ensure that no disinformation is proliferated to create unnecessary doubts about the proposed constitution. Critics claim that the new constitution is a recipe for disaster. It provides the framework to the new provinces to not only become constitutionally independent but also have the right to secede from the federal unit. Tamil politicians may take this choice of separation but it is not only the Tamils; the Muslims may also rise in the eastern province to demand for a separate state. The real concern of the critics of the KATHMANDU new proposed constitution is that it may result in the political fragmentation of the country and many new states may erupt on the island or at least demands for such states under the constitution may take a new life. The need of the hour is for the people of Picking up the Sri Lanka to realize that the coming of the new constitution should be seen in the light of more empowerment and more freedom for the people and not a reason for the Pieces people to seek separation. Politics is under the spot in Sri Lanka and the onus of taking To get back on the path of peace and prosperity, the country out of these uncertain political Nepal must follow a more open foreign policy and its times lies with not only the politicians but across the board with the entire civil government must get directly in touch with the people society. In the end it is the national interest instead of relying on corrupt go-betweens. and the protection of the country’s territorial integrity as well as sovereignty that matters By Mujtaba Baig the most. The people of Sri Lanka must come together to realize this and seek democracy and not ‘mobocracy’ as the system to find ho will rule one of the poorest countries of South Asia – Nepal? solutions to their political problems. Mobs This has been cleared after announcement of its election challenging the writ and authority of the Wresults. But the main question is how long the victors of the government should not be allowed and all Nepal polls will rule the country? The landslide victory of leftist parties matters must be decided in the parliament means the newly-elected government would be free from a diversified which is the right forum to generate political coalition. But will this complete its tenure and bring political stability discussions, develop consensus and seek to the country? This is still a quandary owing to the bleak past political solutions to enable a people friendly history of Nepal. government to function and deliver. A The leftist political forces mainly comprising two factions of the strong government at the center remains Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist and Maoist center) essential to ensure that Sri Lanka does not have almost won the polls and it is going to pave the way for China to end up facing a political crisis. expand its clout in the country by investing to bring its economy back on track. If democratic political forces under the banner of Nepali Congress The writer is a retired lieutenant colonel had won, it would have been a welcome sign for India to increase its of the Pakistan Army. He is currently influence by providing aid to its ailing economy for serving the regional pursuing a Ph.D in civil-military relations. political agenda of New Delhi.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 29 REGION

The question is how stable will be the next setup at federal and provincial levels without succumbing to the pressure of coalition partners. Leftist groups have won the majority of seats both in national and provincial assemblies and also have defeated so many nationalist stalwarts. But on the back of long-standing political instability in the Himalayan country, it is still not confirmed how things are going to happen at the political front in the near future. Elections in Nepal were held after twenty years of political turmoil when the ruling elite in Kathmandu finally caved in to the fact that real solutions of all the problems in Nepal lie in a genuine democratic government. Earlier, efforts were made randomly to convert the monarch- styled government into a people’s government but this could not have succeeded because those believing in democracy equally believed in use of force to restore the people’s power abject poverty, unemployment and confidence of foreign investors. Also, in the country. polarization, is its persistent political it should not have to rely on one In the past, one of the factions instability. In the previous twenty regional power only and must make of the Communist Party of Nepal five years, nearly 25 politically new friends though not at the cost of left no stone unturned to dismantle hybrid setups have been installed the ire of old friends. the status quo forces which proved to run the country but none of them It is being confirmed by reports counterproductive and the country succeeded. The main reason was the that leftist political groups are witnessed twenty years of lawlessness deeply-rooted monarch-based system sincerely purging their rank and file that finally ended in 2006. Since then, of government in the country that from extremism but still they don’t the so-called interim arrangements never let the people elect their true have any other attractive slogan to were made with different coalition representatives. control the masses without use of setups to run the country but none Historically speaking, those living force. They have to manage their of them could have worked for more in palaces did not have any direct political writ without use of force and than a year. contact with the people to understand for this purpose the only option they Centrist political forces that their real problems. Middlemen were have is reconciliation. They have to apparently believe in democracy in the inefficient bureaucrats who were mend their terms with all their foes of Nepal are led by the Nepali Congress appointed against merit. They never the past whom they gave a very tough Party that has more tilt towards India truthfully conveyed to their political time when Nepal was burning in a but poll results do not show their bosses about the real needs of the civil war that continued for twenty sizeable victory in any of its seven people. They served their own interests years. Secondly it will have to prove provinces. This means India has to instead of serving the people. As a that believing in a left-style system review its foreign policy for Nepal result, governments failed to serve the of government does not mean it will that so far aims to manage good terms people and the whole country was become a puppet at the hands of any with centrist forces that do not have caught in several political and social leftist regional power and will uphold deep roots in the masses because of imbroglios. the interest of the country above any their monarchy-backed style of ruling After the coming into power ideological leanings. the country. of leftist political groups in Nepal, Also, curbing the opposition with It is widely expected that if a truly their main challenge will be to the use of force should be made a elected government comprising leftist complete their term without any bitter memory of the past and the forces comes to power in Nepal, its unconstitutional interference. It all newly-elected government in Nepal top priority will be to restore political depends on how stabilized the new can never afford any effort if it really normalcy. The new setup will also coalition setup will be. The newly- wants to complete its term. Political not give much importance to past elected government has to pick up sustainability is the only panacea that congenial relations of Kathmandu with the most serious problems of the could heal the political wounds of the India and will equally welcome China country and devotedly work for their country and put it back on the path of that has a global agenda to expand its immediate solutions. Most important peace and prosperity. Otherwise it will investment in neighbouring countries of them is escalating unemployment be announcing another snap election instead of just doing political meddling that could be controlled by attracting that will never be in the interest of for serving its own interests. foreign investment in the country. the people and the country’s political The main reason at the root of For this purpose the new government survival. all problems in Nepal, including must control the fragile law and order low per capita income, low GDP, situation in the country to restore the The writer is a journalist and author.

30 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 THIMPHU Modi’s ‘Look East’ strategy and is a major foreign policy initiatives. The policy is an effort on India’s part to cultivate extensive economic and strategic relations with the other three nations of SouthAsia in order to bolster Courting a its standing as a regional power and a counterweight to the strategic influence of the People's Republic of China. Bhutan’s reluctance to participate in a project that could intensify trade Neighbour between the participating countries came as a surprise to the other three participants of the mega project. India is the big brother in the proposed Bangladesh- According to reports, India has taken Bhutan-India-Nepal road project. But Bhutan wants the the Thimpu decision rather seriously backing of its parliament before it signs the deal. It is not and this may result in deterioration of the relationship between the two clear whether India and the other partners will wait or go countries. ahead without Bhutan. Bhutan’s decision to stay out of the plan till the government manages to convince the Parliament and the he Bangladesh-Bhutan-India- the BBIN agreement in the Bhutanese people in general, is being termed as a Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement capital. It was seen as a first model of victory for the democratic process. The T(BBIN-MVA) has still not been sub-regional cooperation and as such general comment from the public is that endorsed by the smallest partner due publicity was given to the project at least the people have spoken and the Bhutan despite aggressive persuasion in all the participating countries. government has positively responded from India, considered to be her ‘elder The agreement would allow for the by withdrawing a decision which lacks brother.’ Bhutan has announced that regulation of passenger, personal from the backing of the masses. Even it will not sign the agreement unless and vehicular cargo traffic among then, the Indian government is still domestically raised issues are settled. the four countries. While the other hopeful that Bhutan will reconsider its Initiated by India, the plan envisages three countries have already ratified decision as it would not be all that easy a flawless transportation network the agreement, the Government of to ignore a country like India which between the four countries to enhance Bhutan is in the process of completing has tremendous influence on Bhutan. sub-regional trade and movement of its internal procedures for ratification Planners are of the view that a people. Though India has decided to address the concerns raised by firm no from Bhutan would be very to go ahead with the plan without the domestic stakeholders, says the unfortunate as the plan will have to Bhutan, Indian planners are confident Bhutanese Foreign Ministry. be designed afresh which would be a that Bhutan would join shortly. The BBIN is projected as the tough task. According to the present The four South Asian nations signed cornerstone in Prime Minister Narendra plan, some corridors are starting from

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 31 REGION

Paro and Phuentsholing in Bhutan MALÉ connecting Dhaka and then Kolkata. Thereafter, protocols will also have to be amended by India, Bangladesh and Nepal individually, after which, each of these countries will have to pass the edited protocols through their respective parliaments because this is an international agreement. In short, the dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to be in jeopardy just because the neighbouring Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has refused to toe the line. Still hopeful about Bhutan rejoining the project, Prabir De, coordinator, ASEAN-India Centre and Professor at RIS, said in a recent statement, “The positive news is that Bhutan has not quit the plan altogether. But when they join, they have to negotiate the terms afresh.” The Indian government had been pushing the plan vigorously because it also wanted to bypass Pakistan for not Lawyers on the giving its consent to the larger MVA project that is aimed at connecting all those countries that share land borders. India’s share in sub-regional trade is over 90 per cent. In 2015, Warpath India’s volume of total trade with BBIN countries was about $10.82 billion, of which exports accounted for $9.35 The judiciary in the Maldives is not described anymore billion and the remaining were India’s as being fair in dispensing the law. This feeling has imports from BBIN, according to the been further enhanced by lawyer activists and the civil IMF. While the opposition in the society. parliament in Bhutan argues that this By Zehra Khawaja will affect the livelihoods of Bhutanese transport operators, the government has assured that Bhutan's interests will he recent lawyers’ movement in the Maldives can be termed as the biggest be protected while enacting protocols, effort for legal reform in a country where senior judges receive money and which will be the by-laws of the Tluxury flats and meet regularly with the president and his deputy, who agreement. An opposition member meddle in high-profile cases and judicial appointments. It was undoubtedly a says it could support the agreement red letter day in the history of the country when on August 30, 2017, more than if such assurances were incorporated 20 lawyers, including a former attorney general, former solicitor general and in the protocols and presented along former deputy prosecutor general, gathered outside the Supreme Court in Malé with the agreement by the members with a 14-point petition endorsed by 56 lawyers outlining concerns about the of parliament from the ruling party. deteriorating state of the judiciary in the country. They are in the joint parliamentary The lawyers told the media gathered outside the court premises that there committee and are persuading the had been multiple cases of corruption, constitutional overreach, intimidation opposition and council members to of lawyers and judges and contravention of rights of those on trial and the accept the fresh modalities being Judicial Service Commission, the country’s judicial watchdog failed to counter offered by the Bhutanese government. or condemn the rampant politicisation in the judiciary. This was especially Though the Indian government has visible when members of the political opposition were tried: hearings were threatened Bhutan that the plan is even conducted over consecutive days and the verdict was often issued at midnight, a workable without Thimpu, the effort to practice, that “cannot be accepted by any means,” according to the lawyers. pursue Bhutan is still on. As expected, the petition was not accepted and shockingly enough the Bhutan’s reluctance is quite Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) suspended all signatories, which understandable. In essence, India’s together reportedly make up a third of all practicing lawyers in the Maldives, model of economic assistance to its over charges of contempt and for gathering in a manner that “obstructs the neighbours such as Bhutan and Nepal independence of justice system.” The people in Malé lodged a protest against remains exploitative and no remedy the suspension of the lawyers. However, the suspension orders of a number of exists for altering it yet. But then the lawyers were reportedly withdrawn after written apologies were submitted. fact remains - can Bhutan live without A study carried out by the United Nations Development Programme has India? revealed that 71 per cent of Maldivians prefer to settle disputes out of court, mainly due to lack of confidence in the justice system. The trust deficit, however, – Khawaja Amer goes back several years. Before the Maldives transitioned to democracy in

32 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 2008, President Maumoon Abdul By appointing itself as the head of the Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Gayoom was the first to populate the Department of Judicial Administration an envoy of Commonwealth Secretary judiciary with his loyalists. When in 2014 and seizing the regulatory General, had observed that such long- the first democratically elected authority of the attorney general’s term detention of the opposition figures government was formed, the newly office in 2016, it granted itself powers “eroded the government and the adopted constitution had scheduled for to transfer, appoint, certify and dismiss judiciary’s legitimacy.” the periodic reappointment of judges judges and lawyers. In May, it declared These alarming developments based on merit. But the Judicial Service itself the final authority to determine in the Indian Ocean state are being Commission, which had among its the validity of no-confidence votes closely monitored by the international members some of Gayoom’s loyalists, passed in the Parliament. In return, community. Recently, American and dismissed the constitutional provision when the ruling party was set to lose its European governments spoke out as “symbolic” and in 2010, allowed parliamentary majority, as its members about the fast-deteriorating situation them to be sworn in on a lifetime were on the brink of switching over to in the Maldives, expressing “concern basis. the opposite camp, led by Nasheed and about the deterioration of fundamental The alliance of four opposition Gayoom, who had struck an agreement freedoms and the institutions of parties also sharply reacted and said to unseat Yameen, the Supreme Court democracy, including freedom of the suspension by President Abdulla ruled that MPs would lose seats in assembly and press." The United Yameen's government means dissidents case they quit, switched sides or were Nations also weighed in, describing would no longer have access to quality expelled from the political parties they the country's new defamation laws as legal counsel. They said an immediate were a part of. Each of these measures “crippling freedom of expression." practical implication of the suspension ended in consolidating the position In short the political landscape of would be that individuals who were of the president. They insulated him the Maldives now appears to be in unfairly targeted, including high profile from criticism, criminal investigation, ruins because of a corrupt judiciary. politicians, as well as members of prosecution and impeachment. When the Germans were bombing parliament and were recently stripped In fact, the petition came on the back London, Prime Minister Winston of their seats by President Yameen’s of these and several other decisions that Churchill was briefed on the casualties regime, will find it virtually impossible pointed to the increasing politicisation and economic collapse. He asked, “Are to find effective legal counsel. of the judiciary under Yameen. In the the courts functioning?” When told that Can the judiciary afford to go petition, the lawyers also criticised the the judges were dispensing justice as against the wishes of President Yameen? courts for their flagrant disregard of normal, Churchill replied, “Thank God. Certainly not, because under his due processes, allowing anonymous If the courts are working, nothing can patronage, the Supreme Court, through witnesses and secret intelligence reports go wrong.” a series of rulings, has granted itself as evidence during the trials of members several extra-constitutional powers. of political opposition. In 2017, retired The writer is a free-lance journalist.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 33 REGION

Against this backdrop expecting Loya KABUL Jirga to be a panacea for the deep-rooted ills of Afghanistan is to ask for the moon. Those who consider that the Loya Jirga due to its traditional social value has the strength and relevance to address the multifarious issues of Afghanistan perhaps The Loya Jirga do not understand the key changes that have taken place in the Afghan social structure as well as the international scene. Solution Since after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, a large number of The government in Afghanistan is so weak that it can hardly Afghans have left the country to seek refuge be expected to work towards a solution leading to ending the in Pakistan, Iran and elsewhere while Taliban insurgency. In such circumstances, it is doubtful that the Afghan state has almost evaporated holding of Loya Jirga is the answer. and Afghan society has been severely lacerated. It is clear that no traditional Afghan institution has kept pace with the By Dr. Raza Khan changes. It is because of the vanishing Afghan state that the Loya Jirga could not be called. Most Afghan institutions have been a part of the problems and not the solution. Due to an ultra-conservative social structure and state apparatus, a modern economic structure could not be developed in the country. Without a modern economy a host of issues emerged. There was a failure to develop a modern and vibrant educational system and large- scale poverty and unemployment could not be tackled. This contributed to the rise of religious extremism and terrorism and the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan leading to a near-dilution of the Afghan state. Had traditional institutions been s the situation in Afghanistan is not Loya Jirga could positively impact the vivacious and effective in addressing the improving at all, there have been current crisis. social ills, political issues and economic Avoices from across a cross-section There is a growing belief in Afghanistan problems then there would not have been of society to go for an out-of-the-box that the Loya Jirga is the only mechanism a need to formulate a modern constitution solution of the multidimensional conflict left to fix things in the war-ravaged country. authored by the Americans soon after the comprising the Afghan Taliban insurgency. When Karzai was president he convened ouster of the Taliban regime in 2001. If The most viable option, according to the Loya Jirga twice on the issue of peace the existing constitution could not bring certain segments of Afghan society is the in Afghanistan and the Taliban insurgency political stability, peace, how can a Loya summoning of the Afghan Loya Jirga (Grand and even invited the Taliban commanders Jirga be expected to address the crisis? Assembly). Whether the Loya Jirga, which to participate though they did not come. A key issue of the Afghans is that they is a representative body of all segments of The are certain negative implications revere everything traditional. The national society, including various communities involved in inviting the Taliban to the Loya narrative in the country has always been and ethnicities, could cleanse the Jirga. It could lead the Taliban to claim dominated by self-glorified identities. For proverbial Augean stables of Afghanistan to be a political force and a legitimate instance, the fighting qualities of Afghans is a debatable question but convening the movement though, for almost two decades have always been praised by most Afghans Jirga should not be a problem for President they have been waging an insurgency and, who think they are invincible. This may be Ashraf Ghani. for all intents and purposes, are a non- correct to a certain extent but in the age The institution of Loya Jirga is a state militia. Inviting them to the Loya of technological warfare and high-tech traditional social tool among the Pashtuns Jirga could discredit this traditional Afghan military, there is no relevance of traditional that is at least three centuries old. It brings institution. fighting skills. Such attitudes have been the together elders and community leaders Inviting the Taliban to the Loya Jirga very reason that an effective military could from across the social strata to discuss could also mean bestowing official not be raised in Afghanistan. Despite having matters of major importance. In the recent recognition to the Taliban as this would recruited more than 300,000 personnel, past, former President, Hamid Karzai, mean the Afghan government considers the Afghan National Security Force various political parties, a large number the Taliban to be a legitimate part of Afghan (ANSF), which has been entirely funded of lawmakers and senators, and ‘experts’ society. The Taliban’s refusal to participate by western countries, could not fight the have called on the government to convene suggested that they did not believe in the Taliban, comprising a few thousand ragtag a Loya Jirga as they see the Jirga as the Loya Jirga and its constitution, decisions men. In such a situation, the Loya Jirga only remedy towards national stability and reverence. With a key stakeholder of would not solve any problems. and development. Several political circles, the Afghan crisis having such extremely tribal elders and influential persons have view, it is impossible that the mechanism The writer is a political and security backed Hamid Karzai’s view that only a would work. analyst.

