Malaise of Pakistan: Leadership lost

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was craved on the map of the world on 14^th August 1947. With its emergence many challenging issues confronted it, a newly built state with no institutions, industry, infrastructure and millions of homeless immigrant people were in a dire need of a consistent mission of setting a direction.. The mission always emanates from visionary and strong leadership, and the lack of leadership, in my opinion has been the malaise of Pakistan.

Before moving any further, we ought to be clear in our minds about leadership. How shall we define a leader? Does the possession of wealth, power and strong family background make a good leader? In answering these questions we will be able to analyze between the leaders we perceive on our part versus the real actors.

If leaders are to be associated one with family backgrounds, wealth and lands, then no other but our feudal lords and industrialists make the best of it. However, in an informed, knowledgeable and globalised society the feudal tend to be more absolute and ‘monarchic’, while industrialists constitute of the business community concerned with their own profitability based on the left out working majority. Hence, giving rise to class society and capitalism. Leadership based and determined on power transforms into dictatorship and brings the army to fit in. Thus, in all the scenarios, the majority or the masses get subjugated.  Therefore, leadership is determined by an individual’s ability to contemplate, foresee (vision), motivate (through personal charisma) and principles. Hence, education to have a cognitive ability to deal with present and future makes a good leader.  And, be it from the House of Lords or commons he or she is selfless and faces the world courageously for their constituency.

Having defined a leader, lets ask our self; has our country ever been led by any leader? The answer is very obvious in the process of mobilization of Muslims at the time of independence and in the creation of the country. With Quaid-e-Azam Muahmmad Ali Jinnah in the forefront and the role of the dedicated and sincere team in the oblivion of his figurehead, they provided us with a legendary example of leadership. Without manpower on challenging posts, he shaped a strategic roadmap for the newly born country. For example, ‘his foreign policy revolved around, firstly, on his worldview of being rationalistic about religion of the state and equality, justice and fairness in the international affairs. Secondly, Pakistan’s security compulsion constituted his foreign policy, where besides having reservations on the boundary (Redcliff Award) he aimed for peace in the region and he also had to tackle the hostile forces around. Finally his mission was to deal with the international affairs by positioning Pakistan wisely in it.’

But, as fate offered, the first and true leader of the country did not survive long; with some critiques saying that few prominent figures for power game were involved in letting him die the way he died. Following Quaid the first Prime Minister Mr. Liquate Ali Khan was assassinated in 1951, less than five years after we got independence.

In the later years of 1969 and 1970s, another progressive leader cracked the camouflage of evil power. He gave the people an idea of ‘democracy, social justice and Islam’ to be revived. And, he was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. This era experienced the mobilization of students and educated people, which otherwise had been jammed by the evil face of rule after Liaqat Ali Khan’s assassination (discussed later). In the elections of 1970 Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto of West Pakistan and Mujeeb ur Rehman of East Pakistan (current Bangladesh) gained majority. But issue of governance prevailed which could have been solved by negotiation, but the then Godzilla power Yaha Khan didn’t let democracy and leadership to take roots. He indulged military intervention causing to the fall of Dhaka in 1971.

Now if we claim that we have had very few leaders in the country, then where and how do the  self proclaimed ‘leaders’ fit in? These despots intervened every time the general mass had the chances of rising to the power. They strangled all the nascent democracies. Let’s now examine their contribution towards our nation’s destiny.

Besides many administrative and political set backs, nepotism and despotism was the birth their governance gave to, and kept nurturing it on the cost of our national interest. Like the model of monarchy and imperialist system, group of nobility were chosen to serve in the interest of the dictators. The 1958 crown ascendance of General Ayub Khan and his 10 years legacy is colored with the banishment of progressive writers, poets and civil society. While the next General Yahya continued with General Ayub’s set of agendas, General Zia ul Haq in the 1970s came up with his idea of control. He will be remembered for hanging Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and producing militancy. His main feature was cohesion with religious clerics and the use of religious institutions for making the country hub of sectarian clash, the way it is today. Finally comes General Pervaiz Musharaf in 1998, and his is the responsibility of de-militancy, making our country the ‘leading’ counter terrorist nation and blowing up the nation’s peace.

