Fading Forests In Pakistan

PAKISTAN, from emerging terrorism, mounting religious fundamentalism, chronic water shortage, persistent energy crisis, institutional imbalance, political disparity but it just added another item to its grocery list of urgent priorities, vanishing forests.

Pakistan has few forests to begin with and they also are disappearing rapidly, currently the country is experiencing a deforestation rate of 2 percent annually- One of the highest in the region. The two possible causes of this disaster are illegal logging(smuggling) and clearing the land for agricultural purposes in the world but in Pakistan the first one is the major factor, because our existing agriculture land is not been utilized properly due to many problems, so the other option is out of question.

I belong to Manshera district of KPK, a major city of Hazara division and the gateway to the northern areas of Pakistan. Manshera has beautiful valleys, lakes, rivers, glaciers, mountains and forests, but the glaciers and forests are disappearing on a very fast pace- besides affecting the economy of the district, also playing a vital role in the climate change of the whole Hazara division. The timber mafia and forest division is responsible for disappearing forests and this will cause to melting glaciers, hence disturbing the natural beauty of the whole region. 10 years ago, if you visited Kaghan valley, there were six glaciers from Balakot to Naran, but surprisingly you will not find even a single one now on MNJ road. When more and more forests are cut down, the glaciers are melting, causes more floods, earthquakes and soil erosion at the banks of the rivers. Unfortunately we don’t have mechanism for coping with floods and storing water hence flooded plain areas. These all factors are correlated and causes disturbance to the ecological system. Deforestation also contributes generously to global warming, reshaping climate and geography, effecting water cycle, soil erosion and many indirect problems.  Deforestation also destroys the habitats of millions of plants and animal species that need the forests to survive. It may lead to extinction of these species, causing havoc in biological food chains and the delicate balance of the eco system of the area.

In our area, I still remember the thick forests of Deodar and Pine family. In our childhood, we were so scared to go outside the house after sunset. The tree were so abundant that, when we were going  to village in midday, we have to on the headlights of the vehicle, if clouds were present on the sky, but now unfortunately, you will barely find two trees where there were ten trees some years ago.

Timber mafia, corruption of forest department, unemployment and unawareness of the locals are the leading factors of deforestation in that area. In next article, I’ll tell the readers that how the mechanism of the timber mafia and forest department goes on parallel, and there negative effects on the society-specially on youth.

In last, I want to share the practice of my father with all of you and make an appeal from you that please make this practice a tradition and culture. My father planted a tree in the memory of a major event. On his graduation, on his engagement, marriage, my birth, on his parent’s death and many other occasions, a tree had been planted by him.

You all are requested to do this kind of activity; it will contribute to society, your healthy activity, a positive gesture to the event, making good memories and obviously greener PAKISTAN. hostgator coupon code

Pakistan; Patwari

It is a human tradition that obsolete systems had been changed over time and replaced by new and more functional systems for the betterment of society. But here in Pakistan, the Revenue department (Land management department) is not functional enough to cater the needs of people and it has to be replaced with an effective system.

Patwari is the most junior staff of the revenue department and the more powerful and influencing personality in the concerned region (Patwar Circle). Even some use Patwari as their family name. It is the root cause of the corruption in this department. It’s a human psychology to struggle for better weather its business, job or personal life. Every one wants rapid promotions, but can you believe patwari is a person who starts his career as a patwari and his huge desire is to retire as a patwari. This system was designed and implemented by Sher Shah Suri in the Indo-Pak sub continent. During the British rule on the region, they continued the system with minor amendments. May be this system was appropriate at that time but it is not deemed fit for the current situation and circumstances in Pakistan.

I hold some agricultural land, that’s why I have had a huge connection with revenue department and Patwaris. As the lowest state functionary in the Revenue Collection system, his job encompasses visiting agricultural lands and maintaining record of ownership of lands, crops and crops belongings. Maintaining the record of each harvest (normally two major crops in a year), accounts of revenue collected through that crops and up to date record of mutations (Intiqal), including preserving village records, monitoring daily activities, and gathering information about individuals. These are the said duties of a patwari, which I heard from my elders, but what is the on ground situation. Let me discuss it with you.

Not only the patwari or the revenue system is responsible for the corruption, but the management and the government has also its role. The average pay of a patwari is app. Rs 12,000, and he has to stay in the patwar circle for the ease of the population. Patwari living standard is much more than his pay. What they are doing, there is no separate or dedicated offices for patwari by the government, they have to arrange there own offices from there own resources. They have two to three assistants not provided by the government but arranged by patwaris for their ease. Now a days, patwari is hugely involves in the sale purchase of the property, as he is the person in charge of the patwar circle, he can manage to purchase the land on more negotiable rate. Also he plays a role of a broker (commission agent) between the other parties very often. He neglects its primary duties and his primary duties have to be performed by his assistants. These assistants are not properly trained; hence creates problems for the land holders and land purchasers. They ask bribe on behalf of patwari on legal issue (which is not forbidden by law). For an unlawful work, the rate of bribe you can’t imagine.