34SOUTHASIA SOUTHASIA • JANUARY • JANUARY 2018 2018 34 INTERVIEW

Delivering with Excellence Syed Mazhar Hussain, Chief Human Resource Officer, PTCL, leads the company’s human capital towards innovative directions. He inspires continuous improvement with a clear vision to make PTCL the key player in Pakistan’s telecom and ICT sector. He talks to SouthAsia in this exclusive interview.

What difference has PTCL made the world’s leading Internet television excellence as our people are now to the quality of life for the average network. equipped to fulfill the demands of Pakistani? PTCL has made a significant challenging the business environment In today’s world, ICT services have difference to the life of the average and feel more empowered to drive become a basic necessity of life. People Pakistani. We are at the forefront performance excellence. Equipped from all walks of life, irrespective to create a momentum for future with such rich experience, PTCL of gender, age group or profession, prosperity and to build a digitally remains committed to be the employer require continuous provision of data connected Pakistan. of choice for the current and future services. The world has now become How has the journey been for generations of Pakistan as well. a global village with a treasure of PTCL over the past 70 years? What new services has PTCL knowledge that is accessible to Being the largest ICT service introduced recently? everybody from anywhere for making provider in Pakistan, PTCL has Consumers are becoming more informed decisions in both personal been serving the nation since 1947 conscious of the quality of the service and professional lives. as Pakistan’s telecommunication they receive and being a responsive PTCL has been at the forefront of backbone and has evolved from a and innovative ICT services provider, bringing positive changes in the lives simple telephone company to an customer care continues to be the of the average Pakistani. Pakistan integrated IT and telecom solution most important aspect of our business is a developing country and is the provider with presence in more than agenda. Recently PTCL has merged all fifth largest ‘young country’ in the 2000 cities and towns. customer related information, order world. A recent United Nations For the last 70 years, our company booking and support services on a Population Fund report makes the has served generations of customers by unique number 1218 which will now claim that out of 200 million people, providing up-to-date telecom services serve as a one-window solution for all 63 percent of Pakistanis comprise including voice telephony, fixed and our customers. youth. With countrywide coverage wireless broadband, over-the-top Building a ‘Digital and Connected and connectivity, PTCL Broadband applications, digital television, carrier Pakistan’, the company delivers a wide in Pakistan empowers the youth with and wholesale, satellite services and portfolio of broadband services ranging the capability to enjoy seamless data centres. With mobile services from ADSL, VDSL to Fiber to the Home browsing, downloading and streaming through Ufone and mobile banking (GPON) with speeds up to 100 Mbps. at an affordable price. Realizing the through Ubank, we are providing In addition to Islamabad, Lahore and importance of international quality holistic and all-encompassing services Karachi, CharJi 4G LTE has expanded content for our young generation, to customers - be it a home user or a into the regional markets in areas we have collaborated with iflix, the business enterprise. such as Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, world's leading subscription video-on- Our employees are our most Gujranwala, Quetta, Gwadar, Sibi, demand service and Netflix, which is valuable asset who deliver with Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, AJK, etc.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 35 INTERVIEW

What are PTCL’s plans towards attracting young talent and also promoting good leadership ‘My priority is to continue with a PTCL has been endeavouring to bring the best young talent to the passionate zeal in this transformation company through various induction programs, in pursuit of the objective journey, making the PTCL workforce a of cultural transformation. We have been trying our best to ensure that role model of excellence.’ we attract the right kind of talent and then assess them on the right measures. We have made tremendous progress, especially by establishing a Pakistani society. ‘PTCL Razakar’ is a progressing under able leadership. strong employer brand in the market, voluntary program comprising over In this regard, we developed developing functional and leadership 400 employees, known as Razakars, two structured and specialized competency frameworks aligned who participate in philanthropic development programs for different with the business needs, hiring activities on behalf of the company. leadership tiers. One is for young strictly on merit, using best practices The Box of Happiness is an initiative leaders titled as Fuel and the other for selection and promoting only a that received a very encouraging program is Leadership Excellence, performance-based culture in the response as exciting events were which is for our top leaders. Our company. arranged in different orphanages program Fuel (Future Leaders) is Some of the key HR programs across Pakistan. aimed at enhancing the leadership include National Internship Program, A massive nationwide Blood capabilities of future leaders at Experia Summer Internship Program, Donation Drive was also conducted the earlier stages of their careers. ICAEW (Institute of Chartered in 2017, which covered 70 locations Leadership Excellence, on the other Accountants of England & Wales) bringing together 9,726 generous hand, is a high-impact top leadership Program, ICAP (Institute of Chartered donors with 100 camps set up across development program to better align Accountants of Pakistan) Training the country, extending from Khyber the company’s leadership capabilities Program and PTCL Summit Program. to Mehran, encouraging employees, with the strategic business vision. that aims at building sustainable their families and community As I am leading a progressive leadership by inducting top talent partners to come together for this organization like PTCL, I must add from the best engineering and noble cause. that women empowerment is my key business institutes across Pakistan The CSR activities this year also priority as they have immense talent and from abroad. included a Breast Cancer Awareness and potential which we recognize Which areas of PTCL are Drive in collaboration with Pink and is also evident from the presence undergoing transformation? Ribbon and under the banner of of women in our senior management I have witnessed PTCL come a The Pink Club of PTCL, which has cadres. long way on its transformative journey been created for the sole purpose What is PTCL’s vision for the with a major shift towards a corporate of improving health and well-being future? mindset. It has undergone a cultural of all the women working in the Our vision is to be the leading transformation initiative, moving company. and most admired Telecom and towards a corporate entity, under What are PTCL’s priorities as ICT provider in and for Pakistan. great leadership and overcoming Pakistan’s leading ICT-based services In order to achieve this vision, we tough challenges in its growth to the provider? focus on our core values which are next level. Being a CHRO in one of the professional integrity, teamwork, It gives me great pleasure that largest organizations of the country, customer satisfaction and loyalty to we have led the institutionalization my priority is to continue with a the company and these are bringing of the best HR practices, systems passionate zeal in this transformation a change in people’s mindset. and technologies in PTCL. Some of journey, making the PTCL workforce We also have taken focused the PTCL cultural transformation a role model of excellence. We have initiatives leading towards customer initiatives include implementation already brought about a 360 degrees care like Uplifting Service: Back of SuccessFactors, Facebook@work, change in business processes, to Basics for CSRs, CPEIs & TPIs, a job rotation policy, HR and CXO policies and organizational structure. Onsite Training Program, Delighted Raabta program, Team Retreats, I am proud that we are the pioneers Customer Experience Training 2017, employee engagement activities in implementing the integrated HR Revamp project and Up Your across PTCL and town halls, etc. This performance management system Service by Ron Kaufman, etc. I is how we have created awareness with the world’s most powerful tool envision our organization to provide and acceptability of this major shift “SuccessFactors” in the corporate unmatched innovative telecom in the PTCL Family. sector of the country. solutions and services in wireline, In what way has PTCL played its One of my top priorities is to broadband, digital services and cloud role on the CSR front? What are its promote effective leadership within computing catering to the needs of main programs? the organization as a key focus for all households and businesses in PTCL is fully aware of its corporate future success and having a work Pakistan and we are enabling our social responsibility and is actively environment where the workforce employees to come forward and bring contributing in the social uplifting of is engaged, satisfied, thriving and excellence in our services.

36 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 SOUTHASIA JANUARY 2018 INTERNATIONAL

PG 38 PG 40 TAIWAN JORDAN Madness at Water Starved Midnight By Syeda Areeba Rasheed By Faizan Usmani

PG 43 PG 42 BOSNIA ZIMBABWE Butcher of Bosnia Black and Blue By Taha Kehar By Ulfat Amer

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 37 INTERNATIONAL

TAIWAN excitement as if one is wildly dancing in a dragon costume to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Most night markets are located in designated marketplaces and operate Madness at under municipal rules and regulations, while some markets come up on roads, streets and on roadside pavements encroached by street vendors, hawkers Midnight and fast food purveyors. Today, it is perhaps the busiest public space in the country that peaks at night and truly In Taiwan, night markets are the busiest public spaces that reflects the way the Taiwanese people peak at night and reflect the way Taiwanese people lead lead their lives full of colour and lights their lives. and the shindig one can openly have in the dark. Trading, shopping, eating, or mere strolling hand in hand. Think By Faizan Usmani of any activity one can perform at night or dream of any fun one can derive out of an open-air market and n Urdu poetry, the term Subah- offers the life that matters, particularly means business in every sense. e-Banaras refers to the alluring to those who believe in starting a new According to historians, the Imorning of Banaras and the day when the sun disappears into the night market offers a great variety Sham-e-Awadh denotes the enticing gray-blue haze. of Taiwanese cuisine mixed with evening of Lucknow, the capital of The street markets, referred to as evergreen Chinese food. In 1950, the former state of Awadh in India. the night market in Taiwan, mostly when the Chinese Civil War came Nights of Taiwan, in the same way, operate in the urban and suburban to an end, General Chiang Kai-Shek can be used as a metaphor to describe areas. From Feng Chia Night Market brought along China’s best cooks the nocturnal pleasure one can only in Taichung to Raohe Street Market in Taiwan who introduced a new experience when roaming around in Taipei, there are more than one culinary culture ruled by Chinese food in the street markets in the cities of hundred night markets operating and beverages. In the beginning, those Taiwan, an East Asian country. across the country known for its food were mostly migrant Chinese workers As it happens, the moment the festivals, traditional lion dances and who made up a large customer base sun sets, there emerges a glittering, dragon boat races. Interestingly, these of the night market, according to East sparkling night in the country’s street distinctive Taiwanese attributes can Asian history scholars. markets that outshine the brightness be seen together in the night market In the late 1950s and 1960s, the of the sun and dazzle the glow of that offers a taste of Chinese food and street food vendors introduced a the daylight. Marked as a fun-filled, brings about a symphony of rhythmic range of banquet dishes, which were thrilling moment in the dark that carries movements performed all night long rather simplified in their texture as on from dusk to dawn, the night in the by a troupe of street dancers, while a per the local Taiwanese taste. The urban part of the East Asian country nocturnal spark is kindled by a thrill of variety as well as the affordability

38 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 These night markets are also commonly found in those countries where a considerable number of overseas Chinese live in a dedicated place called ‘Chinatown.’

of food, particularly xiaochi food, Chinatowns exist in many countries was something that helped the night worldwide as Singapore, Thailand, market become a frequently-visited the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, place in town and it soon emerged as Malaysia, Cambodia, UK and the a favourite tourist spot in the urban USA. Other than Taipei, some well- parts of the country. Interestingly, known night markets exist in Tanjong most towns were named after the Pagar, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong dishes they were popular for, while Kong and Shanghai. serving of scrumptious xiaochi, or The tradition of night markets ‘little eats,’ appeared to be a big in Taiwan dates back to the era catch for the local elite who ended up when merchants used to gather gripped by the fever of Chinese food in a dedicated place to sell their more than anything else available agricultural products during the under the sun. daytime and would sit together with For urban dwellers in today’s the rest of the vendors all night long. Taiwan, their social life revolves Held quite regularly in corners of around night markets. A true large cities mostly, those small local manifestation of Chinese culture, the gatherings gave rise to a more formal night markets are quite a common night market, which soon evolved phenomenon in such other East into an all-purpose place, operating and Southeast Asian countries as as a trading spot for buyers and street China, Macau and Hong Kong. In vendors as well as serving as an ideal Taiwan, night markets are found in place-to-be where both night owls all the country’s major cities such and early birds could flock together as Kaohsiung, New Taipei, Taichung, to enjoy life. Tainan, Taipei, Taoyuan, etc. Both for the local population and However, these night markets visitors, a day (or night) spent in the are also commonly found in those night market in Taiwan is a time well countries where a considerable spent. number of overseas Chinese live in a dedicated place called ‘Chinatown.’ The writer is a member of the staff.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 39 INTERNATIONAL

JORDAN Of all the water in Jordan pumps, billions of litres never reach a family’s tap. Instead, it streams out of broken pipes and a huge amount is lost. Otherwise, it could have satisfied the basic needs of 2.6 million people or Water Starved more than a third of Jordan’s current population. If the current trends Jordan is a water-starved country and needs to continue, the per capita water supply implement a number of methods to conserve the will fall further, putting Jordan in little water it has or receives through rainfall. the category of having an absolute water shortage. A number of experts consider countries with a per capita By Syeda Areeba Rasheed water production below 1000m3/yr to be water-poor countries and Jordan has endured such deficits in water resources since the early 1960s. According to a study, the country is classified as water scarce and is ranked number ten in the world due to the insufficiency of water. There is a great fear of Jordan facing a serious long-term water crisis caused by a number of natural and human factors. Researchers are of opinion that in the absence of international climate policy action, the country could receive 30 percent less rainfall by 2100 and the annual temperatures could increase by 4.5 Celsius. Despite the importance of this disclosure, no additional measures are taken to preserve the resource. More than half of the water is used for agriculture out of which only a small amount is produced for the local food supply and almost 50 percent is wasted, stolen or used by the Syrian refugees living in Jordan. There are a number of solutions to increase the water supply sources in Jordan. The desalination of seawater can provide safe drinking water to areas facing severe water scarcity and may also help in resolving the conflict between urban and agricultural water needs by providing a new ordan is considered as one of the receive as little as 50 mm/yr. independent water source. Further, world’s driest countries as water Jordan's total rainfall volume in the processing of wastewater for its Jscarcity becomes a continuous 2004/2005 was about 9304 mm3 of reuse in the agricultural sector is a reality for the country. It has one of which about 93.9% evaporated. Only feasible option and is already in use the lowest levels of water resource about 3.9% of precipitation filters in the Jordan Valley. availability. Per capita water down to recharge the groundwater. Water can also be saved during the availability is 200 cubic metre per Jordan carries the same name as River hot season by implementing irrigation year, which is almost one-third of the Jordan but it has very little water from technologies like sprinkler systems, global average. The country is located river resources because rivers and drip irrigation, subsurface irrigation in an arid/semi-arid climatic region. streams are drying out. The country systems and plastic greenhouses About 80% of the country receives mainly depends on rainfall. Jordan since agriculture consumes a lot of average precipitation of less than is known to have a large desert land water. Also, the grey water can be 100 millimetre/yr and is generally on its eastern and southern eastern reused to flush toilets instead of using classified as arid. The remaining borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. fresh water. Storing rainwater on 12.5% of the country receives an The shortage of water in Jordan will roofs can also help other domestic average of 100 - 200 mm/yr, 3.8% become a greater problem over the purposes, for example gardening and, receives 200 - 300 mm/yr, 1.8% next years as the population doubles during dry seasons, for irrigation and receives between 300 - 500 mm/yr and climate change potentially makes even fish farming. After storing water, and only 1.3% receives more than precipitation more uncertain and the containers or reservoirs should 500 mm/yr. The eastern desert areas variable. be covered so that the water does