In short, these military led years constituted half of the country’s history, ripped off the soul of individuals and institutions alike. The dream of Quaid e Azam and the hope of millions of Muslims and minorities remained shattered.

Finally, we are left with the interim governments which are democratic. How much were they capable of leading the country in the right direction? And we see two major political parties on the scene: the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML, N). Benazir Bhutto of PPP had two terms in the office of Prime Minister and her efforts for democracy like that of Nawaz Sharif of PML, N are of great importance in such a turbulent history. Nevertheless, people were not satisfied with them. While BB was said to have deals with General Zia, instead of truly advocating her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s mission. Nawaz Sharif is also considered to be implementing the legacy of General Zia. Furthermore, in the process of making a comeback to strengthen democracy, BB got assassinated while; Nawaz is again looking for his term. The current ruling government of PPP led by President Asif Zardari has already many question marks. Major allegations of corruption are charged against him.

Other than that, the Nawaz League and PPP as well as Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML, Q) are scrutinized for being family based parties.

To conclude, leadership is the core in directing our ill informed and unaware masses. We have a society that what I call leadership driven, where leaders help in empowering, educating, and emancipating the people. Unfortunately, lack of leadership has been a malaise in our country. Focus by the family based parties and feudal lords has remained firstly over power game and it has followed  to scapegoat the heroes by authoritarians  rather  than leading the nation. Thus, lack of mission and vision because of lack of proper leadership has kept the country oscillating between dictators and family based politics.

References:

·         The Nation, editorial July 31, 2009, A debate of the establishment: Ayub’s Inning, By Dr. Farid A Malik

·         www.m-a-jinnah.blogspot.com, Quaid-e-Azam and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Note: The article was originally written for academic use. All rights reserved by the author.

Bardic Divas: Women's Voices in Central Asia

The beautiful voices of the Central Asian countries have been annexed in the video. The lyrics stand alien, nevertheless the music and their charming voices tell the story. In this case we have a very concise introduction to diverse and rich musical variations and forms of these states.

My observation by this small video pack says these countries including Pamir belt and Iran, have preserved their traditional forms of instrument and music. Specially the role of women in the music has an extra ordinary influence on its form and continuation.

BOOK- Religion v/s Religion

By: Ali Shariati

The book gives a good insight to conflict existing between Religion of revolution (the radical religion) or Monothiesm and religion of legitimation (the conservative religion) or Multi-Thiesm. It elobarates the fact that throughout history there hasn't been as such a non-religious rival of religion, but another false and status quoist religion has been the opponent. The one striking point on the Marxist claim of religion being 'a status quoist' and 'tool in the hands of few' is regarded true... (show more)

The compilation of Ali Shariati's 2 lectures in the form of book Religion v/s Religion. The 1st lecture of the book gives a good insight to conflict existing between Religion of revolution (the radical religion) or Monotheism and religion of legitimation (the conservative religion) or Multi-Thiesm. It elaborates the fact that throughout history there hasn't been as such a non-religious rival of religion, but another false and status quoist religion has been the opponent. The one striking point on the Marxist claim of religion being 'a status quoist' and 'tool in the hands of few' is regarded true only for the false religion/religion of legitimation. A must read booklet.

BOOK- The Scarlet Letter

By Nathaniel Hawthorne

The struggle and dedication of Hester makes her transform a symbol of disgrace into that of respect. Read to see the irony of the great institutions of society against the socially condemned, and see the spirit of her living attached to her "Pearl". Her partner in the sin suffers too but in strange and different way,.... Read to see the Glory in the end.

BOOK: Justice and Rememberance:Introducing the Spirituality of Imam Ali

                                                         Author: Reza Shah Kazmi

Justice & Remembrance was an enthralling experience… the letter of Imam Ali A.S. to Malik Al Ashter has been elaborated such that it gives an insight to the balance of Din, Dunya and other aspects of human being. The essence of remembrance is depicted beautifully… and the Sufi concepts are much substantially presented. I loved it, & I will read it again for grasping the profound meaning of the letter of the Imam and Mysticism.

