This is the way we do it!

[RajputFury]

For too long has the voice of racism and distrust plagued our country. Anti-Pakistan elements have exploited this domestic matter. I am glad to read an article which highlights relations between the provinces in a more realistic light..through dialogue and understanding. No one ever said that there weren't issues in Pakistan, but the manner we approach these issues implicitly conveys our commitment to the fatherland. I expect all the Pakistan haters to be silent on this one. Brother PT, my apologies if I am reposting this article. I have highlighted some of the points that I consider to be highly relevant.

Source: http://www.dawn.com/2003/02/07/top5.htm

Punjab, Sindh agree to forge consensus on all issues

By Our Staff Reporter

LAHORE, Feb 6: Sindh and the Punjab have decided in principle that all inter-provincial issues, like distribution of national resources, would be resolved only with a consensus of opinion.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad made this statement while talking to reporters after a reception arranged for him by the Lahore District Government at Bagh-i-Jinnah here on Thursday afternoon.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Nazim Mian Amer Mehmood also spoke on the occasion.

Dr Ibad earlier visited the shrine of Hazrat Data Gunj Bakhsh, mausoleum of Allama Iqbal and the Badshahi Mosque and attended a luncheon hosted by the chief minister.

He left for Karachi later in the afternoon.

The governor of Sindh said that during talks with the Punjab governor and chief minister, it had been agreed that all issues pertaining to provinces would be resolved through mutual consultation.

Replying to a question about Sindh government's view on the Kalabagh Dam, he said shortage of water had always been a problem in the country and it could not be ended by constructing only one dam. There should be more dams and "we want all provinces to resolve this issue amicably".

When asked about Sindh Assembly's recent resolution on distribution of resources under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Dr Ibad said this matter, too, was related to all the provinces, which should tackle it through interaction and consensus.

He said distribution of resources could only be based on population or revenue generation. The new formula would be devised without creating any ill will among the provinces. The resources would be distributed as per the NFC Award and those objecting to their share could seek compensation through the Council of Common Interests, he said.

"The real issue is inter-provincial harmony. I think the real issue is elimination of wrong perceptions like the one that Punjab is jeopardizing our (Sindh's) rights, through interaction and debate."

He said Rangers were not causing any problem nor were they being withdrawn from Karachi. Nevertheless, the Sindh government was strengthening police and providing them more equipment, he said.

When asked about MQM's demand for re-writing the constitution, he said the constitution had repeatedly been amended. Currently, there was the LFO, under which democratic institutions had been revived. These democratic institutions should be strengthened, he said.

Dr Ibad denied the allegation that the MQM had ever rejected the Pakistan Resolution, and termed it a wrong perception.

He said MQM chief Altaf Hussain would decide to return to Pakistan keeping in view the circumstances under which he had gone abroad.

Dr Ibad refused to reply to a question on the MQM saying that he had resigned from its membership after taking oath as the governor in order to run the province in an impartial manner.

Earlier, speaking at the reception, he urged the Punjab to take along smaller provinces like a big brother for a joint struggle for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Dr Ibad appreciated Punjab's efforts for abolishing feudalism. He asked it to help Sindh get rid of feudalism which, he said, was the biggest problem there.

He said Karachi was a cosmopolitan city through which the outsiders saw Pakistan. Unrest in Karachi disturbed foreign relations and the flow of foreign investment in Pakistan. "Therefore, we all have to bring happiness and peace in Karachi where people from all provinces live and work," he said.

Dr Ibad said he would convey to the people in Sindh the love and affection given to him by Punjab. He invited the Punjab governor, the chief minister and other officials to visit Sindh.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said interaction among the provinces would strengthen democracy and the country. The opportunity for interaction had been provided by Gen Pervaiz Musharraf, who restored democracy as per the promised timeframe.

He said that as the big brother, Punjab had been sacrificing its rights for the sake of the country. "We want to take along or follow all provinces."

Mr Pervaiz said the Punjab too was facing water shortage, especially in its southern areas, but it never raised any hue and cry over the issue. It too had reservations about the NFC Award, but it decided to resolve all differences through negotiations with all parties.

"We will not allow anybody to exploit such issues. These differences are among brothers and should be resolved through mutual understanding," he said, urging the need for closer interaction for the removal of all apprehensions and misunderstandings.

The chief minister urged the Sindh governor to make the MQM take part in national development.

[Pakistani Tiger]

Brother RF, no need to apologize. I wanted you to take the honor.

Comin' back to the article, it's good to see Dr. Ibad prefers provinces to resolve problems/disputes by themselves esp Sindh and Punjab.

Indeed, a new beginning with positive thoughts.

[Imdad Ali]

I thought MQM was the evil that was trying to destroy Pakistan? Good thing, the govnt has changed its tune.

[RajputFury]

Originally posted by Pakistani Tiger:
Brother RF, no need to apologize. I wanted you to take the honor.