40 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 not evaporate. Another option is to environment where there is a shortage The main reason for install floating solar panels above the of water. The mulching system is reservoirs. This will not only reduce also highly recommended to reduce the severe water the evaporation rate but also produce evaporative loss of soil moisture clean energy. and improve microbial activity shortage in Jordan The other way to counter water and nutrient availability. Farmers scarcity in the country is by recycling should use organic manure instead and reusing the municipal wastewater of chemical fertilizers, to increase is simply the lack which is an attractive method in terms the quality of water and reduce the of water savings. Although the use of risk of groundwater contamination of natural surface municipal wastewater causes public and agricultural run-offs. Industries health concerns, it is one of the most also have to put together a water water resources i.e. effective ways of saving water. The management plan to reduce water general public should also be educated intake and control water pollution. rivers and lakes. if the growing water crisis is to be The main reason for the severe mitigated. Effluent irrigation standards water shortage in Jordan is simply the should be broadened to encompass lack of natural surface water resources a wider range of pathogens and i.e. rivers and lakes. Currently, Jordan appropriate public health guidelines has only three major rivers, the Jordan need to be established for wastewater River which is salty and thus not irrigation, taking into consideration the suitable for consumption, the River elimination of steroids. Infrastructure Zarqa which receives all kinds of improvement is also necessary for waste, making the water unusable and improving efficiency and reducing the River Yarmouk which serves as a water loss. dumping ground for municipal waste. Another interesting method Recent severe drought periods have to increase water efficiency is by further complicated the water shortage growing new types of crops that are problem but with the combined efforts able to bear saline, brackish and of both the general public and the low irrigation requirements. Such an government, Jordan might find a way approach is not only economically to eliminate the water crisis. viable but also socially beneficial and viable to mankind in an The writer is a member of the staff.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 41 INTERNATIONAL

as in most of the Serbian traditional epic poems, the Serbian “heroes” are honoured for killing “Turks.” In some of the poems, it is considered “heroism” when a Turkish wedding is attacked by Serbian outlaws and they slaughter all the wedding participants. The word Turkish is in quotes because in Serbian mythology, the word Turk is the designation for all hated Muslims, no matter what ethnic group or nationality they belong to. The best description of brute Serbian nationalism and crude culture has been depicted in their song “Gorski Vijenac” by Petar PetrovićNjegoš, in which he describes and glorifies medieval genocide committed against the Muslims during the reign of Vladika Danilo in Montenegro. The Serbs took “Gorski Vijenac” as the inspiration for all the later genocides they committed against the Muslims. The Serbs have constituted their nationality based on the genocidal ideas described in the “Gorski Vijenac.” All children in regions of Yugoslavia inhabited by Serbs had to know “Gorski Vijenac” in detail, if they wanted to graduate. “Gorski Vijenac” has actually been accepted as the Constitution of Serbs in the ethnic sense. Because of such reverence by the Serbs for “Gorski Vijenac,” Njegos is considered by Serbs as the founding father of the Serbian nation, even though he is from Montenegro. Born and brought up under the influence of the song based on hatred for Muslims, Mladic was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of genocide, war crimes and BOSNIA crimes against humanity in November 2017. Prosecutors said Mladic and his political counterpart Radovan Karadzic, through ethnic cleansing, wanted to "permanently remove" Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats Butcher of from areas claimed by Bosnian Serbs. In July 1995, as soon as he entered Srebrenica, a small mountain town, with his military aides, he declared Bosnia his “victory” as vengeance for an ancient massacre of Serbs at the Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military commander hands of “the Turks.” He was filmed known as the ‘Butcher of Bosnia,’ was sentenced to life patting eight-year-old Izudin Alić on in prison after being convicted of genocide and crimes the head, handing the hungry Bosniak against humanity. boy a chocolate bar and assuring the people of Srebrenica they would be safe. Within a few days, the boy’s By Ulfat Amer father was tracked down and killed by Mladić’s troops, along with more than 7,000 Bosniak men and teenage ormer Bosnian Serbian revealed that his “ethnic cleansing” boys. commander Ratko Mladic, the campaign, targeted against Muslim For the heinous crime, probably Fman known as ‘The Butcher of Bosniaks, was to take revenge from never recorded in modern history, Bosnia’, during court proceedings the Ottoman Empire. This may be true committed by the Butcher of Bosnia,’

42 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2017 it was time to face justice. Even before ZIMBABWE he was actually sentenced, he suffered part paralysis of the entire right side of his body, after undergoing at least three strokes. Some 17 years earlier, in February 1994, when the Bosnian conflict was mired in a bloody stalemate, Mladić’s Black and daughter, Ana, used his favourite pistol to shoot herself. She was in love with a doctor, who was appalled at the slaughter in Bosnia being committed in the name of Blue the Serb nation. He would only marry her if she renounced her father. She resolved Zimbabwe’s dictator Robert Mugabe had to leave his the dilemma by removing herself. Mladić never accepted that his own actions 37-year old grip on power. He seemed to have ruled had anything to do with Ana’s death. enough with his country not going anywhere. It looks Instead, he invented conspiracy theories like the African country is still caught in a quagmire which projected the blame outwards to the historical enemies of the Serbs. His of debt and corruption. thirst for revenge redoubled. In a lifetime surrounded by death, Ana’s was one of By Taha Kehar the very few that mattered to him. Mladić has been sentenced to life imprisonment on 10 counts including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the brutal Balkans conflicts over two decades ago. The crimes were committed during the 1992-1995 war that killed 100,000 people and displaced 2.2 million as ethnic rivalries tore apart Yugoslavia. "For having committed these crimes, the chamber sentences Mr. Ratko Mladic to life imprisonment," presiding Judge Alphons Orie said, adding the crimes were "amongst the most heinous known to human kind. Caught after 16 years on the run, he was also found guilty of "personally directing" a 44-month campaign of sniping and shelling to terrorize citizens in Bosnia's capital Sarajevo, which left about 10,000 dead. Mladic was also found guilty of taking hostage more than 200 NATO military personnel and keeping them as human shields to prevent NATO air strikes against the Bosnian Serb army. Prosecutors had called for a life sentence, after a five- year trial in which almost 600 witnesses testified and more than 10,000 exhibits were presented. Mladić was born into conflict. His name can be translated as “warlike youth.” His father was killed in battle in 1945, when he was two. His mother, Stana, raised three children on her own. As a teenager, he had a go at being a tinsmith’s apprentice before giving it up imbabwe’s political hero has fallen into disrepute. In November and dedicating his life to the Yugoslav 2017, Robert Mugabe’s 37-year-long tenure crumbled under the national army. At the end of it all, after Zweight of what appeared to be a military takeover. As the events fighting in Croatia to keep a Serb-run of this coup meandered towards their logical conclusion, it was almost Yugoslavia together and losing and then forgotten that the erstwhile president had once been a freedom fighter fighting for a Serb-dominated Bosnia and who had led a guerilla struggle to rid his country from the clutches losing again after the death of 100,000 of oppressive apartheid policies. At that point, the focus remained on people, Mladić spent 14 years as a fugitive bringing a self-serving dictator to his knees. before finally losing that battle too. Amid these developments, questions arose over the fate of Zimbabwe’s polity. Analysts speculated whether the African strongman’s The writer is a free-lance journalist. exit would result in a smooth transition from an authoritarian regime

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 43 or simply lead the country into a country to repay the balance as it is quagmire. Mugabe’s attempts facing an economic collapse. If the events that compelled The source of these debts is Mugabe to resign are anything to to transfer his believed to be the loans that were go by, it can be inferred that he had used to enhance the military might steadily lost political influence and powers to his wife of Rhodesia’s white supremacist popular support. Mugabe’s attempts drew the ire of the government. In 1980, Mugabe to transfer his powers to his wife drew was handed down these debts, the ire of the ZANU-PF – his own ZANU-PF – his own which amounted to $700 million political party – and eventually led at the time. Zimbabwe’s attempts the Zimbabwean military to overthrow political party – to reverse the effects of a post- him. As his trusted politicos became apartheid destabilization led to the his adversaries and the armed forces and eventually led country incurring further debts. paved the path for his ouster, Mugabe Although significant attempts were was left with no choice but to succumb the Zimbabwean made to cancel these debts, they to political pressure and resign. military to were consistently recycled by the How did Mugabe turn from a hero International Monetary Fund and to a despot? Many have ascribed the overthrow him. World Bank. These organizations sudden transformation in his image to extended the loans to Zimbabwe on the the narrow purview of his land reform condition that the country introduces policies in the 1980s that resulted a series of structural reforms. Owing in an economic crisis. In his efforts to these policies, land redistribution to empower black Zimbabweans, a in Zimbabwe was heavily reduced cluster of war veterans, he forcibly and the country began relying on seized large tracts of land from white food imports. Unemployment rates farmers. The effects of this violent wave and inflation posed new challenges to of land acquisition were mostly felt in governance. Zimbabwe’s economy. Sanctions were European governments had also imposed on the country by the US and issued loans to Zimbabwe that fell the EU. Price hikes, unemployment into the category of aid. However, and corruption became the order of most of the aid was conditional. For the day. instance, Britain only gave the country Many believe that this was a turning aid if it pledged to buy British-made point in Zimbabwe’s relations with the products. West. Through these sanctions, the US The spectre of these debts continues and the EU indicated their disapproval to loom large. As a result, Zimbabwe’s for Mugabe. However, those who have struggle for change remains largely ruled out the possibility of foreign inconsistent. intervention in the matter insist that Mugabe’s exit brings with it it was an internal affair. They are of the hope for a political transition. the view that many loyalists within the However, the people and their needs ZANU-PF were dissatisfied with the are not being prioritized in this efforts that were being made to make context. Instead the focus remains Mugabe’s wife Grace his successor. As the change of regime in Zimbabwe. on finding a convenient alternative to a result, when high-ranking members A news report stated that tensions Mugabe who will pursue tamer policy of the party –including former vice- had escalated between China and initiatives but will have no incentive president Emmerson Mnangagwa – Zimbabwe over the repayment to fuel change. Mnangagwa, the new were sacked, things took a nasty turn. of loans that the latter had taken. president, has faced graft allegations These speculations aren’t entirely Moreover, Beijing was concerned in the past and is reportedly known for false. Mnangagwa was favoured by about the fate of Chinese investment his brutality. the military’s top brass as he is among following Zimbabwe’s ‘indigenization At this critical juncture, it must the few remaining leaders who have a campaign.’ be realised that any form of tangible direct connection with the liberation China has effectively denied any change can only surface in Zimbabwe struggle. Any attempt to bring Grace involvement in the matter and has if internal forces are given a free rein Mugabe into the limelight would have billed these rumours as little more to operate. Foreign intervention has obstructed the democratic process. than ill-conceived conspiracy theories done little to direct a debt-ridden However, it is difficult to overlook concocted by the West. But China’s country towards change. On the the fact that foreign intervention did subtle involvement cannot be entirely contrary, it has ignited tensions, not have a role to play in Mugabe’s ruled out. policy clashes and crises that cannot ouster. In a similar vein, the West has be solved easily. Efforts must first At this point, the Western media skillfully deflected blame for its own be made to cancel existing debts has made a consistent attempt to mistakes in Zimbabwe and has been if Zimbabwe is to emerge from an draw attention to China’s role in the unwilling to accept them. Zimbabwe’s economic downturn. Moreover, a takeover. Reports have pointed out spiralling debt crisis provides welcome unity government will offer a better that Zimbabwe’s army chief General proof of the West’s blunders in the solution as it will encourage change Constantino Chiwenga visited Beijing country. Zimbabwe’s debt runs close in a strictly democratic sense. before the coup. This has raised to $10 billion. Over the years, it has speculations over China’s role in become progressively difficult for the The writer is a member of the staff.

44 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 Switzerland Today

A Special Feature developed by

SOUTHASIAJanuary, 2018

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 45

SPECIAL FEATURE

Union (EU). Pakistan’s relations with Switzerland – A Land Switzerland date back to 1947 when it recognized the independence of Pakistan. Diplomatic relations began of Opportunities in 1949. In 1966 the two countries signed a technical cooperation By Farhat Ali agreement on account of which the budding state of Pakistan benefited in transfer of technology and investments from Switzerland. Pakistan and Switzerland have enjoyed extremely cordial diplomatic relations which have grown and diversified into a comfortable political and economic relationship. The traditional friendly political terms have provided the foundation for meaningful economic co-operation and bilateral trade between the two countries. It is now more than 57 years (1960 to 2017) since the Swiss government has been providing financial, technical and humanitarian assistance to Pakistan. The Swiss private sector too has shown confidence in the economy of Pakistan. At present, over 21 large Swiss multinational companies are successfully operating in Pakistan and provide transfer of technology, products and services and direct employment to over 20,000 people. Additionally, a large segment of Swiss witzerland has the distinction of joint ventures and business associates being classified as the jewel of contributes towards nation build-up in SEurope and rightly so. It is truly Pakistan and technology development and product a multi-ethnic mountainous Central sale. European country, home to numerous Switzerland have Over the past decade, Swiss cities, towers, villages, lakes and companies in Pakistan collectively peaks of the Alps. The country is also enjoyed extremely invested over CHF 1.5 billion, known for its ski resorts and hiking cordial diplomatic thereby positioning Switzerland trails. Banking and finance are its key among the top five direct foreign industries but it is also the front runner relations which investors in Pakistan. Today, many of in pharmaceuticals, engineering, food the Swiss companies in Pakistan are and water industry, precision industry have grown and market leaders, with ABB leading in and hospitality and health services. engineering, Archroma and Clariant Switzerland enjoys the rare distinction diversified into a in textiles and leather chemicals, Sika of being home to four global languages, in building chemicals, Nestlé in food namely German, Swiss German, comfortable political and water business, Novartis and French and Italian. These are the most and economic Roche in pharmaceuticals, SGS in spoken languages of Switzerland. certification, Philip Morris in tobacco, Switzerland’s unique democratic relationship. Sicpa in special inks, Syngenta in setup and its constitution stands agriculture and Gate Gourmet in out among the other democracies flight kitchens. So is the front ranking of the world. Since 1848, the Swiss neutrality during the World Wars and of other Swiss companies, notably in Confederation has been a federal state the success of the banking industry textile machinery and branded Swiss of relatively autonomous cantons. furthered the ascent of Switzerland to watches. Some of them have a history of its status as one of the world's most In these difficult times, when confederacy that goes back more than stable economies. foreign direct investment (FDI), 700 years, putting them among the Switzerland signed a free- specifically from Europe has dried world's oldest surviving republics. trade agreement with the European out, Swiss companies maintain their The history of Switzerland since Economic Community in 1972 and confidence in the economy of Pakistan 1848 has been largely one of success has participated in the process of and continue to invest substantially. and prosperity. Industrialization European integration by way of While many foreign investors are stuck transformed the traditionally bilateral treaties, but it has notably up with the perception that the China- agricultural economy and Swiss resisted full accession to the European Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 47 SPECIAL FEATURE

is China-Pakistan centric, Switzerland has taken this as an investment opportunity. In November 2017, Sika set up one of its largest manufacturing facilities in Lahore which will be followed by one in Karachi in early 2018 to produce building chemicals to meet the growing market demands arising out of the rapidly growing construction industry in Pakistan and the windfall business from the projects being executed under CPEC. Driven by the growing middle class demanding a better life, Nestlé views the consumer and food industry of Pakistan as one of the most dynamic, promising an exponential growth in business. The build-up of infrastructure and road networks under CPEC provides accessibility to regions which were earlier not quite accessible for volume business. With greater accessibility to new markets, Nestlé forecasts an exponential growth potential for the supply of its products to these regions of Pakistan and beyond and is aiming for substantial expansion. Likewise, ABB Engineering is on the growth path and is a beneficiary of growth in the power sector under CPEC. While large Swiss multinationals have rewarding footprints in Pakistan, a missing gap of Swiss Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) footprints has been noted. Recognizing the gap, the Swiss Business Council (SBC), in collaboration with its associate Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE), have decided to work together to invoke the interest of Swiss SMEs for their footprints in Pakistan and in a period of around two years have managed to achieve the footprint of six Swiss SMEs in Pakistan. The target for 2018 is to induct six more SMEs. Switzerland enjoys the global status of neutrality in world politics and business. President Xi of China announced his ambitious vision of ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’ at the World Economic Forum’ held in Davos, Switzerland in January 2017. The events in Pakistan were followed of quality products and if Pakistan’s The presence of the Swiss President by similar events in Switzerland in July businesses can recognize and meet the in April 2017 at the launch of OBOR, 2017 and were widely participated in challenge, the Swiss markets are open highlighted Switzerland’s keen interest by Swiss investors. to imports from Pakistan. The potential in CPEC and its importance to the The key message at the events was is in textiles, mines and minerals, globalization of businesses when that CPEC to Pakistan means better precision engineering, agri produce and many countries in the west are moving infrastructure and road networks, more in other similar categories. towards isolation. energy for industry, better transportation Rewarding business, political and Recognizing the reality of CPEC, for faster mobility, Special Economic cultural relations between Pakistan and the Swiss Business Council, in Zones open to all investors to equally Switzerland, spread over six decades, collaboration with the Swiss Embassy benefit from and that all of this good guarantee a bright future of this and Swiss Consulate in Pakistan, held is available to investors from all remarkable relationship events in early 2017 in Islamabad and countries. Karachi to present, in particular to the The balance of trade between The writer is founder and former European investors, the opportunities Pakistan and Switzerland is much in President of the Swiss Business Council CPEC offers to all foreign investors. favour of Switzerland, which is a market and Chairman, SGE.