IMAGE: Google

BOOK- Tess of the D'Urbervilles by

                                                 Author: Thomas Hardy  

A tragic story of the socially and culturally punished girl, Tess. The story has pictured the generation gap between the parents of Tess and herself. It further critically translates the cultural orthodoxies that make Tess suffer. Society has been shown as a playground where the unprivileged people has to pay for. The romantic side of the novel is awesome. Must read

Image: Google

20 SEC READ: The pencil. ORIGINALLY POSTED IN http://www.paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/07/14/20-sec-read-the-pencil-eng-port-esp//

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked:
‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’
His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:
I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t seem very special.
‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.’

‘First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.’
‘Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpner. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.
‘Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.’
‘Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.’
‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. in just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action’

source: “Like the Flowing River” by Paulo Coelho

ORIGINALLY POSTED IN  http://www.paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/07/14/20-sec-read-the-pencil-eng-port-esp//

Volunteers’ misfortune or the Disaster hit peoples’ hard luck?

After a struggle of 3 months for a cause’s sake, all seems void and null. They were all students working on it, and they all were regular and there were 90 of them. But, a single blow from the administration of Forman Christian College, Lahore seems to have settled the fire in all the unanimous volunteers, who had stood up for their people’s sake. I have a respect for the administration’s decision, and their valuable suggestions, but the reaction has triggered some interesting thoughts, confusing and complicated though, and I want to know the meaning of these complexities. Constraint, Propaganda, Agenda, Inflation Or The Fate of The People Of Gilgit-Baltistan (Hunza in particular)…

It has been 3 months and the volunteers of Forman Christian College, Lahore are working on a project. The project called Attabad Welfare Project was planed with the department head of Sociology, Prof. Shahid Rasheed, and the team’s advisor Asst. Prof. Ather Azeem. Initially, it was decided to start work in the aftermath of the outflow from the spillway. Fortunately, the downstream destruction did not happen. Thus, Attabad and villages of Gojal (from Ayenabad to Passu) were chosen as the target audience to be addressed.

‘Forman volunteers’ as they started to call themselves had a successful project with the people of Swat, during the period of ‘war against terrorism’. The team went there and served the Swat IDP, and this had an unprecedented result. After a year, the resettled families came to meet the volunteers and invited the volunteers to get a chance to serve them. With a similar notion of showing sympathy and love for their own people in the time of crisis, Forman Volunteers launched the Attabad Jheel Welfare Project. The first goal was:

“To go to the affected area and people themselves so that cultural and social differences are bridged and understood, besides serving them.”

And, the response of our administration to the proposal was nothing but a straight forward denial, which is their right. True that there are administrative constraints and the decision based on inflation, restrictions and the institutions policy regarding extending financial support is fathomable. But, there are three areas that did not sufficiently satisfy me, and neither will it satisfy any other person, after the fact that the proposal was canceled.

Firstly, on the issue of sending an official request to other universities for putting a funding stall by Forman volunteers our administration had interesting proposal. Our university can’t send official request to other universities’ student affairs department, but Forman volunteers should request any society of other university, collect fund through them, and deposit it in the account created by us. This will then be a joint collaboration of “Forman Christian College & Particular University”. How will other university societies agree to us on unofficial request? How will it be called a joint collaboration of FCCU & Particular University, if your students’ affair department can’t send formal request?

Secondly, we supported Swat IDP because it was “war on terrorism”, but this is “a natural disaster/Issue”. What does it mean to support war against terrorism whole heartedly, but to think that the sufferers of natural disaster are receiving good treatment and this is not the pressing issue? Isn’t both situation same on humanity ground, that in each case our people have suffered?

Thirdly, you can work on your personal relations (PR) for funding, but we need to know and “evaluate” your personal relations for why are they ready to give money. “Even if we you are not using FCCU platform”. If we are not using FCCU platform, and if we are standing as volunteers for humanity cause, for the people of Pakistan, for creating a bridge between diverse culture and traditions through a goodwill gesture, why do we need to get our PR evaluated by the administration.