They said this is not bribery rather there fees. The average fees; which I observe are as under;
1.Fard for record purpose only Rs 1000
2.Fard for Guarantee or for official use by court Rs 2000
3. Mutation 1% of the actual cost from both seller and purchaser (Girdawer and Tehsildar fees are other than that).

These fees are almost legalizing now and he didn’t ask for them. Generally people give the fees themselves without his demand. A lot of other fees are charged by patwaris to generally uneducated and poor villagers.

They also manipulate the CVT (Capital value tax). Government charge different CVT rate on different nature of land almost 6% to 15 % on the selling amount. Patwaris also take that tax amount from the purchaser and shows less amount in the government records. E.g. A person buys a land for Rs 5, 00,000 and the CVT rate is 10%. It means that he has to pay Rs 50,000 to government. Patwari will record the sold land at Rs 50,000 and the 10% of this amount is only Rs 5000. He deposits Rs 5000 in bank as CVT and enjoys remaining Rs 45,000 on a single deal.

Efficient tax infrastructure is the backbone of the any country’s economy. It is huge loss for government and to tax system. So, in order to reduce this corruption and increasing the revenue collection. It is a huge need that government should computerize all the revenue record and minimize the authority of the patwari. There should be transaction recording system. This system should be replaced with an efficient one.

I will put some suggestions for the betterment of the system next time.

Developing Pakistan!

Have you ever traveled on G.T Road (Grand Trunk Road) from Rawalpindi to Lahore or Peshawar? It will take your 5 to 6 hours towards Lahore and 4 to 5 hours towards Peshawar. I am talking about the present day of 2011. Motorway was built in late 90s. Just Imagine If motorway is not present today, the whole traffic burden will be on G.T road than how much time a person will take to reach Lahore or Peshawar either from Rawalpindi?

We all know that India is our prime enemy; India doesn’t accept the presence of Pakistan even. India called Pakistan a strike on the chest of his mother land; Hindustan. India started his nuclear program in early 70s. In response to Indian aggression and to maintain the level of power in the South Asian region; Pakistan has to follow the same practice, and today with the help of Allah we are also a nuclear power (Alhumdulilla). 

Now the point to ponder; Mian Nawaz Sharif claims that he gifted the project of motorway to Pakistan, Mian Sahab has been taking the credit of nuclear tests back in 1998 at Chaghi, Balochistan. Pakistan Peoples Party claims that Z.A. Bhutto was the founder and originator of Pakistan’s nuclear program. What kind of twisted illogical rubbish is that? I am quoting these two examples for reference only. These two issues were the need of Pakistan at that point of time. If these parties were not in power at that time, some other will do it. Because it was the huge need and in the greatest interest of Pakistan.  Like when the size of the family increases with time; there needs and requirements also increased so the head of the family have to work more for the interest of his family to fulfill their requirements. But he didn’t take credit or never ask for a reward from his family because he knows that it is the requirement of his family now. Remember he have to fulfill all the family requirements through his own resources.

What kind of message he want to give, the fountain bucket is very heavy or he have a lot of spoons on expanse of our tax money?

We all know about the wealth of Nawaz Shariff and Asif Ali Zardari, how much tax they paid; Hippocrates. Nawaz Sharif pays only 5000 RS annually, even I pay more tax than him and I have no comparison to him w.r.t wealth.I don’t want to comment on President Zardari, I have no reservations for him, why? (Just understand the meaning of his name in URDU, Zar means wealth and Daar means keeper,, result is Zardari; wealth keeper) Had they started and completed these programs with their own pocket? We the people of Pakistan are fool; who claps for them on their idiotic and senseless acting on the national stage just like a child do after getting a new toy. These projects were completed from our national resources not from their personal wealth. So why to thank them? 

Just visit your surrounding localities, you will found the name plates of Ministers, MNAs, MPAs or even General Counselers and Nazims on roads, schools, hospitals, bridges even on sewerage plants and drains. Isn’t it strange? These are our representatives in assemblies. We choose them for legislation and they are wasting our national resources first on the foundation of the project than on the inauguration ceremonies of the projects. Do you know who will bear the travel expanses of their lavish visits?

I mentioned in my earlier articles that there is a huge institutional imbalance right from the beginning of Pakistan.  The roles and duties of the departments should be clearly defined and implemented. There should be no ambiguity or clash between the roles. The role of these so called democratic politicians are to make legislation for the country not to inaugurate the projects, these inaugurations and development projects are the duty of concerned departments like CDA, C & W, FWO, PWD etc. After 64 years of Pakistan, they didn’t make the judicial system for Pakistan.  We are still using the British Law here in Pakistan with some minor modifications. Have a look on Police act, Labor law, Judiciary, Revenue Department etc; they all are obsolete, nothing to do with the present circumstances of Pakistan and its requirements.

I have two suggestions for them, first the political persons should be forbidden to attend the inauguration ceremonies of the development projects and making them a political gathering. These activities should be done by the Gazetted officers of the Government. Second, each minister should have to show the performance report of his concerned ministry to the media and public.

Daily Express News Story

Daily Express News Story

Demoralizing Propaganda!!!