48 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE

Switzerland and Pakistan sites. These firms are mainly based in Karachi. Some major Swiss companies operating in Pakistan very successfully are Nestlé, SICPA and Novartis. Scholars and artists from Pakistan can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation (SERI). Switzerland is contributing to peaceful coexistence and the equitable distribution and sustainable management of natural resources for all sections of the population. Main focus areas are rural development, local governance in connection with water, the protection of human rights and humanitarian commitments. Switzerland recognised the independence of Pakistan in 1947. Diplomatic relations were established he long-standing bilateral debt consolidation, aviation, double in 1949. In 1966 the two countries relations between Switzerland taxation and disaster relief. Switzerland signed a technical cooperation Tand Pakistan are very healthy. also engages in regular political agreement, supplemented in 1975 by A range of economic agreements has dialogue with Pakistan. an agreement on disaster relief. After aided the development of bilateral Switzerland has traditionally run Pakistan had been designated a priority trade between the two nations.. a trade surplus with Pakistan and has country for development cooperation, There are numerous bilateral been one of the country’s biggest the Swiss Agency for Development agreements between Switzerland direct investors for many years. Many and Cooperation (SDC) opened a and Pakistan in fields as wide- Swiss companies operate in Pakistan, Cooperation Office in Islamabad in ranging as investment protection, some with their own production 1977.

he President of the Swiss Confederation is the presiding member of the seven- member Swiss Federal Council, Switzerland's executive body. Elected by the Federal TAssembly for one year, the President of the Confederation chairs the meetings of the Federal Council and undertakes special representational duties.

President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset The Swiss parliament has elected interior minister Alain Berset to serve as president of the Swiss Confederation for 2018, making him the youngest to hold the post in a century. The choice of the 45-year-old member of the Doris Socialist Party from Fribourg came as no surprise, since it was his turn among the seven members Leuthard of the Swiss government -- the Federal Council -- to take on the rotating one-year presidency. Doris Leuthard was Berset, who has been a member of the President of the Swiss government since 2011, was voted in with the Confederation for 2017. support from 190 voters out of a total 210 approved ballots, underlining strong support “Basically, Switzerland is across the country's political divide. very liberal. We encourage He will replace Doris Leuthard of the Christian Democrats. investment and make clear "It is a great honour and a great responsibility," Berset told parliament after the vote, one can't make distinctions delivering his message in all four of Switzerland's official languages (German, French, based on the nationality or Italian and Romansh). origin of funds,” she says.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 49 SPECIAL FEATURE

A Nation by Government, Consensus People and witzerland does not have a single language or culture, but Parliament has been described as a “Willensnation” – a nation formed by Sconsensus. The roots of Swiss identity lie in a common history, in shared myths and in the freedom of grassroots democracy and the federalist tradition. Thus Switzerland has evolved politically into a “special case” in Europe and the world. The different cultures, religions and social minorities which make up Switzerland have led to a unique political system, with the accent on federalism, a wide-ranging right to participate in the political process, a foreign policy based on neutrality and domestic politics based on consensus.

he legislature consists of the National Council (representing the people, with T200 deputies) and the Council of States (representing the cantons, with 46 deputies). Together these two bodies make up the Federal Assembly. The executive is the Federal Council, a collegiate authority consisting of seven members, each with equal rights, who are elected by the Federal Assembly. The Federal Council, in turn, elects one of its members to serve as Federal President for a one-year term of office. Special Features of Switzerland Switzerland differs significantly from other democracies:

• Direct democracy: the people can directly influence the activities of government through initiatives and referenda. • Federalism: in the Swiss Confederation, constitutional authority rests with the people themselves and the cantons, which retain all functions not directly assigned by the Constitution to the Swiss Confederation. • Consociational democracy: the “cantonal majority” rule means that small cantons carry equal weight to big ones. Economy bout two third of the area of Switzerland is covered with forests, lakes and Amountains. Since Switzerland has no mineral resources, it must import, process and resell them as products. "Services" are the most important part of the economy. This includes banking, insurance and tourism. More than 50% of the population is employed in services, also considered the tertiary sector. Banking is one of the most important businesses in Switzerland.

50 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE

Foreign Relations Vibrant People he main driver of demographic growth in Switzerland over the last few decades has and International Tbeen migration. At the same time, Swiss towns and cities have seen an influx of people from rural parts of the country. Switzerland’s population is predominantly Institutions urban, with three-quarters living in towns and cities. A little under one-quarter of Switzerland's resident population are foreigners. Their presence has contributed to the country’s rich cultural diversity.

raditionally, Switzerland avoids alliances that might entail military, political or direct economic action and has been Tneutral since the end of its expansion in 1515. Its policy of neutrality was internationally recognised at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Only in 2002 did Switzerland become a full member of the Pursuit of United Nations and it was the first state to join it by referendum. Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as an intermediary between other states. Science Switzerland is not a member of the European Union; the Swiss people have consistently rejected membership since the early 1990s. However, witzerland is not only one of the world’s most Switzerland does participate in the Schengen Area. innovative research nations, but also one of Sthe most competitive at the International level. International research collaboration is high on Switzerland’s agenda.

Foreign Trade n Switzerland the contribution of foreign trade to the gross domestic product is the highest. Its most important trade partners Iare the industrialized countries.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 51

SPECIAL FEATURE

Education – An Chocolate Choices wiss chocolate refers to chocolate produced in Switzerland. While cacao Important Resource Sbeans and other ingredients such as sugar can originate from outside Switzerland, ince Switzerland has no natural resources, education and knowledge the actual production of the chocolate must have become very important resources. Switzerland claims to have take place in Switzerland. Switzerland's Sone of the world's best education systems. The cantons are responsible chocolates have earned an international for educational services (kindergarten, schools, universities). reputation for high quality with many famous Most children go to public schools. Private schools usually are international brands. expensive and people tend to think that students of private schools Today most Swiss chocolate is consumed by probably didn't make it at the public school. the Swiss themselves and Switzerland has the After elementary school, kids may either choose to go to secondary highest per capita rate of chocolate consumption school or to start an apprenticeship. In the latter case, after finishing the worldwide (11.6 kg (25.6 lbs.) per capita per apprenticeship, it is still possible to start an academic career. annum). In 2004 148,270 tonnes of chocolate were produced in Switzerland. 53% of this was exported.

Charming Ursula Andress rsula Andress, a Swiss citizen, has appeared in many films in both the UUnited States and Europe. She was also featured in James Bond's Casino Royale (1967). Now Ursula divides her time between family in Land of Diplomacy Switzerland, friends in Spain and Virginia, and her properties in California and Italy.

eneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) Situated where the Rhône exits Lake Geneva, it is the Gcapital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. Geneva is a global city, a financial centre and worldwide centre for diplomacy due to the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross. Geneva is the world's ninth most important financial centre. The city has been referred to as the world's most compact metropolis and the "Peace Capital."

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 53

SPECIAL FEATURE

Nestlé Pakistan Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

By Waqar Ahmad more than 100,000 children and 3000 young women so far. estlé is a Swiss brand, celebrated Expanding this initiative beyond for its quality and trust of schools and universities, Nestlé is Nconsumers worldwide. Nestlé reaching the rural touch points in Pakistan is a research-driven food and beverage by partnering with the government’s company with 150 years of experience Benazir Income Support Programme in Nutrition, Health and Wellness (BISP) and holding seminars in rural (NHW). Nutrition defines Nestlé’s areas, targeting the nutritional needs of basic strategic orientation and can be young girls and women of marginalized traced back to its beginnings. Nestlé communities. The purpose of this training now transcends around 190 countries program is to raise nutrition knowledge globally, including Pakistan. Nestlé amongst the rural women of Pakistan. Pakistan is headquartered in Lahore, In line with its global vision with four production facilities across the for ‘Enhancing quality of life and country. Factories in Sheikhupura and contributing to a healthier future,’ the Kabirwala are multi-product, whereas company continues to positively engage the ones in Islamabad and Karachi are with underprivileged communities. The water factories. raw milk needed for dairy products At Nestlé Pakistan, the global is sourced from thousands of farmers ideology of NHW was initiated from across Punjab and Sindh. As part of its the very beginning of its foundation, rural development programme, Nestlé around 30 years ago and ever since it interacts with the communities for runs in its DNA. For a company to be capacity building and to provide pro successful over time and create value bono training by holding farmer help for its stakeholders, it must also create camps. Not only this, Nestlé Pakistan has value for the society. At Nestlé, this is worked diligently to expose farmers to called “Creating Shared Values” (CSV). mobile technology, which has enabled Nestlé has identified the following focus financial inclusion in the banking sector. areas where it can optimize the creation in collaboration with other partners Now payments are made via mobile of shared values which are Nutrition, which includes the government, private bank accounts generally known as the Water and Youth Development. sector, academia and businesses, all Mobile Wallet. In Pakistan, where malnutrition is a working together towards behaviour Furthermore, under its water national issue, the country faces a serious change that will help parents instill community initiatives, Nestlé nutrition challenge with over 40% of the healthy habits in children from the age Pakistan launched its ‘Water Plan’ in population facing malnutrition. Nestlé of 3. collaboration with prestigious partners is committed to playing its role to help In addition to this, Nestlé Pakistan like LUMS, SDPI, WWF and PARC, reduce micronutrient deficiencies by has also successfully run the Healthy calling for collective action on a fortifying its products with essential Kids Programme to educate children shared water resource. The company micronutrients and serving billions of aged between 6-16 on nutrition advocates leveraging research and fortified products across the country. needs along with the Healthy Women technology to reduce and recycle water Nestlé Pakistan’s contribution does Programme which aims to educate and introduce sustainable agricultural not just stop here. One of its biggest young women about healthy lifestyles. practices. Leading by example, Nestlé achievements are its initiatives such as By partnering with various schools and Pakistan implemented Alliance for the United for Healthier Kids movement universities, Nestlé Pakistan has reached Water Stewardship (AWS) standards in collaboration with WWF and two Nestlé factories at Sheikhupura and Islamabad, have been the first to be certified by AWS in Pakistan. Nestlé is committed to positively enhancing the quality of life of the Pakistani people by bringing Nutrition, Health and Wellness products and will continue to drive sustainable profitable growth on the back of its strong brands.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 55 PERSPECTIVE

Why Pakistan Broke (Part – 2)

There were wheels within wheels at work before the Indians attacked East Pakistan. Their main source of support was the Soviet Union and the situation in Pakistan’s eastern wing also had the moral support of public opinion in other parts of the world. China wanted to help Pakistan whose leadership was not in touch with reality.

By Vice Admiral (R) Iqbal F. Quadir

lying north to the mainland a each aid party from his force coming where the conversation soon turned to strange sight greeted us in the first ashore. the political situation in East Pakistan Fvillage we encountered. Walking After a few days in Chittagong and he felt the only solution left to the village from the landing site I and the relief operations as planned was military action. I mentioned the came across a four foot wide stream by provincial authorities, I took a sage’s statement about leaves turning (khal) with about a hundred Pakistan naval jeep to visit Kaptai Lake for a into wind and his prediction of over Army soldiers sitting along the stream possible site for the Naval Academy, a eighty percent of East Pakistani seats on one side and a much larger number project close to the PN C-in-C’s heart. in the National Assembly going to of villagers on the opposite side En-route, we passed two Europeans Mujib’s Party and a simple majority facing each other. The captain in- hiking with backpacks and a wireless in the house even without nationalists charge explained that as per orders he aerial sticking out of one of the support from Balochistan and the reported to the District Commissioner packs. Passing them, one face looked Frontier Province (now KPK). However, (DC) who wanted the troops to wait familiar on the rear view mirror and he was sure the multiple intelligence for him here. An elderly person on the I stopped to meet them. He was the agencies working for him were right opposite bank said the DC has asked French Defence Attaché accompanied about 45% seats for Mujib. I referred them to wait here till he returned from by a French Special Forces officer to fourteen United States intelligence his home district with a work force of specialized in Bengali. Without agencies making similar reports about a thousand for relief work in the informing any Pakistani organization, from Saigon during the Vietnam War village. I could only report this farce they had raveled on foot from Dhaka because unknown to each other, their to NOIC on return but the impression and passed through villages where major sources of information were created in the rest of the province was they had received warm. I informed three Vietcong plants in the city. Our devastating that the Army was slow in the NOIC about it. conversation ended at that as he had providing relief assistance. When the cyclone Bhola struck, to go for an important conference. On the return trip to Chittagong, in I was about to start my briefings About a week before the elections, the next village we sighted a Landing before assumption of duties as Army the Deputy Commissioner Mr. Craft flying the British Royal Navy and Naval Attaché in Paris and when Obaidullah, son of former Speaker of Ensign. On landing and enquiry it the naval cyclone relief team was the National Assembly, Jabbar Khan, turned out that the LCT was carrying well-established, I visited Dhaka to who had successfully piloted the aid supplies from a Royal Navy Force call on the Governor and the Corps 1956 Constitution Bill, was having tea of seven ships that had arrived from Commander with a view to save a with me in the Chittagong Club when Singapore a day before and was briefing trip later. The Governor was former Speaker and many times Acting anchored outside Pakistan’s territorial in a conference with some foreign President Fazlul Quader Chowdhry waters. Though this force had been delegation at the appointed time and and the Muslim League candidate mentioned in Pakistani news media despite a wait of one and a half hours, hesitatingly walked up to us. I stood and on Radio Pakistan, the Force the conference continued and I had up to greet him but the DC remained Commander had not contacted the to leave to catch the return flight to seated and both talked to each other NOIC. When contacted, the British Chittagong. In the meantime, Mr in Urdu. Mr Chowdhry, after excusing Commander, a Commodore, said Ahmed Dawood, the industrialist, also himself for disturbing us, said that not his force was directed to contact the dropped in for a chance meeting with having received a reply for permission Governor directly and was anchored the Governor but left after a wait of requested a week earlier to hold an outside Pakistan’s territorial waters. about forty minutes. He informed me election meeting in the city “the day As such, it was not obliged to follow and the Military Secretary that he had after tomorrow,” he had searched for naval courtesies. However, after a come to offer immediate investment him as the time was short; “Do I have talk with me he reversed his policy up to rupees fifty crores for economic your permission?” The reply from Mr. and called on the NOIC. Further, he projects in the province. Obaidullah, the deputy commissioner, accepted to have a liaison officer with Earlier I met the Corps Commander was classic: “You go ahead and you

56 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 The people of Bangladesh along with the Mukti Bahini are celebrating the country’s independance in 1971. will be arrested as soon as you utter but without success. On learning from the first word.” On the Election Day me that General Yahya was going to I happened to visit the City MLA’s The general Karachi on March 3 and that two seats Office when a telephone call came were kept open till the last for any from Mr Chowdhry complaining about election results urgent government requirement, he Awami League workers with sticks, got a seat on the flight the next day. stopping his supporters from reaching Thereafter we met again in June/ the polling booths while the police must have hit the July 1971 when he stayed with me in merely watched. While telling me Paris for four days on the way to an about it, the MLA added, “He wants establishment Ambassadors Conference in Geneva his chestnuts to be pulled out of fire to be briefed by the National Security for him” and left it at that. with the force of a Advisor. He told me that the message The general election results must from Chou En Li was for both the have hit the establishment with the tsunami. President and Mr Mujib. KM Kaiser force of a tsunami. Not only had Mujib had come via Dhaka and, together won all but two of the East Pakistan with the Governor, secretly met Mujib seats but now, with West Pakistani who in deference to the Chinese nationalists’ support and resulting in Kaiser, the Pakistan Ambassador in Prime Minister, agreed to work for a over two thirds majority, constitution- China and a close relative of my wife. compromise to avoid giving India a making had passed into their hands. China was perhaps the only non- chance to interfere. As for the aircraft, And they all wanted a confederation Muslim country supporting Pakistan at the entry was from the rear and Yahya with maximum of three subjects under that time. recognized Kaiser while passing by and the Central Government. The stage He appeared very busy but getting told him to come forward after take- was now set for what followed. more fretful by the day. Finally, after off. But as soon as Kaiser mentioned Thereafter with a spell in about a week he confided that for the the verbal message, the President told Chittagong as President of a Court last ten days he and the Foreign Office Kaiser, “even walls have ears” and to Martial, I returned to Karachi to start had been trying to get an appointment come to his office at 9 a.m. the next my briefings. Thus the last week of for him to convey a personal verbal day. However, at 7 a.m., according to February found me in Islamabad sharing message for the President from Mr the Ambassador, Lieutenant General accommodation in a house with KM Chou En Li, the Chinese Prime Minister Peerzada, the Principal Staff Officer