Next, whatever money you have collected using FCCU platform, and whatever fund you may collect from PR, the “best” and “effective” way is to send the funds to a functional NGO, or send it to the people on monthly basis. When our goal is to not just feed the people who are already getting aid and support from various NGOs and the Government itself, rather to have a people level interaction in the time of crisis, utilize the funds on institutional level for e.g. for equipment needed. True that our goals are not ‘holy scripture’, true that this suggestion is a possibility, but what is the problem with giving the dedicated youth a platform for having a chance to serve & bridge gap.

Finally, after all the above, “we are with you, & we appreciate your work”. I hope you really are with the volunteers.

But, the volunteers are going to have a decision based on the current scenario on what are the possibilities of doing the cause. Whatever the decision is, the people of Hunza will receive the message of your sympathy, and your stand on their behalf, for their sake. They will remember you all in their prayers. They will understand the circumstances through which you have been during the campaign, and even after that.

Sadoy-e-Zoyir: The Demise but hope survives...

Sadoy-e-Zoyir: The Demise but hope survives...

The Demise but hope survives...

The disastrous effect of January 4^th 2010 of Attabad land sliding continued and it continues. Now almost 5 months since it took place and the chain nature kept submerging almost every thing in its way, villages, lands, roads, homes, schools and the Jamat Khanas (worship place of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims). Today I was mournful than I had been on any other day. After reaching my room my brother, Sabir Shah informed me about the shocking news of dismantling the Jamat Khana of muhalla Goze.

Everyday I talked to people there and even after hearing the destruction in my village I kept hopes high and encouraged my family, friends, relatives and everyone to pray... … every one said things will get better soon. Everyday I made myself and my brother determined to go back and help in any capacity possible. I had to tell my brother to concentrate on his papers and I had to manage my papers too. Every news regarding dismantling of someone’s house sent shiver through my body and it seemed as if my own hose is being ruined again and again. Yet hopes were high and tears didn’t roll down. Not for our lands, not for the many houses of our villagers, which were our own.

But, today’s news was so piercing that we both could not withstand it. The place of spiritual asylum, the place of guidance, the place of knowledge, unity and peace, the place which makes an individual face the world and hereafter, the place where the Noor (light/guidance) of the Prophet (SAW), Imam(AS) and Allah Almighty is available was being dismantled.

On hearing the news sorrow struck us and tears of pain rolled down our cheeks… we both were silent for long time, and I could see in Sabir’s eyes that he is missing the pious place. His pain could tell the time he has spent there day and night with his friends to study, to serve, to learn spiritually and worldly. I could see the pain which reflected the skill he has acquired from there; the engineering skill of dealing with electrical appliances. And I could say nothing but try to show him the rays of hope.

And, I on the other hand remembered the days, those of my childhood, when the place once made my internal self clean as a pearl. It made me learn to respect and serve others. It made me what I am today, able to face the world.

O Allah the Merciful save us from the disaster… Give us strength to recover from any such crisis… Help us through such times as You have always helped us O Lord… O Allah guide us and keep us on the right path.  Ameen.

The memorable days in Lahore.. With Aslam Ghalib... The lupyor

Aslam Khan Ghalib is a guy who does not need an introduction. He struggled hard, he had passion for education which ultimately led him to AKHSS Gilgit. When I joined AKHSS as his junior, I was amazed at his sociable skills and his communication skills. He would catch people anywhere around, on his way to the room or to school and start conversation in English. This built confidence in his juniors to speak, share thoughts and learn.

When at PU Lahore every single person from GB and majority of his colleagues from elsewhere were his friends. This was all because of his skills as a listener, a speaker, a narrator of folk/traditional funny circumstances and, important of all, a helper.

I remember, in our (4 matriculate friends) first tour to Lahore he accompanied us from Islamabad, gave us shelter for the first day before we could reach our respective relatives.

This picture was taken at his room in PU hostel number 18.

Project Disaster ¼ Management- The Attabad Hunza Disaster of January 04, 10

Natural disaster has affected millions in the recent years and as of 1991-2000 data an average of 211 million people were killed or affected by natural disasters . In such emergency scenarios management has became even more challenging and strategic. Various techniques such as Disaster Preparedness Programs and Emergency Response Units have been developed to address such catastrophic and emergency situations effectively to reduce maximum risk.