Comin' back to the article, it's good to see Dr. Ibad prefers provinces to resolve problems/disputes by themselves esp Sindh and Punjab.

Indeed, a new beginning with positive thoughts.

Brother PT, appreciate the words. I think we should not let a climate of distrust develop. By maintaining strong links and open communications, intra-provincial disputes will be solved with ease.

[RajputFury]

Originally posted by Imdad Ali:
I thought MQM was the evil that was trying to destroy Pakistan? Good thing, the govnt has changed its tune.

Imdad, its all about working with us to make things better. You can sit on the computer rant all day, but effective change happens when you reach out to others. All Pakistanis are better off when discussions take place before protests or armed struggles.

[Imdad Ali]

Originally posted by RajputFury:


Imdad, its all about working with us to make things better. You can sit on the computer rant all day, but effective change happens when you reach out to others. All Pakistanis are better off when discussions take place before protests or armed struggles.

That's exactly what I have been saying since I don't know how long. But the govnt of Pakistan thinks differently. It does not want to listen to people, but would rather send the bloody rangers if their is any trouble. Balochistan for example.

[RajputFury]

Originally posted by Imdad Ali:
That's exactly what I have been saying since I don't know how long. But the govnt of Pakistan thinks differently. It does not want to listen to people, but would rather send the bloody rangers if their is any trouble. Balochistan for example.

Well then-- what do you suggest? Drop an email PM Jamali or what?

If the tribes are knocking out pipelines that supply gas to the entire nation, isn't that a federal issue? Ideally one would hope the Baluchistan provincial government would do something about it, with perhaps the Punjab government in consultation.

Back to the topic, NFC and Kalabagh Dam are some of the issues which can be solved by the provincial government. I think that all 4 of the Governors should set aside a day or a weekend to confer with each other regarding provincial issues. Pakistan as a state is highly integrated, espicially in terms of the Indus river or the NFC, so we have to solve issues without letting any of the provinces feel like they have been deprived or their rights trampled upon.

[Imdad Ali]

All the govt has to do is open a newspaper and read what people in smaller provinces want. It's so simple, but it will never happen because their is a select group of mafia that controls Pakistan and wants all the resources for itself.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/feb2003-daily/09-02-2003/national/n2.htm

BHCBA seminar calls for provincial control of natural resources

[lost soul]

Imdad, I know where you are coming from but for a moment take off those red lenses and try to see that its not always those select few or tht coterie at the top that have been manipulating or exploiting our resources for their own selfish gains. When you talk of BAluchistan, see what they have done. THe Baluchis are under the influence of their own Sardars, the MAris and Bughtis. Now, if such elements deprive them off their basic rights, if they deprive them of electricity , they want to treat the people of Baluchistan as their subjects then its not anybody else' fault. Over the years their have been people from Baluchistan who have become MPA's and MNA's. Now its upto them to fight for their province. I am sure what they say would be taken into account. But lets face the truth, its easier for us to citicize the army, the establishment than our own representatives.
We banked on Benazir, what did she do? Did she do anything for LArkana? WHat did the MQM do. I totally concur with you, the extrajusicial killings remain a very sad chapter in the history of karachi but lets not forget the terroists activities that proceeded it. Instead of channeling the efforts and energies of youth towards acheiving a positive goal , why did the authorities representing the mohajirs chose such an extremist path.
THere are differences among the provinces , this isnt unusual. But why do we always have to give it an ethnic touch and view whatever is done by the establishment with suspicion.

[Zakk]

I posted this else where but this link is interesting

The NFC and Kalabagh are NOT the only issues that need to be discussed to sort out inter provincial problems. (sorry RF)

Things like Hydel royalty and control over local resources, the basic concept of federation, powers to the senate and the abolition of the concurrent list are the basic problems. That and a large level of racism at the highest level of the system. While lost soul is right our own leaders have let us down time and time again. In the case of the Baloch I have the utmost sympathy though. They reprsent onlly 15 MNA's in a Parliament of 300 + and barely 10-14 senators (because the rest are ethnic Pashtuns). Besides the problem of geographical detachment from Isloo, most leaders treat Baluchi's as largely irrelevant to the state system. Considering how much the area contributes to the country that is not just sad, it's pathetic. And to expect the Baluch to solve their own problems and deal with the federal government in a United way is just a pipe dream.

This issue is way to complex, I have a whole list of the way Sarhad has been discriminated against with references and facts of broken promises that would shock most people. Again the core of the problem is the basic system. There is this belief by the big shots in Isloo (irrespective of ethnicity) that the people of Pakistan are to dumb to rule by themselves. The argument goes like this, the average Punjabis are to sly, the pashtuns are to rowdy, the Baluch are to barbaric, the Sindhi's are controlled by Feudals and the Mohajirs are to business minded. Since the ruling class considers the average person too dumb, they then introduce this pseudo democracy (to satisfy the donor countries) and then proceed to interfere and impose politicians who they think are the best for the people (translation..leaders with no backbone or understanding).