Propaganda, Most of us are aware of the word propaganda, it has a considerable effect on the situations like war and peace. Propaganda has a very rich history, but just recalling the battle of Stalingrad in World War II.  Germans are near to collapse the city of Stalingrad-USSR. The Russians than started the battle of snipers in the city and Germans are highly damaged by this type of fighting, because Hitler troops were not designed to fought this type battles. In that times, Russians promoted their hero Vassili Zaitsev, Vassili achieved his targets but a huge and strong propaganda was backing him, this factor demoralize the Nazi German troops and USSR wins the almost lost battle. Vassili was promoted as the hero of USSR; his sniper rifle could be seen even today at the Stalingrad history museum, among the great symbols of Victory over Germans.

Propaganda has much importance in politics also, Often countries, political parties and politicians uses propaganda as a steering force for their success and achieving their objective. Western countries and India have a strong demoralizing propaganda against Pak Army, ISI and Pakistan. They are relating ISI and Pak Army with terrorist organizations and groups. Since 9/11 they are trying to project Pakistan as a failed and security risk state to the rest of the world. We should have to counterfeit this propaganda effectively and efficiently, but unfortunately we can’t. Just imagine the performance and attitude of our ruling parties and politicians; Huge supporters of Democracy ever. There is no doubt in this that our motherland, Pakistan is facing the most critical time in his history. In this time, all parties should have to unite for Pakistan, just like they united against Pervaiz Mushraf for their own interest. But they are senseless, just want to enjoy power. Just imagine, what had been happened with Pakistan at May, 02 but at the same day, PML Q  joined the government and took oath to serve Pakistan; ridiculous. In this critical time we don’t have our Foreign Minister. Isn’t it strange? Who will respond to the propaganda and steer the Pakistan’s stance?

I had mentioned in my previous article “Democracy” that right after the beginning, Pakistan has institutional imbalance and still we have. Foreign Minister and Ambassadors are the mode of communication between a country and the rest of the world. They have the colossal importance in the history. They project the image of a country to the world and adopt strategies (with the consent of the base) to counterfeit the propaganda against the country. In case of Pakistan, there is no space for Foreign Minister in the huge cabinet in this critical situation. (May be government is reducing their expanses; as Pakistan is a poor country, thanks for understanding). All the postings of ambassadors in important countries are on political basis besides their eligibility. Just think for a while, why on political basis? Ambassadors are not social people in the country; hence can’t contribute in the voting process for political parties, but remember 1 $ is about Rs 86, and playing and winning the game of elections, politicians needs Dollars.

It is a fact that Pakistan lacks in the foreign policy right from its start, when Liaquat Ali Khan ignores USSR and Visited USA. 35000 (Govt. stats may be greater) Pakistanis had been died in Bomb Blasts since 9/11 and still we are not contributing against terrorism, How many died in Mumbai attacks? I don’t remember the figure, but how effectively India project himself innocent in the rest of the world. This is the efficiency of Foreign Policy, in which we are far behind from India. We can also compare our Foreign Policy with India on Kashmir issue.

Before partition, Indian National Congress claims India an indivisible unit, Due to struggles of Quaid e Azam; we are enjoying the fruit. India didn’t accept Pakistan right after its foundation, than 65 and 71 wars. First; India creates problems for Pakistan by putting hurdles in division of assets. After Russia invasion on Afghanistan, India supports Russia fully just to destabilize Pakistan, and divided Pakistani Forces on eastern and western boarders. By helping USA to defeat USSR, we helped USA to be a super power. Now India claims to be Asian Tiger, this is not just a claim rather a result of objective oriented continuous Foreign Policy. The interest of USA in this region is not Afghanistan but China. That’s why USA is promoting India to face China, because China is an emerging economy and power, which is a big challenge to USA. It is very unaffordable and expensive for USA to directly engage itself with China. Therefore USA prepares India against China (as China is a major threat to USA economy) by destabilizing Pakistan and promoting India to keep it supremacy in the world.

The policy is that when the Pakistani boarder with Afghanistan is not safe and Pakistan is facing terrorism within the country. And; Pakistan has to focus on its internal issues as well. Then; India will divert his intention towards China by little engagements with Pakistan on eastern boarder. These will fulfill India’s dream of Asian Tiger and USA will keep its supremacy over the world. In this plan USA will take care of Pakistan and its nuclear assets and India will take care of China on behalf of USA.

So from all the current circumstances; this is the picture which I can get. This is a planned propaganda against ISI and Pak Army. So, don’t be the fuel of this propaganda and please stop demoralizing our own Army. Army is the only premier institution of the Pakistan. We are sleeping well because our Army is on the boarders. A particular Army has the duty of the defense of a particular country. But our Army is also counterfeiting the propaganda against Pakistan besides its defense duty. Pak Army has also the duty of keeping peace in the country, which is the duty of Police. Even our army is participating in every department of life for betterment of Pakistan. So salute your army, and point your figures on these corrupt politicians, corrupt institutions and corrupt bureaucrats.

My salute to Pakistan Army (Men at their best)