                                              Photo Credits: PamirTimes

The topic of my project is inspired by Attabad Hunza Massive Land Sliding (¼) of January 04, 2010 which resulted in blockage of KKH and Hunza River. It is 3000 meters long, 137 meters high and 550 meters wide according to geologists of the FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance. In terms of speed ¼ was dual in nature; at the same time both a rapid onset disaster and a slow onset disaster. But, nature-wise it was a chain disaster. ¼ resulted in complete destruction of Attabad village, on the spot death of 13 residents of Attabad, caused 7 injuries and 6 went missing, while 48 houses of the village got completely destroyed. Almost five months down the course and another 5 villages gradually came under the upstream effect of River Hunza, and 90 houses, 2 community centers and commercial areas got submerged. Indirectly almost 25,000 population of Gojal suffered, with no transportation, fertilizer and seed for their cash crop potato, and every day requirements. But that is what catastrophe offers, as put forward by John Sparrow ‘catastrophe is no longer a brief dip on the curve of development but a danger to the process itself’ .

Disaster project management like that of ¼ follow different course of action than regular projects. According to Rick Brenner, their chaotic and complicated nature demands immediate and decisive action, voice of the people and evaluation of solutions based on merits. In ¼ there is doubt on all of the above suggested road map. The decision of signing contract with Frontier Work Organization (FWO) rather than consideration of an international agency involvement is being questioned. People made pledges in the form of peaceful protest, wrote individual letters to the Prime Minister for early and spontaneous action forecasting the damage potential of Hunza River up and down stream and even requested media to bring it to the spotlight but effective work of spillway did not start until February 2, 2010. And media started giving proper coverage only recently when the destruction was done and millions were at risk. We will examine ¼ in two major parts, firstly in terms of the early disaster preparedness and secondly, effect of early preparedness on the time and scope management to analyze the ‘chain’ nature of this disaster.

Here forth deals with the disaster preparedness strategy, after ¼ chain disaster started, that follows the pattern in the handbook of Disaster Preparedness Training Program of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Figure 1) .

The initial and detailed works on Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessments was done by David Petley, Wilson Professor, Department of Geography, Durham University, for FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan. The disaster was examined from various angels between 26th February to 4th March and intensive report showing the current scenario, probable future outcomes and recommendations for the government especially. This assessment shade light on the probable outcomes, safe zone above normal river level, and destruction potential of flood and vis-à-vis assessment gave recommendations for future safety up and downstream, steps to be taken like that of monitoring, and public awareness.

Early Response Mechanism and Strategy in ¼ was that of Relief and Rescue, where FWO, Focus Humanitarian, Pakistan, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and volunteers of Shia Imami Ismaili Regional and Local Councils (Religious Councils), Boy Scouts started to search the demolished Attabad for causalities. They also provided relief items for the relocated people of Attabad, Sarrat and Salmanabad. Government compensated Rs. 0.5 M for every death and 0.1M for every injury. With in 10 days relief mobilization was done for the disaster hit area with arrangements for medical service and goods too.

The response mechanism of ¼ is disputed from public point of view, as the options available on hand included handing over the blockage removal project to China. But experts’ judgment of NesPak, WAPDA, NHA, and concerned institutions was development of a spillway. Keeping in view the capacity of Pakistan Army the project was assigned to them and FWO signed the project charter. The initial plan was set to develop a 100 feet deep spillway.                                                                              
                                                                                    Photo Credits: PamirTimes

According to the technocrat Mr. Mutabiat Shah, whose house is at the verge of submersion in Gulmit, the pressing issue in ¼ was that of Coordination. Coordination was seen crucial at every stage after ¼, and demanded an effective use of available recourses including man power. It seek understanding between the stakeholders including National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan Army, GB government, Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan, FWO, PRCS, Community organizations i.e. Religious councils, and the local people involved in emergency and the local volunteers.

FOCUS Pakistan, NDMA and FWO developed assessment reports that forecasted the result of the chain disaster and kept government informed with the projections during the chain disaster. The Information Management had saved maximum lives by early evacuation of the Attabad village. Currently it helped local volunteers to dismantle the targeted houses and buildings precisely and timely.