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 57 PERSPECTIVE

or Major General Umar, the National Security Adviser, telephoned to convey that the President was too busy to see him and Kaiser returned to Beijing without being able to convey the message to General Yahya. Much later, in 1978 while I was Commander Karachi, the French Consul General told me that in March 1971 he was a Consul in Dhaka, on 6th or 7th Mujib dropped in at his office and asked him to pass a message to the French Foreign Office directly and not through his Ambassador in Islamabad whom Mujib suspected was too close to the establishment. The Consul passed the message as asked but did not know about any further developments in this regard. On 8th March I made my final call on C-in-C PN, Admiral Muzaffar Hasan who, after briefing me, said that a General passing through Karachi a couple of days earlier mentioned that the Army would be ready for military action in East Pakistan by 19th March. Nothing had been conveyed to him officially. This alerted me to take the earliest available flight to Paris on the 10th and take over my duties. The first official correspondence I received in my new approached, the Egyptian Embassy not messages which were duly conveyed duties was a wireless signal informing only confirmed but complained that to my authorities between May and me that military action in East Pakistan the Egyptian government had not even July: solve the problem politically; had commenced at midnight Dhaka been informed about it, leave alone from July to September, China would time. The immediate reaction in seek permission. Soon some French be unable to provide more than France was that the government was contacts also confirmed the Indo- diplomatic and material assistance sympathetic towards Pakistan and Soviet goings on, with one General (in case of attack by India and unlike was awaiting further developments even suggesting a pre-emptive strike 1965 when China had actually started while the public, led by human rights by Pakistan. All this was conveyed to moving an Army Corps to Tibet); from groups, was vociferous against the my authorities in Pakistan. September onwards – let East Pakistan military action. The immediate effect Meanwhile, I had developed a become a millstone around India’s on the Pakistan Navy was that on close relationship with the Chinese neck. The implications to my mind 31st March, ten of the eleven East defence attaché Brigadier General were warnings of consequences that Pakistani sailors aboard the newly Feng Wen the last of the Long would follow Pakistan’s actions then built submarine Mangro and due to March Generals, with almost regular in progress and went unheeded. About sail for Pakistan in the first week of meetings every fortnight or less. a week after the Indian attack on April, deserted to reappear the next Towards the end of May he started 21st November, I ran into the “India day in Switzerland which immediately giving me political messages like -Pakistan” Desk Officer whom I had granted them political asylum. Pakistan should solve the East Pakistan met a few times while accompanying The eleventh sailor belonged to situation politically. Frankly, I was the Ambassador to the French Foreign the Chakma Tribe whose leader Raja alarmed because military attaches Office and he questioned why Tridev Roy held a ministerial post. only talk about such things when Pakistan had not immediately gone This situation of tension between the ordered which, in this case, implied to the Security Council and then French government and the human a failure at the diplomatic level. This added himself, perhaps Pakistan was rights group persisted throughout the feeling was confirmed as stated earlier about to launch a riposte. But sadly, crisis. The situation was the same in when Ambassador KM Kaiser passed regrettably and finally, the forgotten Italy and Belgium where I was also through Paris in June/July and told me Quranic guidance asserted itself and concurrently the Army and Navy that despite a fortnight’s effort by the which is aptly described in the English Attaché. foreign office, he was literally denied idiom - you shall reap just as you sow In May 1971 I found that India a meeting with President Yahya Khan. and this is what happened because it had decided to attack East Pakistan Between May and the start of had to happen. after the monsoons and that the Soviet the Indian military aggression on Union was shipping and airlifting November 21, 1971 - the 1st of (Concluded). vast amounts of arms and equipment Ramadan - a joint land and air attack from the Soviet Union and from a was launched on the Jessore front. The writer is a retired vice admiral of Soviet storage arsenal in Egypt. When There were three important shades of the Pakistan Navy.

58 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 Asset Management & Capital Markets

A Special Feature developed by

SOUTHASIAJanuary, 2018 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 59

SPECIAL FEATURE

Advisor. Making savings and investing Development and accessible and affordable, Asset Funds enable the common man to participate in the industrial growth of the country Expansion of Capital by becoming a part of that company. By investing in these, customers get several benefits such as sharing in diversified portfolios, attractive return Markets on a continuous basis, tax benefits of investment, expertise of experienced and professional managers, full disclosure and many more. This helps to make ownership of the industrial projects and minimizes the risk of investment as compared to individual investment in the stock market. The foremost objective of such funds is to increase stakeholders’ value by providing best possible returns to both individuals as well as institutional investors. As best practices of corporate governance, including protection of shareholders, adding value for all stakeholders and disclosure and transparency in its entire operations. Asset funds comply with all mandatory requirements as prescribed in Pakistan in the Companies Act 2017 and the Code of Corporate Governance. Asset Funds also play a major role in promoting best practices of corporate governance in hundreds of companies operating in Pakistan. Directors are nominated in many investee companies in all major sectors of the national economy. This can be recognized as the beacon of positive change in the capital markets. It aims to provide the necessary opportunity to all the stakeholders to contribute towards healthy growth of the industry. Investments need to made in the sset management is the direction capital markets in a manner, which of a client's cash and securities Pakistan has made could provide invaluable depth to Aby a financial services company, investors and necessary capital to the usually an investment bank. The great advances in industry. institution offers investment services The idea is to ensure best practices along with a wide range of traditional asset management in all aspects of corporate governance and alternative product offerings that within organizations, as well as in might not be available to the average investee companies with a view investor. The account is held by a and the sector is to safeguarding the interests of all financial institution and includes stakeholders. In this manner, investors cheque-writing privileges, credit progressing on very are served effectively and efficiently, cards, debit cards, margin loans, the with utmost professionalism and automatic sweep of cash balances into sound lines. by following the highest ethical a money market fund and brokerage standards. services. It can be hoped that asset Pakistan has made great advances an open-ended fund catering to the management will keep promoting in asset management and the sector requirements of those looking for riba- a broad-based participation in the is progressing on very sound lines. free income and seeking the maximum country’s equity and money markets in The latest form of asset management possible preservation of their capital. the years to come. Besides providing in Pakistan is Islamic Income Funding Such funds are invested in diversified superior returns to investors, it will which has been introduced to meet portfolios of Shariah-compliant fixed- keep playing a pivotal role in the the growing demand for Shariah- income and money market investments further development and expansion of compliant investment products. It is and is duly supervised by a Shariah capital markets.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 61 SPECIAL FEATURE

Mutual Funds – a Fast Asset Management Growing Sector companies set high standards

ssets management is the total market value of assets that an investment Acompany or financial institution manages on behalf of investors. Assets management definitions and formulas are varied. Some financial institutions include bank deposits, mutual funds and cash in their calculations. Others limit it to funds under discretionary management, where the investor assigns responsibility to the company. Assets management describes how much of investors’ money an investment company controls. Investments are held in various investment vehicles including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and hedge funds. Products are managed by a venture capital company, brokerage company or portfolio manager. Assets management can be segregated in many ways. It is used to indicate ypical investment options available to investors in Pakistan are banks, the size of a fund and can refer to the national savings schemes, the stock market and real estate. Almost total amount of assets managed for all Tfor two decades, the average return provided by banks is about 6% clients or the total assets managed for a per annum, special savings certificates are 10% per annum, and the stock specific client. It includes the funds the market is 25% per annum. manager can use to make transactions. Both real estate and stock market sectors in Pakistan have given For example, if an investor has a certain attractive return to investors, although the stock market is more liquid, amount invested in a mutual fund, those and it is easier for an investor to exit with minimal costs and hassle. funds become part of the total asset The key reasons of the recent decline in the stock market are rise in management and the fund manager can political and economic uncertainties. Pakistan’s exports have declined, buy and sell shares in accordance with while imports have risen substantially. The trade and current account the fund's investment objective using all deficits have risen, negatively impacting foreign exchange reserves and of the invested funds without obtaining investors’ sentiments. The political uncertainty will gradually reduce as any special permissions. the country heads for new elections. Fluctuating daily, asset funds depend In order to manage the trade deficit, the government has made rebates more attractive to expedite exports and has imposed import duties to curtail imports. These steps are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s trade and current account deficits. The stock market has responded positively to these measures of the government. It is expect the market will recover further in the coming future as the economic and political uncertainties recede. Investors can also invest in low-risk money market funds that primarily invest in banks, and do not make investment in the stock market. These balanced funds have about 50% exposure in the stock market, while equity funds have about 90% exposure in the stock market. Thus, an investor can choose a fund based on his or her own risk profile. There is also a range of pension funds available for investors to make savings for their retirement. The Investor can save on taxes by investing in mutual and pension funds. Asset Management companies are available in all major cities of Pakistan. Investment staff is sitting in selected bank branches. SECP and the Mutual Fund Association of Pakistan are working together to devise strategies to promote retail investors’ participation in mutual funds. This will help improve savings and investment rate of Pakistan, which is among the lowest in the region, thus reducing the country’s reliance on foreign borrowing and enabling the economy to grow faster.

62 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE

Investing in Social Care By Hanif Ajari

inancial and human resources constraints are the major problem in progressive yet entrepreneurial businesses. As such, businesses are most hit Fby global and local competitive pressures, they are often struggling for their very existence. They believe that environmental or social care is a kind of luxury they cannot afford; some, however,, are learning the hard way that this too is an investment which, if not made when the time is right, will translate into a cost that they really can’t afford. Businesses in Pakistan don’t seem to know or assume their roles and responsibilities as corporate citizens or as responsible entities. Transparency is the catalyst for driving sustainability performance. This is why sustainability reporting is so critical. Once a company makes a commitment to transparency, the rest must follow. The commitment to publish carbon emissions, employee turnover, community impacts and more leads a company to ask itself searching questions about its performance. This is why it is important to drive awareness of corporate transparency. on the flow of investor money in and Many companies have developed the Transparency Index methodology out of a particular fund and asset which is the integral part of their internal and management reporting as a way performance. Increased investor of assessing the sustainability transparency level of publicly traded corporations flows, capital appreciation and via their corporate websites. These test the methodology trial and test run for a reinvested dividends will increase considerable period of time, continuously evolving a domestic and international the asset value of a fund. Adversely, market where the company interacts with a cluster of customers, vendors, service decreased investor flows and market providers and networks as a whole. value losses will decrease the value The Transparency Index follows a rigorous methodology which, once of fund. Such companies must also determined, leaves almost no scope for judgment - the methodology defines register with the Securities and whether sustainability information should be present on a corporation's website, Exchange Commission. following, broadly, the Global Reporting Initiative reporting framework. This In Pakistan, companies pursue the includes information relating to all the sustainability dimensions that would vision of creating investment solutions normally be included in sustainability performance reporting. If the information within everyone's reach. To this end, or website feature is present, the company gains points. If it is not, it doesn't. That their mission is to create a conducive means that we can be sure of delivering a neutral, unbiased view of corporate working environment, to attract the transparency as we perform our analyses. best talent in the asset management The author is Vice President of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of sector. The asset fund management Pakistan and advisor to the board of South Asian Federation of Accountants. He is currently companies aspire to be the 'employer working as Company Secretary and Director Strategic and Supply Chain Development at of choice' for young and experienced Getz Pharma. talent. In addition to this, they aim to set the highest industry standards in terms of product range and innovations, in order to offer products for clients of all demographics. These companies desire to adhere to the highest industry standards for integrity and quality across all spheres of the company. They work towards using technology and financial structuring to serve as a "cutting-edge" tool compared to the competition. By doing all this, they aim to enhance stakeholders’ value. Simply by making consistent, periodic payments in the plan of choice, the investor can reap the benefits of long term planning. The customer’s money is not tied up and withdrawals can be made from savings anytime. These companies envisages becoming world class asset management companies striving to provide innovative wealth management solutions for their Institutional and Retail investors.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 63

SPECIALSPECIAL FEATURE FEATURE

rom profit rates to automation, from customer profile to product Foffering, from customer service to organizational structure, etc., National The Cat is out of Savings (NS) has always been part of discussions and debates in drawing rooms and on streets. This is not a surprise, given that NS touches lives the Bag of almost 1/4th of Pakistanis directly or indirectly. Some of the criticism By Zafar Masud about the organization is genuine and Director General, National Savings there is room for improvement and reforms. However, in most cases, the criticism is undue and based on a lack of understanding or exposure of the organization. The pedigree of National Savings dates back to 1873 when the Government Savings Bank Act 1873 was promulgated. During the First World War, the British government introduced several schemes including Post Office Cash Certificates and Defence Savings Certificates, for the collection of funds from the public to meet war expenditures. The need to set up a separate agency was felt and a National Savings Bureau was established in 1944 as an attached department of the Ministry of Finance of the undivided government of India. It was mainly concerned with the policy and planning matters of the Savings Schemes. At the time of independence, Pakistan Savings Central Bureau (“PSCB”) was created as a wing of the Ministry of Finance and the Savings work was entrusted to it by the Government of Pakistan. In 1953, the PSCB was re-named as Central Directorate of National Zafar Masud Savings (“CDNS”) with the provincial governments and the Pakistan Post Office as its operative/distribution vehicle of financial inclusion and saving rates in the region which has agents. The CDNS was given the a provider of social security to the direct relationship with the economic status of an attached department vulnerable sections of society. It is growth rates. Realizing the emerging in September 1960 and was made very interesting to see and analyze importance of Savings, the government responsible for all policy matters that in the product mix of NS, 1/3rd has initiated the process of restructuring and execution of various National of the total product mix comes from of NS with the resurrection of the Savings Schemes through a network social welfare schemes which were efforts to corporatize and IT systems of National Savings Centers (NSCs) launched in 2003 only. The yearly upgradation. The restructuring efforts across Pakistan. growth in these schemes shows of NS began in 2004 but for one reason NS presently has around 3,700 that the NS pay-out every year goes or the other remained protracted or employees, over 7 million Customer to these welfare schemes, which moved at a snail’s pace. Under the Accounts and 376 NSCs. The total indicates the government’s unwavering present government, the honorable investment portfolio is in excess of commitment to the deserving sections Finance Minister decided to complete Rs.3.4 trillion which is almost 30% of society. the process of impending restructuring of Pakistan’s total banking deposits. NS remains the most effective and of NS on a war-footing basis and Its product ranges from 3 months formidable vehicle to support financial appointed a banking professional to 10 years, from Youth/Students to inclusion, particularly in women. from the market after a competitive senior citizens and from individuals More than 50% of the investors in selection process in August 2016. to pension funds. Over a period of National Savings are women vs. Customer Service remains at the time, particularly in the last decade, merely less than 4% in the banking heart of the reform agenda. All the NS has transformed itself from sector and an average 25% in South initiatives taken are with the objective a retail debt raising arm and the Asia - a testament to true financial to provide best in class service to the source of infrastructure funding for inclusion and women empowerment. customers. The first and the foremost the government, into a formidable Pakistan has one of the lowest element of reforms was to improve

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 65 SPECIAL FEATURE

controls and put the right HR structure and Accounts have been separated enhanced by launching a quarterly in place. For the purpose, a massive for ensuring transparency in financial newsletter and introducing specific exercise of dead accounts/certificates matters. Special focus has also been online communication groups was conducted in line with the best given to training and capacity building which has immensely reduced the global banking principles. Rules of the staff. time consumption for initiation and were amended under Section 28 of Effective communication is the most execution of decisions. the Public Debt Act 1944 to extend powerful way to address the concerns The data of cash storage at home in the provision of dead accounts/ of the customers; hence opening-up Pakistan is startling. Therefore, one of certificates (dormant plus lapsed of more channels of communication the key objectives of National Savings to the government) to the National with the savers. The customer service is “dematteressing cash”. After a Savings Schemes (other than Savings and complaint resolution mechanism gap of over 7 years, NS successfully Accounts) where this provision did of National Savings have significantly launched a new product in March not exist, after an extensive exercise been improved along with revamping 2017 – the first of its kind Rs.40,000 for over six months. The provision for of its existing website (www.savings. Premium Prize Bond (registered), dead accounts/certificates has always gov.pk) which has been made much which is issued only to investors in been there in Savings Account Rules more user-friendly and topical, their own names and has the unique 1873 and has been followed regularly activating social media (FaceBook, features of both profits paid biannually and acted upon periodically. Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp), rolling and attractive prize money through Before enforcing/implementing out of SMS service to the clients and quarterly draws. Both the profits and these provisions, customers were employees and establishment of a the prize money are directly credited personally approached through dedicated Complaint Resolution into investors’ bank accounts. This personal approaches, phone calls, Cell in the Director General’s has been offered for the first time. The etc., and an aggressive awareness Office. Internal communication product is a major step in achieving campaign about these dead accounts/ amongst the employees has been the much-needed documentation of certificates was initiated in 24 leading regional and national dailies across Pakistan for over weeks, with ample time given to the investors to reactivate these accounts/certificates. During this period and by the time dead accounts/certificates were made effective, around 20% of the dead accounts/certificates were actually reactivated. These dead accounts/ certificates are refundable/revivable to the customer upon legitimate claim at any time and the process of revival has been working smoothly and perfectly. The entire exercise of dead accounts/certificates will continue to be performed periodically as per rules and procedures. On the HR front, the existing centralized organizational hierarchy has been restructured by bringing it on modern corporate lines, while empowering field offices by delegating powers in newly established zonal offices which were formed based on a cluster of three regions each. Audit