This policy works better in Punjab and Sarhad because of the large number of people in the bureaucracy and Army, the people tend to be less anti government because we have more of a stake in the system. Unfortunately the whole thing collapses in Sindh and Baluchistan where the only place the locals are represented is in elections, hence the backlash is more violent. Mind you, this is not a statement criticising the recruitmment policies, some areas tend to prefer the Armed forces and Civil service as careers and some do not. The problems iw hen you have Army rule or Governor rule and the locals feel disenfranchised.

The solution..well simple..no country has ever collapsed from devolving power, cut down the size of government in Isloo, eliminate interference from Intelligence Agencies and basically the Federal government should serve as an enabler of education, technology, health and investment and not seen as an interfering big brother.

I'm sorry if I have rambled on, but Gupshup has made me learn a lot about this subject!!!

[lost soul]

Zak, good analysis. You know what its an interesting topic. I would like to read and discuss more about it, no matter how much it has been beaten to death. I agree with some of ur points and would like to discuss them....

[Imdad Ali]

Well said Zak, you saved me the time to type a post. What Pakistan needs is less government inteference in things they know nothing about and more freedoms where peple can work their own problems.

[RajputFury]

Originally posted by Zakk:
I posted this else where but this link is interesting

The NFC and Kalabagh are NOT the only issues that need to be discussed to sort out inter provincial problems. (sorry RF)

Zakk, brother no need to apologize, I think NFC and Kalabagh have been 2 major issues that have angered many people in the smaller provinces, thus I thought that they would be some big problems to begin with. By no means do I believe that once those issues are resolved everything will be fine.

I read your statements and I must say that they are 100% correct. Let me emphasize that the unfair treatment of the Baluchi people in particular, is something that troubles me deeply. We cannot identify baluchistan as the source for Sui gas and leave the population in the bad shape it is right now. Adding on to your statements, I would certainly agree the North/South divide in Pakistan where the Military-Bureacratic centers based in the twin cities further alienating people.

With respects to your proposals for scaling back Islamabad's powers is quite a tall order. I think the Governors and leaders of the provinces must be strong enough to challenge their MNA, Sen, and their parties in tranferring the powers. Unfortunately I have my doubts as the provincial governors and the leadership is usually tied down to the party, which hopes to eventually grab the coveted PM. Now when I speak of these parties, I am talking about the PPP, PML, MMA and their associated factions that acvtually have a shot at powr. Parties belonging to PONM or regional parties have proposed your points at many instances but their electoral prowess is rather meager, so their reforms have not been taken seriously. The system in the United States is a good example to follow, however the taxation structure may not work in Pakistan.

Zakk, I applaud your concise commentary on the topic, as more simplistic mind would certainly bring up Punjabis as the criminals in this federal setup. People should realize that most Pakistanis want to see ALL of their country developed and it's citizens happy, those who do not, are ethnocentrists whose racist opinions do not hold any credibility.

[Pakistani Tiger]

• After Governor of Sindh, now it's Punjab CM's turn.
  
  Punjab, Sindh to work together for resolution of issues: Pervaiz
  
  LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said the Punjab and Sindh provinces will work together to resolve issues of national significance like construction of more water reservoirs and the NFC award.
  
  "Frequent interaction between the leaders of different provinces will be helpful in understanding each other's stance on these issues," he said in a panel interview with APP.
  
  Pervaiz said the time had come that nobody should try to get political mileage by exploiting controversies and issues of sensitive nature. "Certain leaders in the past capitalised on such issues just for personal gains," he said.
  
  He said with the establishment of governments of the same political party at the federal level and in three provinces, a new era of politics had been ushered in the country. He hoped that the synergy of thinking among the provincial governments would help resolve the common man's problems at the federal and provincial levels.
  
  The chief minister observed that there had lately been very positive developments in national politics, the most important being the joining of the political mainstream by regional parties. "Every Pakistani living in all the four provinces has to take care of Pakistan," he said adding that the honour and prestige enjoyed by politicians here was due only to the motherland, Pakistan.
  
  On the scope of cooperation among the provinces to fight crime and terrorism, he said after January's gas pipeline explosions near Goth Mazari (Rajanpur), the Punjab government was in contact with the Balochistan government to check recurrence of such incidents. "We are in contact with the NWFP at the IGP level. The Frontier government has been very helpful in the arrest of the terrorists involved in the attack on Bahawalpur church and the murder of MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Farooq," he added.
  
  Moreover, he said, the Punjab government would soon set up a task force to check incidents of car lifting in the province. "The new body will help combat this crime effectively," he hoped. Responding to a question about the anomalies in the Zakat distribution in the Punjab province, he said necessary steps were being taken to ensure that only the 'mustahqeen' get the Zakat funds.
  

[RajputFury]

More good news. Brother PT, we can always rely on you for excellent articles like these. Let's hope that this new era of cooperation will continue.