FPCCI/TDAP’s major economic initiatives
MEDIA WATCH
Libya: More diplomacy required
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EDERATION of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), two elite economy related bodies, have show cased their vision for economic revival and economic development of the country. The two organized mega events in Karachi, the commercial and industrial hub of the nation, where they presented their vision about how to overcome challenges and accelerate the pace of progress and development. The FPCCI arranged a seminar on “2015 — The Year of Economic Revival”, which was participated by leading economists, educationists and prominent businessmen, who dwelt at length on relevant issues and proposed recommendations that could go a long way in complementing efforts of the economic managers and planners of the Government. It is understood that policies are not framed in void and these have to reflect the ground realities and must be formulated in close consultations with all stakeholders. When it comes to economic policy-making, the FPCCI’s potential and role is quite obvious as it represents the business community and can contribute a lot in crystallizing issues and their solutions. It is quite encouraging that the new leader of the business community Mian Adrees (President FPCCI) has a clear vision and infused new spirit among the top representative body of the businessmen. He brought business leaders and experts together to deliberate upon the most relevant issue i.e. revitalization of the economy and we are sure the Government, which is striving hard to realize the objective, would listen to his saner advice to declare 2015 as ‘Year of Economic Revival’. Similarly, TDAP, which has become instrumental in supplementing efforts of the Government in trade promotion activities, is also actively pursuing the objective under the dynamic leadership of SM Muneer. TDAP’s Expo Pakistan was a huge success where a large number of local and foreign delegates and companies participated. The sizeable number of foreign participants at the event was satisfying in the sense that it reflected confidence of potential foreign investors in the policies of the country and their visit would have afforded them an opportunity to have firsthand knowledge about ground situation in the backdrop of excessive negative projection of the country by vested interests. There were expectations that the Expo will generate a business of over $1.5 billion and even if the target was not achieved fully, the interaction of foreign delegates with local counterparts would surely create right kind of atmosphere for trade and investment promotion.
A rare congregation of VCs I
SLAMABAD had the honour and privilege to host the 3rd Vice Chancel lors forum of Islamic countries, aiming to provide a platform to academicians and researchers in the Muslim world to develop collaborative links, strengthen cooperation and encourage dialogue among representative institutions. Its success can be gauged by the fact that it was attended by over 200 VCs, Rectors and Presidents of universities and higher education institutions of the Islamic world. The credit, no doubt, goes to the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) for organizing the event that had direct relevance to higher education and in turn to the economic development of the Ummah. Dr. Junaid Zaidi, founder Rector of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology is directly involved in efforts for promotion of science and technology and has necessary knowledge and expertise to help establish necessary linkages among Islamic nations for the purpose. No one can deny the fact that education is key to socio-economic development and this is also borne out by the example of the countries that have excelled in allround progress. Muslim Ummah too contributed immensely to the evolution and development of science and technology but regrettably with the passage of time it went on the backburner mainly because of neglect and lack of commitment on the part of leadership of the Islamic countries. This is despite the fact that they have necessary material and human resources not only to keep pace with rest of the world but lead in many ways. This objective can better be achieved through collaborative efforts as several Islamic countries including Pakistan have human resources and institutions whereas many others have necessary material resources to establish centres of excellence and research and development bodies. This was also the message of the Forum but the real problem is implementation of the recommendations, which must be followed up by all countries.
Murderer IS becomes more monstrous W
ITH the passage of time the ferocity of blood thirsty Islamic State (IS) is becoming unimaginable as its acts of beheadings, killings and burning are increasing to the extent which have hither to been unheard of. In the latest act, IS members bombed and burnt the Mosul Public Library in Iraq that housed more than eight thousand rare old books and manuscripts. Among the lost collections were manuscripts from the 18th century, Syriac books printed in Iraq’s first printing house in the 19th century, books from the Ottoman era, and old antiques. It is an uncivilized act and one may ask the IS what these manuscripts with reservoir of knowledge had to do with their agenda of imposing their system in the world? This is not for the first time that such things have happened in Iraq but history is replete with such inhumane acts. The burning of the Mosul Library reflects that Muslims have no love for knowledge and that is the main reason of their backwardness despite all the resources. Except for some glorious periods when Muslim scholars excelled in Mathematics Geography, medicine and Science, there has been no systematic approach to advance education in Islamic countries in the long term. Even in the Subcontinent the mighty Mughals had done nothing for promotion of education though it is fact that Islam lays maximum emphasis on acquiring knowledge. The destruction of Mosul Library is a clear proof that the murderer IS has become a monstrous with the only objective to capture territory and gain publicity. On the surface, IS is trying to develop into a global outfit with a reach far beyond its self-declared and internationally unrecognised borders in Iraq and Syria. Quite simply, IS is franchising out its brand to other groups and becoming the pre-eminent armed group. In Pakistan also some factions of Taliban have declared they are backing ISIL and share its goals. There should be no doubt that groups like IS cannot expand their outreach without financial resources and it is disturbing that despite all the claims, the US and western countries have failed to check money laundering or illegal transfers by this group for destructive activities.