66 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE

As for the future plans of product offerings during 2017-18, keeping in view the customer profile, NS is coming up with innovative products in order to increase financial inclusion of small savers and the unbanked population and to contribute towards the Social Safety net of deserving segments of society. With respect to this, the honourable Finance Minister has announced the extension of the Bahbood Savings Certificates to disabled persons and the launch of Shuhadas’ Family Welfare Accounts for family members of martyrs. Overseas Pakistanis Certificates, an exclusive scheme for non-resident Pakistanis, is under active consideration. Shariah products are taking firm roots in Pakistani society and National Savings is cognizant of the fact and working on the possibility of launching a much-demanded Shariah compliant savings certificate. To ensure sustainability of these reforms, it is realized at the highest level in the government, that it's imperative that National Savings be given autonomy and converted into a body corporate. The process of long impending the economy - a very bold and proud initiative on the corporatization is well underway with the technical part of the government. Despite distribution constraints assistance of USAid and is planned to be achieved within (sales only through SBP offices, currently) and stringent this fiscal year. documentation requirements, the response to the product The good news is that “the cat is out of the bag” for has been very encouraging. NS is planning to digitize the this most misunderstood organization - National Savings. existing Rs.40,000 registered prize bonds and include However, the financial sector and capital market players other bonds of smaller and larger denominations in the still have to put their act together to meet the larger national registered category in this fiscal year. The distribution objective of promoting savings. channels for these registered prize bonds are also being enhanced. Another historic initiative is the tanking Clearinghouse. NS has become the only non-banking member of the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (Pvt.) Limited (known as NIFT). With this initiative, the profits of NS investors can be collected in their respective bank accounts, thereby offering safety and security and access to ATMs, Internet and Mobile Banking of their respective banks. The overall improvement in time for the collection of profits by senior citizens through cheques has been reduced from 5/10 days to 1/3 days. To further the agenda of improvement in controls and financial inclusion, the pace of automation has been enhanced and the IT systems are being upgraded for customer convenience and to promote financial inclusion by enhancing the NS product/service access points. This supply-side constraint is one of the main constraints for the subdued saving rates in Pakistan. On the distribution front, other than automating its IT systems, NS is exploring possibilities of appointing non-financial sector agents to get to the doorsteps of existing and potential customers. NS has rolled out a major IT infrastructure revamping initiative which is being assisted by the World Bank and Karandaaz (DFID and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation). Under this initiative, a modern Enterprise Resource Planning system will be put in place to achieve double entry/accrual- based accounting system, a Data Centre/Warehouse and a Disaster Recovery Centre will be established, along with the introduction of a Business Intelligence framework. National Savings is also coming up with numerous Alternate Delivery Channels, like access of accounts by investors through cellphone and internet and introduction of debit cards for direct access to the ATM/POS network and 211k active agents of mobile banking, etc., which will act as a cornerstone for achieving financial inclusion targets. NS is actively exploring the option of introducing the concept of virtual branches with scriptless investment products/schemes.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 67

SOUTHASIA JANUARY 2018 FEATURES

PG 70 PG 71 PG 72 TURBAT: RAJASTHAN: NEW DELHI: Human Trafficking Guru of Bling Going Nowhere By S. M. Hali By K. A. Naqshbandi By Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan

PG 74 PG 75 PG 77 HULHUMALE: Helmand: DHAKA: Plastic Menace The Poppy Growers A Suffering City By Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq By Faizan Usmani By S. Mubashir Noor

PG 78 PG 80 THIMPHU: COLOMBO: Refugee Rescue Wildlife Woes By Syeda Areeba Rasheed By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 69 FEATURE

TURBAT to join the frenzy of madness. Boys and girls being sold or rented by impoverished parents or kidnapped by organized gangs to work in begging Human rings, domestic servitude, bonded labour and prostitution is a common practice. Ironically, camel jockeying, which was a popular sport in the UAE and other Gulf states, used Pakistani Trafficking children provided by human traffickers. National and international human rights organizations pressurized the UAE to end the sadistic sport but the Scourge human traffickers, who had supplied the young boys, were never convicted and continue their illegal trade of child Pakistan is one country where human trafficking has entered trafficking with impunity. alarming proportions and the legal authorities seem helpless in The atrocious practice of selling controlling the situation. girls and women into forced marriages in rural areas also contributes to human trafficking. There are numerous By S. M. Hali instances, where their new "husbands" transport them across Pakistan’s borders and force them into prostitution. A more detestable form of human trafficking emerged after the horrible demon of terrorism was unleashed. Pakistan is in the eye of the storm, where non-state militant groups kidnap children, lure them or coerce parents with fraudulent promises into giving away children as young as 12 to die as suicide bombers. The development boom in the Gulf states, Europe and Africa, coupled with the decline of employment opportunities in Pakistan owing to the poor law and order and the domestic economic mess, forced thousands of Pakistani women and men to migrate voluntarily in search of greener pastures and even seek low-skilled employment such as domestic jobs, driving or construction he news of the discovery of bullet- route as well as a destination for human work. Many of these people become riddled bodies of 15 young men in trafficking. Bonded labour, which is victims of labour trafficking. False job TBalochistan, shook the people of a serious form of human trafficking, is offers and high fees charged by illegal Pakistan and renewed attention to the concentrated in Sindh and Punjab. It is labour agents or sub-agents of licenced scourge of human trafficking. A survivor employed in agriculture, brick making, Pakistani overseas employment of the ordeal, who had missed the bus, and also in mining and carpet-making. promoters increase Pakistani labourers’ narrated the harrowing tale of how the The statistics pertaining to the number vulnerabilities while some end up in group was trapped and swindled by of women, children and men vary involuntary servitude, debt bondage human trafficking agents. This particular while some human rights organizations or in extreme cases, recruited by group comprising young innocent men believe the figure to be well over a terror mongers. The problem of human from very humble backgrounds, had million. trafficking is aggravated when the scraped the barrel to raise the requisite If the victims of bonded labour try porous borders of Pakistan are used by funds for a better future. They were to raise their voice against abuse, the citizens of Afghanistan, Iran and some trapped by human trafficking agents landowners resort to violence. Readers under-developed Central Asian states to be illegally transported to Europe may recall the case of extreme brutality to illegally transit through Pakistan or but got waylaid and kidnapped by the when on 4 November, 2014,a Christian end up in forced labour camps and militant group Baloch Liberation Front couple committed to bonded labour in a prostitution dens. while crossing the Iran border and were brick kiln in Kot Radha Krishan in Kasur. Pakistan prohibits all forms of brutally slaughtered. They later wanted to leave but were transnational trafficking of persons. Unfortunately this was just one physically assaulted and then burnt alive In accordance with the Prevention gruesome aspect of human trafficking in after the brick kiln owner leveled false and Control of Human Trafficking Pakistan, which has numerous shades. charges of blasphemy against them, Ordinance (PACHTO), the penalties Pakistan is considered a source, a transit inciting the residents of the community range from seven to 14 years’

70 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 imprisonment. Government officials RAJASTHAN and civil society report that judges have difficulty applying PACHTO and awarding sufficiently stringent punishments, because of confusion over definitions and similar offences in the Pakistan Penal Code. Additionally, the Bonded Labour (System) Abolition Act (BLAA) prohibits bonded labour, with prescribed penalties ranging from two to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Pakistani officials have yet to record a single conviction and have indicated the need to review and amend the BLAA. Taking cognizance of the inhuman Guru of Bling practice in Pakistan and the half-hearted steps taken, international organizations Is Gurmeet Singh all that he and his followers claim or is the have stepped in to apply pressure or real story unravelling and a monster emerging? find solutions. The U.S. State Department's Office By K. A. Naqshbandi to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons placed Pakistan in “Tier 2 Watch List” in 2017. This watch list pertains to countries whose governments do urmeet Ram Rahim Singh --- a very crude combination of Muslim, Hindu not fully meet the Trafficking Victims and Sikh names -- is an Indian leader who took the entire Indian media Protection Act (TVPA) minimum Gby storm when tens of thousands of his followers and supporters, who standards, but are making significant had gathered at the court where his trial was being held, began rioting against efforts to bring themselves into the judgement of the Haryana court. He had been sentenced to 20 years in compliance with these standards. prison for raping two of his followers on August 25, 2017. In that violence, at In such countries, the absolute least 38 people were killed and scores were wounded. The story of Gurmeet who number of victims of severe forms debauched the moral climate of India seems to be very similar to the Russian of trafficking is very significant or is spiritualist Rasputin who became a controversial figure for his involvement in a significantly increasing while there is a number of dubious and immoral activities. He was accused of various misdeeds, failure to provide evidence of increasing ranging from an unrestricted sexual life to undue political domination over the efforts to combat severe forms of royal family. Even the Tsarina herself was seduced by his evil ways and his trafficking in persons from the previous influence began to dominate government policy. Finally, on the early morning year. The determination that a country of 30th December 1916, Rasputin was assassinated by a group of conservative is making significant efforts to bring noblemen who opposed his influence over Alexandra and the Tsar. itself into compliance with minimum Mark Twain once said, “It's easier to fool people than to convince them that standards was based on commitments they have been fooled.” That is what exactly happened on the morning of August by the country to take additional future steps over the next year. On 19 July, 2017, the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants funded by the European Union (EU) and the Public Awareness Campaign against human trafficking and migrant smuggling co-funded by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection and United States Department of State were launched together in Islamabad. Much more needs to be done to curtail the malevolence of human trafficking in Pakistan. Perhaps to apprehend human traffickers and their facilitators, action can be taken against them through operation Radd-ul-Fasaad since the perpetrators of this heinous crime are no less than terrorists playing with the lives of innocent people.

The writer is a practising journalist. He contributes to the print media, conducts a TV show and produces documentaries.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 71 FEATURE

25 in 2017,when some news channels while his Twitter bio presents him as: world of all its troubles," Rajkumar, a ran live coverage of the 200-car Spiritual Saint/Philanthropist/Versatile shopkeeper from Haryana Said, cavalcade, that included several black Singer/Allrounder Sportsperson/ Gurmeet Singh’s solid connection SUVs, as it made its nearly 250km Film Director/Actor/Art Director/ with the ruling BJP is an open secret. In journey from Sirsa to Panchkula in Music Director/ Writer/Lyricist/ the 2014 Haryana assembly election, Haryana. The climax of the story was Autobiographer/DOP. He acquired a he issued a public statement calling on the fact that the convict of rape was colourful persona due to his penchant all his followers and supporters to vote accorded Z-plus security - usually for bright outfits and jewellery which for the BJP. Sadly enough, the state's reserved for prominent politicians. also earned him the name the "guru chief minister and other ministers This was proof of the level of of bling". Talking about his rise to shared the stage with him despite the political influence the controversial stardom, Punjab University Professor fact that he was under investigation leader enjoyed and very much akin to Ronki Ram told a news site, "People go for rape. Even Prime Minister Modi, Rasputin. The 50-yearold was born to to the new Dera Sucha Sauda because in a tweet in 2014, highly appreciated Sikh parents in Rajasthan. In 1990, at they find them offering a vital space Gurmeet Singh’s efforts for making the age of 23, he was declared head for recognition and identity," His Deras the government’s campaign to clean of Dera Sacha Sauda, a sect that was often attract members of the most up the streets a success. According to established in 1948 and to which disadvantaged castes, whether Hindu reports, Gurmeet Singh also supported Singh had been introduced by his or Sikh. In Punjab, where one-third the Congress through the back channel father, Maghar Singh. The sect, run of the population are Dalits, the most in 2007. from the city of Sirsa in Haryana, grew disadvantaged caste, whose members Gurmeet is also facing trial in two substantially and,with the passage often face daily discrimination, find separate murder cases which include of time, managed to establish nearly solace in Dera. There are more than murder of Dera follower Ranjit Singh 50 branches across the country, 10,000 deras. in July 2002 and of journalist Ram claiming 60 million followers, Gurmeet’s downfall actually Chander Chattrapati in October the mainly from Haryana, Punjab and started in 2002 when one of his same year. Chattrapati had reported New Delhi. Its massive headquarters female followers wrote an anonymous extensively on illegal activities has a cinema, hotel, sports stadium letter to Prime Minister Atal Bihari going on within the Dera. Despite and schools. The Dera, claimed to Vajpayee, alleging that she had been a huge following and support from be a "non-profit social welfare and raped by Singh and that other women the government, Gurmeet failed to spiritual organisation which promotes had also been sexually exploited. This defy the judgement and his victims vegetarianism and opposes drug and resulted in a CBI investigation, which will never forget and forgive him for alcohol consumption. eventually led to Singh's conviction. what Shakespeare said, ‘The evil that Singh who is married with a son But despite this, to millions of his men do is remembered after their and two daughters considers himself followers, Singh still remains a figure deaths...’ ‘master of all’. His Facebook profile to be revered and respected. "He can't describes him as "Saint Dr. MSG", do any wrong ... he works to rid the The writer is a free-lance journalist.

NEW DELHI under subsistence level. Marred by the “Modi Phenomenon” which has introduced ‘national socialism’ with the BJP proffering almost insane ‘ideological fixations,’ is India really going to become a rising nation that it Going Nowhere is expected to be? PM Modi’s has introduced many key initiatives – ‘Start-up India’, ‘Skill Rather than pursuing failed projects like the Arjun tank or the India’ and ‘Make Up India’ but does Tejas jet fighter, India needs to allay the growing travails of its Modi desire ‘Indianization’ and an poor people. economic turnaround translating into India becoming a military power as well? Alyssa Ayres writing the piece, By Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan “Will India start acting like a global power” for Foreign Affairs Magazine ndia is a country with the world’s but will rising India be able to sustain (November/December 2017), has third largest military by personnel such increased defence expenditures unfolded the brighter economic and Istrength. It also has the world’s considering the fact that it has an ever- military might of ‘Giant India’. She 5th largest defence budget and is a increasing population that is likely to writes that India “replaced its aging growing economic and military power make it the world’s most populous aircraft carrier in a much-delayed that is flexing its muscles and wants country (overtaking China) by 2024. deal with Russia in 2013; it now has the world to notice it. While China This isn’t the only issue. India is a second carrier under construction, is executing an increasingly assertive home to the largest poor population being developed and built at home, regional posture, India is also doing in the world comprising 26% of the although it may not be ready for as everything it can to match it by world’s extremely poor and over 270 long as a decade. India has a third enhancing its own military capability million people (21.92% of population) carrier scheduled for construction, and capacity. Doing this is all right who live in extreme poverty and also to be made domestically and it

72 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 production of 124 tanks in service are not operational) by mid-2015, two years after the Indian Army had purchased all tanks, nearly 75% of Arjuns became inoperable due to technical reasons. With its increased armoured protection, the Arjun’s weight ballooned from the original 40 ton specification to 60 tons. This Tejas jet fighter increased protection has come at the cost of its tactical and operational unsuitability as the Indian Army believes that with its weight, this MBT is only suitable for desert or semi- desert terrain and is unsuitable as an all-weather, all terrain MBT. India today has two sides to its ‘rising India story’ – economically it is doing well but its population continues to swell with an ever increasing number of people below the poverty line. Similarly, militarily it showcases aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines to project its military power potential but its domestically produced fighter aircraft and tanks are low-grade military machines that cannot be relied upon to challenge some of the other professional armies of the world with better military machines and gadgets. Writing in his autobiography Mein Arjun Tank Kampf, before becoming the Fuehrer, Hitler described Germany as a country has plans to add at least three nuclear Indian Air Force is rejecting these ‘gleaming with wealth which alternates powered submarines to its fleet”. aircraft for their insufficient airborne abruptly with repellent poverty.’ The But it’s not the nuclear submarines flight endurance (59 minutes versus same can be said today about India. In and aircraft carriers that will drive the three hours for Gripen and nearly the 1920s and 30s, Hitler spent most Indian ‘military powerhouse.‘ Without four hours for F-16); smaller payload of his time developing Germany into efficient air machines (multi-role fighter capacity (payload of 3 tons against an economic and military power. This aircraft) and ground machines (MBTs nearly 6 tons for Gripen and 7 tons for can be said about Modi’s rising India or main Battle Tanks) no army can F-16); increased maintenance hours today. boast of possessing a superior offensive (20 hours of servicing for every hour There is another commonality punch. It is India’s indigenously built of flying against 6 hours for Gripen between Germany’s Fuehrer and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ and 3.5 hours for F-16) and service India’s Modi: the ‘paranoid Jew hatred and the MBT ‘Arjun’ that has failed life (20 years as against 40 years for had become the centerpiece of Hitler’s to come up to the expectations of the both the Gripen and F-16). political activity, relegating him to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. Under development since 1983, dustbin of history as a tyrant who only This stands out as a recipe of failure HAL has not been able to meet employed violent ends to seek his for any future offensive undertaken by the target of producing eight Tejas goals. PM Modi by his very nature is the Indian military. aircraft per year. With all the given also a man who can never be focused Indian dynamism under the Modi inadequacies in Tejas, the Indian Air on having a relationship that can grow government rises not only from Force is still scheduled to receive 40 with Pakistan. its interplay of multiple strategic Tejas Mark -1 aircraft by 2018. Germany’s Panzer divisions and partnership and power alliances thus The indigenous development of waging the war on Europe through diversifying its economic and military Arjun, the Indian MBT, is often referred the blitzkrieg gave Germany nothing. capabilities but also producing its own to as the ‘country’s longest and most Modi’s India may also eventually indigenously built military machines trouble-ridden armament programme.’ realize this one day. India may instead of importing them. However, Starting in the mid-1970s, the service consider diverting a portion of its what are not often highlighted are the date for this ground machine was set defence budget toward alleviating the snags and the utter failure of some of for 1985. By 2009, nearly 35 years crippling poverty that infects it rather the technologically-developing India’s after it was originally conceived, the than wasting money on failed projects military products in India. Indian Army was forced to buy 124 like the Arjuns and the Tejas. Tejas is the baby of HAL-Hindustan Arjuns. Aeronautics Limited (state-owned According to a report published The writer is a retired lieutenant Indian aircraft maker) and as the in Indian Economic Times, April colonel of the Pakistan Army. He is Indian ministry of defence tries to 30, 2015 (the army fleet of Arjun currently pursuing a Ph.D in civil- push it through to its air force, the tanks faces technical issues; major military relations.