The assessment focused on the time frame of the likelihood of overflow, damage due to upstream effect, recognized vulnerable areas of Gojal and it helped to define the scope of the project. Furthermore, the launching of logistics including helicopter service and, later on, boat service for transportation of goods and people were result of the of information management of ¼. Currently the assessments of land, trees, and buildings have helped government to plan out their post disaster scenario, where appropriate compensation will be given to people based on the information gathered.

The down stream analysis and information management has helped emergency teams to implement more effective Early Warning System to vulnerable areas from Hunza-Nagar to Gilgit and down to Tarbela dam. Contingency plans are in place for any possible result of the artificial lake. This has triggered timely displacement of thousands of families from Hunza-Nagar to Areas of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province. The monitoring team, installation of early warning alerts, devices, and communication teams are all part of the early warning system of ¼.                                           

Photo credits: PamirTimes

With all of the above measures taken, Resource Mobilization for the disaster was key to make ¼ not a deadly chain disaster. With a proper identification of the available recourse of man power, the local volunteers, right from the time of evacuation till date have been organized, effective and cooperative. Their involvement in the settlement of Attabad IDPs before ¼ and their extended work to the sufferers of back stream effect made life possible in the strained society of Gojal. Moreover, the use of available machinery (excavators) and mutual decisions by Army, Government, FWO and FOCUS Humanitarian on distribution of funds, relief goods and subsidized goods keep fulfilling the resource mobilization needs.

Finally, early preparedness measure includes Community Involvement in tackling the initial destruction spontaneously. In case of ¼ the involvement of local volunteers and scouts could be seen as the community involvement. In the aftermath, the instructions given for the downstream areas of Hunza River with the method of responding to the early warning indicators, evacuation strategy, and escaping routes are all incorporated in community involvement in disaster preparedness.



Effect of early preparedness on time and scope management of the disaster management ¼



Disaster projects are the only projects which require “a definite start” while the scope, plan and control evolve with the work says Stephen Wearne, a senior research fellow Project Management Group University of Manchester. Similar is the case with ¼, where the time and scope evolved over the period of 5 months along with the emergency response in place and early preparedness enact. The scope of the project is very intensive; it started with the removal of the debris and over the time with the help of emergency response process and disaster preparedness extended to:

• Evacuation of vulnerable population up and down stream

• Logistics management

• IDP settlement

• Assessment and Monitoring

• Medical units

• Education

While the scope got extended, almost every scope got timely addressed because of institutions and community involvement except the spillway formation which was technical in nature and involved direct control of FWO. Initially the target of spillway was 100 feet within 60 days; later on they kept extending the deadline only to end up with 13ft deep spillway, the rest of 350 ft covered by the rise of water level in the artificial lake.



There can be various internal issues regarding delay on this part of the project, the external and natural factors included:

• Structure of the debris: The soil was of sponge nature, which made it difficult for machinery to work.

• Surrounding: The blockage was in a narrow passage between two mountains of the Karakorum. It offered no any alternative but to carry on with the machinery available.

• Harsh Climatic Condition: It was very cold in many parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, and snow fall made it difficult to work as per schedule.


The locality of Gilgit-Baltistan is highly vulnerable to landslide and rock fall according to a risk Assessment Matrix found in the Risk Management Plan of Gilgit-Baltistan issued by NADMA (Figure 2) . But the effective use of project disaster management with emphasis on disaster preparedness has the capacity to turn deadly disaster into manageable project with reduced adverse effects, as in case of ¼. Of all the steps involved, early warning system and informed community is the key to minimize the loss in a disaster. That is why with almost a failed attempt to remove the debris of ¼ there was smooth execution of the other project scopes. Coordination between various stakeholders and proper information management has the ability to define the scope and time as the emergency response progresses.

His maxim of Sports And Mine of Study

This is our freshman year, the 2nd semester. The month is no doubt March, when the annual atheletic championships of FCCU are held every year. This guy Mr Najeeb Ullah Khan (who as of this date i.e. 2010 calls him SARKAR) played for the soccer team of Gricewold Hall.

I on the other hand was a day scholar, and with my hanging bag I used to take all the burden of Managmment, Economics and Business Communication courses. I am seen with my uniform, which we wore untill it no more remained comulsory in 2008.