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Deja vu Bangladesh model? ally. Having no business running the government, the will support civilian auIkram Sehgal Army thority on the basis of a fair Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com equitable vote”, unquote. For someone who strongly believes that the army has no PIRALLING from bad to role whatsoever in politics and govworse, the Bangladesh situa ernance, this was beautiful music. tion today is a virtual replay Moeen smilingly reminded me of less than a decade ago. Khaleda about my own advice that the Army Zia being in power in 2006, this time should only step in “if anarchy is imthe streets are targetting Haseena minent.” Ten days thereafter with abWajed in reverse. With Musharraf solute anarchy staring them in the trying to stay on forever in Pakistan face the Army installed a technocrat and widespread speculation about government. Staying away from dayArmy in Dhaka similarly stepping in, to-day governance unlike in I had a word of caution for Musharraf-run Pakistan, Moeen’s Bangladesh military in my article of “Bangladesh Model” became a marNov 9, 2006 entitled “Whither tial law by another name. Bangladesh?”, “Notwithstanding a I sent Moeen extracts from my temptation ‘to set things right’, it could June 29, 1995 article “Why Martial well go all wrong. Numerous failures Laws Fail?”, “Martial Laws fail bein governance have their origins in cause those initiating extra-Constitumartial laws. Pakistan and Bangladesh tional rule ride into town on tanks are bad examples of military coming with the lofty Aim of saving the counin for short time, then staying forever try, that platonic national purpose till destiny has it otherwise, of limit- makes them credible to the people but less uninhibited ambition destroying they soon adjust their Aim to more the very fabric of society. The mili- material (and less patriotic) reasons tary-rule route should be used only of self-perpetuation. Martial Laws for the shortest possible time if anar- fail because lip-service is given to chy is imminent.” self-accountability, those misusing On Dec 24, 2006, the their draconian powers must face Bangladesh Army Chief Gen Moeen similar summary justice as they are Ahmed and his wife were my gra- prescribing for others. As trustees of cious dinner hosts in the Army-run the people’s confidence, they cannot Radisson Hotel. Moeen was commis- become beneficiaries of the Martial sioned in 1975 in 2 E Bengal, the bat- Law they have imposed. Martial talion my father raised on Feb 7, 1949 Laws fail because the Armed Forces, in Dhaka and later commanded. fail to do their homework properly Based on the dinner conversation, I about the working of the State or the quoted the Bangladesh COAS (al- individuals who run it, involving most) verbatim in “Bangladesh, De- themselves in mundane, routine dumocracy in Crisis” of Dec 28, 2006, ties. Surrounded by sycophants, “having sleepless nights with both mostly holdovers from previous govserving and retired persons as well ernments, stamping out dissent and as many in the political and business without accountability, Martial Law community, etc., urging the army to Regimes fail because they become fill the ‘void’, I am determined that susceptible to flattery and manipulathe army will not violate its oath, stay- tion, attracting adventurers (and ading in a subservient role to civilian venturesses) like bees to honey.” unauthority as mandated constitution- quote. One did not have to be clair-
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voyant to write Musharraf’s future career trajectory as a military dictator four years before he actually became one in 1999. A year into “the Bangladesh Model” my “Cliffhanger in Bangladesh” in 2008 recorded, “While all the aims of the army intervention have not been achieved, there is significant success. In a credible public opinion poll an overwhelming majority (88%) felt the Army’s role supporting the Caretaker Government was appropriate. Leading the drive against corruption, the Army set up the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The elections are the easy part, even though wielding power from behind the scenes it will be difficult for the Army to let go. What if the confrontation of the two Begums continues? For Moeen and his colleagues, advice from an elder. Do not forget Chauswitz’s first principle of war (and peace), “Selection and Maintenance of Aim.” You have done a magnificent job in adverse circumstances, don’t botch it up now. Let go and do it soon!” Moeen real problems unfortunately stemmed from some of his colleagues and siblings going berserk (resembling some of Musharraf’s generals) making money howsoever they could. The irony was that the serving general leading the fight against corruption was very corrupt person (resembling two of Musharraf’s holier-than-thou NAB Chairmen), and is today one of the richest men in Bangladesh. The sincerest of intentions cannot avoid the trappings of power becoming a heady aphrodysiac, personal ambition and greed find any number of reasons for remaining in power. Once into governance the Army finds it difficult to disengage! Moeen started to compromise on accountability to dabble in politics, very much like Musharraf did. All the gains were lost as Bangladesh went back to square one. To his credit Moeen did hold free and fair elections