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 73 FEATURE

“A healthy ocean is vital to our economy and well being. We need clean and healthy oceans to sustain tourism and fisheries” — Scott Peters, US Congressman and environment lawyer.

“We are being choked to death by the amount of plastic that we throw away. It’s killing our oceans. It’s entering into our bodies in the fish we eat” — Kevin Bacon, American actor and musician.

n earlier times, when people had not yet begun experimenting with Ipolymers, waste mostly consisted HULHUMALE of organic material that readily amalgamated with the soil leaving hardly any after-effects. However, in the wake of industrialization, the need arose to introduce materials for storing mass produced items over a long Plastic Menace period of time and protecting them from damage as a result of dampness. Waste plastic in oceans has become a worldwide problem. The This led to scientists and researchers to delve deeper into the study of naturally Maldives is particularly affected because it comprises islands occurring polymers in substances surrounded by waters of the Indian Ocean. like starch, rubber and cellulose. The demand for light-weight, unbreakable By Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq and water-resistant storage containers became so intense that by 1947 plastic bottles were being used commercially the USA, these bottles can take up to paying any customs duty. According but remained relatively expensive until 700 years in landfills to complete this to the Maldives Customs Service, the the early 1960s when high-density process and ddespite the recycling increase of the import duty from 200 to polythene was introduced. Since then infrastructure that exists in order to 400 percent for non-biodegradable bags consumption of these bottles has soared facilitate the recycling of these bottles, in 2015 resulted in a slight decline in the with their massive circulation in almost 86% of plastic water bottles used in the import of non-biodegradable bags. In all countries of the world. US alone become garbage. January 2015, 43 million biodegradable The downside of this discovery, If a country like the USA that has a bags and 36 million non-biodegradable however, has culminated in two major huge land mass can face this enormous bags were imported to the Maldives. problems. One, around the globe, predicament, what about a country like Even remote beaches are awash environmental issues are gaining the Maldives that comprises islands with plastic litter, which drifts in with momentum with the people greatly spread over roughly 90,000 square ocean currents. disturbed at the rapidly changing kilometres of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is currently chairing the climatic conditions and two, the problem of keeping these waters free Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), manner in which waste, especially from pollution from plastic bottles is a coalition of small islands and low- plastic bottles, is disposed of. Both most acute in this region as there are lying coastal countries that share similar these issues are directly affecting the tremendous chances of these washing development challenges and concerns health of all living beings on this planet onto the many hundreds of beaches. about the environment, especially their and giving rise to circumstances that In 2015, the Ministry of Environment vulnerability to the adverse effects of may perhaps eventually result in the held an event to launch the ‘Stopping global climate change. It functions extinction of many species that are plastics in the ocean – reducing plastic primarily as an ad hoc lobby and extremely important to sustain the eco- waste’ campaign. This was to stress the negotiating voice for Small Island system’s balance on earth planet. More importance of solving the challenge of Developing States (SIDS) within the than eight million tonnes of plastic is waste management in the Maldives to United Nations. On 5 June 2017,the dumped into the ocean annually, which ensure the sustainability of the local Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture is toxic when ingested by plankton, fisheries and tourism industries. The of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Dr. fish and other marine animals. Coral campaign involved sensitization of Mohamed Shainee, while speaking at reefs are also at risk as corals consume students to the dangers of plastic waste the Ocean Conference held in New microplastics and are unable to expel in the ocean. York, urged committed efforts to care the tiny fragments. In another move to reduce plastic for and restore the health of oceans. To The main disadvantage in disposing contamination, the Maldives presently materialize these concerns, a campaign these bottles is their tough resistance levies a 400 percent tariff on imported was announced whereby the fisheries to decompose naturally. According to non-biodegradable plastic bags while industry, consisting over 1,250 pole- the Container Recycling Institute in such bags can be brought in without and-line, handline and longline fishing

74 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 Helmand The Poppy Growers Afghanistan is the world’s largest opium producer and there are no signs of the trade slowing down.

vessels and processors would move one step ahead to reduce and phase out use of plastics and intercept ocean plastics in their one-million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The Minister further said, “The plastics intercepted by fishermen and collected at designated collection points will be handed over to Parley for the Oceans, which Maldives has been closely working with to recycle and reuse plastic wastes.” Parley for the Oceans, is a US-based organisation that is committed to protecting marine life by collecting 120 tonnes of plastic from the sea every month. It works in close collaboration with the government as well as resorts, schools and fishing vessels to achieve its goals. The plastic is shipped to recycling plants and turned into filament and then yarn or fabric. In 2016, Germany’s multinational Adidas used plastic intercepted by Parley in the Maldives to create 100 handmade shoes and other sportswear. In August 2016, President Abdulla esides a host of issues hurting Afghanistan, its inability to eradicate Yameen was presented with one of the first and control opium cultivation and trade has been a major concern handmade shoes made using Maldivian Bfor ages. Afghanistan happens to be the largest opium producer in the ocean plastic collected by Parley. In August world with no sign of stopping or slowing down. 2016 alone, five million plastic bottles According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), were intercepted from the beaches in the opium accounts for more than 15 percent of Afghanistan’s GDP. Despite Maldives and shipped for use by Adidas. years of anti-narcotics measures, opium cultivation and production in the This is undoubtedly a step in the country hit record levels in 2017, when its total area under opium-poppy right direction initiated by the Maldivian cultivation witnessed a 63% increase compared to 2016, while opium yield government. Using the fishing industry reached 9,000 tonnes in total with over 87% rise in production, according which has most access to the ocean, to the UNODC report. appears as a pragmatic measure to rid the The illegal but flourishing opium industry in Afghanistan fuels insecurity, Maldives’ waters of this plastic menace. instigates violence, incites insurgency and also discourages private and This campaign has been destined to be public investment - a major blow to a poor country. launched in December 2017 after arranging Says the UNODC in its annual report on opium cultivation and the preliminary aspects. It is hoped that the production in Afghanistan, “Despite eradication rising 111% to cover 1,853 campaign would prove successful since not acres, the number of poppy-free provinces declined to 10 from 13 in 2016. only Maldives’ own eco-system balance The average opium yield also rose 15%, to just over 24 pounds an acre. The is at stake but the entire marine world spike in production was driven by both a greater area under cultivation and too could be adversely affected if plastic larger yields, but there was no single reason behind the increases.” contamination goes ignored. According to the UNODC, political instability, rising insecurity, deep- rooted corruption both at government and private levels as well as lack The writers, authors, lawyers and partners of government control are among the major reasons behind unrestrained in HUZAIMA & IKRAM, are Adjunct Faculty opium production and trade in Afghanistan. at Lahore University of Management In addition, local farmers resort to opium harvest because they don’t have Sciences (LUMS). any other source of employment or job opportunities, while a poor literacy

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 75 FEATURE

rate and very limited access to financial (901 hectares), Kunar (754 hectares), crops like wheat and vegetables, but of services help push local people toward Herat (738 hectares), Day Kundi (587 little or no avail. In 2015, for instance, opium cultivation despite knowing its hectares), Ghor (493 hectares), Kapisa a meagre 1 per cent of farms growing long-term ill effects. (472 hectares), Kabul (233 hectares) and poppy plants were destroyed by the The present Afghan government Sari Pul (195 hectares). Afghan Special Narcotics Force (ASNF), is also responsible for the ongoing Though the study was carried out a dedicated authority funded by the opium menace as it has shifted its focus a few years ago, the total area used for US government to carry out counter- to eliminating militancy in thickly- growing opium has increased manifold narcotics operations in Afghanistan. populated urban areas, but at the and currently there are more than 3 On various occasions, military expense of the country’s rural areas, million drug addicts in Afghanistan, operations have been conducted by the where poppy cultivation has raised its including women and children. However, U.S. counter-narcotics forces against the head again owing to less state control the menace has resurfaced with a force drug mafia who attract local farmers to and vigilance. greater than ever before and that too in plant poppy crops for greater financial Today, the opium trade has become the presence of U.S.-led coalition forces gain. a multibillion dollar industry in that have been unable to eradicate or Shared by opium farmers, drug Afghanistan, producing over 90% of even control rising opium production in traffickers, marketers, warlords and all opiate drugs used internationally, Afghanistan. complicit government officials, the according to the UNODC. A nationwide Comprising Bamyan, Kapisa, Logar, export value of opium trade is now more concern, a major part of opium Maidan Wardak, Parwan and Urozgan, than $4 billion a year. cultivation takes place in the western the central region of Afghanistan is The U.S.-led counter-narcotics task and southern regions of Afghanistan, free from opium, but the country’s forces have wasted over $8 billion in the including Nangarhar, Kandahar, Farah, northeast region, northwest, southeast, implementation of poppy eradication and Helmand, etc. southwest, east and west regions have control measures, says the UNODC. The According to the Afghanistan seen a phenomenal increase in poppy same trend is evidenced by the findings Opium Survey, Helmand tends to be cultivation in recent years. of a study by the Special Investigator the largest opium-cultivating province As revealed by the Afghanistan General for Afghanistan Reconstruction in Afghanistan with 103,240 hectares of Opium Survey, the north-eastern region (SIGAR), proving the fact that opium poppy fields. It is followed by Kandahar recorded more than 80 per cent rise in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has with 33,713 hectares, Farah (27,513 2014, followed by the eastern region reached a record high. Unfortunately, hectares), Nangarhar (18,227 hectares), (9 per cent), western (8 per cent) and with an alarming 50% increase, the Nimroz (14,584 hectares), Uruzgan northeastern region (4 per cent). On Afghan opium economy is thriving with (9,277 hectares), Badghis (5,721 the other hand, the U.S. anti-narcotics no apparent end in sight. hectares), Badakhshan (4,204 hectares), programme has spent over $10 billion Zabul (2,894 hectares), Laghman to replace poppy fields with legitimate – Faizan Usmani

76 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 eyebrow raised by Rajdhani Unnayan DHAKA Kartripakkha (RAJUK) officials, barring the occasional rebuke on national media. RAJUK is Bangladesh’s capital development agency. Transparency International claims Bangladesh is one of the most corrupt countries on the A Suffering City planet. And therein lies the problem. Corruption in government is why the Urban planners in Dhaka continuously fail to walk the talk Real Estate and Housing Association of because of rampant corruption of civic bodies. Bangladesh (REHAB) is overly powerful and influential, able to steal public land By S. Mubashir Noor with impunity. Corruption is also why despite strong rhetoric, RAJUK has been unable to reclaim even an inch of the eople in Dhaka are packed like journeyed from remote pockets of the over 80% of flood flow zones illegally sardines. Over 18 million people country in search of upward social controlled by realtors. This status quo Pcall Bangladesh’s capital city home. mobility, the squatters invariably accept makes Dhaka perpetually vulnerable It is one of the most densely populated these low-lives as an undesirable yet to natural disasters, waterlogging and urban areas in the world. Small permanent feature of big city life. health crises. Moreover, the majority of wonder since Dhaka is the country’s The government has for decades REHAB members are not registered with administrative, cultural and financial paid lip service to the idea of structuring the government, including heavyweights hub. Naturally, it faces a constant deluge Dhaka’s spread outwards, yet repeatedly like Sheltech, Concord Real Estate & of internal migrants seeking access to failed to walk the talk. After its inability Building Products Ltd. and Navana Real better education and healthcare services to achieve the majority of goals outlined Estate Ltd., etc. and greater employment opportunities. in the Dhaka Metropolitan Development When probed, the realtors blame Far-sighted urban planning is imperative Program that lapsed in 2015, a new corrupt RAJUK officials for their so that the state can effectively provide Dhaka Structure Plan for the next two reluctance to register. To attract bribes, key public services to an ever-increasing decades is in play. Unsurprisingly, it these officials harass legitimate business population. carries forward many of the old metrics, owners with either red tape or ad-hoc Regrettably, this is sorely lacking salient among which is improving the and often byzantine changes to the in the city. A toxic mix of inept drainage system of the city to prevent registration process that disincentivize bureaucracy and rapacious corporate flood water from destroying arable them from going through proper greed has repeatedly thwarted any land. Local experts, however, have little channels. Invariably, the minority that attempts at streamlining Dhaka’s urban confidence that this plan will bear fruit. do get registered hire middlemen or sprawl. And since the influx of internal Dhaka suffers from a chronic flooding “touts” who navigate the landmine of migrants continues unabated, illegal problem in the monsoon season. This is bureaucracy on their behalf. For a price, slums erected on public land have attributed to its lack of flood flow zones. naturally, a percentage of which goes to mushroomed where squatters live in Natural wetlands and water retention the agency staff that get the job done. abject deprivation. They are at the areas that were originally designated These artificial obstacles to mercy of local thugs who extort money as public land have been seized by registration not only rob the state of tax in exchange for “protection.” Having real estate opportunists without nary an revenue, they also create a flourishing

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 77 FEATURE

The only way for THIMPHU Bangladesh is by raising transparency at all levels of Refugee government. Rescue black market of unscrupulous middleman linked to equally unscrupulous RAJUK officials. It is a vicious cycle of dishonesty and greed that emboldens crooked realtors The problem of Bhutanese refugees has touched to illegally seize public land. Of course, alarming heights despite the intervention of the UNHCR. RAJUK regularly issues public statements The world community has come to their help but a lot demonizing REHAB, but they have little more needs to be done. impact. Even ordinary citizens know such rhetoric is disingenuous and merely deflects from the corruption rotting the agency. he refugees in Bhutan, called the Lhotshampas, are a group of Not surprisingly, then, in November at Nepali language speaking people that also include the Kirat, a public consultation meeting with RAJUK, TTamang, Magar, Brahman, Chhetri and Gurung. These refugees senior REHAB members took turns taking were registered in the refugee camps of eastern Nepal in the beginning potshots at the agency, labeling the Dhaka of 1990s. They are members of an ethnic minority population living in Structure Plan “questionable,” “faulty” Southern Bhutan and were deported from Bhutan during the reign of and out of step with “reality.” A senior King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Many among them also began to flee police official representing one of the big due to the rising levels of violence and persecution by the Bhutanese housing schemes even declared wetlands government. These refugees were then resettled in Nepal and other and water retention areas unnecessary countries under the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for for storm drainage as “these rather breed Refugees (UNHCR). Many Lhotshampas also migrated to West Bengal mosquitoes.” Others labeled them “archaic and Assam in India without the support of the UNHCR. ideas” and suggested artificial drainage At first, the international community was hoping that the Nepali systems were the way of the future. government might incorporate the Bhutanese refugees by offering The core reason for REHAB’s them Nepali citizenship but the political instability and the refugees opposition to the Dhaka Structure Plan already living in Nepal were of the view that granting citizenship to or any other detailed area plan (DAP) for the Bhutanese refugees might not be a good decision. The Nepali the city is the assumption the government government had frequent talks with the Bhutanese government to safely will repossess public land developed by return the refugees to their homes, but all efforts failed. In 2006, all private realtors. They cannot stomach the parties decided that a third country resettlement was the only option for thought of their significant assets, however the Bhutanese refugees to enjoy the protections of citizenship. fraudulently acquired, being returned to From 1991, over one-sixth of Bhutanese sought refuge in the RAJUK. Therefore, even as the agency’s refugee camps in southeastern Nepal that were set by the UNHCR. This head Mohammad Abdur Rahman insists organization witnessed most of the arrivals of the refugees between Dhaka’s water bodies and wetlands will be 1990 and 1996; the camp was overflowing with the rising population of “preserved at all costs,” picking a fight with the refugees which peaked at more than 107,000 persons. Only seven influential realtors and land developers has camps were initially set up when these refugees began arriving in Nepal. low odds of success. In fact, at the joint meeting, Akbar Sobhan, chairman of Bashundhara Group, went so far as issuing a veiled threat to Rahman. He warned “do not make a plan that you cannot implement” because “any attempt to prepare a DAP excluding us would be a blunder.” Sobhan’s no-holds- barred brashness is wholly enabled by systemic corruption in government that gives rich realtors ready access to top officials. The only way for Bangladesh to transcend their influence — and this will take time and patience — is by raising transparency at all levels of government. To take root, however, reshaping the status quo must start from the top.