Najeeb won the 1st price in Parade (March) while leading his hall. He could be seen in the other Image holding his trophhy. This was the only time he participated with zeal and energy.

Cherished Moments

Some moments are worth cherishing in life. This picture of Bahawal: dude at FCCU, is a snap of the trend of our life those days at FCC. There were ambitions, worries, likes and dislikes. The road side discussions, our analysis of our institution and its rank, opportunities we could trade on and nity grities of the university life. There were thoughts on the same frequency, there were chit chats in which sentences initiated by one were completed by the other. There were small things to be happy for. 

Defining Bahawal in the image at that particular point in time would go like:

• Energetic
• Rigorous
• Focused
• Visionary
• Thoughtful
• Analytical

MINUS Love and Humor.... = The guy in the image at that point in time.

He removed his mustaches shortly after this event. And yes in the event he made an impromptu speech.

Event:Environment day
Speech Theme: Drawbacks of Smoking/Cigarette
Timeline: Our 2nd Semester, Spring 2008.

Past: Lahore craze

Bald man is... Sabir

Bring back your healthy look.

Save Gojal, Save Gilgit-Baltistan, Save Pakistan... Protest in Lahore

Photo Credits: Nisar Ahmed, IRC Lahore

The civil society of Gilgit Baltistan, based in Lahore, on 28th February 2010 registered a protest in front of Lahore press club. The motive behind the protest was to get the attention of the Federal government, in particular, and the Punjab provisional government, in general, towards the snail speed rescue work in Gojal Hunza regarding the January 4th 2010 disaster. Participants held various banners and chanted slogans against the poor effort of the federal and local government of GB for the rescue operation.



The disaster of 4/01 in Attabad Hunza blocked the KKH and Hunza River and killed almost 20 people. Currently, the up streaming of the dam towards Gojal valley has reached almost 25km. It has already destroyed Ayenabad village of Gojal. The next threat is to Shishkat, Gulmit and Passu villages.

People speaking in the rally reminded the government of the strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan to our country in terms of defense, economy, and tourism industry. They criticized the federal government which so far shunned the disaster and did not take any effective measure to release the water. They directed the government’s attention towards the damages the water could make down stream, once it gets over the derbies.



Speaking on the occasion Javed Ali Manwa, a student of Forman Christian College, said that this issue should be raised in the parliament. He pointed out the hardships of the people of Gojal in terms of economic and agricultural activities and blamed Speaker GBLA, Wazir Baig, for his amateur attitude towards the people of Gojal who had elected him in the GBLA by giving him 90% votes. Reminding the government authorities of the many affected students, Manwa demanded for at least two years educational compensation for them.


Zahir Shah focused on the sacrifices of the people of Gilgit Baltistan for the country since their independence, and regretted the situation that the same people had to beg for their safety from the government. He appealed the government to bring the affected areas of Gojal under emergency plan and do every thing possible to ensure their maximum safety. He also pointed out the flaws in health care units and demanded a proper medical facility at various clusters.

Others speaking on the occasion denounced the government’s rejection of the proposal from international community for effective rescue operation. They requested the media for proper coverage of the scenario of the disaster and save the people of GB.

An appeal was also made for the CM of Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, for supporting the people of GB.

Overall the protest remained successful as almost 90% of the civil society members of GB based in Lahore participated most, most of them being students.

Article on National Productivity Organization (NPO), Pakistan

National Productivity Organization (NPO) is one of the very rare governmental organizations of Pakistan found with the vision of developing the private and public sector of the economy. As Operations Management is getting hype in the world, our government has come up with a very brilliant idea of assuring quality and productivity in our country’s manufacturing and service sector. In this regards NPO Pakistan has been incorporated under the Company Ordinance 2006 with the aim of enhancing productivity and implementation of productivity concepts in the Industrial setup. Their Liaison with Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Tokyo Japan speaks of the organization’s aim in promoting productivity in the public and private sector industries.