and with pressure from within the Army and in the streets, he let go. Without accountability being completed the same corrupt people got into power, the faces changing from the BNP to the AL. Pakistan fared even worse, desperate to prolong his own rule “Pakistan First” Musharraf annunciated the obnoxious National Reconciliation Order (NRO), the blackest law in the entire corruption history of Pakistan (and perhaps the world), legalizing looters to come back and loot the country all over again. And they have done so with a sustained vengeance. What stops the govt from publishing the list of Pakistanis holding US$ 850 million in accounts with HSBC, Switzerland? The situation existing in both countries today is because the Army deviated from its mission statement because of personal greed and ambition. Reputedly a professional soldier, can Gen IK Bhuyian, COAS Bangladesh Army since June 2012, stay aloof from the looming anarchy when it becomes a moral obligation to become the “saviours” of the State? Other than a full-blown anarchy (or one imminent), this should be avoided. With the professionalism of the Bangladesh Army tested, no bets on what the form of “civilian authority” will be! Pakistan is coincidently facing a similar dilemma but compounded by multiple crisis, terrorism’s existential threat to the nation is aggravated by misgovernance and corruption. The purists consider it “Constitutionally” correct for those elected on a dubious and defective electoral process to loot the country but they consider it “Constitutionally” incorrect for those who can stop them from doing so. The month of March is known for change, the Bangladesh model again? Starting with Bangladesh? — The writer, retired army officer, is a leading defence and security analyst.
India’s hegemony & peace in S Asia Col M Hanif (Retd) Email:hanifsardar@hotmail.com
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ODI is aspiring to make India a major world player as is evident from his outreach to world powers like the US, China, Russia, EU and Japan. In this context, after becoming India’s Prime Minister in May 2014, he has hosted visits of Presidents of the US and China and visited Japan to gain their political and investment related economic and defence cooperation. But many analysts believe that unless India improves its relations with its South Asian neighbours, its dream of becoming a major world power will remain hampered. That is the reason that Modi is also taking initiatives to appease leaders of all South Asian countries except Pakistan. In this context Modi’s South Asian politics indicates that he wants to isolate Pakistan by developing closer relations with other SAARC countries. Rajeev Sharma in his article titled, “Reading between the Lines: Modi’s South Asia Strategy itself Revealed at SAARC”, states that if read between the lines, Modi’s speech at 18th SAARC summit indicates his three pronged strategy for South Asia. This strategy comprises; ignoring Pakistan to the hilt, developing good relations with other SAARC countries and countering China’s influence in the region quietly by improving connectivity with all SAARC countries except Pakistan. While trying to improve India’s relations with other SAARC
countries, in case of Pakistan, Modi is trying to use coercive tactics to seek its compliance on India’s Kashmir policy. Modi’s this strategy became quite visible when his government unilaterally cancelled already scheduled secretary level bilateral talks with Pakistan in September 2014 and Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) started cease fire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and the Working Boundary in Sialkot sector but blamed Pakistan for starting violations. To further pressurize Pakistan on Kashmir, Modi also gave a provocative rebuttal to Nawaz Sharif’s raising of Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly Session held in New York in 2014 stating in his speech that discussing Kashmir by Nawaz Sharif at the UN forum would not be of any use. So, it appears that Modi neither wants UN intervention on Kashmir nor he intends to resolve this issue at bilateral level. More over under Modi’s leadership, India continues to blame Pakistan for supporting terrorism in region ignoring Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in fighting terrorism. Modi through this blame game, wants to create an impression in other SAARC countries that peace and economic integration in South Asia is held up due to Pakistan and hence economic cooperation with out Pakistan in South Asia will work better. Modi’s strategy of uniting South Asia under India’s leadership by isolating Pakistan is not likely to succeed because of various reasons. India has serious outstanding disputes with other South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal,
which are not likely to be addressed so soon because of India’s policy of pursuing negotiations sticking to the zero sum game theory. And India’s minor trade/investment related concessions to other SAARC countries will not be sufficient to advance its relations with those countries. In fact India is per-
Modi’s strategy of uniting South Asia under India’s leadership by isolating Pakistan is not likely to succeed. India has serious outstanding disputes with other South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which are not likely to be addressed so soon because of India’s policy of pursuing negotiations sticking to the zero sum game theory. ceived as a hegemonic power by SAARC countries in the light of past examples of its interference in their internal affairs. In this context few clear examples which are cited to prove that India is a hegemonic power in South Asia are its military intervention in former East in Pakistan in 1971 by exploiting Pakistan’s internal political differences, ts use of Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 to assert its military influence in the region by getting itself militarily involved in the