The writer is an Islamabad-based freelance journalist.

78 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 had witnessed with most of countries on December 31, 2016 and, the victims being under the according to them, the resettlement age of 18. program had concluded. The number Bhutanese refugees have of refugees resettled abroad rose to suffered a great deal from the 108, 513 in February 2017. injustices they faced in Bhutan Currently, there are around 8,500 and their exclusion from refugees still left in the camps in Jhapa the country. More suffering district and the continued pressure on continued in the camps and in the Nepalese government to assimilate resettlement. However, around the refugees in Nepal has made the 10,000 refugees who were still situation worse. However, Kathmandu left in the camps, were either had stressed upon sending these not eligible or did not want to refugees to where they belong. Many be resettled. The remaining were efforts are underway to repatriate the mainly elderly people who lost refugees to Bhutan, though chances their support network through are grim. resettlement and were affected Although resettlement had Now it has been more than 20 years by increasing rates of depression, provided the opportunity of starting that these refugees have been living substance misuse and suicide. a new life to these refugees, the in the UNHCR-run refugee camps in There were also rumours about the challenges that they face in the labour Nepal. The resettlement process in local Nepalese residing in the refugee market are a big hurdle in establishing 2008 had sent many of them living in camps made for Bhutanese. Alexander themselves in the new countries that the camps to resettlement in the USA, Casella, a one-time Director at the are quite different from their own. The Canada, Australia, New Zealand and UNHCR, shared his views regarding departing ones face the discomfort Europe. The Bhutanese refugees are the matter saying that if the UNHCR, of leaving behind friends whom they spread all over the world yet their before intervening, would have have known for quite a long time. story is not known by many. undertaken a survey of the cases to Those still in the camps are either Living all these years in the camps determine exactly the concerned waiting for resettlement or hoping was not easy as life was difficult at times. nationalities and reasons for their they would return to Bhutan or stay in The refugees residing had to build and departure, the conclusion would have Nepal, facing the loss of neighbours, repair their own huts and transport been different. companions and family members. heavy loads on their backs. Skilled The Bhutanese refugees were given Of the original seven camps, only workers had to spend hours sewing, November 15, 2016 to apply to go two are still operating - Beldangi and practising metalwork or carpentry. The abroad as, by the end of 2017, UNHCR Sanischare. camps offered very little in the way of had said it would stop forwarding In April 2011, both the governments recreation and no opportunities were applications for resettlement. As the of Bhutan and Nepal again opened talks available for legally paid employment decade-long third country resettlement on repatriation with the UNHCR still in Nepal. The Nepalis also had mixed programme of the Bhutanese refugees remaining committed to third country opinions about the Bhutanese refugees living in eastern Nepal drew to a resettlement in light of Bhutan's refusal as the camps were often blamed close, the fate of those in the camps to guarantee full citizenship and other for deforestation; the cheap labour seemed to be hanging in the balance. human rights for returnees. By July provided by the refugees had added Around 2,000 refugees are still 2011, the two governments had held to the competition for the available undergoing a screening process to at least 15 rounds of bilateral talks number of jobs. Many Nepalis living leave under the resettlement program with no practical solution in sight. near the camps had also developed for western countries. The UNHCR bonds with the refugees with some stopped submitting applications to – Syeda Areeba Rasheed marriages taking place. Conditions started getting better during the period between 1995 - 2005 when good education was provided in the camps. However, malnourishment, violence on children and women, overpopulation and radicalisation still remained serious issues. While most of the refugees were living well, they were still experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The rates of drug abuse had also become alarmingly high in the camps, especially among the young people. The reason behind this emerging disorder was the sale of alcohol around the shops outside the camps. One of the doctors responsible to look after the patients in the camp also stressed upon the increasing number of self-harming attempts he

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 79 FEATURE

termed illegal. Even the killing of wild boars was termed an offence. Gifting or giving elephants to other countries may not bode well for the ecosystem of the countries buying them. If the government sells the elephants, or any other animal species for that matter, the World Animal Protection International and Sri Lanka’s regional animal protection agencies may not consider this an appropriate move. Selling animals because their population has increased goes to show the country does not have enough animal reserves and national parks and that a concrete jungle is increasing, hence reducing the COLOMBO size of forests and wildlife reserves. If Sri Lanka gifts the animals to other countries, it may be taken by Sri Lanka’s foes in the region as a tradeoff for better bilateral relations. Moreover, the country Wildlife Woes buying these animals from Sri Lanka or receiving them as gifts will be under the radar as they could not do justice to these Sri Lanka is planning to amend its laws for control of its animals under animal protection laws wildlife population through some cruel measures. that are not being fully practiced by all countries. If Sri Lanka amends these laws By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar and, in extreme circumstances, kills its surplus animals, it may have to provide answers in a court of law. nimal life must be preserved and suggestions, the government must provide The natives of Sri Lanka and those protected. Any change in their avenues for the surplus population of having a heart towards animals may Apopulation, caused intentionally elephants to live in the forests. not accept the government's initiative by humans, can disrupt the ecosystem. Paranawithana says that an excessive to reduce the number of elephants. However, Sri Lanka, despite having an numbers of certain wild animals has Elephants have a symbolic value in Sri enviable animal protection environment led to many human-animal conflicts. Lanka and they also enjoy a cultural and national parks, is planning to amend He suggests that Sri Lanka should gift and an economic significance. While its rules regarding animal rights. The elephants to other countries while animals elephants are used by labourers to move government of Sri Lanka is planning like wild boars should be shot and sold logs and heavy wood, religiously these to reduce the population of wild boars for meat. He says, “The human-elephant animals have a strong link with certain and monkeys in the country. Although conflict is a major problem in rural areas. events. Despite elephants acquiring a the government claims to control the There are about 6,000 elephants in the religious stature in Sri Lanka, there are population of these two species, there country and its population is increasing plans for their population to be reduced. can be instances in the future where rapidly. The Sri Lankan forests are unable Elephants in Sri Lanka are kept in captivity such animals may be killed despite laws to sustain the increasing elephant which is an abuse in itself and those that implemented to preserve them. population. About 4,000 elephants are are in the wild are subjected to abuse. According to Karunarathne more than enough.” He further suggested Killing wild boars and monkeys will Paranawithana, deputy minister of that laws must be changed to make also not bode well with the wild life the Provincial Council and Local elephants live as pets and to send wild conservation community. Even if wild Government in Sri Lanka, wildlife laws elephants to other countries. Sri Lanka boars are not accustomed to be used as should be amended and new laws be has banned the killing of wild boars and pets, they must remain in the wild. It is implemented to safeguard those animals its meat is prohibited from being sold. the government’s wild life policies that who were once a threat to humans. With “If laws are enforced legalizing the must create provisions for the protection a number of forests and national parks killing of wild boars, people should be of wild boars. Similarly, monkeys also spread across Sri Lanka, wild boars and allowed to sell their flesh as well. No affect human life as wild monkeys monkeys among other animals would one worries about killing of mosquitoes. wander from the wild to the urban areas often journey from the forest to the urban The social dialogue regarding animal and enter homes or occupy areas in areas and cause a threat to human life rights have to be more practical,” the urban areas. Only the government’s and infrastructure. However, wild boars says Paranawithana and adds that he policies and animal protection agencies and monkeys are not the only threat to would take up this matter at the next working in unison with the government humans. It seems the residents of Sri parliamentary session. However, it was will preserve wild life and control their Lanka are also facing a certain level of the 1964 conservation law that prohibited number. The Sri Lankan government’s conflict with elephants. Paranawithana anyone from selling meat of wild boars. purported plan to reduce the number suggests that surplus elephants in Sri Yet, despite restrictions, many restaurants of elephants, or killing them is not the Lanka must be given to other countries across Sri Lanka do sell wild boar meat. solution. The government must chalk out while the elephant population in Sri Moreover, according to the 1964 Fauna a more practical plan. Lanka must be treated as pets. While the and Flora Protection Ordinance, the sale concerned authorities will carry out these or even transport of wild boar meat was The writer is a free-lance columnist.

80 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 BOOK REVIEW

topics as Memogate, the NRO, the sectarian menace and internal securities challenges. It throws light on dialogue with the Taliban, the Timely drug menace and the elusive prison reforms. Then it deals with the Model Town fiasco, the civil-military imbalance, police restructuring and Lessons the road map to internal security. The book describes the counterterrorism action plan, discusses the Benazir he rapid geopolitical changes murder mystery, dwells on the around Pakistan, especially in Mumbai attacks trial and the oil TIndia and Afghanistan, have imbroglio. raised the level of the country’s Khosa’s book contains lessons security concerns because the for public servants in general and situation internally and externally police officers in particular, which if now appears to be comparatively followed can change the destiny of more complex than in the previous the country. The theme of the book decades. Though terrorism has revolves around the importance of decreased in Pakistan, enormous integrity and strength to say ‘no’ security challenges both from within to unlawful, unwise and improper the country and the neighbourhood commands, whether they come from are still there. As such, there is a need the rulers or from within the police’s for effective strategic planning and internal hierarchy. The volume can farsightedness on part of the managers prove to be a harbinger of change as of the security system and there is the craft of ruling needs to be improved Book Title: The Faltering State no doubt that security agencies are with the rule of law for the survival doing their best. At a time when the of democracy and the country. The Author: Tariq Khosa country is faced by multiple security best part of the book is of course its challenges, Tariq Khosa’s book ‘The simple language which leaves little Publisher: Oxford University Faltering State – Pakistan’s Internal confusion and leads to effective and Security Landscape’ is definitely authentic communication. Press a timely and valuable addition to The author has very efficiently literature on the subject. highlighted issues which had been Pages: 420 Based on the author’s four mishandled and the present state ISBN: 978-0-19-940458-2 decades of service, the book provides of precarious disarray. His findings special insights into how Pakistan reveal that ill-advised decision- as a state has been mismanaged making, based on very short-term at all levels. Being a witness to the political calculations, has undermined under his belt, one can definitely occurrences in the country during even the most determined efforts imagine the kind of information the turbulent times and an active at handling a situation. The Model provided in the book. Currently the player in managing national security Town massacre of June 17, 2014 is author lives in Lahore and writes affairs for about four decades, the an instance. He has devoted a full on internal security, governance author informs interested readers and chapter to this ghastly incident - and criminal justice issues. stimulates debate on an issue of vital undoubtedly an impressive analysis Published by the Oxford importance to the survival of Pakistan of the much talked about issue. University Press, The Faltering as an effective state. The book also Tariq Khosa began his career in State provides not only mid-course helps the managers of the country’s 1973 and remained involved in law correction for the policymakers security agencies in planning effective enforcement. He was the Police and professionals dealing with the strategy. The importance of security Chief of Balochistan, the most current internal security challenges agencies has grown tremendously troubled province of the country and but also inspires all the brave, due to a massive rise in terrorism and had the honour of bringing the entire conscientious and patriotic security corruption and there is also a need province under police jurisdiction in officials who aspire to see a peaceful, to create public awareness. This is 2007. His posting as Federal Secretary progressive and prosperous future where such informative and easy to of Narcotics Control Division (2010- for the nation. The book has been understand books are a great help. 11) placed him at the pinnacle of appropriately dedicated to the Khosa has very neatly summed government decision-making. He thousands of brave police officers, up his professional and personal served as Director General of the soldiers and innocent civilians who experiences in the book by FIA and supervised the Mumbai have lost their lives to the brutal and distributing it into four parts: Internal terror attacks investigations, besides senseless violence and lawlessness Security Challenges, Caught in the initiating the criminal investigation of in Pakistan. Muddle, All is Not Well and Grapes the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. of Wrath. The book discusses such With such important assignments – Khawaja Amer

SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018 81 BOOK REVIEW Understanding Ground Realities

S Vice President Mike Pence of Pak-Afghan relations, Imrana during a recent surprise visit to Begum discusses Afghanistan from UAfghanistan issued a warning Decemeber 1979, when Soviet troops to Pakistan for allegedly providing safe first entered the land. The country havens to terrorists for too long and has since remained the focal point added that those days are over now, in regional and global politics. With as President Donald Trump has now focus on the 1980s, the book delves "put Pakistan on notice." This is so far into Afghanistan’s history and the the harshest US warning to Pakistan involvement of the super powers in since the beginning of the AfghanWar shaping its present situation. The book more than 16 years ago and follows is an investigation into a complex and several recent statements, indicating highly politicized war and the author US indignation with Islamabad. On demonstrates a direct correlation the other hand Ashraf Ghani’s tilt between Pakistani society, politics, towards India has further aggravated and economy with the state of affairs the situation. Zahid Hussain, a known that its neighbour faces. In a world journalist, after his visit to Kabul also currently engaged in a war on terror, narrated stories of hatred between the book serves as a useful examination the two neighbours. The situation of the region and emphasizes that a required a research-based scrutiny peaceful Afghanistan is crucial for a of the deteriorating relationship peaceful Pakistan. between the two otherwise brotherly The book discusses the legacies of countries. the Afghan-Soviet war with reference Imrana Begum’s book ‘The to Pakistan by covering the 80s, Impact of the Afghan-Soviet War on the 90s and the 2000s. In the 80s, Pakistan’ can definitely be helpful in Book Title: The Impact of the heroin culture and easy availability Pakistan’s future policymaking as it Afghan-Soviet War of arms were the direct effects of highlights the fact that countries do war. The sale and use of arms by the not have permanent interests and on Pakistan various ethnic groups, fundamentalist national benefits. The book discusses Author: Imrana Begum forces, religious fanatics, insurgent the land, people and economy of the groups and private militias reached landlocked Afghanistan, based on Publisher: Oxford University unprecedented proportions. The book comprehensive research. It describes then discusses the Soviet withdrawal Pak-Afghan relations and how foreign Press from Afghanistan and finally the fall policy planners can understand the of the Soviet Union. It also traces ground realities. Pages: 312 the emergence of the Taliban with The author talks about political and rational reasons for Afghanistan’s internal politics in ISBN: 978-0-19-940547-3 Pakistan and the US. the 20th century and onwards. The The book presents a strong details are very useful, especially for comparison between the Mujahedeen students of history, foreign affairs, faith influenced his actions. For Zia, of the 80s with the Taliban of the international relations and political fundamentalist parties were no more 90s followed by 9/11 which revived science. Though many researchers and a problem than the more conventional Pakistan’s geopolitical position. The professors of international affairs may secular parties. But the situation has book concludes with repercussions of differ with her explanation, Imrana changed after Zia. With his departure Pakistan’s decision to fight against the Begum’s assessment of the situation from the scene, the policy changed Taliban. It was this that created a deep is authentic. However, there is some and now the fundamentalist parties trust deficit among the Pashtuns. scope to differ with her, especially have not only become a problem Dr. Imrana is an Assistant Professor, when she fails to give solid reasons but are endangering the very roots with a focus on Pakistan Studies at for her arguments on sensitive issues. of democracy. This point definitely the NED University in Karachi. She Since Gen. Ziaul Haq played the requires further elaboration so that completed her Ph.D in European most significant role in the Afghan war, students of Pakistan politics are in a Studies from Karachi University. She she discusses Zia at length. She writes better position to assess the current has also presented papers at various that Zia came to power with some scenario where writ of the state is being conferences around the world. definite ideas about Pakistan’s future. challenged by the fundamentalists. As he was a very devout Muslim, his For a better understanding – K. A.

82 SOUTHASIA • JANUARY 2018