Global competitiveness creation through the formulation of enabling environment and introduction of programs that enhance productivity is the core of NPO’s vision and mission statement. With the objectives of improving the Pakistani Industry productivity wise, value addition through informative sessions on productivity and quality improvement, and compliance of industrial sector with international best practice, NPO has a serious and worthwhile job to do. The foundation to their objectives lie in the formation of knowledge based society with the help of training, system development and best practice.

Measurement of productivity of various sectors and inculcation of productivity and quality for policy formulation and national economy is an objective that alone can strengthen the current economic conditions of our country. Research works in this regards has benefits academically and practically; as students will get to analyze their own industrial sector meanwhile improving it.

Last but not the least, representation of Pakistan in APO is not just an objective to avail multitude benefits as a founder member but also a means of putting forward the better image of Pakistan.

Along with national partnership, NPO Pakistan has a wide range of networking with international institution which affirms the organizations importance and intentions for promoting productivity. Noteworthy is the list of many educational institutions of our country in the network category (and I wonder why our university is not included being the first institution in Pakistan to offer Operations Management as a field of specialization at Bachelors level). This as discussed earlier must be effective means of achieving the organizations overall objectives. ***
By: Zahir Shah

www.npo.gov.pk
*** The article is based on the official website of NPO www.npo.gov.pk. This article was originally written for academic reasons.

The Catastrophic event and the Disastrous weakness!

Photo Credits: PamirTimes

The recent catastrophic event of January 04, 2010 in Attabad Hunza and the aftermath has lately triggered my mind to reflect upon the working of various governmental and NGOs in the affected areas. Although sitting in Lahore and driving conclusions about the activities in Hunza is a very naive approach, nevertheless the aim of this scrap is to point out a very common issue regarding the work of organizations any where in our country.

After every thing had happened in Hunza, we saw a response from the government and NGOs working in Gilgit-Baltistan, FOCUS Humanitarian to name the major NGO. Here the point to note was the aggressive attitude of the people against the government, even after it keeps on putting in effort. People demonstrated against the government in Hunza, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi and it has not stopped yet. Their major demand is the effective intervention of the government in the rescue operation in Gojal and, Hunza.

Let us suppose that the government is doing its best as the authorities have been claiming so, then why do the people stand unsatisfied? This signals a loop hole in the coordination between our institutions working in Hunza. The FWO, Pak-Army , Focus Humanitarian need to have such a strong liaison that each provide a back-up to another and serve the people even better.

The event being a natural disaster was unstoppable, but the disaster being caused by lack of proper communication and coordination among the various rescue institutions can be stopped immediately.

Note: It is based on the few minutes of discussion in one of my sociology classes when I raised the issue.

Dilemma

My destiny is in the hands of God… this leaves me with two options; firstly, I am sincere with my life. That is to say with what ever I do is done with pure intentions, with sincerity and with an intention of approaching towards the Ultimate Truth, for what Lord has chosen me. Secondly, it leaves me with an ambiguous life. A life guided by the waves of time, the wind gives me direction of its own will over the crust and trough of the ocean of life.

I don’t know whether I face this dilemma or others too have such situations. There is a feeling of emptiness in my life. Sometimes it is filled with hope, certainty, vision, and wisdom (to a level that no other person might see it) and mostly there is the peculiar state of uselessness. A condition where I know I am doing everything with due diligence, yet my inner voice calls for certain reforms. It appeals to me to do things that I know are of my interest. But, my own activities, daily routine etc. keep me away from it. The state of too much doubt, fear, emptiness and weakness is covered by the prayer and religious practice, but the curiosity doesn’t vanish. Rather it gets stronger and deeper…

Now, here is what I can propose for my self as an observer… you are not taking effective decisions as you progress in life, thus it creates a state of ambiguity and restlessness. Try to discover your inner self; that part which has a skill of its own and which can survive even if the world dies…

You are too suspicious of your life; take a breath and do what is on hand. Your concern shows you are well aware of what you are doing, and you have chosen the right things with farsightedness. The only thing you need to do is stop worrying. That’s the remedy to your simple query.

You are absolutely on the right track, you do your religious practice, you take responsibilities, and you are not static and keep moving towards a satisfaction post. Only one thing is required, and that is following your passion, which will make things a bit simple.

The list goes on….

Please don’t start thinking, it was random.