politics of the Island and its policy with regard to attempted military coup in Maldives in 1988. Hence smaller SAARC countries do not trust India that it will justly resolve disputes with them. More over SAARC countries are also not happy on India’s resentment of their close relations with China. Also, Pakistan has good relations with all SAARC countries and it wants good relations with India as well. Of late Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan are also improving. To build more weight in dealing with India, SAARC countries also want to maintain good relations with Pakistan. China’s strategic relations with Pakistan and its economic relations with other SAARC countries are also favourably influencing their relations with Pakistan. The US, China, Russia and EU all want peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and good relations between Pakistan and India. In view of above discussion it is quite evident that Modi cannot isolate Pakistan in South Asia, since neither SAARC countries want this nor major world powers would support this game plan of Modi. Therefore it would be more realistic if he accepts that the only way forward for peace, economic integration and development in South Asia is to make efforts for improving India’s relations with Pakistan as well as with other South Asian countries by resolving mutual disputes justly by following the theory of liberalism to create a win-win situation for all. —The writer is working for Islamabad Policy Research Institute.
F the globe can be divided, as some analysts say, between the world of order and the world of disorder, then Libya certainly stands as a daunting example of the latter. The world of disorder is that of failed states and territories where a vacuum of authority has led to chaos, often violence and civil war. It is the ideal terrain for sectarian terrorist groups. Libya is becoming just such a place, and right on Europe’s doorstep. Warring factions, some of which have decided to take up the Islamic State franchise, have for months been trying to carve up this vast country and its oil resources. This is certainly not what Libya was meant to become after the overthrow of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It is not what David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy had in mind when they visited Tripoli in the aftermath of the UN-sanctioned European-led Nato intervention, whose initial aim was to prevent a mass slaughter in the city of Benghazi. Gaddafi had promised a “river of blood” as he attempted to crush an Arab-springinspired uprising against his rule. The failings of Libya, three and a half years on, are a collective failure. The responsibilities lie somewhere between the west’s inability to anticipate and commit to the nation-building required, and Libya’s own tortured history of fractured national identity – not to mention the institutional void after decades of Gaddafi’s dictatorship. Libya’s spiral into chaos is a story of international neglect as well as of domestic strife. The solution cannot be simple. But finding it requires focus, and that is in short supply at times of many other crises, from Ukraine to the Middle East. If chaos continues to grow, Libya will become another land for jihadi networks, with obvious security consequences for the wider region, from the Sahel to Europe. It will also feed the trafficking networks transporting scores of desperate African and Syrian migrants from Libya to Italy’s shores, with more horrendous scenes of bodies washed up after deadly sea crossings. Dropping bombs on Libya, as Egypt has done, only raises the risk of a larger regional confrontation, and is bound to galvanise the very groups that such air raids claim to neutralise. The Libyan factions who, since overthrowing Gaddafi, have taken up arms against each other, now need to be enticed to reconcile with international incentives. The nightmare in prospect is of Somali-type devastation being unleashed in north Africa. Now is the time to throw every diplomatic resource into preventing that by brokering a sustainable outcome. — The Guardian
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Intrigue behind Nasheed’s arrest
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HE arrest of former Maldivian president Mohammad Nasheed on terror charges is yet another sordid chapter in the turbulent political saga that keeps playing itself out in a nation that is, somewhat ironically, referred to as a tropical paradise. The charge against Nasheed, who is the Maldives’s first democratically elected leader, relates to his order to detain a judge while in office in 2012, and it has been reintroduced, perhaps to alienate him from the political mainstream. Nasheed’s removal from office, after four years in power from 20082012, brought its fair share of controversy. There were assertions that former autocrat Mamoon Abdul Gayoom, who served as president for 30 years, was pulling the strings in the background in a bid to retain his authority. The Maldives’s current President Abdullah Yameen is Gayoom’s half brother and he had taken office following controversial polls. Yameen’s key advisers are now deserting him and a former key ally, who had financed his campaign, has joined Nasheed. There is a sense that conspiracy is afoot. All parties must work out their differences. The tiny island nation cannot afford another chapter of social unrest in the face of political intrigue. — Gulf News
Hunger is the best sauce. — Proverb